JP2018533411A - Hair care device and method for improving the absorption of external preparations in hair - Google Patents

Abstract

Hair care device for improving the absorption of external preparations in the hair. The hair care device comprises an external preparation supply unit for applying an external preparation to the hair, and an ultrasonic intensity within the range between ² W / cm ² and 100 W / cm ² , ultrasonic waves with a frequency above 15 MHz And an ultrasonic transducer 105 for applying an ultrasonic wave to the external preparation and / or the surface of the hair to improve the absorption of the external preparation by the hair. .

Description

  The present invention relates to a hair care device and method for improving the absorption of external preparations on the hair.

  Applications of topicals in hair include wetting and protection. For example, excessive heat treatment of the hair causes a loss of water, potentially leading to damage or even destruction of the hair. Often it is recommended to use a heat protection external agent to protect the hair from excessive heat and to wet the hair if the hair is damaged. This calls for consumer empathy, as consumers want to make their hair healthier and more resistant to styling damage. The external preparation to be applied may be in the form of an aqueous solution comprising an oil (eg, argan oil) or a mixture of components. These aqueous solutions are often applied by hand to the prior styling of the hair, but the disadvantage is how well the external preparation is dispersed in the hair and how well the external preparation penetrates the hair structure The point is that the user can not control. During styling, an instrument solution may be applied or a solution may be applied to an instrument to improve protection against heat based styling or to wet the hair.

  US patent US Pat. No. 5,267,985 provides a method for improving the dispersion of a drug to a local substance or area of tissue simultaneously with two or more distinct frequencies by supplying ultrasonic energy to the drug and the substance Provide an apparatus. Each of the distinct frequencies of ultrasonic energy is selected to enhance the penetration of the drug through one or more dispersion rate limitations of the substance. The preferred frequency range for each signal is 100 Hz to 100 MHz. Preferred combinations for methods using two frequencies include 1 MHz and 3 MHz, 3 MHz and 9 MHz, and 5 MHz and 15 MHz. The first frequency is selected to improve the dispersion of the drug through the first portion of the substance. In this case, the substance may be a biological tissue, and the first part of the substance may be the stratum corneum of the skin. In this case, the first frequency may be in the range of 10 kHz to 100 MHz. The prior art document mainly applies ultrasonic energy to living tissue at two or more separate frequencies simultaneously, the first part of the substance is a dispersion rate limiting film, and the appropriate first frequency is It relates to what is needed to improve the penetration of the drug through part 1 and hair (not biological tissue) has not been discussed in the prior art.

U.S. Patent Application Publication No. US 2006/0272665 discloses an ultrasonic hair treatment apparatus for applying ultrasonic vibration to the user's hair to improve the penetration of the hair treatment composition into the hair. The piezoelectric transducer is powered and controlled by the controller to generate vibrations at a frequency of 500 kHz to 10 MHz with a power of 0.1 to 5 W / cm ² .

International Patent Application Publication WO 99/51295 discloses a system for improving and improving the transdermal or transdermal delivery of chemicals or drugs for external use. Disposable containers contain approximately sterile unit doses of the active agent adapted for single use in medical procedures. A unit dose improves transfer of the active agent through the skin of a mammalian animal when the active agent is applied to the skin and the skin is exposed to light and / or ultrasound as defined by at least one specific parameter. It is formulated to Suitable ultrasound parameters may be determined depending on both efficiency and safety requirements. For example, one of the preferred ranges for low frequency ultrasound is about 0.5 to 2.0 W / cm ² (which may be continuous or pulsed, and in the case of pulses about 20 to 25% duty cycle In use, it can be between about 25 kHz and about 3 MHz. A preferred setting within the range may be about 1.0 MHz at about 2.0 W / cm ^{2 with} a treatment time of about 5 to 10 minutes using a continuous wave beam. For non-continuous beams (i.e. pulsed delivery), the preferred setting within the range has a 2.0-20.0 ms "on" cycle with a treatment time of about 5-10 minutes. It may be about 1.0 MHz at about 0.2 to 0.5 W / cm ^{2 with a} 20 to 25% duty cycle. One preferred range for higher frequency ultrasound is about 0.2 to 1.0 W / cm ² (continuous or pulsed, with pulses in the case of pulses, with a treatment time of about 1 to 20 minutes Can be between about 3 MHz and about 16 Hz at a duty cycle of about 20-25%. A suitable setting within the range may be about 10 MHz at about 0.2 W / cm ^{2 with} a continuous treatment time of about 5 to 20 minutes. Preferred embodiments may be useful to specifically stimulate (or inhibit) the growth of hair or other skin appendages (such as nails). Preferred embodiments may be useful to stimulate the growth or regrowth of fine hair growth or dormant or inactive hair (eg for the treatment of hair loss). For example, the effects of Rogaine or similar agents used in the treatment of male pattern hair loss may be improved. The ultrasound parameters described above are disclosed in the paragraph between the two paragraphs relating to skin treatment, but ultrasound parameters are not disclosed particularly with respect to hair treatment.

  The object of the present invention is in particular to provide an improved hair care device and method for improving the absorption of external preparations in the hair. The invention is defined by the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments are defined in the dependent claims. The advantageous features of the hair care device are also the advantageous features of the hair care method.

  Embodiments of the present invention feature a method and method for improving the safe and effective absorption of external preparations in the hair structure by cavitation caused by ultrasound (15 to 50 Hz). The present invention provides a simple, low cost method of improving the absorption of external agents by the hair structure before or during styling and reducing the risk for hair damage. The lower frequency limit of 15 MHz was chosen to trigger the largest inclusions to be activated at the hair surface. The 50 MHz upper frequency limit is related to the fact that as the frequency increases, the power required to trigger small inclusions also increases. At a frequency of 50 MHz, this frequency is suitable as the upper frequency, since it is possible to find a suitable combination of duty cycle and treatment time which limits thermal problems.

Embodiments of the present invention provide improved topical absorption for small and large tufts of hair. This is based on the insight that the cuticle dip depth is 0.3 to 2 μm and results in low hair penetration for frequencies from the kHz range to 10 MHz. In sonophoresis, the increase in tissue permeability is mainly due to cavitation-causing bubbles, so low frequencies (20 to 100 kHz) are usually used. In this context, acoustic cavitation refers to the intense vibrations of existing gas content. However, the typical size of the inter-scale depression depth of the cuticle on a healthy, undamaged / untreated hair surface is about 0.3 to 0.5 μm, ie about 1 cuticle molecule . When stressed (especially bent) or damaged, the depressions can be larger and on the order of 1 to 2 μm. If the hair is wet, it is predicted that air bubbles will be trapped at these pit depths, meaning that the available air bubbles for cavitation activity will probably be in the range of 0.3 to 2 μm. Therefore, using a frequency range of 15 to 50 MHz ensures gentle cavitation of trapped bubbles at the scale of damaged and undamaged cuticles. The power required for inertial cavitation increases significantly at high frequencies (from about 2 W / cm ^{2 at} 1 MHz to about 100 W / cm ² at 50 MHz). The use of high power leads to a large temperature rise every second. If cavitation is used to increase the permeability of the cuticle scale and to increase the absorption of water, the scale of the cuticle may be treated after treatment (eg conditioner) to avoid rapid water loss after treatment Should be closed, or simply by wetting the surface). Alternatively, cavitation may be set to a very mild, reversible level to limit damage to the cuticle and for this purpose the choice of high frequencies (MHz range) is beneficial.

  When the hair is exposed to ultrasound of a specific frequency and intensity (or pressure), inertial cavitation is caused within the range of bubbles with different radii. Given an input ultrasound that is twice the pressure threshold that causes cavitation, a conservative assumption that takes into account the proper safety range, it is possible to derive a range of inertial bubble radius that is subject to inertial cavitation at different frequencies . The inventors have recognized that the range decreases with increasing frequency and that at lower frequencies cavitation can occur in bubbles larger than the range of bubbles in the hair cuticle. This should be avoided as it can cause severe cavitation and form an uncontrolled shock wave which can damage the hair structure. At frequencies between 20 MHz and 50 MHz, the generated inertial cavitation is trapped in a bubble having a radius within the size dimension of the cut depth of the hair cuticle. Thus, the inventor recognizes that it is preferable to use an ultrasonic frequency in the range of 20 MHz to 50 MHz to cause selective cavitation in the hair cuticle for improved absorption of external preparations. did.

  Embodiments of the present invention provide a safer procedure, as cavitation at low frequencies does not require energy more than at high frequencies and tends to increase the range of bubbles that are excited. Ultrasound at megahertz frequencies does not produce much inertial cavitation (mechanical index cavitation). The higher the frequency, the less intense cavitation is generated, thus reducing the possibility of mechanical damage to the hair structure.

  Embodiments of the present invention provide ease of use, simple effectiveness, low power requirements, small footprint (eg, small hand-held devices).

  These and other aspects of the invention will be apparent from and elucidated with reference to the embodiments described hereinafter.

1 shows a first embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 2 shows a second embodiment of the present invention. 3 shows a third embodiment of the present invention.

  Embodiments of the present invention provide a hand-held, preferably cordless, system for generating ultrasound to treat hair coated with an external preparation for improved absorption of the external preparation. The ultrasonic treatment is applied, preferably by clamping the lock of hair, through direct contact with the hair covered by the external preparation.

  FIG. 1 illustrates ultrasound generation that generates constant or variable low voltage ultrasound pulses with frequency, voltage and pulse duration controlled by the controller 102 depending on the treatment settings selected through the user interface 101. The vessel 103 is shown. An acoustic amplifier 104 achieves the required output acoustic intensity. The ultrasonic transducer 105 emits ultrasonic waves to the external preparation applied to the surface 107 of the hair. The practical embodiment further includes an external preparation supply unit for applying the external preparation to the hair.

  Piezoelectric crystals (PMUTs) are used to generate ultrasound (> 20 kHz). For higher frequencies (typically up to 100 MHz), non-piezoelectric approaches such as capacitive micro-ultrasound transducers (CMUTs) can be used and can also be used in the present invention.

  In the preferred embodiment, an ultrasonic transducer is incorporated into the hair interface. The interface includes clamps to provide optimal contact with the hair. The treatment clamps are placed close to each other in the mode of operation, and the distance between the clamps should ideally be smaller than one wavelength, which promotes uniformity, increases the signal amplitude and results Improve the time to get. This is an option, especially at high frequencies, as energy may be absorbed very quickly and may not even reach the opposing clamps. This allows for lower power usage and increases uniformity while improving cavitation to achieve better penetration into the hair structure. In order to minimize undesirable thermal effects, ultrasound is configured in pulsed mode with a 1% duty cycle and a 4 second maximum treatment time to keep below the 100 ° C maximum rising temperature threshold. It is good.

  FIG. 2 shows such a preferred embodiment, which includes a controller 202, an ultrasonic wave generation amplifier 203, an external agent supply unit 206, a comb tooth 209 provided with an ultrasonic transducer, and a handle portion 211. The external preparation supply unit 206 applies the external preparation to the surface of the hair structure. The controller 202 controls the level of ultrasound intensity and the predetermined duty cycle to apply the level of ultrasound intensity for improved absorption of external agents in the hair structure. The ultrasonic transducer 205 has an external agent contact surface for supplying ultrasonic energy to the external agent. Preferably, the ultrasound is applied near or on the hair surface. Therefore, the ultrasound applied to the external preparation interacts with the hair. The controller may have a user interface.

  One alternative embodiment includes two or more ultrasound transducers instead of one. Providing two ultrasound sources or an array of ultrasound transducers facing each other in both clamps of the device shortens the time for obtaining the result and possibly generates favorable interference. If the distance between the clamps is not predetermined, the possibility of inappropriate interference is increased. This does not occur if the distance between the closed clamps is just multiples of the wavelength of the frequency used for the ultrasound sources or (2N + 1) * λ / 4.

  FIG. 3 shows such an alternative embodiment, which comprises ultrasonic transducers 305A and 305B in the respective clamps 313 of the hair straightener, an ultrasonic generating amplifier 303, an external agent supply unit 306, and A pivoting mechanism 315 is included.

Preferably, the ultrasonic intensity is in the range between ² W / cm ² and 100 W / cm ² .

  Preferably, the predetermined duty cycle is in the range between 1% and 50%. The inventors have found that at 20 MHz ultrasound frequency, the preferred upper limit of the duty cycle is 12.5% and at 50 MHz ultrasound frequency the preferred upper limit of the duty cycle is 5%. .

  Preferably, the hair care device comprises an array of ultrasound transducers.

  Preferably, the controller comprises a look-up table for determining the level of ultrasound intensity and the predetermined duty cycle for a particular hair type or external preparation.

  Preferably, the hair care device comprises a sensor connected to the controller, wherein the sensor is configured to sense parameters related to properties of the external preparation and the hair, such as, for example, temperature and moisture content. . Preferably, the sensor is a temperature sensor for sensing the temperature rise caused by the application of ultrasound, for sensing changes in optical properties such as scattering or reflection caused by the application of ultrasound. Optical sensor, acoustic sensor for detecting changes in acoustic characteristics such as acoustic impedance or sound velocity caused by applying ultrasonic waves, and ultrasonic waves caused by applying ultrasonic waves such as radio frequency impedance or capacitance It is selected from a list having electrical sensors for sensing changes in electrical characteristics.

  Preferably, the controller is configured to stop applying the ultrasound to the external preparation before reaching a predetermined temperature limit, wherein the predetermined temperature limit is preferably 100 ° C., more preferably Is 50 ° C. Alternatively, depending on the temperature, the ultrasound intensity and / or duty cycle may be adjusted so that the temperature does not become too high.

  Preferably, in use, the transducer is in physical contact with the external preparation and / or the hair and is disposed at a distance of preferably 0.3 cm or more, more preferably 1 cm or more from the skin surface. . The distance ensures that the application of ultrasound has the intended positive effect without having an unintended adverse effect on the health of the hair. For this purpose, the hair care device preferably comprises a suitable distance maintainer to ensure the minimum distance between the transducer and the skin surface.

  One alternative embodiment includes a system and method for initiating a feedback loop to measure the attenuation of ultrasound in the hair structure to determine water content and adjust the settings accordingly.

  The embodiments described above illustrate but do not limit the invention and it is possible for a person skilled in the art to design many alternative embodiments without departing from the scope of the appended claims. It should be noted. In the claims, any reference signs placed in parentheses shall not be construed as limiting the claims. Use of the verb "comprise" and its conjugations does not exclude the presence of elements or steps other than those listed in a claim. The article "a" or "an" preceding an element does not exclude the presence of a plurality of such elements. In the device claim enumerating several means, several of these means may be embodied by one and the same item of hardware. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures can not be used to advantage.

Claims (14)

A hair care device for improving the absorption of an external preparation in the hair, comprising:
An external preparation supply unit for applying the external preparation to the hair;
An ultrasonic generator for generating ultrasonic waves at a frequency above 15 MHz with an ultrasonic intensity in the range between ² W / cm ² and 100 W / cm ² ,
An ultrasonic transducer for applying ultrasonic waves to the external preparation and / or the surface of the hair to improve absorption of the external preparation by the hair;
Hair care device having.   The hair care device according to claim 1, wherein the ultrasound generator is configured to generate ultrasound at a frequency not exceeding 50 MHz.   A hair care device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the ultrasound generator is configured to generate ultrasound at a frequency of at least 20 MHz.   A hair care device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the predetermined duty cycle of the ultrasound is in the range between 1% and 50%.   A hair care device according to claim 3, wherein the predetermined duty cycle of the ultrasound does not exceed 12.5%, preferably not 5%.   A hair care device according to any of the preceding claims, comprising an array of ultrasound transducers.   A hair care device according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising a controller for controlling the level of ultrasound intensity and the duty cycle for applying said ultrasound intensity.   The hair care device according to claim 7, wherein the controller comprises a look-up table for determining the level of ultrasound intensity and the duty cycle for a specific hair type or external preparation.   The hair according to any one of claims 7 or 8, comprising a sensor connected to the controller, wherein the sensor is configured to sense a parameter related to the property of the external preparation and / or the hair. Care equipment. One or more of the sensors
Temperature sensor for sensing the temperature rise caused by the application of ultrasound
A light sensor for sensing changes in optical properties, eg scattering or reflection, caused by the application of ultrasound
Acoustic sensors for sensing changes in acoustic properties, such as acoustic impedance and sound velocity, caused by the application of ultrasound, and electrical properties, such as radio frequency impedance and capacitance, caused by the application of ultrasound 10. A hair care device according to claim 9, selected from a list comprising an electrical sensor for sensing a change in.   The controller is configured to stop applying the ultrasound to the external preparation before reaching a predetermined temperature limit, wherein the predetermined temperature limit is preferably 100 ° C., more preferably 50 ° C. 11. A hair care device according to any one of the preceding claims.   12. A hair care device according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising a distance maintainer for positioning the transducer at a distance of 0.3 cm or more, preferably 1 cm or more from the skin surface. . A hair care method for improving the absorption of an external preparation in hair, comprising:
Applying the external preparation to the surface of the hair;
Generating ultrasound at a frequency above 15 MHz with ultrasound intensity in the range between ² W / cm ² and 100 W / cm ² ;
Applying an ultrasonic wave to the external preparation and / or the surface of the hair to improve the absorption of the external preparation by the hair;
Hair care method having.   The hair care method according to claim 13, wherein the ultrasonic waves are applied to the external preparation near or on the surface of the hair.

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