DE102022110101A1 - Skin treatment device for the cosmetic treatment of human facial skin using micro-needling - Google Patents

Abstract

Skin treatment device (200) for the cosmetic treatment of human facial skin using micro-needling, at least comprising: - a handpiece (100) with a handle part and an attachment head (10) placed thereon, which has at least one treatment chamber (11) which is open to the outside is in fluid communication with at least one discharge line (101) and one supply line (102); - a vacuum unit (210) with at least one vacuum pump (211), which has at least one waste container (213) for receiving the fluid sucked off by the handpiece (100). is connected to the discharge line (101); - a fluid supply unit (220) with at least one liquid container (221), which is connected to the handpiece (100) via the supply line (102), for a skin treatment fluid, is in the treatment chamber (11). at least one head section (21) of a needle element (20) is arranged, which has at least one needle pad (23) with a plurality of microneedles on an end face facing the outside of the attachment head (20). The vacuum unit (210) has a vacuum pulsation generator connected to a control unit (240), with which an alternating sequence of vacuum suction pulses can be achieved in the treatment chamber (11). The vacuum pulsation generator is formed by at least one electrically controllable multi-way valve (230), which has an input/output (230.1) connected to the discharge line (101), an input (230.2) that can be opened to the ambient air and an output (230.3) that can be opened to the vacuum unit, wherein the input/output (230.1) can be connected alternately to the input (230.2) or to the output (230.3).

Description

The invention relates to a skin treatment device for the cosmetic treatment of human facial skin using micro-needling, with the features of the preamble of claim 1.

A generic skin treatment device is, for example, from WO2021/074119 A1 known. Ultrasound is used to stimulate superficial skin layers to increase blood flow and facilitate the penetration of active skin treatment fluids.

However, with the entry into force of the German “Ordinance for the protection against harmful effects of non-ionizing radiation when used on humans” (NiSV), special qualifications are required for the use of ultrasound devices for cosmetic treatment by people without medical training. This also limits the intensity and areas of application of ultrasound sources.

It is also known to stimulate the superficial layers of the skin by treating them with fine needles. The so-called “micro-needling” causes irritation of the cells, which promotes the regeneration of the skin and stimulates blood circulation. The cells renew themselves and the body's own collagen is formed. The first successes of the skin treatment are visible after just a short time. “Micro-needling” is therefore suitable as an alternative to ultrasound when stimulating the skin during cosmetic treatment.

• - Nadelwalze: Hierbei ist eine Rolle mit Nadeln an der Außenfläche versehen. Die Rolle ist in einen Griff eingebunden und kann manuell über die Haut bewegt werden. Durch die Abrollbewegung werden die Nadeln über die Haut bewegt und in diese gedrückt. Nadelwalzen sind in der Regel wiederverwendbar.
• - Nadel-Pen: Hierbei handelt es sich um einen Aufsatz, der an der Oberseite mit einer mit Nadeln bestückten Fläche versehen ist. Diese werden in der Regel mit einem elektrischen Steuergerät angewendet. Die Pens werden in einem Handstück fixiert, welches diese motorisch angetrieben entlang der Handstückachse pulsierend auf die Haut drückt. Die Nadeln können hierbei aus Kunststoff oder aus Stahl ausgeführt sein.

In terms of technology, the following variants of micro-needling devices are available on the market:

• - Needle roller: This is a roller with needles on the outer surface. The roller is integrated into a handle and can be moved manually over the skin. The rolling movement moves the needles over the skin and presses them into it. Needle rollers are usually reusable.
• - Needle pen: This is an attachment that has a surface equipped with needles on the top. These are usually used with an electrical control device. The pens are fixed in a handpiece, which, powered by a motor, presses them onto the skin in a pulsating manner along the handpiece axis. The needles can be made of plastic or steel.

In addition, there are variants of the needle pens with a liquid reservoir, which releases liquid into the skin via a recess in the middle of the needle pen. Another way to supply the skin with fluid is to use cannulas as needles that feed fluid into the skin. However, with the known technologies that work with the needles exerting pressure on the skin, there is a risk that the skin will not be perforated, but that the needles will only press on the surface of the skin. This is especially true for loose skin and areas of skin with severe bumps.

In the EP 3 082 576 A1 A cosmetic treatment process is described that uses a pulsating vacuum to pull small areas of skin into a treatment chamber on a handpiece and treat them abrasive there.

Various attachments for a handpiece are suggested, including a needle pad. However, the apparatus implementation of the oscillating pressure source required for treatment is not described.

The WO00/67692A1 suggests using a pulsating vacuum for cosmetic skin treatment, with the pressure value oscillating between two levels. To generate the pulsating vacuum, a microprocessor-controlled vacuum pump with an electric drive is provided, so that the pressure levels are achieved by varying the speed. However, such a vacuum unit is expensive and the noise caused by the changes in speed is perceived as unpleasant.

The object of the invention is therefore to provide a cost-effective skin treatment device for the cosmetic treatment of human facial skin using micro-needling. In particular, the skin treatment device should be cost-effectively retrofitted in the WO 2021/074119A1 can be produced using the skin treatment device described.

This task is achieved by a skin treatment device with the features of claim 1.

The skin treatment device includes a vacuum unit, a fluid supply unit, a control device and a handpiece is connected to a control device. A treatment chamber on the handpiece is open on the side facing the patient. Only when the handpiece opening is placed on the skin does the vacuum circuit close, so that a skin treatment fluid can be sucked out of the liquid container and transported to the opening of the handpiece. The skin treatment fluid hits the opening the skin. The skin treatment fluid can be mixed with various cosmetics to improve the success of the treatment. The liquid that does not remain on the skin is sucked out via the drainage line. Dead cells or impurities are also sucked away from the skin. The contaminated liquid is drained into the waste container via the discharge line.

Due to a vacuum pulsation generator provided according to the invention, the vacuum acting on the handpiece is pulsating, that is, the pressure in the supply line, also referred to as the "suction line", is constantly below the pressure of the environment and fluctuates alternately between a maximum amount of pressure, i.e a so-called “strong” vacuum, and a minimal amount of suction pressure, i.e. a “light” vacuum. As long as there is a strong vacuum on the handpiece, liquid suction is possible through the various hose lines and the patient's skin is pulled sufficiently strongly into the treatment chamber on the handpiece. During a “light” vacuum, the amount of pressure is lower, but is still less than atmospheric pressure, so that a suction effect remains in the distance between the handpiece and the liquid container and thus prevents contaminated liquid from flowing back into the liquid container.

The invention provides a needle element mounted centrally in the handpiece in the form of a stamp, the flat end face of which points in the direction of the opening of the treatment chamber. The edge of the opening extends axially beyond the stamp, which means that the stamp lies recessed in the treatment chamber with its surface that can be used for skin treatment.

A needle pad is applied to the stamp. This can either be glued or attached via a form fit. The needle pad can be realized either as a disposable item, for example made of plastic, or as a reusable item, for example made of metal.

The needle pad has needles that are aimed at the handpiece opening and therefore at the patient's skin. By pulsating the vacuum, the skin is sucked into the handpiece opening during the “strong” vacuum and then released again during a “light” vacuum phase. Suction pulls the skin onto the needles and the needles penetrate the skin. At the same time, the skin is supported in the area of the support ring surface on the attachment head. Since, according to the invention, the skin is pulled onto the needle pad, but the needle pad is not moved outwards towards the skin by its own drive, the section of skin that is brought into contact with the needle pad is reliably perforated, with the suctioned skin over the surface of the needle pad lies flat on it.

When the negative pressure decreases, the skin detaches from the needles again. If the handpiece is slowly moved over the skin during the treatment, a flat needling image can be created. The pulse frequency of the needling can be adjusted via the timing of the vacuum valves, for example to a frequency of 5 Hz to 50 Hz.

The skin is supplied with fluids during the treatment. Active ingredients can be introduced into the liquid through the skin. Contaminated liquid is removed via the discharge line. The frequency of the pulsation generator is preferably adjustable, so that the frequency of the micro-needling treatment for a skin area is also variable.

The vacuum unit, the liquid container and a waste container are arranged in a separate housing separated from the handpiece.

The flow rate of the skin treatment fluid is preferably additionally controlled using another valve. This has the advantage that the strength of the vacuum can be adjusted independently of the suction of liquid and therefore solely from the point of view that the skin is optimally pulled onto the needle pad.

• 1 ein Handstück in perspektivischer Darstellung;
• 2 einen Schnitt durch einen Kopfbereich des Handstücks; und
• 3A-3C das Hautbehandlungsgerät in verschiedenen Behandlungsphasen, jeweils in einem Funktionsschema.

The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the exemplary embodiment shown in the drawings. The figures show in detail:

• 1 a handpiece in perspective view;
• 2 a section through a head area of the handpiece; and
• 3A-3C the skin treatment device in different treatment phases, each in a functional diagram.

In 1 a handpiece 100 of a skin treatment device according to the invention is shown in perspective. The handpiece 100 includes a handle part 50 into which a hose package 51 leads from below. A base element 30 is placed at the top, which carries an attachment head 10 with a treatment chamber 11 that is open to the outside. A needle element 20 is arranged in the treatment chamber 11, the end face of which is provided with a needle pad 23 with a large number of microneedles. The needle pad 23 lies recessed in the treatment chamber 11 opposite an attachment ring surface 12 of the attachment head 10.

2 shows a section through a head area of the handpiece 100. The handle part 50 is firmly connected to a base element 30, on which the replaceable attachment head 10 is detachably placed. A central element 40 is arranged in the base element 30, into whose fluid lines 41, 42 the suction and liquid lines 101, 102 open, which lead into the treatment chamber 11. In addition, a bearing hole 43 for the needle element 20 is formed in the central element 40. The shaft 21 of the needle element 20 is cylindrical and is stored in the bearing bore 43. The needle element 20 is formed in particular from an elastomer so that it can be easily inserted and is held in a frictional manner. This makes it possible to exchange the needle element 20 quickly and without tools after treatment.

As the dashed line shows, a skin area 1, which rests circumferentially on the attachment ring surface 12, is pulled into the treatment room 11 with a vacuum applied and comes into contact with the needle tips of the needle pad 23 on a head 22 of the needle element 20.

3A shows a functional diagram of a skin treatment device 200 in one of several treatment phases. Except for the handpiece 100 and parts of the discharge line 101 and the fluid supply line 102, all other assemblies shown are preferably arranged in a common housing. The direction of flow is from right to left. It begins at a liquid container 221 of a fluid supply unit 220 on the far right 3A and ends at an air filter 211.1 of a vacuum unit 210 on the left edge of the functional diagram.

The flow is generated by a vacuum pump 211 in the vacuum unit 210. The vacuum pump 211 is connected via an intermediate line to a moisture separator 212, with which the last remaining moisture is separated from the discharge line or “suction line” so that the vacuum pump 211 is not contaminated.

The majority of the liquid sucked out of the liquid container 221 via the suction pump is already collected in a waste container 213 upstream of the moisture separator 212. A level sensor 214 in the waste container 213 sends a signal when the fill level is high to a control device 240. This can open a bypass line via a vacuum valve 218 so that air is sucked in from the environment via an air filter 218.1 and the pressure in the vacuum system is temporarily raised to atmospheric pressure . This prevents liquid from being sucked out of the waste container 213 in the direction of the vacuum pump 211 if the fill level is too high. The vacuum pump 211 can be switched off at the same time.

• - der Abfallbehälter 213;
• - die zum Feuchtigkeitsabscheider 212 und darüber zur Vakuumpumpe 211 führende Saugleitung;
• - ein Vakuumsensor 217, der den am Verteiler herrschenden Druck an die Steuerungseinrichtung 240 übermittelt;
• - die zum Vakuumventil 218 führende Bypassleitung und
• - ein mechanisches Drosselventil 216, das als Sicherheitsventil den Betrag des negativen, saugenden Drucks in der Vakuumeinheit 210 automatisch begrenzt, ohne dass dafür das Vakuumventil 218 geöffnet werden muss.

The following are connected to a vacuum distributor 215:

• - the waste container 213;
• - the suction line leading to the moisture separator 212 and above to the vacuum pump 211;
• - a vacuum sensor 217, which transmits the pressure prevailing at the distributor to the control device 240;
• - the bypass line leading to the vacuum valve 218 and
• - a mechanical throttle valve 216, which, as a safety valve, automatically limits the amount of negative, suction pressure in the vacuum unit 210 without the vacuum valve 218 having to be opened.

An RFID tag 222 is attached to the liquid container 221 and can be read via an RFID reader 225 connected to the control device 240. This means that the suitable skin treatment program can be selected simply by inserting the liquid container 221 into the fluid supply unit 220.

The waste container 213 is connected to a multi-way valve 230 via an intermediate line 231. The multi-way valve 230 can be controlled electrically by means of a control device 240.

The fluid supply line 102 leading from the liquid container 221 to the treatment room 11 in the attachment head 10 of the handpiece 100 can be shut off by an electrical valve 223. A further intermediate line 224 is inserted between the valve 223 and the liquid container 221. By opening and closing the valve 223, in particular by opening and closing in quick succession, the liquid flow that leads from the liquid container 221 into the treatment room 11 and thus to the patient's skin during the skin treatment can be regulated. The fluid supply line 102 and the discharge line 101 both open into the open treatment chamber 11 in the attachment head 10 of the handpiece 100.

As long as the attachment head 10 is not covered, in particular not placed on a skin area, the flow path between the mouths of the fluid supply line 102 and the discharge line 101 in the treatment room 11 is interrupted. At Abde By placing the treatment chamber 11 on an area of skin, the flow path is closed by the negative pressure then present in the treatment chamber acting via the fluid supply line 102, the valve 223 and the intermediate line 224 into the liquid container 221. As is known per se, skin treatment fluid is sucked in in this phase, enters the treatment chamber 11, comes into contact with the skin there and is then sucked into the waste container 213 via the discharge line 101. When the flow path leading out of the treatment chamber 11 into the waste container 213 is interrupted by the multi-way valve 230, a switchover occurs between a first input/output 230.1, to which the discharge line 101 leading to the handpiece 100 is connected, and a second input 230.2, which is open to the ambient air via an air filter 232.

By switching between the input/output 230.1 to the input 230.2 and the output 230.3, short phases are generated in which the negative pressure generated by the vacuum pump can act into the treatment chamber 11, so that the area of skin on which the attachment head 10 is placed is sucked in and pulled onto the pincushion located in the treatment chamber 11. At the same time, liquid is supplied from the liquid container and can rinse the area of skin being treated. Excess fluid is sucked off and goes into the waste container 213.

However, if in another phase a connection is connected between the input/output 230.1 and the input 230.2 within the multi-way valve 230, the suction effect is interrupted, i.e. H. the pressure in the discharge line 101 drops, but at most to atmospheric pressure, so that no backflow of fluid can take place back into the liquid container 221. In this phase, the force by which the skin area is pulled into the treatment chamber 11 is also canceled, at least to such an extent that the skin is lifted off the pincushion. A rapid sequence of switches in the multi-way valve 230 ensures that the area of skin that is in contact with the attachment head 10 is not completely detached from it, but rather remains attracted to it to such an extent that the treatment chamber 11 is sealed and the flow path between the Lines 101, 102 remain closed. However, in this phase, the skin area snaps back due to its elasticity and no longer touches the pincushion until in the next sub-cycle the discharge line 101 is indirectly connected to the vacuum pump 211, so that the skin area in contact with the attachment head 10 is once again attracted and onto the pincushion is pressed in the treatment chamber 11.

Furthermore, the valve 230 inserted according to the invention enables, in addition to a quick, oscillating switch between short treatment phases, also different procedures for skin treatment, which can be carried out either individually or one after the other.

In a first method variant or phase, there is a fixed connection between the input/output 230.1 and the output 230.3, that is, no oscillating switching takes place. This results in a vacuum being created in the treatment chamber of the handpiece via the discharge line 101 and liquid being sucked in from the other side. These flow paths and currents are in 3A marked by the corresponding arrows.

Furthermore, a procedure is possible in which the input/output 230.1 on the valve 230 is permanently connected to the input 230.2. In such a phase, there is no negative pressure in the discharge line 101 because there is no connection to the vacuum pump 211. The handpiece 100 can be moved because there is no negative pressure, for example to change the position of the attachment head on the skin of the person to be treated. This phase of the process is in 3B shown, in which all flow paths between the waste container 213 and the liquid container 221 are shown without arrowheads, which symbolizes that there are no flows there.

In a third procedure or phase, which is in 3C is symbolized, there is a vacuum on the handpiece 100, but the liquid path is blocked by the valve 223 so that no flow can flow. In this phase, residual liquid can be sucked out of the treatment chamber 11 and from the skin or the handpiece can be used dry.

List of reference symbols:

100

Handpiece

101

Supply line

102

discharge line

10

Attachment head

11

Treatment room

12

Attachment ring surface

20

Needle element

21

Head section

22

shaft

23

Needle pad

30

Basic element

31

external wall

40

Central element

41

suction line

42

Fluid line

43

bearing bore

44

Sealing and guiding section

45

drain opening

50

handle

51

Hose assembly package

200

Skin treatment device

210

Vacuum unit

211

vacuum pump

211.1

Air filter

212

suction line

213

Waste container

214

Level sensor

215

Vacuum distributor

216

Throttle valve

217

Vacuum sensor

218

Vacuum valve

218.1

Air filter

220

Fluid supply unit

221

liquid container

222

RFID tag

223

Fluid valve

224

intermediate line

225

RFID reader

230

Multi-way valve

230.1

Entrance

230.2

Entrance

230.3

Exit

231

intermediate line

232

Air filter

240

Control device

QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of documents listed by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• WO 2021/074119 A1 [0002, 0010]
• EP 3082576 A1 [0007]
• WO 0067692 A1 [0009]

Claims (3)

Skin treatment device (200) for the cosmetic treatment of human facial skin using micro-needling, at least comprising: - a handpiece (100) with a handle part (50) and an attachment head (10) placed thereon, which has at least one treatment chamber (11) which is open to the outside. which is in fluid communication with at least a discharge line (101) and a supply line (102); - a vacuum unit (210) with at least one vacuum pump (211), which is connected to the discharge line (101) via at least one waste container (213) for receiving the fluid sucked off by the handpiece (100); - a fluid supply unit (220) with at least one liquid container (221), which is connected to the handpiece (100) via the supply line (102), for a skin treatment fluid, characterized in that - in the treatment chamber (11) at least one head section (21 ) a needle element (20) is arranged, which has at least one needle pad (23) with a plurality of microneedles on an end face facing the outside of the attachment head (20), - that the vacuum unit (210) has a vacuum pulsation generator connected to a control unit (240). with which an alternating sequence of vacuum suction pulses can be achieved in the treatment chamber (11), - that the vacuum pulsation generator is formed by at least one electrically controllable multi-way valve (230) which has an input/output (230.1) connected to the discharge line (101), has an inlet (230.2) that can be opened to the ambient air and an outlet (230.3) that can be opened to the vacuum unit, the inlet/outlet (230.1) being able to be connected alternately to the inlet (230.2) or to the outlet (230.3). Skin treatment device (200). Claim 1 , characterized in that in the lowest position of the shaft (21) in the bearing bore (43), the pin cushion (23) is positioned below an attachment ring surface (12) surrounding the treatment space (11). Skin treatment device (200). Claim 1 or 2 , characterized in that the handle part (50) comprises a base element (30) on which the attachment head (10) is replaceably placed, and that a central element (40) is arranged in the base element (30), in which the suction and Liquid lines (41, 42) open and in which the bearing bore (43) for the needle element (20) is arranged.

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