WO2023281303A1

WO2023281303A1 - A hot plasma generator that uses a process controller method for output energy and spot size/depth to treat dermal complications irrespective of operator's skills

Info

Publication number: WO2023281303A1
Application number: PCT/IB2021/056383
Authority: WO
Inventors: Mahdi FADAVI JAHROMI; Hassan FADAVI JAHROMI
Original assignee: Tahjiz Electronic Exon
Priority date: 2021-07-05
Filing date: 2021-07-15
Publication date: 2023-01-12

Abstract

This invention is a hot plasma generator that controls the plasma energy levels based on a predetermined value to be delivered to skin which eliminates the need for highly skilled operators. The operator is only required to select the geometric area on the skin, power, and energy level, then the device will automatically calculate the appropriate settings. This device uses the virtual ground technique for plasma arc initiation. By bringing the electrode close to skin, the arc will form, and the energy measurement system will start working, and after delivering the predetermined energy amount, control system will shut down the plasma arc immediately.

Description

Title of Invention : A HOT PLASMA GENERATOR THAT USES A PROCESS CONTROLLER METHOD FOR OUTPUT ENERGY AND SPOT SIZE/DEPTH TO TREAT DERMAL COMPLICATIONS IRRESPECTIVE OF OPERATOR'S

SKILLS

Technical Field

[0001] The technical field of this invention related to the devices which generate hot plasma to remove/repair dermal complications.

Background Art

[0002] Plasma generator for living skin filed in PCT WO/2019/035515 which is related to a plasma generator for living skin. Abovementioned invention is a hot plasma generator with two electrodes which ionizes the air around the electrodes and directs it toward the skin. There is no energy level monitoring system attached to the device, hence, the ionized hot air in directed toward the skin uncontrolled. In this device, there is no need for constant gas feed, as it uses the air to generate plasma.

[0003] The invention proposed here, also does not require constant gas feed for plasma generation and in this aspect is similar to the abovementioned patent. However, our proposed invention uses a technique called “Virtual Ground” and only uses one “Rod” to generate plasma. Our device has a control loop to adjust the plasma energy level which makes the optimal application of the device operator independent.

Technical Problem

[0004] Plasma generator devices that are currently used in the market for dermal complication treatment, are highly reliant on the skill of the operator to apply appropriate energy output to achieve optimal performance. This approach forces the operators to practice more and learn through trial and error to get the best combination of parameters for optimal results, which is time consuming and costly. Moreover, any mistake by the operator may cause certain damages to the skin of the patient sometimes in sensitive areas such as around the eyes. These occasional mistakes will increase the risks of using such hot plasma generators both for operators and patients.

[0005] In the proposed invention presented here, the plasma generator will have a fixed energy output and will deliver same amount of energy to the respective area no matter irrespective of skill level and experience of the operator. Using this innovation, operator will only choose the amount of energy required on the screen to treat the patient, and the hot plasma generator will deliver that energy through hot plasma to the designated area. This will dramatically reduce the risk of using such devices and create a safer and more pleasant experience for the patients.

Solution to Problem

[0006] This invention is a hot plasma generator that controls the plasma energy levels based on a predetermined value to be delivered to skin which eliminates the need for highly skilled operators. The operator is only required to select the geometric area on the skin, power, and energy level, then the device will automatically calculate the appropriate settings.

[0007] This device uses the virtual ground technique for plasma arc initiation. By bringing the electrode close to skin, the arc will form, and the energy measurement system will start working, and after delivering the predetermined energy amount, control system will shut down the plasma arc immediately.

[0008] The ability to automatically deliver fixed energy pockets through plasma arc, combined with accurate energy measurement system gives the operator the freedom to create precise and similar spot sizes across skin surface. The power control and measurement are done using an analog system at 150 kHz. Because of the high-power density and fast nature of plasma arc generation, using an analog system is challenging. Due to the intense electrical field created by electrical discharge around the plasma, the performance of analog system could be compromised.

[0009] In order to prevent the analog measurement system from accidental shut down, we devised few solutions. The first one is the use of switching converters that work in high frequencies and enables the use of transformers to isolate the analog circuit from that of plasma arc. Moreover, circuit board are specifically designed to be resistant against electrical fields.

[0010] The use of virtual ground technique makes the plasma arc power measurement even more challenging. The measurement and control of the plasma arc power by itself is an innovative task and could have broader implications and applications. In our device, this control system allows for controlled transfer of plasma energy to skin for better treatment.

[0011] What makes this invention unique is its plasma energy/power control and delivering system which allows the operators to simply select the spot location and size, and the device will do the rest automatically.

Advantageous Effects of Invention

[0012] 1. It allows for skin treatment (medical or beauty) without the need for extensive trainings of operators

[0013] 2. It allows for adjusting the power and energy of each shot

[0014] 3. It dramatically reduces the human error factor in causing incidents

[0015] 4. It has a user-friendly Ul

[0016] 5. It provides geometric control of the target area

[0017] 6. It performs the automatic termination of plasma arc after each dot without any input from operator

Brief Description of Drawings

[0018] Fig 1 : Schematic of the device hand piece and its stand

[0019] Fig 2: Device applicator parts [0020] Fig 3: Charger and parts of stand [0021] Fig 4: Block diagram of charger board [0022] Fig 5: Block diagram of power board [0023] Fig 6: Block diagram of signal board [0024] Fig 7: User interface process diagram Description of Embodiments [0025] This device is composed two main parts. The applicator (1) and the stand (2), either which has its own parts and defined tasks. On the applicator, there is a frame (101) which embodies the user interface/setting’s touchscreen (102). The touchscreen is installed on the signal board (103). The battery (104) which is connected to the power board (105), is located under the signal board. The frame under the applicator (106) works as housing for all the parts. The needle and its holder cap (107) which is connected to the board signal through an internal pin (108) are located in front of the device. The micro-switch activator (109) is too located in front of the device which operator uses to initiate the plasma arc.

[0026] On the device stand, there is an upper silicon housing (201) which has the power key, applicator’s battery charge level indicator (202), and power and USB inputs (203). The middle silicon housing (204) is where the applicator sits and together, they are installed on the upper chassis (205) of the stand. There is a cover (206) between the upper and lower chassis (211). The silicon seat is fixed on its place using a holding plate (207). The charging power supply (208) and its board (209) are located under the holding plate. All these parts are located on a second holding plate (210).

[0027] All components of these two parts are mounted on the lower chassis (211 ) which has four short legs (212) underneath.

[0028] In figure 4, the block diagram of the charger is presented. It contains two inputs for power and data. There is an USB power output to charge the applicator. The USB output provides electricity to charge the applicator’s battery and to display the battery charge level on the applicator’s stand.

[0029] Charger board is related to the power board and signal board. Charger board converts the 220 V power input to 5 V required for the system to work. This power conversion is done by SMPS block to supply power to controller and USB socket. The controller monitors the battery level and controls the battery indicator display. Battery charge level is determined through the data input/output block. The data input/output block is connected to the board signal through a cable.

[0030] In figure 5, the block diagram of power board is presented. Input of this power supply board come from charger board, and power supply outputs include LCD and touchscreen, signal board’s controller, and arc converter. The main purpose of the power board is to supply electricity needed for different parts of signal board such as LCD and touchscreen, controller, and the arc converter. The input for this board comes from charger board which is connected to the power socket. Then, there is the charge control block which serves as a current supplier to charge the Li-ion battery in the applicator. The battery/socket switch block decides if the power supply for LCD, touchscreen, signal board’s controller, and arc converter comes from power socket or from battery. If the USB cable is connected to the power socket, the power will be supplied through the power socket, otherwise, if the battery charge level is sufficient, power is supplied from the battery. The “supply for controller” block, “supply for LCD and touchscreen” block, and “power supply for converter” block contain converters and regulators needed to provide different voltage needed with proper current levels. These blocks serve to supply power to different parts of the signal board.

[0031] Figure 6 illustrates block diagram of the signal board. This board has DC (direct current) input with voltages below 24 volts from power board and an input from charger board about charging status data (connected/disconnected). The signal board’s outputs include battery charge level data towards the charger board and high-frequency high voltage towards the needle.

[0032] Four processes are carried out in the signal board:

[0033] - The first process: hardware and software set up of the touchscreen and LCD, connection to the charger board, and the battery charge level control;

[0034] - The second process: Acquisition and processing of the data and settings entered by the user;

[0035] - The third process: plasma arc’s power and energy measurement;

[0036] - The fourth process: driving the switching converter to generate plasma arc.

[0037] Operation steps of the Signal board:

[0038] - First process: In the first process, touch driver, LCD driver, memory for Ul data, and calibration data block are engaged. The Touch driver block launches the 2.4-inch resistive touchscreen built into the device applicator. The LCD driver block launches the 2.4-inch color LCD located on the device applicator. In the Memory block for Ul data and calibration data, the data associated with the images used in the software Ul, device output settings, device calibration data, etc. are stored as permanent memory.

[0039] The combination of these three blocks forms the hardware and software user interface of the device. Also, in this process, the battery charge level is monitored, and the data is sent to the charger board, and is displayed by the battery charge level in the bar graph. This is performed by the data input/output block.

[0040] - Second process: In the second process, memory block for Ul data and calibration data, and Controller block are engaged. In a typical process, first the data obtained from the user in the first process is called and subsequently the data is compared with the lookup tables prestored in the memory block for Ul data and calibration data, to select the suitable settings for arc generation with appropriate power and energy in each shot according to geometric shape of the target area.

[0041] - Third process: In the third process, the blocks of power and supplies, power calculator, current and voltage sensors, and controller are engaged. The power and supplies block, provides the power supply for various parts of this process. Different active and passive filters are designed in the power and supplies block to ensure stable power supply to start the analog circuits in this part. In the current and voltage sensors block, the current and voltage of the switching converter are measured.

[0042] - These measured values are multiplied by the power calculator block, which is an analog multiplier with a filter at the output, and once filtered, an analog voltage is generated commensurate with the actual power of the arc. This analog voltage is measured by the controller block and converted to a value equal to the actual power. Overall, the third process is responsible for analog measurement of the actual of the plasma arc.

[0043] - Fourth process: in this process, controller, converter driver, switching devices, and H.V transformer blocks are involved. First, given the user's input in the second process, the power and energy are calculated by the controller. Then, the switching converter’s parameters are tuned using power and energy data and transferred to the converter driver block.

[0044] The Switching devices block, which is a half-bridge switching converter, is subsequently activated. This converter generates an AC wave corresponding to that of power data (extracted in the second process). This AC wave is sent to the needle by a transformer (H.V. transformer block) with a conversion ratio of 170 times to generate an AC wave output with a maximum amplitude of 2 kV and a frequency of 150 kHz.

[0045] These values are suitable to generate plasma arc at a certain distance of the needle from the skin. Also, immediately after the plasma arc generation, its power is measured again (by the third process) such that in a closed-loop control system, the variables of the switching converter drive are modified so that the desired power is delivered by the arc with high accuracy and stability. In parallel, immediately after plasma arc generation, the timing is created by the controller which is then multiplied by the power-related data (third process) to obtain energy-related data.

[0046] The plasma arc is shut down at the output (end of the first shot) if the energy data is more than the energy-related data extracted in the second process, and after a short time, if the needle is close to the skin, the arc is reactivated (Second, third, etc. shots).

Examples

[0047] This device operates based on the spot size’s area and depth and allows the user to use the color LCD and resistive touchscreen to select the treatment area on the skin. Then, the spot size and depth are selected on the graphic interface. Rest of the setting is calculated by the controller. Device output is in form of energy pockets which are transmitted to the skin to create the spot size according to the setting selected by the user.

[0048] Using the device’s user interface, operators can select the spot size and depth from a list of available options. The measurement and control of the power and energy of the plasma arc are carried out by steps three and four of the signal board, after the user selects the appropriate settings. [0049] The body is assumed as virtual ground such that when the needle is close to the skin the plasma arc is activated. Then, once the plasma arc’s power and energy reached predetermined values, the plasma arc will be turned off (one shot). This process is repeated if the needle is still close to the skin (repetitive shots).

[0050] As shown in figure 7, to start the operation, the mode of operation should be chosen in the block (select the mode of operation), which has two modes, auto and custom. As for custom setting, the user sets the power and time in the set power and time block and gets to the treatment step.

[0051] Within auto setting, the user should set eight parameters in the following blocks. The first parameter in the “select body area” block is the selection of the area so that the user can choose areas on the face.

[0052] The second parameter in the “skin color and types” block is the skin type and color characterized with 6 levels from number 1 (lightest color) to number 6 (darkest skin). The third parameter regulates the skin thickness level. The user can select between three levels: thin, Medium, and thick.

[0053] “Skin oil level” is the fourth parameter that specifies how oily the skin is and has low, medium, and high levels to select from. As for the fifth parameter (Skin Moisture Level), the skin moisture level is adjusted. There are options for dry, medium, and moist skin.

[0054] The sixth parameter represents the patient age which is entered by the user. The “injury recovery time estimation” is the seventh parameter that is entered by the user. As for the last parameter (select the geometry of each dot), the shape and size of each dot are selected, which has three colors and five sizes to choose from.

[0055] Once the parameters are selected, the user will enter the next step to start the treatment. After setting up either mode (auto or custom), after the start of the treatment operation, the calculated settings are sent to controller (Send Data to Controller block).

Claims

[Claim 1 ] Hot plasma generator device which consists of the following parts: a. Shot profile selection display in terms of energy and the geometric dimension of the target area b. Signal board of controlled shot generator

[Claim 2] According to claim one, through shot profile selection display the user selects the characteristics of his/her shot and subsequently compares it with the lookup tables stored in the memory block for Ul data and calibration data, and in each shot the suitable settings for generating arcs with appropriate power and energy are extracted.

[Claim 3] According to claims one and two, In the current and voltage sensors block, the current and voltage of the switching converter are measured and these measured values are multiplied by the power calculator block, and once filtered, an analog voltage is generated consistent with the actual power of the arc so that this analog voltage is measured by the controller block and converted to a value equal to the actual power.

[Claim 4] According to claims one to three, firstly, given the user's choice in the second process by the controller, the power and energy is extracted and subsequently, the switches of converter drive are adjusted using the power and energy data and sent transmitted to the converter driver block, and subsequently, the switching devices block, as switching converter for half-bridge is activated.

[Claim 5] According to claim four, an AC wave corresponding to the power data is generated by a half-bridge switching converter, which is sent to the needle by a transformer to generate an AC wave output.

[Claim 6] According to claims four and five, quickly after the developing arc, its power is re-measured (such that in a closed-loop control system, the variables of the switching converter drive are changed such that the desired power is created by the arc with high precision and stability. [Claim 7] According to claims four to six, immediately after arc development, the timing is conducted to multiply it by the power-related data to obtain energy-proportional data and the arc is interrupted at the output and in case the energy data is much more than the energy-related data extracted in the second process, and after a short time, if the needle is close to the skin, the arc is reactivated.