MICRODERMABRASION DEVICE WITH SKIN DOME MEASUREMENT TO ADJUST VACUUM SETTING

Abstract

The invention provides a microdermabrasion device (1) comprising a vacuum system (100) and a device tip (200), wherein the vacuum system (100) is in fluid communication with a channel inlet (120) at an inlet zone (1200) of the device tip (200), wherein the vacuum system (100) is configured to apply a vacuum to the inlet zone (1200), wherein the inlet zone (1200) further comprises an sensor (400) configured to measure a skin parameter of a part of a skin in the inlet zone (1200) and to provide a corresponding sensor signal, wherein the device tip (200) further comprises a microdermabrasion zone (1240) configured to abrade a part of said skin, and wherein the microdermabrasion device (1) further comprises a control unit (500) configured to control the vacuum as function of sensor signal information derived from the sensor signal and a predetermined relation between the sensor signal information and a vacuum setting.

Claims

1. A microdermabrasion device comprising a vacuum system and a device tip, wherein the vacuum system is in fluid communication with a channel inlet at an inlet zone of the device tip, wherein the vacuum system is configured to apply a vacuum to the inlet zone, wherein the inlet zone further comprises an sensor configured to measure a skin parameter of a part of a skin in the inlet zone and to provide a corresponding sensor signal, wherein the device tip further comprises a microdermabrasion zone configured to abrade a part of said skin, and wherein the microdermabrasion device further comprises a control unit configured to control the vacuum as function of sensor signal information derived from the sensor signal and a predetermined relation between the sensor signal information and a vacuum setting.

2. The microdermabrasion device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit is configured to determine from the sensor signal information of the type of skin and control the vacuum as function of the skin type.

3. The microdermabrasion device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit is configured to determine from the sensor signal information a body zone and control the vacuum as function of the body zone.

4. The microdermabrasion device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit is configured to maintain a constant protrusion of the skin into the inlet zone.

5. The microdermabrasion device according to claim 1, wherein the vacuum system comprises a pump and a bypass system with a controllable vacuum leakage, wherein the control unit is configured to control the vacuum applied to the inlet zone by controlling the controllable vacuum leakage.

6. The microdermabrasion device according to claim 1, further comprising a user interface configured to allow a user select a user input parameter related to a strength of the vacuum, and wherein the control unit is configured to control the vacuum as function of the user input parameter.

7. The microdermabrasion device according to claim 1, wherein the sensor is selected from the group consisting of an optical sensor and an electrical conductivity sensor.

8. The microdermabrasion device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit and the sensor are configured to apply an optical measurement including one or more from the group consisting of (i) chromatic aberration, (ii) triangulation, (iii) light transmission, and (iv) light reflection, and wherein the sensor is especially configured to measure one or more of protrusion depth of the skin in the inlet zone, the color of the skin, and the roughness of the skin.

9. The microdermabrasion device according to claim 1, further comprising a motion sensor, wherein the control unit is configured to determine from one or more sensor signal information derived from the sensor signal and motion sensor signal information derived from a motion sensor signal from the motion sensor one or more of a translation speed parameter and a translation direction parameter of the microdermabrasion device and control the vacuum as function of one or more of said translation speed parameter and said translation direction parameter.

10. The microdermabrasion device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit is configured to store one or more of (a) sensor signal information, and (b) treatment information, and wherein the control unit is further configured to execute one or more of (i) controlling the vacuum as function of one or more of said sensor signal information and treatment information, and (ii) providing on a display information retrieved from one or more of said sensor signal information and treatment information.

11. The microdermabrasion device according to claim 1, further comprising an abrading material system configured to provide in a gas flow abrading material to the microdermabrasion zone.

12. The microdermabrasion device according to claim 1, wherein the microdermabrasion zone comprises a microdermabrasion area comprising immobilized abrading material.

13. The microdermabrasion device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit is further configured to control the vacuum as function of one or more of a desired abrasion or effected abrasion.

14. The microdermabrasion device according to claim 1, wherein the channel inlet is surrounded by a channel rim, and wherein the device tip comprises a microdermabrasion area configured remote from the channel inlet with a recession configured between the microdermabrasion area and the channel rim, wherein the channel inlet is perimetrically surrounded by the channel rim, and wherein the microdermabrasion area perimetrically surrounds the channel rim, and having a vacuum area in the range of 10-400 mm.sup.2, and wherein the device is configured to provide a negative pressure in the range of 5-80 kPa.

15. A method for the controlled removal of at least part of the stratum corneum, the method comprising contacting the microdermabrasion device as defined in claim 1 with part of a skin and removing at least part of the stratum corneum while applying a vacuum to the to the inlet zone.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0046] Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings in which corresponding reference symbols indicate corresponding parts, and in which:

[0047] FIGS. 1a-1e schematically depict some aspects of the MDA device;

[0048] FIGS. 2a-2c schematically depict some measurements embodiments;

[0049] FIGS. 3a-3d schematically depict some possible embodiment of the bypass system; and

[0050] FIGS. 4a-4b schematically depict some aspects of the control of the device.

[0051] The schematic drawings are not necessarily on scale.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0052] FIG. 1a schematically depicts an embodiment of the microdermabrasion device 1 including optional variants that may be included or of which some may and others may not be included dependent upon the specific embodiment desired. FIG. 1a shows microdermabrasion device 1 comprising a vacuum system 100 and a device tip 200. Here, the vacuum system 100 comprises a channel 110 with a channel inlet 120 at an inlet zone 1200 of the device tip 200. The vacuum system 100 is configured to apply a vacuum to the inlet zone 1200. To this end, the vacuum system 100 also comprises a pump 105. The channel opening, may provide a vacuum area in the range of 10-400 mm.sup.2, such as at least 45 mm.sup.2, especially in the range of 45-400 mm.sup.2. Further, the inlet zone 1200 comprises a sensor 400 configured to measure a skin parameter of a part of a skin in the inlet zone 1200 and to provide a corresponding sensor signal. The skin is indicated as line with reference S, and is of course not a part of the microdermabrasion device 1. Here, by way of example four sensors are schematically depicted. These sensors may e.g. be optical sensors. These sensors may also be configured to measure e.g. electrical conductivity (of the skin), which changes when e.g. an electrode is in physical contact with the skin. Hence, the items indicated with reference 400 may e.g. also refer to sets of electrodes (e.g. indicated with reference 430) between which resistance or conductivity is measured, and wherein the device, 1, such as the control unit 500, may apply a potential difference between.

[0053] The device tip 200 further comprises a microdermabrasion zone 1240 configured to abradeduring usea part of said skin. Here, two variants are depicted which are in general not combined, but which are combined for the sake of economy in this drawing. Here, the microdermabrasion device 1 further comprises an abrading material system 300 configured to provide in a gas flow abrading material 241 (such as the above defined particles/particulate material) to the microdermabrasion zone 1240. To this end, the abrading material system 200 may comprise a channel 310 for providing the abrading material to the inlet zone, with outlet 320 in this inlet zone 1200. The particles hit the skin S and thereby abrade the skin S. However, here also the variant is depicted wherein the microdermabrasion zone 1240 comprises a microdermabrasion area 240 comprising immobilized abrading material 241. The microdermabrasion zone 1240 and the inlet zone 1200 may at least partially coincide.

[0054] Reference 510 indicates a user interface, configured to allow a user select a user input parameter related to a strength of the vacuum. The control unit 500 may be configured to control the vacuum as function of the user input parameter.

[0055] Further, the microdermabrasion device of FIG. 1a is depicted with a bypass system 600 with a controllable vacuum leakage (here including a valve). Reference 610 is a channel through which vacuum may leak (i.e. air may be introduced (from ambient) into the inlet zone 1200), see further also FIGS. 3a-3d. The control unit 500 may be configured to control the vacuum applied to the inlet zone by controlling the controllable vacuum leakage.

[0056] Reference 410 indicates an optional motion sensor. The control unit 500 may be configured to determine from one or more sensor signal information, derived from the sensor signal, and motion sensor signal information, derived from a motion sensor signal from the motion sensor 410, one or more of a translation speed parameter and a translation direction parameter of the microdermabrasion device 1 (during use) and control the vacuum as function of one or more of said translation speed parameter and said translation direction parameter.

[0057] FIG. 1b schematically depicts an embodiment of a microdermabrasion device 1. This device 1 comprises a vacuum system 100, with a pump 105 and a channel 110. Further, this device 1 comprises a device tip 200. Pump 105 can suck air into the channel 110. Channel 110 has a channel inlet 120 at the device tip 200. In other words, the device tip has a channel inlet 120 which is part of the channel 110 of the vacuum system 100. The device tip 200 further comprises a microdermabrasion zone 1240 with a microdermabrasion area 240.

[0058] Reference 111 indicates a (virtual) channel axis. The microdermabrasion area 240 may include abrasive structures (not depicted), which are known per se (see also above).

[0059] FIG. 1c schematically shows a top view of an embodiment of the microdermabrasion device. The distance from the (top of the) channel rim 220 to the channel axis 111 is indicated with d1, and the distance from the (top of the) abrasion zone 240 is indicated with d2, with d2>d1.

[0060] FIG. 1d schematically depicts a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the microdermabrasion device. Here, wherein the channel rim 220 has relative to the recession bottom 231 a channel rim height h1. Further, the microdermabrasion area 240 has relative to the recession bottom 231 a microdermabrasion area height h2. For instance, the channel rim height h1 and the microdermabrasion area height h2 have a height difference h3 in the range of 0-5 mm. Note that both the channel rim 220 (or gliding zone) and abrasion zone 240 in FIG. 1d are schematically depicted as having a curvature in a direction of the channel axis. Such curved surfaces may be comfortable when performing the microdermabrasion method. The top of the rim 220 is indicated with reference 221; the top of the abrasion zone is indicated with reference 241. The channel inlet 120 is (perimetrically) surrounded by a channel rim 220. This channel rim 220 may facilitate gliding of the device tip 200 over a skin (not shown). The microdermabrasion area is 240 configured remote from the channel inlet 120 with a recession 230 configured between the microdermabrasion area 240 and the channel rim 220.

[0061] The present invention is not limited to handheld devices but may also relate to split devices, i.e. for instance a device with a main part, especially for providing the vacuum, and a tube with an abrasive treatment part, that can be moved at least partly independent of the main part. The tube may be a flexible tube.

[0062] FIG. 1e schematically depicts, together with FIG. 1c, some possible variants of the channel rim 220 and abrasion zone 240, varying from circular zones (1c) to elliptical zones (1e), but also a circular channel rim but non-entirely (perimetrically) surrounding abrasion zone may be possible.

[0063] Referring to FIGS. 1c, 1d, and 1e, the microdermabrasion area 240 may in embodiments be fixed (stationary). In such embodiments, the microdermabrasion area 240 may not (be able to) move parallel or perpendicular to the channel axis 111. However, in other embodiments, the microdermabrasion area 240 may be able to vibrate or rotate. For instance, the microdermabrasion area 240 may vibrate in a direction (substantially) parallel to the channel axis. In embodiments, the height difference h3 may thus vary during use due to vibration. Other type of vibrations may also be possible. In embodiments, the microdermabrasion area 240 may also be able to rotate, e.g. around the channel axis 111. In embodiments, the height difference h3 may be adjustable by the user.

[0064] FIGS. 2a-2c schematically depict some measurement embodiments. FIG. 2a shows an embodiment wherein e.g. a triangulation measurement is used (diagonal measurement). Skin references S2 and S3 indicate the epidermis and dermis, respectively. Reference S4 indicates the skin dome, protruding into the inlet zone 1200 due to the vacuum (indicated with the vertical arrow). References 520 and 401 indicate a light source and an optical sensor, respectively. The light source generates light beam 521 in the direction of the skin. Light reflected by the skin, indicated with reference 522, is measured by the optical sensor 401. FIG. 2a in principle thus also shows a setup for measuring one or more emission of the skin and reflectivity of the skin. Note that the light source 520 may be considered part of the sensor 400, as the light source 520 and optical sensor 401 are together configured as sensor 400, which is here used for e.g. a triangulation measurement.

[0065] FIG. 2b schematically depicts substantially the same embodiment as schematically depicted in FIG. 2a, but now with some further elements, including the vacuum system 100 and the bypass system 600. The control unit 500 may be used to control the bypass system 600 and vacuum system 100, as indicated by the dashed arrows. Further, the control unit 500 may display information on a display 530. Hence, in an embodiment of the invention comprises a microdermabrasion treatment tip to generate an underpressure on the skin. The underpressure will create a skin dome in the treatment tip by sealing off the skin at the edges of the treatment tip. A light source will be positioned at an angle of the skin dome and its light beam will be directed to the top of the skin dome and reflected to a light collector. For this purpose the treatment tip will be transparent to the wavelength. The angularity of the light reflected in the collector will determine the height of the skin dome. The information on skin dome height or related optimal vacuum setting can be displayed on the device housing or can be used to tune the underpressure level; either by tuning the vacuum pump or by changing a controlled leakage. The light source and collector could also be nested in the treatment tip.

[0066] FIG. 2c schematically depicts an embodiment wherein transmission is used. Hence, the sensor 400 here comprises a sensor configured to measure transmission (using a light source 520 and an optical sensor 401). This is a relative simple option, especially directed to measuring the skin dome height or skin protrusion factor. Of course, this method may be combined with other optical measurements, such as described above.

[0067] The invention may use amongst others the measurement of the skin dome height to provide feedback on the optimal underpressure setting and to use this feedback for automatic or manual underpressure selection. A high underpressure will result in a larger skin dome, thus more intense treatment effect and vice versa. This invention may lead to a controllable skin dome height independent from the mechanical properties of the skin leading to a controllable mechanical massage force and even abrasion of the skin.

[0068] For measurement of the skin dome height known measurement systems can be implemented in the treatment device or tip like chromatic aberration (vertical measurement), triangulation (diagonal measurement), light transmission (horizontal measurement), etc.

[0069] Measurement values may be checked by software against the skin dome height calibration constant for the selected setting. If the actual skin dome height deviates more than a predefined percentage the underpressure may be changed in one or both of the following ways: (a) tuning the vacuum pump motor, and (b) controlling the amount of air leakage from the closed vacuum system.

[0070] In an embodiment, a measurement mode is selected resulting in a single static (single position) or multiple static measurements. A numerical score or light color indicates the skin dome height and user is instructed to manually select the corresponding underpressure setting from an instruction. Especially, at least the underpressure is automatically selected based on the measurement(s) outcome.

[0071] The measurement may be done in parallel to the treatment in a continuous mode resulting in a facial map of skin dome heights and a resulting ideal setting or multiple settings for different body areas. Further, the measurement is done in parallel to the treatment in a continuous mode and underpressure setting is continuously adjusted to the measured skin dome height. The measurement of the (initial) skin dome can be saved into the device and displayed such to show progress of several skin properties related to the skin dome (e.g. elasticity) to indicate to the user improvements.

[0072] Further, the device could furthermore be equipped with a motion sensor to distinguish between a continuous and spot measurement of the skin dome. It could be set such that when the device is not moved during the treatment (located at turning points) the pressure will be released so the consumer can easily release the system from the skin (current problem indicated by consumers).

[0073] In an exemplary method embodiment, the following steps may be executed:

Step 1: user selects treatment setting (e.g. high, medium, low).
Step 2: device is placed onto skin treatment area.
Step 3: device is turned on, and measures at one or multiple fixed underpressure settings the skin dome height
Step 4: based on selected treatment setting (e.g. high, medium, low) the right level of underpressure is applied into the device for the rest of the treatment.

[0074] In another exemplary method embodiment, the following steps may be executed:

Step 1: User selects treatment setting (e.g. high, medium, low).
Step 2: Device is placed onto skin treatment area.
Step 3: Device is turned on, during the movement of the device the skin dome is kept at the same level as selected by the treatment level to obtain a uniform skin treatment.

[0075] FIGS. 3a-3d schematically depicts several variants of the bypass system. The figures show different embodiments that provides a tuned level of underpressure at skin. Option A shows a single or double valve (rotating) to control the vacuum leakage. Option B shows a non-symmetrical rotating element to control the vacuum leakage. Option C shows a valve to control vacuum leakage. Such valve may e.g. a mechanical valve, a magnetic valve, a pressure controlled valve (pneumatically controlled), etc. Option D shows a rotating disk with holes, which hole may vary in dimensions and/or the wheel rotation speed may be varied. Vacuum leaks to ambient as air may be sucked into the vacuum system (via the bypass system), as shown with the horizontal arrow.

[0076] FIG. 4a schematically depict some information/data stream. The sensor signal P1 and optionally a motion signal P2 are received by the control unit 500. Also information P3 provided by a user interface may be collected by the control unit 500. This information is processed into instructions to with respect to the vacuum O2 based on predefined setting, which may be stored in the memory M (or optionally a remote memory). Further, optionally information may be displayed O1 on a display. When an abrading material system O3 (see also ref 300 in FIG. 1a) is available, also this system may be controlled. Reference P refers to a processor.

[0077] Note that substantially all aspects that may influence the vacuum settings may also influence the abrading material system settings, if such system is available.

[0078] FIG. 4b shows that sensor signal P1 may be directly stored in the memory, but may also be first processed, to provide data on a higher level (meta data), and then be stored in the memory. Here the memory may be a temporary or permanent memory. The data may be sensor signal data, whereas the information stores may be these raw data or processed data, such as type of skin, flexibility of the skin, etc.

[0079] During use of the device, the device, more especially the vacuum system, especially applies a vacuum to the inlet zone. Hence, especially the device, more especially the vacuum system, is especially adapted to apply a vacuum to the inlet zo

[0080] During use of the device, the device, more especially the sensor especially measures a skin parameter of a part of the skin in the inlet zone, and provides a corresponding sensor signal. Hence, especially the device, more especially the sensor, is especially adapted to measure a skin parameter of a part of the skin in the inlet zone, and to provide a corresponding sensor signal.

[0081] During use of the device, the microdermabrasion zone moves, due to the manual movement of the device (by the user of the device) over the skin and/or due to the device rotating and/or vibrating such microdermabrasion zone, and the device thereby abrades a part of the skin. Hence, especially the device is adapted to abrade a part of said skin (due to said movement).

[0082] During use of the device, the device, more especially the control unit controls the vacuum as function of sensor signal information derived from the sensor signal and a predetermined relation between the sensor signal information and a vacuum setting (for the vacuum system (including the optional bypass system)). During use, the control unit may process (with a processor) the sensor signal into the sensor signal information. Hence, especially the device, more especially the control unit, is especially adapted to control the vacuum as function of sensor signal information derived from the sensor signal and a predetermined relation between the sensor signal information and a vacuum setting. Yet further, especially the device, more especially the control unit, is especially adapted to process (with a processor) the sensor signal into the sensor signal information.

[0083] The terms upstream and downstream relate to an arrangement of items or features relative to the propagation of the fluid, with in general upstream being at a higher pressure and downstream being at a lower pressure.

[0084] The term substantially herein, such as in substantially consists, will be understood by the person skilled in the art. The term substantially may also include embodiments with entirely, completely, all, etc. Hence, in embodiments the adjective substantially may also be removed. Where applicable, the term substantially may also relate to 90% or higher, such as 95% or higher, especially 99% or higher, even more especially 99.5% or higher, including 100%. The term comprise includes also embodiments wherein the term comprises means consists of. The term and/or especially the relates to one or more of the items mentioned before and after and/or. For instance, a phrase item 1 and/or item 2 and similar phrases may relate to one or more of item 1 and item 2. The term comprising may in an embodiment refer to consisting of but may in another embodiment also refer to containing at least the defined species and optionally one or more other species.

Furthermore, the terms first, second, third and the like in the description and in the claims, are used for distinguishing between similar elements and not necessarily for describing a sequential or chronological order. It is to be understood that the terms so used are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances and that the embodiments of the invention described herein are capable of operation in other sequences than described or illustrated herein.

[0085] The devices herein are amongst others described during operation. As will be clear to the person skilled in the art, the invention is not limited to methods of operation or devices in operation.

[0086] It should be noted that the above-mentioned embodiments illustrate rather than limit the invention, and that those skilled in the art will be able to design many alternative embodiments without departing from the scope of the appended claims. In the claims, any reference signs placed between parentheses shall not be construed as limiting the claim. Use of the verb to comprise and its conjugations does not exclude the presence of elements or steps other than those stated in a claim. The article 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 by means of a suitably programmed computer. 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.

[0087] The invention further applies to a device comprising one or more of the characterizing features described in the description and/or shown in the attached drawings. The invention further pertains to a method or process comprising one or more of the characterizing features described in the description and/or shown in the attached drawings.

[0088] The various aspects discussed in this patent can be combined in order to provide additional advantages. Further, the person skilled in the art will understand that embodiments can be combined, and that also more than two embodiments can be combined. Furthermore, some of the features can form the basis for one or more divisional applications.