Segmented Electrode Array for Non-Invasive Dermal Collagen Tightening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cosmetic treatments for skin wrinkling and sagging, such as laser or chemical resurfacing, often cause prolonged redness, infection risk, scarring, and uneven energy distribution, leading to collateral damage and inefficient collagen tightening.
Innovation Solution
A system with a carrier and array of electrodes that apply electromagnetic energy at an oblique angle, using a cooling surface and independent power supply to minimize energy to the epidermis, ensuring targeted heating of the dermis for collagen contraction and skin tightening.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If laser or chemical resurfacing is used to treat skin, then collagen tissue is heated and shrinks to tighten skin, but prolonged redness, infection risk, scarring, and uneven energy distribution occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the energy delivery system into multiple independent electrode pairs, each controlled by separate power supplies. This segmentation allows selective activation of specific electrode pairs to target different depths and regions of the dermis, preventing excessive energy accumulation that could damage the epidermis while ensuring adequate heating of collagen structures at various levels.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements local quality by allowing different electrode pairs to deliver different energy levels and durations tailored to specific treatment zones. The independent power supplies enable customization of electrical parameters (voltage, current, pulse duration) for each electrode pair, creating locally optimized heating patterns that tighten collagen in the dermis while preserving epidermal integrity.
2Temperature
If an array of electrodes is applied to tissue, then deep uniform heating is achieved, but excessive force is required to penetrate tissue and collateral damage may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the electrode array into multiple pairs with smaller individual electrode surfaces. This segmentation reduces the total contact area requiring penetration force, making it easier to insert into tissue without excessive pressure. The segmented configuration maintains deep uniform heating capability through coordinated activation of multiple pairs at different depths and positions.
3Temperature
If energy is applied to treat the dermis non-invasively, then collagen tightening is achieved, but excessive energy passes to the epidermis causing unwanted collateral damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses multiple electrode pairs with independent power supplies to segment the energy delivery process. By selectively activating specific pairs and controlling their individual parameters, the system can concentrate energy deposition in the dermis while limiting epidermal exposure. The segmented approach allows energy to be delivered in controlled increments at different depths without overwhelming the protective epidermal layer.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms through the independent power supply system that can monitor and adjust energy delivery in real-time. This feedback control prevents excessive energy accumulation in the epidermis by dynamically modulating the output of each electrode pair based on tissue response, ensuring safe treatment thresholds are maintained while achieving effective dermal heating.
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
The system effectively tightens skin by heating collagen in the dermis without damaging the epidermis, reducing the risk of complications and improving cosmetic outcomes with controlled energy delivery.
Implementation Method 1
The systems and method discussed herein treat tissue in the human body... laser or chemicals used to resurface the skin also irritate or heat the collagen tissue present in the dermis
Implementation Method 2
Lax et al. U.S. Pat. No. 5,458,596 describes the use of radio frequency energy to shrink collagen tissue
Implementation Method 3
Thermage, Inc. of Hayward Calif. also holds patents and sells devices for systems for capacitive coupling of electrodes to deliver a controlled amount of radiofrequency energy. This controlled delivery of RF energy creates an electric field that generates 'resistive heating' in the skin to produce cosmetic effects while cooling the epidermis to prevent external burning of the epidermis
Data Source
AI summary
The invention provides a system and method for achieving the cosmetically beneficial effects of shrinking collagen tissue in the dermis or other areas of tissue in an effective, non-invasive manner using an array of electrodes. Systems described herein allow for improved treatment of tissue. Additional variations of the system include array of electrodes configured to minimize the energy required to produce the desired effect.