RF Electrode Array Controller for Sequential Subarray Activation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing RF electrode arrays for skin treatment deliver RF energy to the entire treatment area at once, leading to prolonged treatment times and increased pain due to the instantaneous application of energy.
Innovation Solution
The RF electrode array is divided into subarrays, with a controller determining target subarrays to output high-power energy in one state and low-power energy in another, alternating between subarrays to reduce the instantaneous treatment area and accumulate energy over time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the RF electrode array delivers RF energy to the entire treatment area at once, then the treatment can be performed efficiently, but the treatment time becomes prolonged and pain increases
Solution Approach 1:
The RF electrode array is divided into multiple subarrays (first subarray, second subarray, third subarray, etc.), allowing the treatment area to be segmented into distinct zones. The controller selectively activates different subarrays in sequence, treating one area at a time rather than the entire area simultaneously, thereby reducing instantaneous treatment time and pain while maintaining overall treatment efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The controller implements periodic activation of different subarrays in a cyclic manner. After completing treatment of one subarray, the system transitions to the next subarray in a predetermined sequence, creating a periodic treatment pattern that distributes the total treatment time across multiple smaller intervals, reducing peak pain and improving comfort
2Productivity
If the RF electrode array delivers RF energy to the entire treatment area at once, then the treatment can be performed efficiently, but pain increases due to instantaneous energy application
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the electrode array into multiple subarrays, the system applies RF energy to only one subarray at a time rather than the entire array simultaneously. This segmentation reduces the instantaneous energy density on any single area, thereby reducing pain while maintaining treatment efficiency through sequential processing of all subarrays
Solution Approach 2:
The periodic activation pattern ensures that no single area receives continuous high-energy exposure. The controller systematically switches between different subarrays, creating periodic intervals where each area is treated, which distributes the pain-inducing energy application over time and improves patient comfort
3Loss of time
If the RF electrode array is divided into subarrays with alternating high-power and low-power output, then treatment time is reduced and pain is minimized, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode array is segmented into multiple subarrays with distinct identification (first subarray, second subarray, third subarray, etc.). Each subarray can be independently controlled by the controller, which manages their activation states (first state for high-power treatment, second state for low-power or inactive). This segmentation enables time-efficient treatment while the controller complexity is managed through systematic organization of subarray control
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the output power of different subarrays based on the treatment phase. The controller assigns different states to different subarrays: some in the first state (high-power treatment) while others are in the second state (low-power or inactive). This dynamic power distribution optimizes treatment time while the controller manages complexity through programmed state transitions and sequential activation patterns
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach reduces treatment time and pain by distributing energy across multiple subarrays, ensuring uniform treatment and preventing excessive energy delivery to any single area, thereby improving treatment effectiveness and comfort.
Implementation Method 1
the RF electrode array includes a plurality of RF electrodes, which can be precisely positioned on the treatment area... delivering RF energy to the skin at a deep layer for treatment, aiming to stimulate the regeneration of skin collagen and dermis
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are a controller for controlling a radio frequency (RF) electrode array and an RF treatment device having the same. The controller includes: a first subarray determination module, configured to determine a target RF electrode subarray in an initial output period from the RF electrode array; a second subarray determination module, configured to repetitively execute an operation of determining the target RF electrode subarray as a historical RF electrode subarray, and determining the target RF electrode subarray in a new output period from remaining RF electrode subarrays of the RF electrode array after excluding all historical RF electrode subarrays; and a control module, configured to control the target RF electrode subarray in a current output period to be in a first state to output RF energy, control the historical RF electrode subarray to be in a second state or a third state.