RF Skin Applicator with Protruding Pins for Collagen Remodeling
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current skin resurfacing methods, both ablative and non-ablative, face challenges such as lengthy healing periods, high risk of dischromia, and unsatisfactory results, with non-ablative treatments being safer but less effective, and ablative treatments providing better results but with significant adverse effects and prolonged recovery.
Innovation Solution
A system and method combining mechanical skin treatment with controlled RF energy heating, using RF electrodes and protruding pins to create spaced micro-holes in the skin, stimulating collagen growth through controlled heating and puncturing, allowing for effective collagen remodeling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If ablative skin resurfacing is used to stimulate collagen growth, then skin appearance improvement is enhanced, but healing period is prolonged and risk of dischromia increases
Solution Approach 1:
The skin resurfacing treatment is segmented into multiple micro-columns rather than treating the entire surface uniformly. The applicator creates discrete micro-channels spaced apart, allowing treated zones to heal independently while maintaining overall skin integrity. This segmentation enables faster healing compared to traditional ablative methods that treat continuous skin areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The treatment applies different qualities to different parts of the skin: the micro-column cores receive high-energy RF treatment for collagen stimulation, while the spaces between micro-columns remain untreated or receive minimal treatment. This local differentiation allows aggressive treatment where needed while preserving surrounding skin for faster overall healing.
2Manufacturing precision
If ablative skin resurfacing is used to stimulate collagen growth, then skin appearance improvement is enhanced, but risk of dischromia increases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the treatment into discrete micro-columns with spacing between them, the risk of dischromia is reduced. The untreated skin between micro-columns acts as a buffer zone, preventing the coalescence of damaged areas that would lead to large dischromic patches. Each micro-column heals independently with minimal risk of visible discoloration.
Solution Approach 2:
The micro-column structure acts as an intermediary between the RF energy and the bulk skin tissue. The spaced arrangement allows heat dissipation and prevents excessive thermal accumulation that would cause dischromia, while still delivering sufficient energy to stimulate collagen growth in the treated zones.
3Reliability
If non-ablative skin resurfacing is used to avoid adverse effects, then safety is improved, but treatment effectiveness is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The micro-columns are pre-formed mechanically before RF energy application. This preliminary structural creation allows subsequent RF energy to be concentrated in precise locations, achieving effective collagen stimulation without requiring the high temperatures of traditional ablative methods. The pre-formed structure guides the energy delivery for maximum effectiveness with minimal thermal damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces purely thermal mechanical heating with a combination of mechanical micro-column formation followed by RF energy application. This substitution allows for more precise energy localization and reduces the need for high temperatures, improving safety while maintaining effectiveness through the structured delivery approach.
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 enables controlled collagen growth and remodeling, reducing healing time and adverse effects while providing more satisfactory results compared to traditional methods, with the ability to treat various skin disorders like wrinkles and skin tightening.
Implementation Method 1
one or more sources of energy providing skin heating
Implementation Method 2
heating a section of the skin while, essentially simultaneously, piercing one or more holes in the heated section of the skin
Data Source
AI summary
The invention provides an applicator for skin treatment having one or more RF electrodes. An article is located between the electrodes, such as a roller or flexible belt containing one or more protruding pins electrically isolated from the RF electrodes. The invention also provides a system for skin treatment comprising the applicator of the invention and a control unit. The invention further provides a method of treating skin disorders in which a section of the skin is heated while, essentially simultaneously, piercing one or more holes in the heated section of the skin. The method of the invention may be used, for example, in collagen remodeling.