Patent Application
20210162209
This disclosure relates to an iontophoresis device, and more specifically to a lightweight iontophoresis device utilizing individually activated electrodes.
Various iontophoresis devices have been proposed to improve application of cosmetics or medical treatments with the use of electricity. For example, China Patent Application Number 200951261Y discloses a facial mask having a conductive net and an electrode patch. When a current of positive and negative ions is released, the positive and negative ions produced by the current are distributed on the conductive net layer of the ion facial mask and the effective components on the cosmetic facial mask are permeated and introduced into the skin by alternating running ions.
Another example is found in PCT Patent Application WO2016016015A1. Here, a support for a facial mask includes both an electrode and a counter separated from one another by an electrically insulating zone.
However, prior art iontophoresis devices are not able to be properly adjusted depending upon the specific skin areas to which they are being applied.
An iontophoresis device may comprise a flexible support layer, an electrode layer fixed to the support layer, the electrode layer comprising at least two electrically isolated electrodes, a return electrode separated from the electrode layer and the flexible support layer, and a control module detachably connected to the electrode layer and to the return electrode. The control module is configured to provide a variable current source or a variable voltage source only to a selected proper subset of the at least two electrically isolated electrodes while not providing the variable current source to other electrodes of the at least two electrically isolated electrodes. Each of the at least two electrically isolated electrodes terminates in at least one exposed electrically conductive application point. The flexible support layer may comprise a non-conductive material such as synthetic resin and/or a polymer and the electrode layer may be fixed to the support layer by glue or lamination.
These and other objectives of the present invention will no doubt become obvious to those of ordinary skill in the art after reading the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment that is illustrated in the various figures and drawings.
A lightweight iontophoresis device 10 for direct application of medical or cosmetic treatment to the skin is disclosed in
An example electrode layer 30 is better shown in
Each of the electrodes 40 is individually connected, via connector 60 and cable 61, to a control module 15. The control module 15 is further electrically connected, via cable 26, to a return electrode 25 attached to part of the body other than where the iontophoresis device 10 is placed. One purpose of the return electrode 25 is to complete an electrical circuit from the control module 15, to the designated application points 50 through the electrodes 40, then through the body to the return electrode 25, and back to the control module 15.
The control module 15 is configured to connect the electrodes 40 with a voltage or current source. Each electrode 40 may be individually connected or not connected to the electrical source to provide medical or cosmetic iontophoresis treatment only to selected portions of the face or body. For example, in
Regardless of where on the body the iontophoresis device 10 is placed, the total impedance of a circuit involving a single electrode 40 will be different from the impedance of a circuit involving a different single electrode 40. For example, due to many factors including skin moisture levels and distances between the application point 50 and the return electrode 25, the impedance of a circuit going through application point 50 marked in
If all electrodes 40 are turned on at the same time, the different impedances make it difficult to accurately control the electrical flow and some skin areas will receive more electricity than others resulting in an uneven treatment. Because the electrodes 40 in the iontophoresis device 10 are individually activated and controlled, the differences in impedances between electrodes 40 can be compensated, resulting in a more even treatment. Additionally, sometimes only a specific skin area requires treatment or a specific skin area requires treatment for a different length of time, which can be easily achieved by only turning on electrodes 40 affecting that specific skin area. In some embodiments, different levels of electricity can be applied to different areas as needed.
The circuit 116 that can be connected to the return electrode 25 via cable 26 may comprise a second variable current source 1165 serially coupled between ground and a first terminal of a third switch 1166. The second terminal of the third switch 1166 is connected to a node 1167, which connects to cable 26. The second terminal of the third switch 1166 also connects to a first terminal of a fourth switch 1168. The second terminal of the fourth switch 1168 couples to power.
In some embodiments, there will be at least one circuit 116 in the control unit 16 for each of the electrically isolated electrodes 40 so that each electrode 40 can be individually activated.
The circuit 117 that can be connected to the return electrode 25 via cable 26 may comprise a fourth variable current source 1175 serially coupled between power and a first terminal of a seventh switch 1176. The second terminal of the seventh switch 1176 is connected to a node 1177, which connects to cable 26. The second terminal of the seventh switch 1176 also connects to a first terminal of an eighth switch 1178. The second terminal of the eighth switch 1178 couples to ground.
In some embodiments of
The circuit 118 that can be connected to the return electrode 25 via cable 26 may comprise a second variable voltage source 1185 serially coupled between ground and a first terminal of an eleventh switch 1186. The second terminal of the eleventh switch 1186 is connected to a node 1187, which connects to cable 26. The second terminal of the eleventh switch 1186 also connects to a first terminal of a twelfth switch 1188. The second terminal of the twelfth switch 1878 couples to ground.
In some embodiments of
Circuit 119 may also or alternatively include the multiplexor 1192, which receives current or voltage from a selected electrode 40 and outputs the input to complete the circuit.
In all of the above embodiments, the control terminals of the switches and/or multiplexor device may be regulated manually or via a computer using the control module.
In summary, a lightweight iontophoresis device for direct application of medical or cosmetic treatment to the skin is proposed. The iontophoresis device may comprise an electrode layer having a plurality of individually selectable, electrically isolated conductive electrodes, each electrode comprising one or more branches having application points. A control module is configured to individually connect the electrodes with a voltage or current source to provide medical or cosmetic iontophoresis treatment only to selected portions of the face or body, providing a more effective iontophoresis treatment at least because it allows more flexibility in the current or voltage used when treating a specific area of skin. Additionally, because only selected areas of skin are treated at a particular time, a smaller current or voltage may be required resulting in a more pleasing experience for the recipient.
Those skilled in the art will readily observe that numerous modifications and alterations of the device and method may be made while retaining the teachings of the invention. Accordingly, the above disclosure should be construed as limited only by the metes and bounds of the appended claims.
