Segmented Magnetic Applicator for Body Shaping

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current aesthetic treatments for body shaping and cellulite reduction are inefficient, often causing adverse effects such as panniculitis, non-homogeneous temperature distribution, and pain, and lack the ability to combine the effects of time-varying magnetic fields with conventional treatments.

Innovation Solution

A magnetic treatment device that generates a time-varying magnetic field with a high repetition rate and magnetic flux density, combining with mechanical and thermal treatments to induce muscle contraction, improve temperature homogeneity, and remodel collagen and elastin fibers, while minimizing energy waste and heat generation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If large currents are used in magnetic field generating devices made of metallic strips or electric wires, then the magnetic field strength is sufficient to induce muscle contraction, but significant energy losses are caused by induced eddy currents within the device

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemagnetic field strengthVSAvoidenergy loss
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The magnetic field generating device is segmented into multiple insulated conductors arranged in parallel, rather than using a single thick conductor or metallic strip. This segmentation reduces the cross-sectional area of each individual conductor, thereby minimizing eddy current losses while maintaining the overall magnetic field strength through the combined effect of multiple conductors carrying current

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

An insulating material is introduced as an intermediary between adjacent conductors in the magnetic field generating device. This insulating layer prevents eddy currents from forming across conductor boundaries, reducing energy losses while allowing the device to generate sufficient magnetic field strength for muscle contraction induction

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If thermal treatment is applied to enhance visual appearance of skin, then collagen and elastin production is increased, but risk of overheating and thermal damage to patient increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetreatment safetyVSAvoidtemperature
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces thermal treatment mechanisms with magnetic field-based treatment. Instead of using heat to stimulate collagen and elastin production, the invention uses time-varying magnetic fields to induce muscle contractions that mechanically stimulate tissue remodeling, thereby achieving aesthetic effects without the risk of overheating or thermal damage

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The treatment parameters are changed from thermal parameters (temperature, heating rate) to magnetic parameters (magnetic flux density, frequency, pulse duration). This parameter transformation allows the same therapeutic goals to be achieved through a different physical mechanism that does not carry the risks associated with high temperature treatment

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If mechanical treatment is used for cellulite or adipose cell reduction, then body shaping effect is achieved, but risk of panniculitis and non-homogeneous results occurs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetreatment safetyVSAvoidtreatment effectiveness
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges magnetic field treatment with conventional mechanical and thermal treatment methods to create a combined therapy approach. The magnetic field component induces muscle contractions that enhance lymphatic drainage and blood circulation, while the mechanical and thermal components address adipose tissue and cellulite, thereby achieving both safety and effectiveness that neither approach could achieve alone

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Power

If magnetic field generating devices with metallic strips or hollow conductors are used, then sufficient magnetic field is generated, but unwanted heat is produced requiring cooling systems

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemagnetic field outputVSAvoiddevice temperature
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The device structure is segmented into multiple thin insulated conductors rather than using thick metallic strips or hollow conductors. This segmentation reduces the cross-sectional area available for eddy current formation, minimizing heat generation while maintaining sufficient magnetic field output through the combined contribution of multiple conductors

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent converts the potentially harmful effect of eddy currents (which cause unwanted heat) into a beneficial design feature by using insulated conductors that naturally suppress eddy currents. The insulation material, which might seem to add complexity, actually serves to eliminate the harmful heating effect and reduce the need for cooling systems

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

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 device provides more efficient and safer treatments for body shaping and cellulite reduction, reducing adverse effects and improving treatment outcomes by enhancing muscle contraction, collagen remodeling, and adipose tissue metabolism.

Implementation Method 1

Each of the impulses of the time-varying magnetic field is capable of inducing electric current into a target biological structure

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

an applicator comprising at least one magnetic field generating device... adapted to generate impulses of a time-varying magnetic field having a magnetic flux density in a range of 0.5 to 7 Tesla

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP3415199B1Aesthetic device of biological structure treatment by magnetic field
Publication Date: 2024.12.11 BTL MEDICAL SOLUTIONS AS
  • EP3415199B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3a
  • EP3415199B1 patent drawingFigure 3b~4a
  • EP3415199B1 patent drawingFigure 4b~4c

AI summary

New aesthetic device of biological structure treatment by magnetic field is described. The device provid new kind of treatment of the muscular, connective and adipose tissue.. The invention proposes also to combine the magnetic field with radiofrequency, light, mechanical or pressure source in order to provide apparatus for improved treatment.