JP3136294B2 - Skin tension measuring device - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an apparatus for measuring the tension of a film such as skin. Not only can skin tension be used as an indicator of aging, but if the correlation between scalp tension and hair loss can be determined, it can be useful for the development of pharmaceuticals, etc., so scalp tension can be easily determined. It is desired to develop a device.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art As a method of measuring tension, a test piece made of a material to be tested is pulled, and the tension is determined from the relationship between the applied force and the amount of extension.

[0003] However, such a conventional tension measuring method cannot be applied to a material such as skin which is practically impossible to prepare a test piece.

[0004]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide an apparatus for simply and easily measuring skin tension without using a test piece as in the above-described conventional tension measuring method.

[0005]

FIG. 1 shows the principle of the present invention.
(A) As shown in the figure _, a measuring needle P sandwiched between first and second tension means T _{1 and} T ₂ , and sensors S _{1 and} S ₂ for detecting a force applied to the measuring needle P And a sensor unit U movable in the cylindrical housing C, and a tip of the measurement needle P of the sensor unit U fixed from the front edge of the cylindrical housing C from the front edge of the cylindrical housing C. A drive mechanism D for moving the sensor unit U in the axial direction of the housing such that the sensor unit U can be protruded and / or retracted constitutes a skin tension measuring device.

At this time, as shown in FIGS. 1B and 1C, the sensors S _{1 and} S _{2 are used} as the first and second tension means T _{1 and} T _2.
Two repulsion forces can be used.

(A) As shown in the figure, the front part Ct of the cylindrical housing can be made transparent, and as described in the embodiment, the movement of the sensor unit U in the axial direction can be achieved. By providing a movement amount measuring unit for measuring the amount, the relationship between the movement amount of the measuring needle and the tension can be obtained.

[0008]

1 (a), an instant adhesive is applied to the tip of the measuring needle P of the sensor unit U and adhered to the skin K at a site to be measured such as the scalp. Is moved upward in the figure by the drive mechanism D, the measuring needle P is pulled downward in the sensor unit U in the sensor unit U against the tension T ₂ by the second tension means due to the tension for pulling up the skin K. since moves, this time was measured by the measuring means (not shown) the force p acting on the measuring stylus P, upward force due to the tension means T ₂ that tension t
_By adding to ₂ , the tension at the time of pulling up the skin K can be measured.

When the sensor unit U is moved downward in the figure by the drive mechanism D, the measuring needle P is pressed against the tension T ₁ by the first tension means due to the tension for pushing the skin K. since moves upward in FIG within U, in the same manner as described above, by adding the pressing force or tension by the force and tension means T ₁ applied to the stylus P at this time, the tension at the time of pushing the skin K Can be requested.

The sensor S for measuring the force is shown in FIG.
As shown in (d), the force is measured by, for example, mechanically deforming an element R such as a resistor or a semiconductor element by a force through a pin F, for example, as shown by a dotted line. with the reaction force for causing the deformation as the first and second tension means T _1, the tension due to T ₂ as described above, can also serve the sensor to the tension means.

[0011] 1 (b) is shows the example using the reaction force of the sensor S ₁ as the first tension means T _1, as shown in this figure, the sensor unit U drive mechanism D is moved downward in FIG capable of detecting the tension of the skin K when pushing the skin K at the sensor S ₁ by.

At this time, if the tension of the second tension means T _{2 is} a value that just cancels the weight of the measuring needle P, the sensor S
_The force measured by ₁ equals the desired skin tension.

[0013] Incidentally, the case of providing the sensor S ₁ in place of the tension means T ₁ in the FIG. 1 (b), the tension means T ₁ is kept unchanged, the sensor S ₂ in place of the tension means T ₂
It may be obvious without any explanation that the tension when pulling up the skin can be measured in this case.

In the above description of FIG. 1B,
Although the sensor S can measure only the force in one direction corresponding to the lower part of the figure, the sensor S itself can detect the force in the vertical direction of the figure, or the sensor S It will be apparent that if a tension is applied, the force in both the up and down directions can be detected using one sensor.

[0015] FIG. 1 (c), as the tension means T ₁ the sensor S ₁ first to detect only the force applied downward in the figure, also this similar reaction force sensor S ₂ of the second Tension means T
₂ shows an example in which each of the sensors is used, and by using both of these sensors S _{1 and} S ₂ , both the tension when pushing the skin and the tension when pulling up the skin can be measured.

(A) If the front part Ct of the cylindrical housing is transparent as shown in the figure, the state of adhesion between the skin and the measuring needle can be visually recognized, which is convenient for operation. .

Depending on the specific configuration of the device, a detent for preventing the measurement needle P from rotating is prevented in order to prevent the adhesion between the skin and the measurement needle from being deteriorated and peeling off. It is desirable to provide means.

An example of an actual measuring method is as follows: after cleaning a skin site such as the scalp where the tension is to be measured and the tip of the measuring needle, apply an instant adhesive to the tip of the measuring needle, and then drive the driving mechanism. The zero point of the tension is corrected so that the tip of the measuring needle is at the position where the tip of the measuring needle projects most, and the skin and the tip of the measuring needle are adhered by the instantaneous adhesive, and the measuring device is perpendicular to the skin. After fixing the device at such a position, the sensor unit is moved up and down by a required amount in the vertical direction according to the purpose of measurement, and measurement is performed.

As an example of this measurement, the tension can be discretely measured, for example, by moving the sensor unit by 1 mm, raising the skin by 1 mm, and measuring the tension at that time.

Then, whether or not the adhesion between the skin and the measuring needle has been removed during the measurement can be confirmed by checking whether or not the stratum corneum of the skin has adhered to the tip of the measuring needle after the measurement is completed. If the stratum corneum adheres to the tip of the measuring needle later, it can be determined that the required measurement has been performed.

Further, by continuously measuring the tension while sequentially moving the sensor unit, it is possible to obtain a change in the tension with respect to a change in the amount of pushing or pulling of the skin.

It is sufficient for practical use that the moving range of the measuring needle for measuring by moving the measuring needle is about 10 mm for each of the side where the skin is pushed in and the side where the skin is pulled.

[0023]

2 and 3 show sectional views of an embodiment of the sensor unit U shown in FIGS. 1 (b) and 1 (c). Components corresponding to those shown in FIG. The same reference numerals as those in FIG. The dashed line in the figure indicates the bolt
A fixing means such as a nut, a screw, or an adhesive is shown.

In FIG. 2, the outer casing of the sensor unit U is constituted by three blocks 1, 2, 3, and these blocks are integrated by screwing or the like.
A sensor pedestal 4 having a concave portion into which the sensor S ₁ is fitted is formed integrally with the measuring needle P, and the measuring needle P is axially moved by a ball bearing 5 provided on the block 2 so that there is no play. Block 2 while being movably supported
3 penetrates.

[0025] in a recess provided in the upper surface of the block 2, the corresponding spring provided surrounding the measuring needles P to the tension means T ₂ to urge the sensor pedestal 4 upward the cradle the sensor S ₁ on the 4 and pressed against the lower surface of the block 1.

A coupling member 6 for mechanically coupling to a drive mechanism D (not shown) is provided on the upper surface of the block 1.
Is mounted, and the whole of the sensor unit U including the measuring needle P can be moved in the vertical direction in the figure by the driving mechanism D.

As an example of a sensor that can be used here, a sensor capable of measuring a force of 0 to 500 g and a pin sinking down by 0.03 mm when a maximum force of 500 g is applied is commercially available.

In FIG. 2, as an extension of the cylindrical housing, a cylindrical portion Ct made of a transparent material is provided, for example, by bonding. It can be confirmed through the section Ct.

FIGS. 3 (a) and 3 (b) show FIGS. 1 (a) and 1 (b) for measuring the tension both when the skin is pulled up and when the skin is pulled down.
(c) is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment embodying the configuration illustrating the principle, as viewed from the front and side, respectively.

[0030] The sensor S ₂ which also serves as a tension means T ₂ of the FIGS. 1 (a) is shown as being conveniently biased position shown in FIG. 1 (c), the given force biased measuring stylus P Since the friction at the time of movement of the measuring needle increases and an error occurs in the measurement result, the detection pins of the _two sensors S _{1 and} S ₂ are arranged on the axis of the measuring needle P. It is.

[0031] In the embodiment of FIG. 3 illustrates, the upper end portion of the stylus P is 2 or a shape consisting of P _1, P _2, rod-shaped portion passed between these prongs P _1, P ₂ the vertical force applied to the P ₃ is to measure respectively the two sensors S _1, S _2.

[0032] The sensor S ₁ is in contact is the detection pin to a lower surface of the upper member constituting the is fitted in the recess sensor unit housing provided on the upper surface of the rod portion P _3, The sensor S ₂ is fitted in a recess provided in the member bar portion 10 of an annular portion and a rod portion of the diameter direction which constitutes a part of the sensor unit housing, the detection pin in contact with the rod-like portion P ₃ To measure the force applied to the measuring needle.

FIGS. 4 and 5 schematically show a specific embodiment of the skin tension measuring device according to the present invention. The same sensor unit U as that shown in FIG. 2 is used. Therefore, description of the sensor unit U is omitted.

The driving mechanism D is for moving the sensor unit U in the axial direction in the cylindrical housing C. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, the linear motor 11 is used as a driving power source. The sensor unit U is moved in the housing C in the axial direction via the output rod 12.

FIG. 5 shows that the sensor unit U is connected to the DC motor 2.
1 shows an example in which the housing is moved in the axial direction of the housing. The rotation of the rotating shaft 22 by the motor 21 is attached to the ball screw 23 mechanically coupled to the rotating shaft and the sensor unit U. Ball nut 24
Is converted into a linear motion to move the sensor unit U.

In this embodiment, the motor 21
A gear head 25 for reducing the rotation speed of the gear head 25, an Oldham coupling 26 for preventing transmission of vibration from the gear head 25, and a rotating member for rotating the motor 21 including these members from the motor 21 to the ball screw 23. , And a linear slider 27 for preventing rotation of the ball screw 23 are provided.

The linear gauge 28 is for detecting the amount of movement of the sensor unit U, and is provided for obtaining the amount of movement of the sensor unit U and a change in tension corresponding to the amount of movement. .

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, the above-described linear gauge may be provided to detect the amount of movement of the sensor unit U. However, the linear motor is driven as in the embodiment shown in FIG. When used as a source, the amount of movement of the sensor unit can be known based on the drive signal. Therefore, the amount of movement of the sensor unit can be obtained without providing a movement amount detection mechanism such as the linear gauge 28 in the embodiment of FIG. The change of the tension corresponding to the above can be obtained.

FIG. 6 shows an example of the measurement results obtained by the apparatus of the embodiment shown in FIG. In the measuring device used for this measurement, by adjusting the spring and the reaction force of the sensor, the sensor can detect the force in the up and down directions in the figure. Body C
In the initial position (value “0” on the horizontal axis in the figure), the measuring needle P is located at a position slightly protruding from the front edge of the housing, so that the force is applied in the opposite direction to pulling the skin. A value of about -35 g has been detected as skin tension and muscle force.

From this position, the sensor unit U is moved to the measuring needle P
As the sensor moves in the direction of retracting from the front edge of the housing, the tension increases while drawing a gentle upward convex line, and the tension becomes “0” when the sensor unit moves about 4 mm.
Then, the tension increases while drawing a concave curve, and when the sensor unit moves about 1.6 mm, the maximum tension value of approximately 82 g is exhibited.

When the maximum value is exceeded, the tension is reduced at once, which is considered to be due to the exfoliation of the stratum corneum of the skin from the scalp.

[0042]

According to the present invention, since the skin tension can be easily measured by a small measuring device, it is possible to examine the relationship between the skin tension and the hair loss, etc. By collecting data such as the relationship between tension and various illnesses, it is possible to obtain an extraordinary effect that it is possible to obtain knowledge useful for finding and treating diseases.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the principle of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an embodiment of a sensor unit used in the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a view showing another embodiment of the sensor unit used in the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a measurement result of scalp tension according to the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

S _1, S ₂ sensor U sensor unit P stylus T _1, T ₂ the first and second tension means D drive mechanism C tubular casing Ct tubular housing front transparent portion

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continuing on the front page (72) Inventor Motoji Takahashi 2-12-1-303 Namiki, Kanazawa-ku, Yokohama-shi, Kanagawa Prefecture (72) Inventor Hideo Sakata 165 Sakado, Takatsu-ku, Kawasaki-shi, Kanagawa Prefecture (58) Field surveyed (Int.Cl. ⁷ , DB name) A61B 5/00-5/03

Claims (4)

(57) [Claims] 1. A sensor unit including a measuring needle sandwiched between first and second tension means and a sensor for detecting a force applied to the measuring needle, the sensor unit being movable in a cylindrical housing; A drive mechanism fixed in the housing and for moving the sensor unit in the axial direction of the housing so that the tip of the measurement needle of the sensor unit can protrude and / or retract from the front edge of the cylindrical housing; A skin tension measuring device comprising: 2. The skin tension measuring device according to claim 1, wherein a repulsive force of a sensor is used as said first and second tension means. 3. The skin tension measuring device according to claim 1, wherein a front portion of the cylindrical housing is transparent. 4. The skin tension measuring device according to claim 1, further comprising a moving amount measuring unit for measuring the moving amount of the sensor unit in the axial direction.