Multi-Frequency Tissue Current Sequencing to Limit Contact-Point Heating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing high-frequency current devices for cosmetic and therapeutic tissue treatment face challenges in ensuring that the energy introduced into the tissue increases without exceeding the patient's pain threshold or thermal tolerance limits at the electrode-tissue contact points, while also addressing the 'weak links' in tissue interfaces effectively.
Innovation Solution
The device generates high-frequency currents with a sequence of different frequencies, varying current strengths, and durations in a stochastic manner, using multiple electrode pairs to target tissue interfaces and prevent habituation effects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If high-frequency currents with single frequency are applied to tissue, then the treatment process is simple, but the energy delivery is limited and tissue habituation occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by switching between multiple high-frequency current frequencies (e.g., 27.12 MHz, 40.68 MHz, 70.20 MHz) in a sequential manner rather than using a single fixed frequency. This dynamic frequency switching allows the system to deliver higher total energy to the tissue while distributing thermal stress over time and varying the interaction characteristics with tissue interfaces, thereby preventing habituation and enabling increased energy delivery without exceeding thermal tolerance limits at electrode contact points.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic action by applying high-frequency currents in repeated cycles with different frequencies. Each cycle consists of applying a specific frequency for a predetermined period, then switching to another frequency for another predetermined period. This periodic multi-frequency approach enables cumulative energy delivery to deep tissue structures while allowing thermal dissipation at the skin surface during frequency transitions, thus resolving the contradiction between energy delivery and thermal stress management.
2Use of energy by moving object
If treatment duration is extended to increase energy delivery, then more heat is generated in tissue, but tissue becomes accustomed to the electrical effect reducing treatment success
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by continuously varying the frequency of high-frequency currents during the treatment duration. Instead of maintaining a constant frequency that tissue would adapt to, the system dynamically switches between multiple frequencies (e.g., alternating between 27.12 MHz and 40.68 MHz in cycles). This prevents tissue habituation while maintaining effective energy delivery over extended periods, as the varying frequency keeps the electrical stimulus novel and effective throughout the treatment duration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by modifying the frequency parameter of the high-frequency currents during treatment. By changing the frequency from a single fixed value to multiple varying values (e.g., switching between 27.12 MHz, 40.68 MHz, and 70.20 MHz), the system maintains treatment effectiveness over time. This parameter variation prevents tissue adaptation while allowing extended treatment durations necessary for sufficient heat generation and therapeutic effect.
3Productivity
If power is increased to deliver more energy, then treatment efficiency improves, but thermal tolerance limit at contact points is exceeded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by using multiple frequency settings that can be switched during treatment. The system can operate at different frequencies (e.g., 27.12 MHz for deeper penetration, 40.68 MHz for intermediate depth, 70.20 MHz for superficial treatment) depending on the treatment stage and tissue depth target. This dynamic frequency adjustment allows efficient energy delivery to deep tissues without concentrating excessive power at the skin surface, thereby maintaining treatment efficiency while preventing thermal damage at contact points.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces another dimension by adding the frequency dimension to the power delivery control. Instead of simply increasing power at a fixed frequency, the system varies the frequency parameter to change the penetration depth and tissue interaction characteristics. This allows selective delivery of energy to different tissue depths, enabling high treatment efficiency for deep structures while keeping surface thermal stress within safe limits through appropriate frequency selection.
4Adaptability or versatility
If single frequency current is used, then the device operation is simple, but tissue interfaces cannot be selectively influenced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by implementing a frequency switching mechanism that alternates between multiple high-frequency current frequencies. The controller dynamically selects and switches between frequencies (e.g., 27.12 MHz, 40.68 MHz, 70.20 MHz) based on treatment requirements. This dynamic frequency variation enables selective influence on different tissue interfaces and depths, as each frequency penetrates to different depths and interacts differently with tissue structures, while the added device complexity is justified by the significant improvement in treatment adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by modifying the frequency parameter to achieve selective tissue interface influence. By changing the frequency from a single fixed value to multiple variable values, the system can target different tissue depths and interfaces selectively. The increased device complexity of incorporating multiple frequency generation capabilities and switching control is offset by the substantial gain in adaptability, allowing precise targeting of specific tissue interfaces such as the dermis-epidermis boundary or deeper structural interfaces.
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 allows for increased energy delivery to the tissue without causing damage, effectively targeting tissue interfaces and improving treatment outcomes by alternating thermal and pressure-based effects.
Implementation Method 1
The tissue is exposed to the currents generated by the high-frequency energy source via these contact surfaces, so that the current flow causes the tissue to be heated by Joule heating.
Data Source
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AI summary
A device for generating high-frequency currents for cosmetic and/or therapeutic treatment of tissue is proposed, comprising: a high-frequency energy source for generating high-frequency currents and at least one first electrode pair with two electrodes for applying the high-frequency currents to the tissue, which electrodes are each connected to an output of the high-frequency energy source, the device being configured to generate the high-frequency currents with several different frequencies fj by means of the high-frequency energy source, characterized in that the device is configured to generate the currents with several different frequencies fj in a temporal sequence with sequence steps Sj where j=1, 2, ..., M; MEN, to generate, each sequence step Sj is assigned at least one current with frequency fj generated in that sequence step Sj and a time duration Tj for which the current with frequency fj is generated in the sequence step Sj, and at least one sequence of frequencies fj is a random sequence. Furthermore, at least one of the following additional features is realized: The current strength is between 100 mA and 2 A, preferably between 300 mA and 1 A. The frequencies fj are in a frequency range between 0.1 MHz and 20 MHz, preferably between 0.1 MHz and 10 MHz, most preferably between 0.1 MHz and 3 MHz. The time duration Tj is less than 100 ms, preferably less than 50 ms. A corresponding, in particular cosmetic, treatment method is also proposed.