Method and device for generating electromagnetic field

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for generating an electromagnetic field by means of an applicator (5) with low-frequency current pulses (10), the low-frequency current pulses (10) being generated by a generator (3) for generating the electromagnetic field, a plurality of current pulses (10) following a signal profile, a respective current pulse (10) comprising a first signal component in the form of a rectangular pulse, a current pulse interval (16) is provided between the two current pulses (10), and the amplitude of the current pulses (10) is modulated with a modulation frequency in the sinusoidal signal curve. The invention further relates to a device for carrying out the method.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a method for generating an electromagnetic field by means of low-frequency current pulses, in particular for treating a body area, and having the features of claim 1 , and to a device for generating low-frequency current pulses, having the features of claim 17 . Background Art

[0002] Various methods for generating electromagnetic fields are known from the prior art and are widely used to apply electromagnetic fields to body regions of living organisms. In the prior art, generated electromagnetic fields are used to influence biological processes in body regions of living organisms. An example of such a device can be found in the publication EP 152 963 A1.

[0003] Furthermore, EP 0 594 655 B1 discloses a device comprising a generator for generating low-frequency pulsed current and a connected transmitting coil. The transmitting coil generates an electromagnetic field for applying the current to the body area to be treated. This device is intended to achieve the transport of ions and protons to any area of the human or animal body by targetedly influencing ion concentrations.

[0004] The devices in the existing technology have been verified in past practice, but people still hope to further develop the technology to optimize its mechanism of action. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Here it is the origin of the present invention.

[0006] Based on the prior art, the present invention aims to propose an improved method for generating an electromagnetic field by means of low-frequency current pulses, in particular for treating a body region of a living being, which effectively eliminates the disadvantages of the prior art.

[0007] This object is achieved by a method having the features of patent claim 1 and a device for carrying out the method having the features of patent claim 17 .

[0008] Further preferred embodiments of the invention are given in the dependent claims.

[0009] According to the invention, a method for generating an electromagnetic field, having the features of patent claim 1, is provided for stimulating a transmitting coil of an applicator using low-frequency current pulses to generate an electromagnetic field; in particular for treating a body region of a living being, in particular a human or animal, the current pulses have a signal profile, and each current pulse includes a first signal component whose amplitude is in the form of a rectangular pulse. Furthermore, a current pulse interval is provided between two current pulses. According to the invention, the amplitude of the current pulses is modulated at a modulation frequency within the sinusoidal signal profile, preferably at a single modulation frequency.

[0010] The first signal component according to the invention preferably has an approximately constant amplitude over the time course of the respective current pulse.

[0011] The present invention is based on the concept of generating a pulsed electromagnetic field that becomes increasingly stronger and then gradually weakens over time. The sinusoidally modulated signal profile causes the amplitude of the current pulse to rise and fall gently over time within a complete cycle, thereby stimulating the autonomic nervous system and achieving particularly effective ion transport in the applied body region. Sinusoidal amplitude modulation of the current pulses has also been shown to increase the depth of penetration of the electromagnetic field into the body region.

[0012] Pulsed electromagnetic fields are used for the treatment, prevention, and / or follow-up care of sleep disorders, fatigue, stress, exhaustion, pain, degenerative diseases, inflammation, bone fractures, wound healing, circulatory disorders, metabolic disorders, and for enhancing athletic performance and regeneration, particularly in competitive sports. The corresponding body area is exposed to the pulsed electromagnetic field. For example, the applicator described above can be positioned on the body in such a way that the pulsed electromagnetic field can act on the body area to be treated.

[0013] According to a preferred refinement of the present invention, the signal curve includes at least one current pulse train that describes at least one complete sine wave cycle. It is particularly advantageous if the current pulse train describes several cycles, though it should be noted that the number of cycles does not necessarily have to be an integer. Thus, for example, a current pulse train could last for 3.5 cycles. It should be noted that it may also be advantageous if the current pulse train includes half a sine wave cycle.

[0014] Furthermore, according to a further development of the present invention, the corresponding current pulse has a duration between 0.1 ms and 10 s. In particular, the corresponding current pulse preferably has a duration between about 0.5 ms and about 2 ms, wherein more preferably, the current pulse has a duration of about 2 ms.

[0015] The duration of the corresponding current pulses results in a high rate of change of the current in the signal curve. Consequently, the induced voltage pulses exhibit no significant phase shift relative to the current pulses. This results in a continuous induction of the body region by the changing electromagnetic field.

[0016] According to another embodiment of the present invention, a complete sinusoidal cycle comprises at least four, more preferably at least eight, and even more preferably at least twelve current pulses, wherein the current pulse intervals between the individual current pulses preferably have the same length. It should be noted that the number of current pulses per complete sinusoidal cycle can be increased as desired. The number of current pulses depends, in particular, on the modulation frequency, which determines the duration of the current pulse train.

[0017] A further development of the present invention provides that the signal curve includes at least three current pulse trains with approximately the same amplitude. In particular, a complete cycle of a current pulse train can also be formed by a half-cycle current pulse train and a half-cycle current pulse train interval.

[0018] Furthermore, it has proven advantageous if the current pulse interval between two current pulses has a duration between 0.1 ms and 10 s. In particular, it has proven advantageous if the current pulse interval is less than approximately 5 ms. In particular, it has proven advantageous if the current pulse interval is less than approximately 5 ms. Furthermore, it has been further preferred that the current pulse interval is approximately 0.25 ms.

[0019] Furthermore, it may be advantageous if the current pulses are generated at a carrier frequency. The carrier frequency is preferably between 100 Hz and 100 kHz.

[0020] Another refinement of the invention provides that the frequency formed by the duration of the current pulses and the current pulse intervals is matched to a mechanical resonance frequency in an organ, tissue, cell group or molecule. The mechanical resonance frequency is preferably between 3 Hz and 3 kHz.

[0021] For example, 200 Hz resonates with the arterioles, causing them to vibrate slightly. This reduces the friction coefficient of the blood suspension on the endothelium, which results in higher flow rates, improving thermoregulation and increasing red blood cell transport to the capillary system.

[0022] The corresponding current pulse can be formed by superimposing the already described first signal component and the second signal component, wherein the second signal component is formed by a rising and / or falling current. The first signal component and the second signal component are preferably synchronized and superimposed.

[0023] Furthermore, the second signal component may be formed by a rising and / or falling current, and its waveform may be in the form of a linear function, an exponential function, and / or a Fibonacci series.

[0024] It should be noted that the second signal component may also be in the form of a step-shaped waveform. For example, each step may be formed by a carrier frequency and may also be in the form of a rectangular pulse sequence with increasing and / or decreasing amplitude.

[0025] For example, the second signal component can rise and fall within the duration of the corresponding current pulse. For example, if the current pulse duration is 2 ms, it is conceivable that the amplitude of the second signal component rises within 0.9 ms and then falls within the remaining 1.1 ms. The ratio between the rising and falling portions can preferably be between 10:1 and 1:10.

[0026] Due to the high rate of change of the current with increasing and / or decreasing functional characteristics in the second signal component, the induced voltage pulses have in particular no significant phase shift compared to the current pulses, so that continuous induction occurs due to the changing electromagnetic field in the body region.

[0027] Furthermore, according to a further development, a current pulse train interval is provided between two current pulse trains at regular or irregular time intervals, and the current pulse train interval preferably has a duration of longer than 0.1 ms and preferably shorter than 10 s. During the current pulse train interval, the biochemical and physical processes stimulated by the pulses are brought into play in the organism.

[0028] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, all current pulses of at least one current pulse train have an amplitude selected in such a way that the current pulses do not have a change in polarity in the signal curve. In other words, the amplitude of the current pulse train can be A(t) ≥ 0 or A(t) ≤ 0.

[0029] In particular, it has proven advantageous if, in at least one current pulse sequence, the amplitudes of all current pulses are A>0 or A<0. Accordingly, during the current pulse sequence, the biological body is continuously acted upon, so that the charged particles are continuously pushed in one direction.

[0030] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the modulation frequency is between 0.5 Hz and 120 Hz. A particularly preferred embodiment of the present invention provides that the generator can switch between at least two modulation frequencies. Particularly preferably, the generator can generate modulation frequencies of approximately 6 Hz, approximately 10 Hz, and approximately 16 Hz. These modulation frequencies are adapted to the human brain's autonomic nervous system, wherein a modulation frequency of approximately 6 Hz stimulates the autonomic nervous system toward a resting state, while a modulation frequency of approximately 16 Hz stimulates the autonomic nervous system toward an active state. It should be emphasized that the aforementioned third modulation frequency of approximately 10 Hz corresponds to stimulating the autonomic nervous system toward a relaxed state. Parts of the brain of all living organisms, particularly the autonomic nervous system, resonate with the modulation frequency, and therefore, using this modulation frequency can provide particularly effective stimulation. It is particularly advantageous to have a single modulation frequency, or to have at least one of the at least two interchangeable modulation frequencies be approximately 2.2 Hz, 7.83 Hz, and / or 14.2 Hz. The frequency can be a harmonic frequency or a resonant frequency of the autonomic nervous system. It should be noted that "approximately" is understood to mean an error of approximately ±2 Hz. Furthermore, the error of the modulation frequency is preferably ±10%.

[0031] A refinement of the present invention provides that the corresponding current pulses have a carrier frequency between 100 Hz and 100 kHz or between 50 MHz and 250 MHz. A carrier frequency of 150 MHz is particularly preferred. This, combined with sinusoidal amplitude modulation of the current pulses, allows for a focused field of action and a deep penetration depth with high energy transmission efficiency. In particular, this combination avoids undesirable skin effects, i.e., high-frequency electromagnetic fields that penetrate only the surface layers of a body region and generate undesirable eddy currents there, which can lead to thermal or painful irritations.

[0032] The improved solution of the present invention also provides at least one control parameter that can affect the amplitude of the current pulse, the modulation frequency, the modulation amplitude, the interval duration, the duration of the current pulse train interval and / or the duration of the current pulse train or the number of cycles of each current pulse train. Typically, such control parameters may include, for example, biofeedback, a sphygmomanometer, temperature detection, pulse detection, etc., which can provide a signal curve of the current pulse adapted to the body. In the simplest case, the control parameter input can be formed by an HMI (human-machine interface), such as one or more control elements. However, the control parameter input can also include an interface that is configured to communicate with a measuring device. Such a measuring device can be a traditional measuring device, an intelligent device and / or a "wearable device", such as a smart watch. Such a device, in particular a wearable device, can measure temperature, pulse, blood oxygen saturation, blood pressure, etc.

[0033] Another aspect of the present invention, which is also a second aspect, relates to the use of the above-described method in the treatment, prevention, and / or follow-up care of sleep disorders, fatigue, stress, pain, degenerative diseases, and inflammation, particularly for the prevention and follow-up care of the above-mentioned health disorders. Furthermore, the described method is used to treat fracture healing, wound healing, circulatory disorders, and metabolic disorders, and / or as a supplement for enhancing athletic performance and improving motor regeneration, particularly in competitive sports.

[0034] Another aspect of the present invention, which is also the third aspect, relates to a device for performing the above method, in particular, the device can generate low-frequency current pulses to power an applicator having at least one transmitting coil to generate an electromagnetic field.

[0035] Furthermore, it has proven advantageous if the applicator comprises at least one measuring device which can detect the at least one control parameter mentioned above and transmit it to the device or a control parameter input of the device.

[0036] In addition, according to the improved scheme, the device can be used for the treatment, prevention and / or follow-up care of sleep disorders, fatigue, stress, burnout, pain, degenerative diseases, inflammation, bone fractures, improving wound healing, fracture healing, wound healing, circulatory disorders, metabolic disorders, enhancing sports performance and improving sports regeneration, especially in competitive sports. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0037] The embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the accompanying drawings:

[0038] Figure 1 shows a schematic and exemplary structure of a treatment system comprising a device for generating low-frequency current pulses and an applicator having a transmitting coil for treating a body region with an electromagnetic field;

[0039] Figure 2 shows idealized current pulses and the current pulse intervals therebetween;

[0040] Figure 3 An idealized current pulse train is shown, in which the current pulses are amplitude modulated by a sine wave;

[0041] Figure 4 Two current pulse trains are shown, wherein a current pulse train interval is provided between the current pulse trains for tissue regeneration. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0042] In the following detailed description of the drawings, identical or functionally identical components or features are denoted by identical reference numerals. In addition, not all identical or functionally identical components or features are marked with reference numerals in the drawings.

[0043] Figure 1 There is shown a preferred and exemplary embodiment of a treatment system 2. The treatment system 2 comprises a device 1 for generating low frequency current pulses 10 for an applicator 5 and an applicator 5.

[0044] The device 1 for generating low-frequency current pulses 10 comprises a generator (not shown in detail) and can be connected to the applicator 5 via suitable electrical connections.

[0045] When used as intended, the applicator 5 can be placed above, below, around and / or near a body region of a biological subject, particularly a human subject, wherein, when the device 1 energizes the applicator via current pulses 10, the applicator generates an electromagnetic field that can act on the body region.

[0046] The generator may also be referred to as a signal generator, which can generate a large number of current pulses 10 . Figure 2 An example of a current pulse 10 is shown in the form of an amplitude-time diagram, where the horizontal axis represents the amplitude A of the current I and the vertical axis represents the time t.

[0047] The generator may include one or more oscillators for generating a carrier frequency, and one or more radio frequency preamplifiers and a main amplifier configured to generate the current pulses 10. Typically, the generator includes an oscillator for generating the carrier frequency and an oscillator for generating the modulation frequency. In addition, the generator may also include a signal generator and / or an amplitude control regulator, as well as a high-frequency preamplifier and / or a high-frequency main amplifier.

[0048] The respective current pulses 10 have a duration t1, and between the two current pulses 10 there is a current pulse interval 16 having a duration t2. The duration t1 of the current pulse 10 may be longer than the duration t2 of the current pulse interval 16. Preferably, the ratio between t1 and t2 is approximately 8:1.

[0049] The carrier frequency of the corresponding current pulses 10 is between 100 Hz and 100 kHz or between 50 MHz and 250 MHz, with the carrier frequency preferably being approximately 150 MHz. In combination with sinusoidal amplitude modulation of the current pulses 10 , a focused field of action and a deep penetration depth can be achieved in the body region with high energy transmission efficiency.

[0050] The device 1 generates current pulses 10 at a low frequency. According to the invention, "low frequency" means the frequency at which the current pulses 10 are generated, which frequency is preferably between 100 Hz and 1000 Hz.

[0051] The respective current pulse 10 preferably has a duration of between 0.1 ms and 10 s and has at least one first signal component in the form of a rectangular current pulse.

[0052] Preferably, the corresponding current pulse 10 can be formed by superposition of a first signal component and at least one second signal component,

[0053] The first signal component is a rectangular current pulse, and the second signal component has a current that increases or decreases linearly or exponentially with time (not shown).

[0054] A large number of current pulses 10 are formed as Figure 3 and Figure 4 The signal curve is shown in .

[0055] like Figure 3 As shown, the current pulse 10 adopts a sinusoidal amplitude modulation mode. According to this modulation mode, the amplitude A of the current pulse 10 fluctuates in a sinusoidal curve over time.

[0056] exist Figure 2 and Figure 3 In FIG. 1 , the sinusoidal curve is formed by an imaginary connecting line between the maximum amplitudes A of the corresponding current pulses 10 .

[0057] In the embodiment shown, the first signal component is amplitude modulated, while the second signal component remains constant.

[0058] According to an alternative embodiment not shown, the first signal component may be kept constant, while the second signal component is amplitude modulated.

[0059] According to a further alternative embodiment, not shown, the first signal component and the second signal component can be amplitude modulated, wherein, further preferably, both signal components are amplitude modulated with the same amplitude.

[0060] The amplitude A in the signal curve S is modulated in such a way that the current pulse does not change polarity. In other words, during the current pulse 10, the amplitude A is always ≥ 0. In particular, it is better if the amplitude A is always > 0. In this case, the first signal component is also always > 0.

[0061] The modulation frequency range of the amplitude modulation is 0.5 to 120 Hz, and the modulation frequency is preferably adjustable. Figure 1 In the embodiment of the present invention, the device 1 may have at least one control parameter input 8, which in the simplest case may be formed by a switch allowing the modulation frequency to be selected. Such a switch may be, for example, a rotary or sliding regulator which can be set to any value between 0.5 Hz and 120 Hz, preferably continuously adjustable.

[0062] During the so-called current pulse intervals 16 between the current pulses 10, the generator can output a base current (not shown in the figure), wherein the base current is several times smaller than the first signal component. Preferably, the base current is at most 30%, preferably 20%, even more preferably approximately 10% of the current of the first signal component.

[0063] The device outputs a current pulse train 11 , which is formed by a plurality of current pulses 10 , and the current pulse train 11 presents at least three complete sinusoidal cycles with the same amplitude. Preferably, each complete cycle includes at least four current pulses 10 .

[0064] It should be noted that the current pulse sequence 11 contains at least three complete cycles with the same amplitude, but the number of cycles does not have to be an integer. However, preferably, the corresponding cycle starts with a local minimum value of the amplitude A and ends with a local minimum value of the amplitude.

[0065] from Figure 4As can be seen, the current pulse trains 11 are interrupted by current pulse train intervals 12. A preferred configuration of the signal profile requires that the current pulse trains have a length of approximately 0.1 ms to approximately 10 s. A current pulse train interval can be provided between two current pulse trains, wherein the current pulse train interval 12 is preferably shorter than the current pulse train. Preferably, all current pulse trains have the same duration.

[0066] The current pulses 10 are transmitted via an electrical connection to the applicator 5 , and the transmitting coil 6 generates an electromagnetic field which can act on a body region of a living being.

[0067] like Figure 1 As shown, the transmitting coil 6 can be a planar coil. It is particularly preferred that the transmitting coil 6 is an air-core coil. It is particularly preferred that the transmitting coil 6 has a particularly low inherent inductance. For example, the transmitting coil 6 can be a copper coil.

[0068] Alternatively or in addition to the above-described embodiments, apparatus 1 may include at least one control parameter input 8, through which control parameters such as blood pressure, body temperature, pulse, blood glucose level, etc., may be received. Based on the measured control parameters, the amplitude A, duration t1, duration t2, modulation frequency, modulation amplitude, duration t4 of the current pulse train interval 12, and / or duration t3 of the current pulse train 11, or the number of cycles of the current pulse train 11, of the current pulse 10 may be set. For example, control parameter input 8 may include a standardized interface that can be connected to at least one corresponding measuring device or smart device, such as a wearable device, particularly a smartwatch, wherein the values recorded by the measuring device are used as control parameters.

[0069] In addition to or as an alternative to the at least one measuring device already mentioned, a measuring device can also be provided in the applicator 5 , wherein the measuring device in the applicator can be formed, for example, by a receiving coil which includes the biological response of the body region to be treated.

[0070] In the treatment, prevention and / or follow-up care of a body region of a living organism (e.g. a human and / or animal), the generated electromagnetic fields may be used to treat sleep disorders, fatigue, stress, tiredness, pain, degenerative diseases, inflammation, bone fractures, improve wound healing, fracture healing, wound healing, circulatory disorders, metabolic disorders, enhance athletic performance and improve motor regeneration, in particular in competitive sports. For the sake of completeness, it should be noted that the above list is not exhaustive.

[0071] Reference Signs List

[0072] 1 device

[0073] 2 Treatment system

[0074] 3 Generator

[0075] 5 Applicator

[0076] 6 Transmitter coil

[0077] 8 Control parameter input

[0078] 10 current pulses

[0079] 11 Current pulse train

[0080] 12 Current pulse train interval

[0081] 15 cycles

[0082] 16 Current pulse interval

[0083] Duration of t1 10

[0084] Duration of t2 16

[0085] Duration of t3 11

[0086] Duration of t4 12

Claims

1. A method (1) for generating an electromagnetic field, comprising: generating an electromagnetic field by means of an applicator (5) using low-frequency current pulses (10), characterized in that: generating a plurality of current pulses (10) following a signal curve; The current pulse (10) comprises a first signal component in the form of a rectangular pulse; providing a current pulse interval (16) between two of said current pulses (10), and The amplitude of the current pulses (10) is modulated at a modulation frequency in a sinusoidal signal curve.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that The signal curve comprises a current pulse train (11), and the current pulse train (11) comprises at least three complete sinusoidal cycles of substantially equal amplitude.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that At least one of the complete sine wave cycles (15) comprises at least four, at least eight or at least twelve current pulses (10).

4. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The current pulse (10) is generated at a carrier frequency of 50 MHz to 250 MHz or 100 Hz to 100 kHz.

5. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The respective current pulse (10) is formed by the superposition of a first signal component and a second signal component, wherein the second signal component is formed by a rising or falling current.

6. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that The second signal component is formed by a rising or falling current, and its waveform is in the form of a linear function, an exponential function or a Fibonacci sequence.

7. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that A current pulse train interval (12) is provided between two current pulse trains (11), and the current pulse train interval (12) has a duration (t4) between 0.1 ms and 10 s.

8. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The amplitude (A) of all the current pulses (10) is set so that the current pulses (10) do not change polarity in the signal curve.

9. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that Preferably, in at least one of the current pulse sequences, the amplitudes A of all the current pulses (10) are greater than 0.

10. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that Preferably, in at least one of the current pulse sequences, the amplitudes A of all the current pulses (10) are less than 0.

11. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The modulation frequency is between 0.5 and 120 Hz.

12. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The current pulse (10) accordingly has a duration between 0.1 ms and 10 s, preferably 0.5 ms.

13. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The current pulse interval (16) accordingly has a duration (t2) of between 0.1 ms and 10 s.

14. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that During the duration of at least one of the current pulse trains (11), the duration (t1) of the current pulse (10) together with the duration (t2) of the current pulse interval (16) has a frequency between 3 Hz and 3 kHz.

15. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that A control parameter input is provided and at least one control parameter is provided via the control parameter input, the control parameter determining the amplitude A of the current pulse (10), the modulation frequency, the modulation amplitude, the interval duration (11), the duration (t4) of the current pulse train interval (11) and / or the duration (t3) of the current pulse train (11) or the number of cycles (15).

16. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 15 for the treatment, prevention and / or aftercare of sleep disorders, fatigue, stress, burnout, pain, degenerative diseases, inflammation, bone fractures, improving wound healing, fracture healing, wound healing, circulatory disorders, metabolic disorders, enhancing sports performance and improving motor regeneration, in particular in competitive sports.

17. A device (1) for performing the method of generating an electromagnetic field according to any one of claims 1 to 15.

18. Device (1) according to claim 17, for the treatment, prevention and / or aftercare of sleep disorders, fatigue, stress, burnout, pain, degenerative diseases, inflammation, bone fractures, wound healing disorders, circulatory disorders, metabolic disorders, prevention, aftercare and / or regeneration, in particular in competitive sports.

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