Apparatus for automatically separating hair follicles

An apparatus for automatically separating hair follicles includes a follicle separating unit configured to cut a skin tissue of a scalp cut from a back of a head of an alopecic patient in units of follicles and to classify follicles by a number of hairs included in each follicle in an incisional hair transplant or to classify follicles each directly extracted from the back of the head of the alopecic patient by the number of hairs included in each follicle in a non-incisional hair transplant, and a follicle separation control unit configured to control an operation of the follicle separating unit.

BACKGROUND

The present invention relates to an apparatus for automatically separating hair follicles.

2. Description of the Related Art

As the human body ages, hair loss (alopecia) may be experienced, wherein hair falls out from the scalp, for various reasons such as physical changes, genetic effects, hormone effects, eating habits, stress, irregular lifestyles, and environmental factors. Alopecia patients account for about 20% to 30% of the world's population, and the percentage continues to increase.

Especially in modern society where great importance is attached to beauty, the quantity of hair has a lot of influence on appearance. In general, when hair loss occurs, self-confidence decreases and may be the cause of stress such as appearing older than the person's age. Thus, according to the stage of hair loss, various types of hair loss management methods have been proposed, such as scalp management, hair loss shampoo, drug treatment, and self-hair transplants.

In self-hair transplants, since follicles without hair loss genes are taken from the back of the head, hair loss is permanently prevented and the effect is visible to the naked eye within a short period of time. Recently, hair transplants for young people have also been on the rise for beauty purposes, to look younger and boost self-confidence or to organize the forehead hairline. Such self-hair transplants can be divided into an incisional hair transplant method that removes a portion of the patient's own scalp and a non-incisional hair transplant method that extracts only follicles one by one.

In the conventional method of incisional hair transplants, several follicle separating professionals separate the follicles one by one after cutting and removing a portion of the scalp, which takes a long time and the speed of separating hair follicles varies greatly depending on the skill of the worker. In addition, there are problems such as irregular separation of follicles, varying quality of follicle separation even if a same worker does the job depending on the worker's condition that day, long operation time which makes the patient feels uncomfortable and increases operation costs due to the labor costs of the follicle separating professional.

In addition, in the conventional method of non-incisional hair transplants, follicles are extracted and then the connective tissue of the extracted follicles need cutting and trimming so that they can be easily planted on the scalp. Accordingly, there are problems where the fatigue level of both doctor and patient increases, and as the concentration of the doctor decreases due to the accumulation of fatigue, this causes damage to healthy follicles such as cutting the same when collecting the follicles, which lowers engraftment rate.

SUMMARY

An apparatus for automatically separating hair follicles according to some embodiments of the present invention includes a follicle separating unit configured to cut a skin tissue of a scalp cut from a back of a head of an alopecic patient in units of follicles and to classify follicles by a number of hairs included in each follicle in an incisional hair transplant or to classify follicles each directly extracted from the back of the head of the alopecic patient by the number of hairs included in each follicle in a non-incisional hair transplant, and a follicle separation control unit configured to control an operation of the follicle separating unit.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following descriptions, like reference numerals designate like elements although the elements are shown in different drawings. Further, detailed descriptions of known functions and configurations incorporated herein are omitted for the purpose of clarity and for brevity.

The present invention is directed to providing an automatic hair-follicle separating apparatus configured such that when classifying follicles by a number of hairs included in each follicle by separating the follicles from a skin tissue cut out from a certain part of a scalp of an alopecic patient in an incisional hair transplant, or classifying follicles by a number of hairs included in each follicle directly extracted from the back of the head of the alopecic patient in a non-incisional hair transplant, it is possible to minimize the loss of healthy follicles regardless of the skill and fatigue level of a worker, to automatically make selections depending on the number of hairs formed in each separated follicle to save operation time and thereby relieving the physical stress on doctors and patients, to separate the follicles at a high speed so that the follicles are quickly delivered in an undried state to increase the engraftment rate of transplanted hair, and to automatically separate follicles without the need for follicle separating professionals to reduce labor costs and thereby ultimately reducing the cost of surgery for patients to generalize hair transplant surgeries.

In the present specification, a skin tissue refers to a tissue cut out from a certain part of a back of a head of an alopecic patient where there are no hair loss genes.

In the present specification, a connective tissue refers to a tissue surrounding and supporting units of follicles in the skin tissue.

FIG.1is a functional block diagram of an automatic hair-follicle separating apparatus1according to some embodiments of the present invention. As shown inFIG.1, the automatic hair-follicle separating apparatus1includes a follicle separating unit10and a follicle separation control unit20.

The follicle separating unit10collects various information and data on an image obtained by scanning the scalp cut from a back of a head of an alopecic patient, and after separating units of follicles from a connective tissue without damaging the same, follicles are selected and stored based on the number of hairs formed in each of the separated units of follicles.

As shown inFIG.2, the follicle separating unit10includes an incisional follicle separating unit100and a non-incisional follicle separating unit200.

The incisional follicle separating unit100is configured to scan the scalp cut from the back of the head of the alopecic patient to separate each unit of follicles from the connective tissue formed in the skin tissue, and to select follicles based on the number of hairs included in a unit of follicles. As shown inFIG.3, the incisional follicle separating unit100includes a conveyor belt (a transporting unit110), a scalp data analyzing unit120, a first cutting unit130, a second cutting unit140and a follicle selective unit150.

The conveyor belt110is a conveyor belt formed horizontally from a leading end to a trailing end and configured to rotate in a single linear direction by a rotation of a driving motor controlled by the follicle separation control unit20to transport the connective tissue including a unit of follicles positioned on one side above the conveyor belt110.

The conveyor belt110is configured to have a locking projection formed protruding to the left and right peripheral ends of a belt rail such that an antibacterial cutting plate111(seeFIG.14) is fitted and coupled along the central periphery.

The antibacterial cutting plate111directly supports the skin tissue including the follicles and transports the skin tissue according to the rotation of the conveyor belt110.

As shown inFIG.14, the antibacterial cutting plate111is sterilized by a belt having a repetitive sawtooth shape pattern with a slope heading upward in a forward direction and formed of an antibacterial, corrosion-resistant and elastic material (for example, silicon).

The antibacterial cutting plate111prevents contamination and damage of follicles by blocking infection caused by exposure to bacteria through the side of the connective tissue in direct contact cut from a patient.

According to some embodiments of the present invention, the antibacterial cutting plate111is composed of disposable consumables that are discarded when follicle separation is completed in consideration of hygiene issues.

The scalp data analyzing unit120scans the cut skin tissue to measure the average density of hairs formed in the scalp, measures the hardness of the skin tissue, and collects dataficated information.

As shown inFIG.4, the scalp data analyzing unit120includes a scanning unit121, a monitor unit122, and a skin hardness measuring unit123.

The scanning unit121is positioned in the vertical direction on an upper side of a conveyor belt unit, and is configured to include moving up and down along a scanning guide rail formed in an up-and-down direction, scanning a cut skin tissue as a whole to determine a follicle distribution, and measuring an interval between follicles to determine an average density of the hair in the skin tissue.

According to some embodiments of the present invention, the scanning unit121scans the whole skin tissue by moving up and down in an up-and-down direction according to the size and length of the cut skin tissue and adjusting the focal length, and it is possible to zoom in/out of the portion to be scanned to provide the monitor unit122with a partially enlarged and reduced screen.

The monitor unit122enlarges and displays the screen scanned by the scanning unit121, and outputs the information measured by the skin hardness measuring unit123to the screen.

That is, the monitor unit122allows a doctor to visually check the overall state of the cut skin tissue, and provides information on the skin hardness measured by the skin hardness measuring unit123.

According to some embodiments of the present invention, the skin hardness measuring unit123is positioned to be supported by one side of the left side of the conveyor belt, a skin hardness measuring pin moves in x and y directions in the upper direction of the conveyor belt, and when a skin tissue is detected by a skin tissue sensor for the first time, it is lowered vertically and the skin hardness measuring pin positioned at a lower end measures the intensity of the force piercing through the scalp tissue.

As shown inFIG.5, the skin hardness measuring unit123includes a hardness measuring support123a, an x-axis moving bar123b, and a y-axis moving unit123c.

The hardness measuring support123ais a rectangular plate shape formed upright on one side of the left side surface of the conveyor belt110in the traveling direction of the conveyor. An x-axis guide rail123a-1configured to be movable in the x direction, which is the conveyor traveling direction, is formed in the upper inner direction. This allows an x-axis moving bar123bto reciprocate in the x direction within the range of the x-axis guide rail123a-1.

The x-axis moving bar123bis a straight bar formed perpendicular to the conveyor travel direction, is coupled to the x-axis guide rail123a-1, and moves in the x direction which is the conveyor travel direction, and a y-axis guide rail123b-1which is movable in the y direction is formed on the bottom surface. Through this, the y-axis moving unit123cis reciprocated in the y direction within the range of the y-axis guide rail123b-1.

The y-axis moving unit123cis inserted into the y-axis guide rail123b-1to form a hydraulic cylinder123c-1that moves in the y direction and moves up and down in the vertical lower direction, and a skin tissue sensor123c-2is formed on one side of a lower end of the hydraulic cylinder123c-1, and a skin hardness measuring pin123c-3is formed on the lower end of the hydraulic cylinder123c-1.

When the skin tissue sensor123c-2is located in front of the conveyor belt unit and when a skin tissue moving backwards is detected for the first time, the skin tissue sensor123c-2transmits the detection information to the follicle separation control unit20to stop the rotation of the conveyor belt110. In addition, the hydraulic cylinder123c-1is moved down to measure the intensity of force of the skin hardness measurement pin123c-3piercing through the skin tissue to provide to the follicle separation control unit20.

At this time, a pressure sensor is formed inside the skin hardness measurement pin123c-3to measure the pressure applied when the lower pin penetrates the skin tissue. The cutting force of the first cutting blade follicle separation control unit134and the second cutting blade follicle separation control unit143are set depending on the measured intensity of the pressure.

The lower pin123c-4is detachably coupled to the lower end of the skin hardness measuring pin123c-3to facilitate replacement and repair.

The first cutting unit130is positioned at a rear end of the scalp data analyzing unit120in the traveling direction of the conveyor belt to set the moving interval of the cutting blades according to the measured density from the scalp data, and cuts the scalp tissue into thin slices.

As shown inFIG.6, the first cutting unit130includes a first cutting scanning unit131, a first monitor132, a first pin fixing unit133, and a first cutting blade follicle separation control unit134.

The first cutting scanning unit131having a rectangular shape is positioned in a vertical direction on one side of an upper end of the conveyor belt, and moves up and down along the scanning guide rail formed in the vertical direction, scanning the front of the cut skin tissue to check the cutting position and recording an image of slicing the skin tissue in real time.

The first cutting scanning unit131scans the whole skin tissue by adjusting the focal length by moving up and down in the vertical direction according to the variable cutting position, and it is possible to zoom in/out of a portion to be scanned to provide a partially enlarged and reduced screen to the first monitor unit132.

The first monitor unit132enlarges and displays the screen scanned by the first cutting scanning unit131, so that a doctor can visually check the state of the front of the skin tissue and the screen information of being cut into slices.

The pin fixing unit133is supported on one side of the left side of the conveyor belt, and detects the position of the skin tissue identified by the scan in the first cutting scanning part, so that the vertical support pins located on the left and right sides of the front and rear are moved to the x and y directions. When the skin tissue is detected by the skin tissue sensor coupled to each vertical support pin which is moved in the axial direction, the pin fixing unit133moves down in the vertical direction to fix the skin tissue.

As shown inFIG.7, the pin fixing unit133includes a pin fixing support133a, a front pin fixing bar133b, and a rear pin fixing bar133c.

The pin fixing support133ahas a rectangular plate shape formed upright on one side of the left side surface of the conveyor belt110in the traveling direction of the conveyor. An x-axis guide rail133a-1movable in the x direction which is the traveling direction of the conveyor is formed in the upper inside direction. This allows the front pin fixing bar133band the rear pin fixing bar133cto reciprocate in the x direction within the range of the x-axis guide rail133a-1.

The front pin fixing bar133bhas a straight bar shape formed perpendicular to the conveyor traveling direction, is coupled to the x-axis guide rail133a-1, and is moved in the x direction which is the conveyor traveling direction, and a y-axis guide rail133b-1is formed longitudinally at the bottom surface, and a front left pin support133b-2and a front right pin support133b-3are coupled to the y-axis guide rail.

The front left pin support133b-2has a hydraulic cylinder133b-2awhose upper end is inserted into the y-axis guide rail133b-1and is moved in the y direction and moves up and down in the vertical lower direction. The skin tissue sensor133b-2bis formed at one lower end of the hydraulic cylinder133b-2a, and the front left pin133b-2cis formed at the lower end of the hydraulic cylinder133b-2a.

The front right pin support part133b-3has a hydraulic cylinder133b-3awhose upper end is inserted into the y-axis guide rail133b-1and is moved in the y direction and moves up and down in the vertical lower direction. The skin tissue sensor133b-3bis formed at one lower end of the hydraulic cylinder133b-3a, and the front right pin133b-3cis formed at the lower end of the hydraulic cylinder133b-3a.

The rear pin fixing bar133cis coupled to the x-axis guide rail133a-1in the shape of a straight bar formed perpendicularly to the conveyor traveling direction and moved in the x direction which is the conveyor traveling direction, and a y-axis guide rail133c-1is formed longitudinally at the bottom surface, and the rear left pin support133c-2and the rear right pin support133c-3are coupled to the y-axis guide rail.

The rear left pin support part133c-2has a hydraulic cylinder133c-2awhose upper end is inserted into the y-axis guide rail133c-1and is moved in the y direction and moves up and down in the vertical lower direction. The skin tissue sensor133c-2bis formed at one lower end of the cylinder133c-2a, and a rear left pin133c-2cis formed at the lower end of the hydraulic cylinder133c-2a.

The rear right pin support part133c-3has a hydraulic cylinder133c-3awhose upper end is inserted into the y-axis guide rail133c-1and is moved in the y direction and moves up and down in the vertical lower direction. The skin tissue sensor133c-3bis formed at one lower end of the cylinder133c-3a, and a rear right pin133c-3cis formed at the lower end of the hydraulic cylinder133c-3a.

According to some embodiments of the present invention, the front left pin133b-2cand the front right pin133b-3care spaced apart from the rear of the first cutting blade follicle separation control unit140so that the front left and right sides of the skin tissue are pierced and supported in the vertical direction. The rear left pin133c-2cand the rear right pin133c-3csupport and pierce the rear left and right sides of the skin tissue in the vertical direction, so that when the front side of the skin tissue is cut in a sliced form through the first cutting blade134d-1, the skin tissue is prevented from being pushed and moved to another position, supporting stable cutting to be performed.

Also, according to some embodiments of the present invention, the front left pin133b-2cis detachably screw-coupled to the lower end of the hydraulic cylinder133b-2a, the front right pin133b-3cto the lower end of the hydraulic cylinder133b-2a, the rear left pin133c-2cto the lower end of the hydraulic cylinder133c-2a, and the rear right pin133c-3cto the lower end of the hydraulic cylinder133c-a, respectively, thereby facilitating replacement and repair.

This is to facilitate replacement when the pin is damaged during the cutting operation, and to replace the follicles after the separation of the follicles from the patient's connective tissue, thereby maintaining a clean sanitary condition at the time of follicle separation of the next patient.

The first cutting blade follicle separation control unit134is supported and positioned on one side of the right side of the conveyor belt, and a hydraulic cylinder having a blade fixed to the front perpendicularly to the conveyor belt travel direction is formed, rotates at a constant speed in the vertical direction, and descends. The skin tissue is cut into slices while reciprocating back and forth by a hydraulic cylinder.

As shown inFIG.8, the first cutting blade follicle separation control unit134includes a first cutting blade support134a, a first cutting rotary unit134b, a first cutting hydraulic cylinder134c, and a first cutting blade frame134d.

The first cutting blade support134ais a rectangular plate shape formed upright on one side of the right side surface of the conveyor belt110in the traveling direction of the conveyor. An x-axis guide rail134a-1movable in the x direction which is the traveling direction of the conveyor is formed in the upper inner direction. This allows the first cutting rotary unit134bto reciprocate in the x direction within the range of the x-axis guide rail134a-1.

The first cutting rotary unit134bsupports the first cutting hydraulic cylinder134cperpendicularly to the conveyor traveling direction and moves in the x direction, and a rotating shaft is formed based on one side of the upper center to rotate the first cutting hydraulic cylinder134cin an up-and-down direction.

When the first cutting blade134d-1(seeFIG.9) cuts the skin tissue, the first cutting rotation part134bslowly moves down within an angle range of 30° to −2°, and when the skin tissue is cut into slices, it moves up rapidly to prepare for the next process.

In a state where the first cutting blade134d-1is maintained at an angle of about 30° based on the first cutting rotary unit, when the skin tissue including a unit of follicles is located in the lower direction, the first cutting blade134d-1moves downward in the left and right directions, down to an angle of −2° to cut the skin tissue including the units of follicles in a slice form up to an upper side of the antibacterial cutting plate111. This allows the skin tissue, including the units of follicles, to be completely cut into slices.

The first cutting hydraulic cylinder134cis axially coupled perpendicularly to the upper inward direction of the first cutting rotary unit134band the first cutting blade frame134dis coupled to the end of the cylinder to reciprocate the first cutting blade frame134bthrough the reciprocation movement of the cylinder.

The first cutting hydraulic cylinder134creciprocates the first cutting blade frame134dto stably cut the elastic skin tissue in a slice form.

The first cutting blade frame134dis coupled to the end of the first cutting hydraulic cylinder134c, and the first cutting blade134d-1, which is easily coupled and detachably fitted in the lower direction, and a skin tissue sensor134d-2is formed at the front left and right sides.

Upon detection of the front part of the skin tissue positioned in a lower direction through skin tissue sensor134d-2formed at the front left and right sides, the first cutting blade frame134dis lowered gradually in the vertical direction by the first cutting rotary unit134band reciprocated by the first cutting hydraulic cylinder134cto cut the skin tissue into slices.

The second cutting unit140is formed upright in the rear end direction of the first cutting unit130to the left of the conveyor belt travel direction, the cutting blade is reciprocated in the vertical direction of the conveyor belt, and the each unit of follicles are individually separated by scanning each unit of follicles of the skin tissue cut into slices and cutting the left and right side portions respectively in the first cutting device.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the second cutting unit140further removes the tissue attached to the side portion of each incision of the units of follicles.

According to some embodiments of the present invention, the automatic hair-follicle separating apparatus1may further include a third cutting device unit (not shown) for removing tissue attached to the side portion of each unit of follicles cut between the second cutting unit140and the follicle selective unit150.

As shown inFIG.10, the second cutting unit140includes a second cutting scanning unit141, a second monitor unit142, and a second cutting blade follicle separation control unit143.

The second cutting scanning unit141has a rectangular shape positioned in the center of one side of the upper end of the conveyor belt, and identifies the unit of follicles by scanning the connective tissue cut into slices by moving up and down along a scanning guide rail formed in a vertical direction. In addition, the position and direction information of the identified units of follicles is provided to the follicle separation control unit, and an image of scalp tissue being cut into slice shaped unit of follicles is taken in real time.

The second cutting scanning unit141moves up and down in the vertical direction and adjusts a focal length according to a variable cutting position to scan the connective tissue having a slice shape, and it is possible to zoom in/out of a portion to be scanned to provide a partially enlarged and reduced screen to the second monitor unit142.

The second monitor unit142is located on the left side of the upright second cutting unit140, and enlarges and displays the screen scanned by the second cutting scanning unit141, so that a doctor can visually check the state of the slice shaped connective tissue and the screen information of cutting into units of follicles.

The second cutting blade follicle separation control unit143is a “” shaped frame rotated 90 degrees clockwise () across the top of the conveyor belt, and the cutting blade reciprocates in the lower direction of the frame. The left and right sides of the units of follicles included in the sliced connective tissue are cut at regular intervals and separated into units of follicles individually.

As shown inFIG.11, the second cutting blade follicle separation control unit143includes a cutting blade support143a, the second cutting rotary unit143b, the second cutting hydraulic cylinder143c, and the second cutting blade frame1436d.

The cutting blade support143ais a “=” shaped frame rotated 90 degrees clockwise () across the top of the conveyor belt in the vertical direction, and a vertical guide rail143a-1is formed in the lower direction which reciprocates the second cutting rotary unit143bin the vertical direction.

The second cutting rotary unit143bhas an upper end coupled to the vertical guide rail143a-1of the cutting blade support143a, and rotates in a horizontal direction to form the second cutting hydraulic cylinder143cand the second cutting blade frame143d.

The second cutting rotary unit143breceives the position and direction information of the follicles primarily through the second cutting scanning unit141and secondarily receives the position and direction information of the follicles through the follicle position sensor143d-2. After receiving the information and moving to a position in the side vertical direction of the follicles, the second cutting rotary unit143brotates in the horizontal direction according to the direction of the follicles to set the position and direction for cutting only the left and right sides of the follicle in the slice shaped connective tissue.

Through this, regardless of the condition of the worker, the left and right sides of the slice-shaped connective tissue can be cut and separated without damage according to the direction of the follicles, thereby improving the engraftment rate of the follicles.

The second cutting hydraulic cylinder143chas a cylinder shape coupled to the lower end of the second cutting rotary unit143band moves the second cutting edge frame positioned at the lower end while moving down and up in the vertical direction.

The second cutting blade frame143dhas a rectangular frame shape coupled to the lower end of the second cutting hydraulic cylinder143c, and the second cutting blade143d-1is detachably coupled to the lower end by fitting. The follicle position sensor143d-2is configured to detect the position and the direction of the follicle in the lower direction in the center of the front upper side.

According to some embodiments of the present invention, the second cutting blades143d-1may be detachably coupled in a fitted manner to facilitate replacement. This is to maintain clean hygiene at the time of separation of the follicles of the next patient by replacing when the follicles are separated after the clean cutting is not made due to damage or wear of the cutting blade.

The follicle position sensor143d-2detects the position and direction of the follicles before the second cutting hydraulic cylinder moves down and sets the secondary position and rotation angle of the second cutting rotary unit, whereby the follicle damage can be minimized by the second cutting blade to maximize the engraftment rate of follicles.

Follicle selective unit150is cut in the form of follicles to the bottom of the frame of the “=” shape rotated 90 degrees clockwise formed upright to the rear end direction of the second cutting unit140to the left of the conveyor belt travel direction. Each follicle is picked up, transported in a vertical direction, and selected and classified according to the number of hairs formed in the separated units of follicles.

As shown inFIG.12, the follicle selective unit150includes a selective support151, a follicle selective transporting unit152, a follicle selective sensor153, a follicle selective pincer154, and a follicle storing unit155.

The selective transporting support151is a “=” shaped frame rotated 90 degrees clockwise across the top of the conveyor belt in a vertical direction, and a vertical guide rail151ais formed to support a reciprocate vertically.

The follicle selective transporting unit152has a cylindrical shape coupled to the vertical guide rail151aof the selective transporting support151at the top thereof, is reciprocated in the vertical direction and supports the follicle selective hydraulic cylinder152aand the follicle selective transporting frame152bcoupled in the lower direction.

The follicle selective hydraulic cylinder152ahas a cylindrical shape coupled to the lower end of the follicle selective transporting unit152, and the follicle selective transporting frame152bis coupled to the lower end thereof, and the connective tissue in the form of slices cut in units of follicles is cut in the lower direction. The position of the follicle selective transporting frame152bis controlled by moving up and down depending on whether it is the skin tissue is positioned.

The follicle selective transporting frame152bhas a semicircular vertical rotary unit152b-1shaft-coupled to the lower end of the follicle selective hydraulic cylinder152a, and has a rectangular plate shaped frame formed in front of the vertical rotary unit, and a follicle bottom support frame152b-2and a follicle top support frame152b-3having the same length as the width of the conveyor belt in the front surface vertical direction of the frame.

At this time, the follicle bottom support frame152b-2is made of a support frame, as shown inFIG.15, and the follicle top support frame152b-3is formed in a movable form capable of reciprocating in the vertical direction, and the follicle supporting top silicon152b-3ais formed on the front lower surface in the longitudinal direction.

As shown inFIG.15, the follicle bottom support frame152b-2is positioned at the bottom of the sawtooth pattern of the antibacterial cutting plate111of the conveyor belt so that when the hair of the separated follicles is placed on the follicle support bottom silicon152b-2a, the follicle support top silicon152b-3ais engaged with the follicle support bottom silicon152b-2awith the follicle support bottom silicon152b-2alowered vertically to pick up hair separated in units of follicles positioned therebetween.

Thereafter, the follicle selective hydraulic cylinder152ais raised, and the vertical rotary unit152b-1is rotated so that the follicle selective transporting unit152moves in the vertical direction along the vertical guide rail151a.

The follicle support top silicon152b-3aand the follicle support bottom silicon152b-2aare made of a material having frictional force and elasticity and having antibacterial properties.

This prevents the hair of the separated unit of follicles from being exposed to bacteria or strongly picked up and damaged by bending, and prevents the hair from sliding down and falling down.

The follicle selective sensor153is formed so as to match the height of the units of follicles picked up during vertical movement of the follicle selective transporting unit, and detects the number of hairs formed in each of the separate units of follicles passing through the front direction to transport to the follicle separation control unit20.

When the number of hairs formed in the unit of follicles passing through is one, the first follicle selective pincer154ais moved and the hair is picked up so as to be stored in the first follicle storage groove155a. When the number of hairs formed in the units of follicles passing through is two, the second follicle selective pincer154bis moved and the hairs are picked up to be stored in the second follicle storage groove155b. When the number of hairs formed in the units of follicles passing through is three, the third follicle selective pincer154cis moved and the hairs are picked up to be stored in the third follicle storage groove155c. When the number of hairs formed in the units of follicles passing through is four, the fourth follicle selective pincer154dis moved and the hairs are picked up to be stored in the fourth follicle storage groove155d.

This enables classification according to the number of hairs formed in the units of follicles to be provided to the doctor.

The follicle selective pincer154has a shape in which four pincers protrude from the inner surface of the semi-arc frame-shaped support at regular intervals on the inner side of the semi-arc frame-shaped support, which is picked up by the follicle selective transporting unit152. The follicle selective pincer154is selected according to the number of hairs formed in the units of follicles passing through the follicle selective sensor.

As shown inFIGS.16and17, the follicle selective pincer154includes a first selective follicle pincer154a, a second follicle selective pincer154b, a third follicle selective pincer154c, and a fourth follicle selective pincer154d.

First follicle selective pincer154ais formed in the right direction with respect to the center point of the semi-arc support, the silicon material is coupled to the left and right sides of the front pincers of the pincers to have an structure that opens and closes according to rotation, and a first pincer hydraulic cylinder154a-1is formed at the rear of the pincers to reciprocate in the front-rear direction.

When the number of hairs formed in the unit of follicles passing through the front of the follicle selective sensor153is one, the first pincer hydraulic cylinder154a-1is moved forward, and a front pincer of the first follicle selective pincer154acloses on a follicle formed having one hair positioned at the center of a semi-arc type support to pick up the hair and separate it from the follicle selective transporting unit, and then the first follicle selective pincer154areturns to the rear and the front pincer opens for storing in the first follicle storage groove155apositioned at the bottom.

The second follicle selective pincer154bare formed on the left side of the first selective follicle pincer based on the center of the semi-arc support, and the silicon material is coupled to the left and right sides of the front pincer surface to open and close the pincer according to rotation. The second pincer hydraulic cylinder154b-1is formed at the rear of the pincer and reciprocates in the front-rear direction.

When the number of hairs formed in the units of follicles passing through the front of the follicle selection sensor153is two, the second pincer hydraulic cylinder154b-1is moved forward and a front pincer of the second follicle selective pincer154bcloses on a follicle formed having two hairs positioned at the center of a semi-arc type support to pick up the hair and separate it from the follicle selective transporting unit, and then the second follicle selective pincer154breturns to the rear and the front pincer opens for storing in the second follicle storage groove155bpositioned at the bottom.

The third follicle selective pincer154care formed on the left side of the second selective follicle pincer based on the center point of the semi-arc support, and the silicon material is coupled to the left and right sides of the front pincers to open and close the pincers according to rotation. The third pincer hydraulic cylinder154c-1is formed at the rear of the pincer and reciprocates in the front-rear direction.

When the number of hairs formed in the units of follicles passing through the front of the follicle selective sensor153is three, the third pincer hydraulic cylinder154c-1is moved forward and a front pincer of the third follicle selective pincer154ccloses on a follicle formed having three hairs positioned at the center of a semi-arc type support to pick up the hair and separate it from the follicle selective transporting unit, and then the third follicle selective pincer154creturns to the rear and the front pincer opens for storing in the third follicle storage groove155cpositioned at the bottom.

The fourth follicle selective pincer154dis formed on the left side of the third selective follicle pincer based on the center point of the semi-arc support. The fourth pincer hydraulic cylinder154d-1is formed to the rear of the pincer and reciprocates in the front-rear direction.

When the number of hairs formed in the units of follicles passing through the front of the follicle selection sensor153is four, the fourth pincer hydraulic cylinder154d-1is moved forward and a front pincer of the fourth follicle selective pincer154dcloses on a follicle formed having four hairs positioned at the center of a semi-arc type support to pick up the hair and separate it from the follicle selective transporting unit, and then the fourth follicle selective pincer154creturns to the rear and the front pincer opens for storing in the fourth follicle storage groove155dpositioned at the bottom.

The follicle storing unit155has a semi-arc frame shape formed inside the follicle selective pincer154, and a storage groove is formed at the bottom of each pincers of the follicle selective pincers, and partition walls are formed at regular intervals between the pincers. An inclined surface is formed to an inner portion of each storage groove.

A first follicle storage groove155ainclined to the inner portion at the bottom of the first selective follicle pincer154ais formed, and a second follicle storage groove155binclined to the inner portion at the bottom of the second follicle selective pincer154bis formed, a third follicle storage groove155cinclined to the inner portion at the bottom of the third follicle selective pincer154cis formed, and a fourth follicle storage groove155dinclined to the inner portion at the bottom of the fourth follicle selective pincer154dis formed.

The problem of a lowered engraftment rate can be prevented by laying down a gauze moistened with physiological saline and placing the separated follicles on the follicles when the separated follicles are dried or blown onto the saline at each follicle storage groove.

In addition, the bottom surface of each follicle storage groove is made of an inclined surface to prevent the mixed follicles falling to the bottom by the selective follicle pincers to be mixed irregularly and fall in a certain direction so that the doctor can use without a separate procedure for selecting follicles, thereby saving preparation time for surgery.

The non-incisional follicle separating unit200cuts and separates the connective tissue attached to the lateral part of the units of follicles, which is extracted directly from the back of the head of an alopecic patient, in units of follicles, and according to the number of hairs included in the units of follicles, the selecting is performed individually and the non-incisional follicle separating unit includes the conveyor belt110, the first cutting unit140, and the follicle selective unit150.

The non-incisional follicle separating unit200positions the follicles and connective tissues extracted from the patient in one row at the rear end of the first cutting unit130in the advancing direction of the conveyor belt unit, and the second cutting unit140and the follicle selective unit150separates the hair follicle and the connective tissue in the same driving order as the incisional follicle separation device.

The non-incisional follicle separating unit200may be used in a state where the scalp data analyzing unit120and the first cutting unit130are turned off in the incisional follicle separating unit100, or the scalp data analyzing unit120and the first cutting unit130may be removed so as to use the non-incisional follicle separating unit200in a compact form in which the length of the follicle separating unit10is reduced.

When using the scalp data analyzing unit120and the first cutting unit130in the OFF state, it is possible to use a combination of incisional follicle separation and non-incisional follicle separation.

When the scalp data analyzing unit120and the first cutting unit130are removed, the overall length of the non-incisional follicle separation device can be reduced, and the components of the device can be reduced to reduce the manufacturing cost of the device.

The follicle separation control unit20converts the scanned scalp image information and numerical values into data and displays them on the display of the monitor unit and controls operation by adjusting setting values such as reaction speed and moving speed of separation device.

Hereinafter, a description will be given of the specific operation process of the incision follicle separation unit in the automatic hair-follicle separating apparatus according to at least one embodiment of the present invention.

First, the scalp tissue extracted from the patient is placed in the center of the front upper part of the conveyor belt.

Next, the conveyor belt unit rotates and the scalp tissue is advanced, and when the conveyor belt unit is positioned at the lower end of the scanning unit, the rotation of the conveyor belt unit stops.

At this time, the skin hardness measurement pin of the skin hardness measurement unit moves to the x, y axis to position and then descends in the vertical direction to measure the scalp hardness by measuring the pressure passing through the scalp tissue.

Next, the conveyor belt unit rotates to position the scalp tissue at the lower end of the first cutting scanning unit, and then rotation is stopped. The front pin fixing bar and the rear pin fixing bar of the pin fixing unit are positioned at the front and the rear and then the front left and right pins, and the pin and the rear left and right pins descend to fix the scalp tissue.

Next, the first cutting blade support is located in front of the front pin fixing bar and the first cutting rotary unit is gradually rotated in the vertical lower direction, the first cutting hydraulic cylinder is reciprocated and the first cutting blade is moved to move forward one side of the skin tissue.

Next, the conveyor belt unit is rotated to position the connective tissue in the form of slice at the lower end of the second cutting scanning unit, and the rotation is stopped, and the follicle formed in the connective tissue in the form of slice is formed through the second cutting scanning unit and the follicle position sensor. After detecting the position and direction, the second cutting rotation part is rotated to position the second cutting blade in the lateral vertical direction of the follicle, and then lowered to cut the left and right sides of the follicle without damaging the follicle, thereby separating the connective tissue and each follicle.

Next, the conveyor belt unit is rotated to position the hair formed on the top of the follicles in the follicle support bottom silicon located in the follicle bottom support frame of the follicle selective transporting unit, and then the follicle support bottom silicon is lowered by lowering the follicle support bottom silicon. Then the separated follicles are placed in between and are moved up.

Next, the follicle selective transporting unit is stopped in front of the follicle selective sensor through a vertical guide rail, and at this time, the follicle selective pincers are selectively operated according to the number of hairs included in the follicles detected by the follicle selective sensor.

In this case, when the number of hairs contained in the follicles is one, the follicle selection first pincers are driven and inserted into the first follicle storage groove, and when the number of hairs included in the follicles is two, the follicles selection second pincers is driven and inserted into the second follicle storage groove. When the number of hairs inserted into the follicle storage groove, and the number of hair contained in the follicles is three, the follicle selection third pincers are driven and inserted into the third follicle storage groove, and when the number of hairs contained in the follicles is four, the follicle selection fourth pincers is driven and inserted into the fourth follicle storage groove.

Finally, by delivering undamaged healthy follicles selected and inserted into the follicle reservoir to the doctor for rapid hair transplantation, the engraftment rate of follicles planted in the scalp of the patient can be improved.

Hereinafter, a detailed operation process of the non-incisional follicle separation unit in the automatic hair-follicle separating apparatus according to at least one embodiment of the present invention will be described.

First, the connective tissue including the units of follicles pulled out directly from the back of the hair loss patient is placed in a single row so that the hair faces rearward in the center of the upper part of the conveyor belt of the front part of the second cutting device.

Next, when the connective tissue including the units of follicles arranged in a row at the bottom of the second cutting scanning unit is rotated by rotating the conveyor belt unit, the rotation is stopped, and the position of the follicle is detected through the second cutting scanning unit and the follicle position sensor. After detecting the direction, the second cutting rotary unit is rotated to position the second cutting blade in the lateral vertical direction of the follicles, and then descends to cut the left and right sides of the follicles without damaging the follicles to separate the connective tissue and each follicle.

Next, the conveyor belt unit is rotated to position the hair protruding in the upper direction of the follicles in the follicle support lower silicon located in the follicle bottom support frame of the follicle selective transporting unit, and then the follicle support lower silicon is lowered to support the follicle support lower silicon and the follicle support. Place separate follicles between the top silicon to be picked up and raise them.

Next, the follicle selective transporting unit is stopped by positioning the follicle selective sensor forward through the vertical guide rail, and at this time, selectively operates the follicle selective pincers according to the number of hairs included in the units of follicles detected by the follicle selective sensor.

In this case, when the number of hairs included in the units of follicles is one, the follicle selection first pincers are driven and inserted into the first follicle storage groove. When the number of hairs included in the units of follicles is two, the follicle selection second pincers are driven and inserted into the second follicle storage groove. When the number of hairs included in the units of follicles is three, the follicle selection third pincers are driven and inserted into the third follicle storage groove. When the number of hairs included in the units of follicles is four, the follicle selection fourth pincers are driven and inserted into the fourth follicle storage groove.

Finally, by delivering undamaged healthy follicles selected and inserted into the follicle storing unit to the doctor for rapid hair transplantation, the engraftment rate of follicles planted in the scalp of the patient can be improved.

In an embodiment of the present invention, various sensors such as a skin tissue sensor, a follicle position sensor, a follicle selective sensor may be used by selecting an appropriate type of sensor from among sensors such as an optical sensor and an ultrasonic sensor however it is not limited thereto.

In the embodiment of the present invention, a blade-type cutting blade is used for cutting blades such as the first cutting blade and the second cutting blade, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, skin tissue may be cut using a waterjet or a laser, if necessary.

At least one embodiment of the present invention uses a conveyor belt as a means for transporting skin tissue, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the sample plate may be moved in the front-rear direction by converting the rotational motion of the drive motor into a linear motion using a sample plate for placing skin tissue and a rack and pinion device.

In the embodiment of the present invention, the pin is moved up and down by using a hydraulic cylinder to the pin fixing portion for fixing the skin tissue on the conveyor belt, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, a pin or a solenoid device may be used to move the pin up and down as needed.

According to some embodiments of the present invention, coupling schemes such as fit coupling or screw coupling may be interchanged as necessary, and the fitting coupling may include a click structure.

As described above, according to some embodiments of the present invention, when classifying follicles by a number of hairs included in each follicle by separating the follicles from a skin tissue cut out from a certain part of a scalp of an alopecic patient in an incisional hair transplant, or classifying follicles by a number of hairs included in each follicle directly extracted from the back of the head of the alopecic patient in a non-incisional hair transplant, it is possible to minimize the loss of healthy follicles regardless of the skill and fatigue level of a worker, to automatically make selections depending on the number of hairs formed in each separated follicle to save operation time and thereby relieving the physical stress on doctors and patients, to separate the follicles at a high speed so that the follicles are quickly delivered in an undried state to increase the engraftment rate of transplanted hair, and to automatically separate follicles without the need for follicle separating professionals to reduce labor costs and thereby ultimately reducing the cost of surgery for patients to generalize hair transplant surgeries.

The present disclosure should not be limited to these embodiments but various changes and modifications are made by one ordinarily skilled in the art within the subject matter, the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as hereinafter claimed. Specific terms used in this disclosure and drawings are used for illustrative purposes and not to be considered as limitations of the present disclosure. Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure have been described for the sake of brevity and clarity. Accordingly, one of ordinary skill would understand the scope of the claimed invention is not to be limited by the explicitly described above embodiments but by the claims and equivalents thereof.