US20210204667A1 - Ultrasound hair drying and styling - Google Patents
Ultrasound hair drying and styling Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20210204667A1 US20210204667A1 US15/999,589 US201715999589A US2021204667A1 US 20210204667 A1 US20210204667 A1 US 20210204667A1 US 201715999589 A US201715999589 A US 201715999589A US 2021204667 A1 US2021204667 A1 US 2021204667A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- hair
- ultrasound
- styling
- mhz
- drying
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
Images
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A45—HAND OR TRAVELLING ARTICLES
- A45D—HAIRDRESSING OR SHAVING EQUIPMENT; EQUIPMENT FOR COSMETICS OR COSMETIC TREATMENTS, e.g. FOR MANICURING OR PEDICURING
- A45D1/00—Curling-tongs, i.e. tongs for use when hot; Curling-irons, i.e. irons for use when hot; Accessories therefor
- A45D1/28—Curling-tongs, i.e. tongs for use when hot; Curling-irons, i.e. irons for use when hot; Accessories therefor with means for controlling or indicating the temperature
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A45—HAND OR TRAVELLING ARTICLES
- A45D—HAIRDRESSING OR SHAVING EQUIPMENT; EQUIPMENT FOR COSMETICS OR COSMETIC TREATMENTS, e.g. FOR MANICURING OR PEDICURING
- A45D1/00—Curling-tongs, i.e. tongs for use when hot; Curling-irons, i.e. irons for use when hot; Accessories therefor
- A45D1/06—Curling-tongs, i.e. tongs for use when hot; Curling-irons, i.e. irons for use when hot; Accessories therefor with two or more jaws
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A45—HAND OR TRAVELLING ARTICLES
- A45D—HAIRDRESSING OR SHAVING EQUIPMENT; EQUIPMENT FOR COSMETICS OR COSMETIC TREATMENTS, e.g. FOR MANICURING OR PEDICURING
- A45D20/00—Hair drying devices; Accessories therefor
- A45D20/04—Hot-air producers
- A45D20/08—Hot-air producers heated electrically
- A45D20/10—Hand-held drying devices, e.g. air douches
- A45D20/12—Details thereof or accessories therefor, e.g. nozzles, stands
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A45—HAND OR TRAVELLING ARTICLES
- A45D—HAIRDRESSING OR SHAVING EQUIPMENT; EQUIPMENT FOR COSMETICS OR COSMETIC TREATMENTS, e.g. FOR MANICURING OR PEDICURING
- A45D7/00—Processes of waving, straightening or curling hair
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A45—HAND OR TRAVELLING ARTICLES
- A45D—HAIRDRESSING OR SHAVING EQUIPMENT; EQUIPMENT FOR COSMETICS OR COSMETIC TREATMENTS, e.g. FOR MANICURING OR PEDICURING
- A45D2200/00—Details not otherwise provided for in A45D
- A45D2200/20—Additional enhancing means
- A45D2200/207—Vibration, e.g. ultrasound
Definitions
- the invention relates to an ultrasound hair care device and method for drying and styling hair.
- hair styling as used herein is intended to encompass all actions such as hair crimping, curling, perming and straightening.
- US 2012/0291797 discloses a hair styling apparatus that includes a hair-heating device for applying heat to hair.
- the hair-heating device has a moisture-temperature setting and a dry-temperature setting less than moisture-temperature setting.
- a moisture sensor detects a moisture-indicating parameter of the hair, and generates a moisture-indicating signal indicative of whether the hair is at or below a predetem 1 ined moisture threshold level.
- a control circuit adjusts the temperature of the hair-heating device from the moisture-temperature setting to the dry-temperature setting in response to the moisture sensor generating a moisture indicating signal indicative of the hair being at or below the predetermined moisture threshold level.
- the hair-heating device is active in the dry-temperature setting.
- US 2006/0272669 discloses hair styling appliances that utilize ultrasonic vibration for hair styling, and mentions that it is possible to atomize moisture inside hair to evaporate the moisture by ultrasonic vibration, even under room temperature. It is thus not necessary to use an extremely high temperature (e.g., 130° C.) in order to evaporate moisture inside hair, which high temperature causes denaturation of protein and scald.
- an extremely high temperature e.g. 130° C.
- the present invention is based on the new insight that nebulizing (the water for drying the hair) and styling with optimized but distinctively different ultrasound frequencies have significant benefits over using a single frequency range for both styling and drying with ultrasound. Moreover, styling can only be done in an optimal way when the hairs are dry. Drying the hairs before styling makes the styling to be performed at higher temperature which results in better retention of style and quicker styling so hairs will be exposed to high temperature for shorter periods of time. Both conventional and surface acoustic wave based ultrasound nebulization elements can be implemented in the haircare device.
- a first aspect of the invention provides an ultrasound hair care device for drying and styling hair.
- An ultrasound unit applies ultrasound to the hair.
- a hair moisture measurement unit measures a moisture level of the hair.
- a control unit controls the ultrasound unit based on the moisture level.
- ultrasound is applied to the hair at a first frequency not exceeding 1 MHz for drying the hair, and/or at a second frequency of at least 1 MHz for styling the hair in dependence on the moisture level.
- the first frequency does not exceed 0.5 MHz, and preferably does not exceed 0.4 MHz.
- the second frequency is advantageously at least 5 MHz, and preferably between 6.4 MHz and 500 MHz.
- An ultrasound intensity is advantageously at least 1 W/cm 2 , and preferably does not exceed 10 W/cm 2 .
- the control unit may comprise a look-up-table for switching the ultrasound unit to operate at the first frequency and/or at the second frequency in dependence on the moisture level.
- a second aspect of the invention provides a hair care method of drying and styling hair, the hair care method comprising measuring a hair moisture level; and applying ultrasound to the hair at a first frequency not exceeding 1 MHz for drying the hair and/or at a second frequency of at least 1 MHz for styling the hair in dependence of the hair moisture level.
- ultrasound is applied during a period not exceeding 2 minutes, and preferably not exceeding 1 minute.
- FIG. 1 shows a first embodiment of an ultrasound hair care device for drying and styling hair in accordance with the present invention.
- FIG. 2 schematically represents how the ultrasound frequencies for drying and styling can be applied over time.
- FIG. 3 illustrates ultrasound threshold intensities of the three identified main mechanisms involved in hair drying and styling as a function of ultrasound intensity.
- FIG. 4 shows a second embodiment of an ultrasound hair care device for drying and styling hair in accordance with the present invention.
- FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of an ultrasound hair care device 10 for drying hair and styling of hair.
- a first ultrasound generator 12 generates ultrasound at a frequency between 20 kHz to 0.4 MHz.
- a second ultrasound generator 14 generates ultrasound at a frequency between 6.4 MHz to 500 MHz.
- a first ultrasound transducer 16 in electrical communication with the first ultrasound generator 12 applies ultrasound to the water in hair lock 20 for nebulizing the water in hair lock as to dry hair.
- a second ultrasound transducer 18 in electrical communication with the second ultrasound generator 14 applies ultrasound to the hair lock 20 to style the hair.
- a hair moisture measurement unit 22 measures the moisture level of the hair lock 20 .
- a control unit 24 controls a level of energy of the first ultrasound generator 12 and the second ultrasound generator 14 based on the measured hair moisture level as to provide optimum drying and styling to the hair.
- Nebulization by means of ultrasound can be achieved within a frequency range of 20 kHz-1 MHz. To prevent cavitation, a frequency range of 20 kHz-0.4 MHz is preferably selected. Styling by means of ultrasound can be achieved within a frequency range of 1 MHz-500 MHz. To prevent cavitation, a frequency range of 6.4 MHz-500 MHz could be selected. Finally, moisture sensing by means of ultrasound can be achieved within a frequency range of 100 kHz to 1 MHz. The preferred range of intensity of an effective ultrasound-based hair styling device is between 1 W/cm 2 and 10 W/cm 2 measured at the transducer-hair interface.
- FIG. 2 schematically represents how the ultrasound frequencies for drying D and styling S can be applied over time.
- initially relatively much ultrasound energy is applied at the ultrasound frequency for drying D, and relatively little ultrasound energy is applied at the ultrasound frequency for styling S.
- the amount of ultrasound energy applied at the ultrasound frequency for drying D becomes smaller, and the amount of ultrasound energy applied at the ultrasound frequency for styling S becomes larger.
- Cavitation+heat; cavitation can decrease the power needed for styling with heat only
- Non-thermal i.e. mechanical vibrations
- experiments have shown ultrasound as a means to break hydrogen bonds without using heat. Not using heat is a big advantage in order to avoid overheating during styling.
- ultrasound styling and drying can be accomplished with different as well as overlapping frequency ranges.
- An average power limit of 10 W/cm 2 and application time was set to max 60 s to maintain practical relevance.
- FIG. 3 illustrates ultrasound threshold intensities of the three identified main mechanisms involved in hair drying and styling as a function of ultrasound intensity.
- the horizontal axis indicates frequencies in MHz, and the vertical axis indicates the threshold intensity in W/cm 2 .
- Curve A shows the threshold for styling through ultrasound heating (assuming all power is absorbed by hairs, 60 s).
- Curve B shows the threshold for styling through ultrasound heating (60% relative humidity, matched to experiments, 60 s).
- Curve C shows the threshold for nebulization (typical water film thickness), and curves C 1 -C 2 show thresholds for nebulization (limits for 2-10 ⁇ m water film thickness).
- Curve D shows the threshold for cavitation.
- Region 1 is a preferred region for ultrasound based styling (heating+cavitation).
- Region 2 is a preferred region for ultrasound based drying (nebulization).
- Region 3 is a preferred region for ultrasound based styling & drying.
- Region 4 is a preferred region for ultrasound based styling (heating).
- cavitation For cavitation to take place at least a thin film of liquid has to be present on the hairs.
- cavitation can play a role to enhance the drying process.
- Styling should preferably only take place once the hair has fully dried to prevent cavitation from happening.
- cavitation can damage the hair structure.
- two non-overlapping frequencies are preferred for several reasons:
- a combined ultrasound styling & drying effect requires a very narrow frequency range and a setup with little losses (Region 3 ).
- the threshold for styling through ultrasound heating will lie somewhere between the threshold as predicted by 100% absorption of ultrasound power in hairs (Curve A) and less efficient absorption of ultrasound power in hairs as found in experiments (Curve B), thus significantly shrinking the preferred region for ultrasound based styling & drying (Region 3 ).
- Variation in moisture content, relative humidity, hair density, hair diameter, volume etc. will all influence the preferred region for ultrasound based styling and drying, making it very hard to predict the right settings let alone to predetermine said parameters to fall in a viable frequency range for styling and drying. Therefore, in practice the preferred regions for styling (Region 2 ) or drying (Region 4 ) are better defined and more robust than the preferred region for styling and drying (Region 3 ).
- FIG. 4 shows a second embodiment of an ultrasound hair care device for drying and styling hair in accordance with the present invention.
- the main features of the ultrasound hair drying system of FIG. 4 include an ultrasound generator 100 , an ultrasound amplifier 101 , three ultrasound transducers 102 A, 102 B, 102 C (one for styling, one for drying, one for moisture sensing), a droplet handler 105 , water film and droplets 103 , 103 A, a control system 106 , a user interface 107 , and a thermal detector 108 to prevent overheating.
- the ultrasound generator 100 generates fixed or variable low-voltage ultrasound pulses, with frequency, voltage and pulse duration controlled by the control system 106 depending on treatment settings selected through the user interface 107 and the moisture content of the hairs detected by the ultrasound receiver 102 C. This will enable atomization of liquid ( 103 A, 103 B) from the hair surface 104 . The resulting droplets will be removed or extracted by the droplet handler 105 , which could be a simple air blower/extractor or something more complex.
- the hair care device can then be made to be safe for use if it is carefully designed such that:
- the transducer does not touch the skin/scalp
- a material with low acoustic impedance e.g. air
- a material with low acoustic impedance e.g. air
- the transducer does not emit ultrasound.
- Piezoelectric crystals are used to produce ultrasound (>20 kHz).
- Non-piezoelectric techniques like Capacitance Micro-machined Ultrasonic Transducers (CMUT) can be used for higher frequencies (typically up to ⁇ 100 MHz) and can be used with this invention. These techniques use relatively small transducers and are cheaper, thereby making it attractive for both home use and semi-professional hair care applications.
- CMUT Capacitance Micro-machined Ultrasonic Transducers
- CMUT transducers are used, a single ultrasound transducer may be used for both ultrasound frequencies. It is possible to have a hard switch between the different ultrasound frequencies in that below a certain moisture level the first frequency is produced while above that moisture level the second frequency is produced. It is alternatively possible to have a soft switch allowing for a gradual reduction of the intensity of the ultrasound produced at the first frequency, and a gradual increase of the intensity of the ultrasound produced at the second frequency, as a result of a decreasing moisture level of the hair. In such a soft switching embodiment, a look-up table is preferably used in the control unit for determining the intensities of the ultrasound produced at the first and second frequencies in dependence of the moisture level.
- any reference signs placed between parentheses shall not be construed as limiting the claim.
- the word “comprising” does not exclude the presence of elements or steps other than those listed in a claim.
- the word “a” or “an” preceding an element does not exclude the presence of a plurality of such elements.
- the invention may be implemented by means of hardware comprising several distinct elements, and/or by means of a suitably programmed processor. 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 cannot be used to advantage.
Landscapes
- Cleaning And Drying Hair (AREA)
- Cosmetics (AREA)
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
EP16156168.3 | 2016-02-17 | ||
EP16156168.3A EP3207817A1 (en) | 2016-02-17 | 2016-02-17 | Ultrasound hair drying and styling |
PCT/EP2017/053461 WO2017140757A1 (en) | 2016-02-17 | 2017-02-16 | Ultrasound hair drying and styling |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20210204667A1 true US20210204667A1 (en) | 2021-07-08 |
Family
ID=55405168
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US15/999,589 Abandoned US20210204667A1 (en) | 2016-02-17 | 2017-02-16 | Ultrasound hair drying and styling |
Country Status (6)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20210204667A1 (pl) |
EP (2) | EP3207817A1 (pl) |
CN (1) | CN108697217B (pl) |
ES (1) | ES2792081T3 (pl) |
PL (1) | PL3416521T3 (pl) |
WO (1) | WO2017140757A1 (pl) |
Families Citing this family (26)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
GB2513884B (en) | 2013-05-08 | 2015-06-17 | Univ Bristol | Method and apparatus for producing an acoustic field |
US9612658B2 (en) | 2014-01-07 | 2017-04-04 | Ultrahaptics Ip Ltd | Method and apparatus for providing tactile sensations |
GB2530036A (en) | 2014-09-09 | 2016-03-16 | Ultrahaptics Ltd | Method and apparatus for modulating haptic feedback |
US10101811B2 (en) | 2015-02-20 | 2018-10-16 | Ultrahaptics Ip Ltd. | Algorithm improvements in a haptic system |
CA2976312C (en) | 2015-02-20 | 2023-06-13 | Ultrahaptics Ip Limited | Perceptions in a haptic system |
US10818162B2 (en) | 2015-07-16 | 2020-10-27 | Ultrahaptics Ip Ltd | Calibration techniques in haptic systems |
US11189140B2 (en) | 2016-01-05 | 2021-11-30 | Ultrahaptics Ip Ltd | Calibration and detection techniques in haptic systems |
US10268275B2 (en) | 2016-08-03 | 2019-04-23 | Ultrahaptics Ip Ltd | Three-dimensional perceptions in haptic systems |
US10943578B2 (en) | 2016-12-13 | 2021-03-09 | Ultrahaptics Ip Ltd | Driving techniques for phased-array systems |
US11531395B2 (en) | 2017-11-26 | 2022-12-20 | Ultrahaptics Ip Ltd | Haptic effects from focused acoustic fields |
EP3729417A1 (en) | 2017-12-22 | 2020-10-28 | Ultrahaptics Ip Ltd | Tracking in haptic systems |
EP3729418A1 (en) | 2017-12-22 | 2020-10-28 | Ultrahaptics Ip Ltd | Minimizing unwanted responses in haptic systems |
SG11202010752VA (en) | 2018-05-02 | 2020-11-27 | Ultrahaptics Ip Ltd | Blocking plate structure for improved acoustic transmission efficiency |
US11098951B2 (en) * | 2018-09-09 | 2021-08-24 | Ultrahaptics Ip Ltd | Ultrasonic-assisted liquid manipulation |
US11378997B2 (en) | 2018-10-12 | 2022-07-05 | Ultrahaptics Ip Ltd | Variable phase and frequency pulse-width modulation technique |
EP3643196A1 (en) * | 2018-10-25 | 2020-04-29 | Koninklijke Philips N.V. | Hair styling using dielectric heating |
EP3906462A2 (en) | 2019-01-04 | 2021-11-10 | Ultrahaptics IP Ltd | Mid-air haptic textures |
US11842517B2 (en) | 2019-04-12 | 2023-12-12 | Ultrahaptics Ip Ltd | Using iterative 3D-model fitting for domain adaptation of a hand-pose-estimation neural network |
US11553295B2 (en) | 2019-10-13 | 2023-01-10 | Ultraleap Limited | Dynamic capping with virtual microphones |
US11374586B2 (en) | 2019-10-13 | 2022-06-28 | Ultraleap Limited | Reducing harmonic distortion by dithering |
US11169610B2 (en) | 2019-11-08 | 2021-11-09 | Ultraleap Limited | Tracking techniques in haptic systems |
US11715453B2 (en) | 2019-12-25 | 2023-08-01 | Ultraleap Limited | Acoustic transducer structures |
US11816267B2 (en) | 2020-06-23 | 2023-11-14 | Ultraleap Limited | Features of airborne ultrasonic fields |
EP3935993A1 (en) | 2020-07-07 | 2022-01-12 | Koninklijke Philips N.V. | Hair dryer |
WO2022058738A1 (en) | 2020-09-17 | 2022-03-24 | Ultraleap Limited | Ultrahapticons |
CN112325570A (zh) * | 2020-11-02 | 2021-02-05 | 中国兵器科学研究院宁波分院 | 一种基于压电晶片的夹板式超声干燥装置及其干燥方法 |
Family Cites Families (8)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
ES2014803A6 (es) * | 1989-07-17 | 1990-07-16 | Sinetics Sa | Secador por ultrasonidos. |
EP0928575B1 (en) * | 1997-06-30 | 2005-05-11 | Matsushita Electric Works, Ltd. | Ultrasonic hair curling device |
JP2006334109A (ja) * | 2005-06-01 | 2006-12-14 | Matsushita Electric Works Ltd | ヘアセット装置 |
JP2006334110A (ja) * | 2005-06-01 | 2006-12-14 | Matsushita Electric Works Ltd | 超音波毛髪処理装置 |
JP4944839B2 (ja) * | 2008-06-09 | 2012-06-06 | パナソニック株式会社 | ヘアセット装置 |
US9138038B2 (en) | 2011-05-20 | 2015-09-22 | Spectrum Brands, Inc. | Hair styling apparatus having hair-protection function |
KR20140058494A (ko) | 2011-06-13 | 2014-05-14 | 쿨웨이 인코포레이티드 | 동적이고 최적인 모발 스타일링 온도 제어를 위한 모발 관리 도구 및 방법 |
WO2015133993A1 (en) * | 2014-03-03 | 2015-09-11 | Empire Technology Development Llc | Hair moisture measuring device, and methods of making and using the device |
-
2016
- 2016-02-17 EP EP16156168.3A patent/EP3207817A1/en not_active Withdrawn
-
2017
- 2017-02-16 ES ES17704502T patent/ES2792081T3/es active Active
- 2017-02-16 WO PCT/EP2017/053461 patent/WO2017140757A1/en active Application Filing
- 2017-02-16 PL PL17704502T patent/PL3416521T3/pl unknown
- 2017-02-16 CN CN201780011865.XA patent/CN108697217B/zh active Active
- 2017-02-16 US US15/999,589 patent/US20210204667A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2017-02-16 EP EP17704502.8A patent/EP3416521B1/en active Active
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
CN108697217B (zh) | 2022-08-12 |
EP3416521B1 (en) | 2020-04-08 |
WO2017140757A1 (en) | 2017-08-24 |
ES2792081T3 (es) | 2020-11-10 |
CN108697217A (zh) | 2018-10-23 |
PL3416521T3 (pl) | 2020-11-02 |
EP3207817A1 (en) | 2017-08-23 |
EP3416521A1 (en) | 2018-12-26 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
EP3416521B1 (en) | Ultrasound hair drying and styling | |
RU2657167C1 (ru) | Устройство для ухода за волосами и способ увеличения усваивания волосами средства для местного применения | |
US20120310232A1 (en) | System and method for treating a tissue using multiple energy types | |
US20150032128A1 (en) | Ultrasonic skin treatment device with hair removal capability | |
US20090287205A1 (en) | Systems and methods for preventing tissue popping caused by bubble expansion during tissue ablation | |
WO2018192109A1 (zh) | 衣物护理机的控制方法、装置、衣物护理机及存储介质 | |
AU2015370686A1 (en) | Method and apparatus for manipulating the shape of hair | |
KR102038425B1 (ko) | 초음파 피부미용장치 | |
US20170072209A1 (en) | High-frequency thermotherapy device | |
KR102320038B1 (ko) | 가변음압 집속초음파를 이용한 생체조직 정밀 제거 장치 및 방법 | |
JP2018522657A (ja) | 育毛の促進 | |
KR102304110B1 (ko) | 초음파 피부 미용기기 | |
US20210236861A1 (en) | Portable ultrasonic stimulator | |
JP2024506493A (ja) | 生体組織を治療するためのデバイス | |
CN103537018A (zh) | 超声波美容仪 | |
JPH09262121A (ja) | ヘアセット装置 | |
CN107847026B (zh) | 超声毛发造型 | |
JP7066059B2 (ja) | 誘電加熱を利用したヘアスタイリング | |
CN117258129A (zh) | 促渗控制方法、促渗美容仪及存储介质 | |
CN106806120A (zh) | 一种眼部按摩仪 | |
JP2010004948A (ja) | 超音波美容器具 | |
CN111436736A (zh) | 超声波干发器 | |
TWM266062U (en) | Safe ultra wave energy machine | |
KR20150064598A (ko) | 초음파 심부 열 발생 장치 | |
KR20150064716A (ko) | 초음파 심부 열 발생 장치 |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
STPP | Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general |
Free format text: NON FINAL ACTION MAILED |
|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |