Skin Care Device Output Control via Peak Current Suppression
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional skin care devices that apply high-frequency currents to the skin face issues such as increased skin temperature leading to burns, decreased efficacy due to power cycling, and electromagnetic interference, as well as sudden peak power application causing discomfort or shock.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus and method that control the output of a skin care device by converting direct current voltage into alternating current voltage with a peak-to-peak voltage adjustment, using a current detection module to monitor skin resistance changes and adjust the voltage accordingly, and a control module to manage the amplification and output based on detected skin current, thereby minimizing temperature fluctuations and maintaining consistent frequency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If high frequency current is applied to rotate water molecules in the dermal layer, then skin care efficacy is improved, but skin temperature increases causing burns
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies pulse width modulation (PWM) to periodically switch the high frequency current on and off. By controlling the duty cycle of the PWM signal, the device delivers current in pulses rather than continuously, allowing the skin temperature to recover between pulses while still achieving the desired rotational effect on water molecules during active periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically adjusts the output power and frequency of the high frequency current based on real-time skin temperature feedback. The control system modifies operating parameters such as voltage amplitude and current magnitude to maintain therapeutic effectiveness while preventing excessive temperature rise that would cause burns.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If power is turned off when skin temperature reaches set temperature, then burns are prevented, but skin care efficacy decreases due to severe temperature change
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of completely turning off the power when temperature threshold is reached, the system uses periodic pulsing where the current is switched on and off in controlled cycles. This maintains a more stable average temperature that prevents burns while avoiding the severe temperature fluctuations that would occur with complete power cycling, thereby preserving skin care efficacy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors skin temperature and uses this feedback to dynamically adjust the PWM duty cycle and current magnitude. When temperature approaches the safe threshold, the feedback control reduces the on-time of pulses rather than completely shutting down, maintaining therapeutic effect while preventing burns through gradual temperature management.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If pulse width modulation control is used to prevent burns, then skin temperature is controlled, but electromagnetic waves affect the human body and frequency stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary buffering stage between the PWM control signal and the high frequency current generation. This intermediary circuitry, such as a resonant tank circuit or filter network, smooths the pulsed input into a more stable sinusoidal output, reducing electromagnetic interference while maintaining the temperature control benefits of PWM.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts PWM parameters such as frequency and duty cycle in response to skin temperature feedback, while employing frequency compensation techniques to maintain stable operating frequency. The control algorithm modifies pulse characteristics adaptively to prevent burns while compensating for any frequency drift caused by the modulation process.
4Power
If peak power is instantaneously applied to the skin, then high current is delivered for skin care, but user feels hotness or sting and may get electric shock
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a gradual power ramp-up mechanism that increases current magnitude progressively from zero to the target therapeutic level, rather than instantaneously applying peak power. This cushioning approach allows the skin and nervous system to adapt gradually, preventing sudden thermal shock and reducing the sensation of hotness or sting while still delivering the required therapeutic current.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses periodic pulsing with controlled rise time, where each pulse begins with a gradual current increase rather than immediate peak amplitude. This periodic delivery with soft edges reduces the instantaneous power shock to the user while maintaining effective average power delivery for skin care treatment.
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 minimizes skin temperature changes, prevents burns, reduces electromagnetic interference, and ensures consistent power delivery, maintaining skin care efficacy while preventing discomfort or shock from peak power application.
Implementation Method 1
a conversion module which converts the direct current voltage output from the amplification module into an alternating current voltage having a set frequency to output the alternating current voltage to a pair of contact electrodes
Implementation Method 2
a current detection module which detects a skin current according to a change in a resistance of a skin to which the alternating current voltage is applied
Implementation Method 3
an amplification module which amplifies and outputs a direct current voltage
Implementation Method 4
a peak decreasing module which decreases a maximum peak current of an alternating current generated upon switching of the alternating current voltage output from the conversion module
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is an apparatus for controlling the output of a skin care device, which can reduce a peak power to be output to the skin, by suppressing a sudden current change when a direct current voltage is converted into an alternating current voltage. The disclosed apparatus for controlling the output of a skin care device: amplifies a direct current voltage and outputs same; converts the output direct current voltage into an alternating current voltage with a set frequency and outputs same to a pair of contact electrodes; and detects the skin current according to changes in the resistance of the skin to which the alternating current voltage is applied, so as to control the amplification of the direct current voltage.