Electromagnetic applicator system

Abstract

An electromagnetic applicator system, comprising a housing (100), the housing (100) containing a control unit (110); a battery pack (120) for supplying power to the control unit (110); a plug interface (130) which can be accessed from the outside; and at least one applicator (200). The at least one applicator (200) comprises at least one coil (210) connectable to a plug interface (130) via a power line with an at least two-pole plug interface. The at least one coil and the power supply line are formed of a high-frequency stranded wire. The control unit (110) is configured to generate a sequence of electrical pulse signals (PS) as a function of the energy stored in the battery pack (120) for output via the plug interface (130) such that the at least one applicator (200) generates an electromagnetic field when connected to the plug interface (130). Each pulse signal (PS) has a maximum pulse power in the range of 100 kW to 10 MW, a pulse length in the range of 100 s to 10 ms.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an electromagnetic applicator system that can be used as, for example, a magnetic field therapy device. Background Technology

[0002] Pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) therapy is known to be used to treat various physiological discomforts in living organisms.

[0003] In conventional devices, coils such as Helmholtz coils are subjected to high-intensity pulse signals generated by a fixed control unit for this purpose. Due to the requirement of high intensity and associated high current, high losses occur in such conventional devices, which must be dissipated as heat through special cooling devices such as water-cooling systems. Such devices can only be powered by the power grid. Furthermore, such devices lack flexibility in their use.

[0004] In some conventional devices, heat loss is addressed by significantly reducing the corresponding strength of the pulsed signal current and the resulting magnetic field. However, this leads to a decrease in therapeutic efficacy. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The objective is to provide an improved concept for magnetic field therapy that is characterized by high efficiency and flexibility even at high power.

[0006] This objective is achieved through the independent claims, and several beneficial improvements are specified in the dependent claims.

[0007] The underlying idea behind the improved design is to make the electromagnetic applicator system so efficient—specifically, in terms of minimizing power losses, particularly in the coils—that it requires only low energy despite high pulse power and can be powered by a battery pack. It was discovered that using high-frequency twisted wire significantly reduces power losses within the frequency range used to generate the pulse signal. Nevertheless, short-duration pulse energy in the megawatt range can be achieved.

[0008] For example, one embodiment of the electromagnetic applicator system according to the improved concept includes: a housing containing a control unit; a battery pack for powering the control unit; and a plug interface for external access. The applicator system also includes at least one applicator comprising at least one coil, the at least one coil being connectable to the plug interface via a power line having at least two plug terminals. According to the improved concept, the at least one coil and the power line are formed of high-frequency stranded wire.

[0009] The control unit is configured to generate a sequence of electrical pulse signals based on the energy stored in the battery pack, to be output via a plug interface, such that at least one applicator generates an electromagnetic field when connected to the plug interface. Each pulse signal has a maximum pulse power in the range of 100 kW to 10 MW and a pulse length in the range of 100 µs to 10 ms. This means that the pulse power is higher than that of conventional devices of the same type.

[0010] For example, the applicator system is suitable for and configured for PEMF treatment.

[0011] In conventional devices, the applicator is permanently connected to the signal generator, or requires considerable effort to detach from it. In contrast, the applicators provided by this improved concept are easily connected to and disconnected from the control unit via plug interfaces. This enhances flexibility. For example, the plug interfaces are safety-tested and can withstand the high current and voltage required for maximum pulse power. For instance, the plug interfaces include safety mechanisms that prevent current and voltage from being applied to the plug interface unless the applicator's plug interface is already connected. This ensures a high level of product safety for users.

[0012] For example, each pulse signal has a maximum current in the range of 100 A to 10 kA. Furthermore, for example, each pulse signal has a maximum voltage in the range of 100 V to 10 kV. Due to the short pulse length and the required high pulse power or high maximum current, it is desirable for the control unit to generate a high gradient in the current waveform. For example, each pulse signal has a current waveform that produces a magnetic field change gradient on the order of 1 T / ms in the applicator.

[0013] For example, the average maximum value of current or power is regulated by voltage.

[0014] In various embodiments, the sequence of pulse signals comprises, for example, 5 to 30 electrical pulses per second. It has been found that such low-frequency pulse signals are beneficial for treatment.

[0015] In various embodiments, the applicator system is configured for a single application duration of up to 20 minutes. For example, a treatment duration of up to 20 minutes can be entirely powered by the battery pack, in particular without relying on mains power and / or recharging the battery pack midway.

[0016] For example, the applicator system has a passive cooling system. Specifically, the applicator system does not include fan cooling or water cooling. In contrast, conventional applicators often require water cooling of the coil to dissipate high energy losses. Because the losses occurring in the applicator are lower, the power required by the control unit is also lower, resulting in reduced losses in the control unit. Therefore, the control unit can operate with passive cooling, eliminating the need for a fan. Fanless operation is also more comfortable for the user of the applicator system because it does not generate interfering noise. Alternatively or additionally, if needed, the control unit can be cooled using one or more near-silent fans that produce a noise level below 17 dB(A). In any case, water cooling can be eliminated.

[0017] In various embodiments, the high-frequency stranded wire has thousands of conductors. This large number of conductors significantly reduces the skin effect, a major cause of heat loss.

[0018] For example, the battery pack capacity ranges from 200 Wh to 400 Wh. This allows the applicator system to achieve longer operating times even under high pulse output. The battery pack can be recharged by means of, for example, mains power, but this is not an immediate requirement for operating the applicator system.

[0019] In various embodiments, the housing also includes a control panel for operating the control unit. For example, the control panel is designed as a display, particularly a touch display.

[0020] In various embodiments, the housing is formed of a portable case containing a battery pack and a control unit. Furthermore, in some embodiments, one or more applicators can be stored inside the case and transported with it, ensuring a high degree of portability for the applicator system.

[0021] In some embodiments, the container further includes the aforementioned control panel, which is partially disposed within the lid of the container. For example, the applicator system operates when the lid of the container is open, allowing a user to operate the applicator system via the control panel within the lid.

[0022] Although this article only describes the basic characteristics of pulse signals or sequences of pulse signals, different parameter settings can be applied to sequences or pulse signals under different operating modes.

[0023] In various embodiments, the applicator system also includes several different types of applicators that can be connected to the housing and control unit to treat specific body parts according to the application scenario. For example, one or more of these applicators are flexible and equipped with corresponding straps, etc., to secure the applicator to the target body part. The various applicators differ in, for example, in size, number of coils, etc.

[0024] The improved concept will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments. The same reference numerals denote similar elements or elements having the same function. Therefore, it is unnecessary to describe the individual elements repeatedly. Attached Figure Description

[0025] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of an embodiment of the electromagnetic applicator system is shown. Figure 2 The basic timing diagram of the pulse signal sequence is shown. Figures 3 to 6 Various embodiments of the applicator for an electromagnetic applicator system are shown, as well as Figure 7 and Figure 8 A schematic diagram of an embodiment of an electromagnetic applicator system is shown. Specific Implementation Figure 1 A schematic diagram of an embodiment of an electromagnetic applicator system is shown. The system includes a housing 100 containing a control unit 110; a battery pack 120 for powering the control unit 110; and a plug interface 130 for external access. Specifically, the plug interface extends from inside the housing 100 to the outside.

[0027] The applicator system also includes at least one applicator system 200, which includes at least one coil 210 that can be connected to a plug interface 130 via a power cord with at least two-pole plug interfaces. This allows an electrical connection to be established between the applicator 200 and the control unit 110, whose output terminal inside the housing is connected to the plug interface 130.

[0028] At least one coil 210 and a power supply line from the plug interface 130 to the coil 210 are formed by means of high-frequency stranded wire. Multiple insulated single conductors are combined to form a bundle of electrically parallel conductors. For example, high-frequency stranded wire with thousands of single conductors is used in the applicator system. Compared with the single thick copper conductor used in conventional applicators, the skin effect can be reduced or eliminated in the case of high-frequency signals, thereby resulting in lower power loss in the applicator system according to this improved concept.

[0029] The control unit 110 is configured to generate a sequence of electrical pulse signals PS based on the energy stored in the battery pack 120, for output via the plug interface 130, such that at least one applicator 200 generates an electromagnetic field when connected to the plug interface 130.

[0030] Reference Figure 2 , Figure 2 An exemplary sequence of pulse signals PS that can be generated by the control unit 110 is illustrated schematically.

[0031] For example, each pulse signal PS has a maximum pulse power in the range of 100 kW to 10 MW and a pulse length in the range of 100 µs to 10 µs. The corresponding maximum pulse power stems from the fact that each pulse signal PS has a maximum current in the range of 100 A to 10 kA, for example. Similarly, the maximum voltage of each pulse signal PS can be in the range of 100 V to 10 kV. For example, the sequence contains 5 to 30 electrical pulse signals PS per second.

[0032] For example, each pulse signal PS has a current waveform that causes a magnetic field change gradient on the order of 1 T / ms to be generated in the applicator 200. This enables the required maximum pulse power to be reliably achieved.

[0033] For example, the applicator system is suitable for and configured for PEMF treatment.

[0034] Back Figure 1 In some embodiments, the applicator system has a passive cooling system. Specifically, the applicator system does not include fan cooling and water cooling. Alternatively, if desired, the control unit may be cooled using one or more near-silent fans that produce a noise level below 17 dB(A). As previously mentioned, the use of high-frequency stranded wire in coil 210 reduces power loss compared to conventional coils, eliminating the need for additional cooling (especially water cooling) even at high maximum power levels. Due to the resulting lower total power consumption of control unit 110, control unit 110 can be designed to omit a fan or utilize a near-silent fan. In any case, water cooling can be omitted.

[0035] The battery pack 120 that powers the control unit 110 during operation has a capacity range, for example, from 200 Wh to 400 Wh. For example, the battery pack 120 is rechargeable, although the corresponding charging device is not shown for clarity.

[0036] Figures 3 to 6 Various embodiments of the applicator for an electromagnetic applicator system are shown. Figure 3 An example of a system representation of an applicator with a single helical flat coil is shown in a plan view, the flat coil being, for example, embedded in a flexible (e.g., coilable) flat body. For example, the flat coil is embedded between two textile surfaces. Figure 3 A strap is shown that can secure the applicator 200 to a body part.

[0037] It should be noted that only a portion of the power cord for the applicator 200 is shown. For clarity, at least the two-pole plug interface is not shown.

[0038] Figure 4 It shows the relationship with Figure 3Another embodiment of an applicator with two series-connected flat coils 210, 210a, similar to the previous one.

[0039] In another embodiment, Figure 5 An applicator 200 with four series-connected flat coils 210, 210a, 210b, and 210c is shown. (Compared to...) Figure 3 Similarly, the diagram shows a strap that can secure the applicator 200 to the body.

[0040] Figure 6 Another embodiment of the applicator is shown, designed as a sling, in which human body parts such as arms or legs can be worn.

[0041] Figure 7 and Figure 8 An embodiment of an electromagnetic applicator system is shown, wherein the housing 100 is designed in the style of a portable case. Figure 7 A top view of the carrying case is shown, with the lid 150 open. The control unit 110 and battery pack 120 are identifiable within the case, which also has compartments for storing accessories such as applicators. For example, the carrying case is approximately the size of a shoebox.

[0042] Figure 8 A side view of the enclosure is shown, in which a control panel 140 is arranged within the cover 150 of the enclosure. The control panel is used, for example, to operate the control unit 110 and can be configured as, for example, a touch screen display. This allows the user to easily select different programs or directly set parameters for pulse signals PD or sequences of pulse signals.

Claims

1. An electromagnetic applicator system, comprising: - A housing (100) comprising a control unit (110), a battery pack (120) for powering the control unit (110), and a plug interface (130) for external access; and - At least one applicator (200), the at least one applicator (200) comprising at least one coil (210), the at least one coil (210) being connectable to the plug interface (130) via a power cord having at least two-pole plug interfaces; wherein - The at least one coil (210) and the power line are formed of high-frequency stranded wire; - The control unit (110) is configured to generate a sequence of electrical pulse signals (PS) based on the energy stored in the battery pack (120) for output via the plug interface (130), such that the at least one applicator (200) generates an electromagnetic field when connected to the plug interface (130); and - Each pulse signal (PS) has a maximum pulse power in the range of 100 kW to 10 MW and a pulse length in the range of 100 µs to 10 ms.

2. The applicator system according to claim 1, wherein, Each pulse signal (PS) has a maximum current in the range of 100 A to 10 kA and / or a maximum voltage in the range of 100 V to 10 kV.

3. The applicator system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, Each pulse signal (PS) has a current waveform that causes a magnetic field change gradient on the order of 1 T / ms to be generated in the applicator (200).

4. The applicator system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The sequence contains 5 to 30 electrical pulses (PS) per second.

5. The applicator system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The applicator system is configured to allow a single application to last up to 20 minutes.

6. The applicator system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein - The applicator system includes passive cooling and does not include fan cooling and water cooling; or - The applicator system does not include water cooling and includes passive cooling and / or fan cooling, the fan cooling utilizing one or more fans that produce a noise level of less than 17 dB(A).

7. The applicator system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein, The high-frequency stranded wire has thousands of core wires.

8. The applicator system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein, The battery pack (120) has a capacity range of 200 Wh to 400 Wh.

9. The applicator system according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein, The housing (100) also includes a control panel (140) for operating the control unit (110).

10. The applicator system according to claim 9, wherein, The housing (100) is formed of a carrying case, which includes the battery pack (120), the control unit (110) and the control panel (140), wherein the control panel (140) is disposed in the lid (150) of the carrying case.

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