Device for reducing pain of a subject

Abstract

A device for alleviating pain in a subject, comprising: a. A hollow body having at least two ends; b. A vibration motor mounted in the hollow body, the vibration motor configured to transmit vibration of variable frequency and / or variable voltage; the switch or the button is positioned on the hollow main body and is used for turning on and turning off the vibration motor; and d. A tip member having a proximal section removably coupled to one end of the hollow body, a distal section extending forward from the hollow body, and a contact element on the distal section, where the contact element has an open geometry.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to systems and methods for vibration anesthesia. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to devices for alleviating pain in a subject. Background Art

[0002] Many people are afraid of needles, and this can affect and reduce their willingness to get vaccines and undergo medical procedures, treatments, and tests. A significant proportion of patients are needle-phobic. This affects children as well as adults. For example, some elderly patients hesitate to receive a flu shot. People with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) may delay getting tested.

[0003] Therefore, there is a need for a device and method that allows for a reduction in the pain associated with hypodermic needle insertion. Utility Model Content

[0004] The present disclosure provides systems and methods for alleviating pain in a subject.

[0005] In some embodiments, the present disclosure provides a device for alleviating pain in a subject, the device comprising a hollow body having at least two ends, a vibration motor mounted in the hollow body and configured to deliver vibrations of variable frequency and / or variable voltage, a switch or button on the body for turning the vibration motor on and off, and a tip. In some embodiments, the tip comprises a proximal section removably coupled to one end of the body, a distal section extending forward from the body, and a contact element on the distal section, wherein the contact element has an open geometry.

[0006] Preferably, the geometric shape of the opening is a ring or an open ellipse.

[0007] Preferably, the contact element with its open geometry has an inner diameter in the range of 1 cm to 50 cm.

[0008] Preferably, the tip is disposable.

[0009] Preferably, the hollow body has a longitudinal axis, wherein the proximal section of the tip piece has a longitudinal axis parallel to the longitudinal axis of the hollow body, wherein the distal section of the tip piece has a longitudinal axis forming an angle in the range of 0° to 90° relative to the longitudinal axis of the hollow body, and wherein the contact element has a longitudinal axis forming an angle in the range of 0° to 90° relative to the longitudinal axis of the hollow body.

[0010] Preferably, the vibration motor transmits vibrations at a frequency in the range of 2.5 Hz to 1000 Hz.

[0011] Preferably, the switch is a variable dimmer switch configured to control the frequency and / or voltage of the transmitted vibrations.

[0012] Preferably, the vibration motor is turned on and off by the button.

[0013] Preferably, the device further comprises one or more vibration switching buttons for controlling the frequency and / or voltage of the transmitted vibration to a plurality of discrete vibration levels.

[0014] Preferably, the device further comprises a rechargeable battery and a charging port, and the device is rechargeable.

[0015] Alternatively, the device further comprises a rechargeable battery and a charging cradle that generates the induced current, wherein the rechargeable battery is configured to be charged using the induced current.

[0016] Preferably, the contact element is configured to transmit vibration from the vibration motor to an anesthesia area on the skin area of ​​the subject when the distal piece contacts the skin, thereby producing a vibration analgesia effect and alleviating pain in the anesthesia area.

[0017] Preferably, the contact element further includes a plurality of bumps.

[0018] In some embodiments, the present disclosure provides a method for relieving pain in a subject, the method comprising: providing a device comprising a hollow body having at least two ends, a vibration motor mounted in the hollow body and configured to transmit vibrations of variable frequency and / or voltage, a switch or button on the body for turning the vibration motor on and off, and a tip having a proximal section removably connected to one end of the body, a distal section extending forward from the body, and a contact element on the distal section, wherein the contact element has an open geometry; positioning the contact element on an anesthesia area; turning on the vibration motor to generate vibrations from the motor that are transmitted to the anesthesia area; and maintaining the contact element on the anesthesia area for a period of time before and during application of a needle to the anesthesia area, whereby the vibrations are configured to produce a vibration analgesic effect on the subject so as to relieve the subject's pain. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an apparatus according to one or more embodiments;

[0020] Figure 2 is a top view of an apparatus according to one or more embodiments;

[0021] Figure 3 is a side view of an apparatus according to one or more embodiments;

[0022] Figure 4is a cross-sectional view of a device according to one or more embodiments;

[0023] Figure 5 is a front view of an apparatus according to one or more embodiments;

[0024] Figure 6 is a rear view of an apparatus according to one or more embodiments;

[0025] Figure 7 is a perspective view of a device according to one or more embodiments showing a tip piece removed from a hollow body;

[0026] Figure 8 is a side view of a device according to one or more embodiments showing a tip piece removed from a hollow body;

[0027] Figure 9 is a side view of an apparatus according to one or more embodiments;

[0028] Figure 10 is a side view of an apparatus according to one or more embodiments;

[0029] Figures 11a-11e is a side view of an apparatus according to one or more embodiments;

[0030] Figure 12 shows a device according to one or more embodiments being used to relieve pain in a subject's arm;

[0031] Figure 13 is a perspective view of an apparatus according to one or more embodiments;

[0032] Figure 14 is a top view of an apparatus according to one or more embodiments;

[0033] Figure 15 is a side view of an apparatus according to one or more embodiments;

[0034] Figure 16a is a top view of an apparatus according to one or more embodiments;

[0035] Figure 16b is a cross-sectional view of an apparatus according to one or more embodiments;

[0036] Figure 17 is a front view of an apparatus according to one or more embodiments;

[0037] Figure 18 is a rear view of an apparatus according to one or more embodiments;

[0038] Figure 19is a perspective view of a device according to one or more embodiments showing a tip piece removed from a hollow body;

[0039] Figure 20 is a side view of a device according to one or more embodiments showing a tip piece removed from a hollow body;

[0040] Figure 21a is a perspective view of a tip piece of an apparatus according to one or more embodiments;

[0041] Figures 21b-21e is a side view of a tip piece of an apparatus according to one or more embodiments;

[0042] Figure 22a is a side view of a tip piece of an apparatus according to one or more embodiments;

[0043] Figure 22b is a side view of a tip piece of an apparatus according to one or more embodiments;

[0044] Figure 23a is a perspective view of a charging dock for a device according to one or more embodiments;

[0045] Figure 23b is a side view of an apparatus according to one or more embodiments; and

[0046] Figure 24 A device according to one or more embodiments is shown being used to relieve pain in a subject's arm. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0047] The present disclosure relates to systems and methods for alleviating pain in a subject.

[0048] Figure 1 A perspective view of a device according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure is shown, wherein the device 100 includes a hollow body 110, a vibration motor (in Figure 4 120 ), a switch 130 and a tip 140. The vibration motor 120 is mounted in a hollow body configured to transmit vibrations of a plurality of different frequencies and / or voltages that are variable and / or discrete / discontinuous.

[0049] Tip piece 140 includes a proximal section 142 and a distal section 144. The distal section of tip piece 144 includes a contact element 146.

[0050] The hollow body has a longitudinal axis 152. The proximal section of the tip piece has a longitudinal axis 154. The distal section of the tip piece has a longitudinal axis 156. The contact element has a longitudinal axis 158.

[0051] Figure 2A diagram of an apparatus 100 according to one or more embodiments is shown. Figure 2 In the embodiment shown, the longitudinal axis 152 of the hollow body, the longitudinal axis 154 of the proximal section of the tip piece, and the longitudinal axis 156 of the distal section of the tip piece are all parallel and coaxial with each other. The longitudinal axis 158 of the contact element is at a 90° angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the hollow body.

[0052] Figure 3 is a side view of the apparatus 100 according to one or more embodiments. Figure 4 The device 100 is shown along Figure 3 In the cross section taken along line 4 - 4 , the vibration motor 120 and the rechargeable battery 170 are located within the hollow body 110 .

[0053] Figure 5 A front view of the device 100 is shown in accordance with one or more embodiments. The contact element 146 has an inner diameter 147 and an outer diameter 148. Figure 6 A rear view of the device 100 of one or more embodiments is shown. The device 100 includes a charging port 172. In some embodiments (not shown), the battery 170 is non-rechargeable, such as a single-use, disposable, or primary battery. In these embodiments, the charging port 172 is absent. In some embodiments (not shown), the charging port 172 is absent, and the device can be recharged via inductive current provided by a charging dock (not shown).

[0054] Figure 7 is a perspective view of an apparatus 100 according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 8 1 is a side view of device 100 according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. In these embodiments, tip piece 140 is shown separated from hollow body 110. Connector element 182 includes distal section 184 and proximal section 186. Proximal section 186 is configured as a male end. Hollow body 100 includes female connector element 188 and release button 190. To attach / engage tip piece 140 with hollow body 110, a user engages and pushes the male end of proximal section 186 of connector element into female connector element 188 on hollow body 110. To disengage tip piece 140 from hollow body 110, a user pushes release button 190, which allows connector element 182 to be removed from hollow body 110.

[0055] The distal section 184 of the connector element includes therein Figure 7 The proximal section 142 of the tip piece includes two or more hole / female connection sections labeled 192 and 194. Figure 7In some embodiments, tip piece 140 is disposable. In these embodiments, once used, tip piece 140 can be removed from connector element 182 by disengaging the two prongs 196 and 198 from holes 192 and 194. Tip piece 140 can then be replaced with a new one by engaging the two prongs 196 and 198 on the new tip piece into holes 192 and 194. In some embodiments, not shown, more than two holes and more than two prongs are used, such as 3, 4, 5, or more holes and prongs. In some embodiments, as shown Figure 8 As shown, the longitudinal axis 156 of the distal section of the tip piece is approximately 90° relative to the longitudinal axis 152 of the hollow body, and the length of the distal section 144 of the tip piece 140 is long enough so that the contact element 146 can contact the user's skin without the hollow body 110 contacting the user's skin.

[0056] In some embodiments, as Figure 9 and 10 As shown, the longitudinal axis 156 of the distal section of the tip piece is non-parallel and non-coaxial with the longitudinal axis 152 of the hollow body and the longitudinal axis 154 of the proximal section of the tip piece. Figure 9 In FIG, the longitudinal axis 156 of the distal section of the tip piece is at an angle θ of about 45° relative to the longitudinal axis 152 of the hollow body. Figure 10 , the longitudinal axis 156 of the distal section of the tip piece is at an angle θ of approximately 90° relative to the longitudinal axis 152 of the hollow body.

[0057] In some embodiments, as Figures 11a-11e As shown, device 100 also includes a hinge 160. Hinge 160 is coupled to the proximal section 142 of the tip piece and the distal section 144 of the tip piece. Hinge 160 can be adjusted to change the angle between the longitudinal axis 156 of the tip piece and the longitudinal axis 152 of the hollow body. In some embodiments, hinge 160 allows the angle between the longitudinal axis 156 of the tip piece and the longitudinal axis 152 of the hollow body to be adjusted to a discrete plurality of angles. In various other embodiments, hinge 160 allows the angle between the longitudinal axis 156 of the tip piece and the longitudinal axis 152 of the hollow body to be adjusted along a continuous range of angles (rather than discrete angles).

[0058] Figure 12The device 100 of one or more embodiments is shown in use. The contact element 146 of the device 100 will be positioned on an area of ​​the subject's arm 200. The vibration motor 120 will be turned on using the switch 130. This will generate vibrations that are transmitted from the contact element 146 into the anesthetized area of ​​the subject's arm 200. The contact element 146 is held against the arm 200 for a period of time before and during the application of the needle 210. In some embodiments, as Figure 12 As shown, the needle is injected into an area of ​​the skin located within the contact element having an open geometry. The vibration produces a vibroanalgesic effect on the arm 200 to relieve the subject's pain.

[0059] Figure 13 1 shows a perspective view of a device according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. The device 300 includes a hollow body 310, a vibration motor (in Figure 16b The hollow body 310 includes a vibration motor 320 (shown as 320), an on / off button 330, one or more vibration toggle buttons 332, 334, and a tip 340. A vibration motor 320 is mounted within the hollow body and is configured to deliver vibrations at a variable and / or discrete frequency and / or voltage. In some embodiments, the hollow body 310 also includes one or more LED indicators 336. The LED indicators 336 can indicate the vibration level to which the device is set. For example, if the vibration level is set to the second-lowest setting, two LEDs can illuminate.

[0060] Tip piece 340 includes a proximal section 342 and a distal section 344. Distal section 344 of tip piece includes contact element 346.

[0061] The hollow body has a longitudinal axis 352. The proximal section of the tip piece has a longitudinal axis 354. The distal section of the tip piece has a longitudinal axis 356. The contact element has a longitudinal axis 358.

[0062] Figure 14 A diagram of an apparatus 300 according to one or more embodiments is shown. Figure 14 In the illustrated embodiment, the longitudinal axis 352 of the hollow body and the longitudinal axis 354 of the proximal section of the tip piece are parallel and coaxial with each other.

[0063] Figure 15 is a side view of the apparatus 300 according to one or more embodiments. Figure 15 As shown, in some embodiments, the longitudinal axis 356 of the distal section of the tip piece is not parallel and / or coaxial with the longitudinal axis 352 of the hollow body and / or the longitudinal axis 354 of the proximal section of the tip piece, but is at an angle. Figure 15 In the embodiment, the angle is about 45°, but other angles in the range of 0° to 90° are also suitable. Figure 15 , the longitudinal axis 358 of the contact element is parallel to, but not coaxial with, the longitudinal axis 352 of the hollow body. In various other embodiments, the longitudinal axis 358 of the contact element may be at other angles relative to the longitudinal axis 352 of the hollow body, ranging from 0° to 90°. In some embodiments, the longitudinal axis 358 of the contact element is parallel to, but not coaxial with, the longitudinal axis 352 of the hollow body, and the length of the distal section 344 of the tip piece is sufficient such that the contact element 346 can contact the user's skin without the hollow body 310 contacting the user's skin.

[0064] In some embodiments, contact element 346 includes a plurality of bumps 326 .

[0065] Figure 16a A top view of an apparatus 300 is shown in accordance with one or more embodiments. Figure 16b The device 300 is shown along Figure 16a The vibration motor 320 and the rechargeable battery 370 are located in the hollow body 310.

[0066] Figure 17 A front view of the device 300 is shown, in accordance with one or more embodiments. The contact element 346 has an inner diameter 347 and an outer diameter 348 . Figure 18 A rear view of the device 300 of one or more embodiments is shown. In some embodiments, the device 300 includes a charging port 372. In some embodiments (not shown), the battery 370 is non-rechargeable, such as a single-use, disposable, or primary battery. In these embodiments, the charging port 372 is absent. In some embodiments, the charging port 372 is absent, and the device can be charged via inductive current provided by a charging dock.

[0067] Figure 19 is a perspective view of an apparatus 300 according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 203 is a side view of device 300 according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. In these embodiments, tip piece 340 is shown separated from hollow body 310. Connector element 382 includes distal section 388 and proximal section 386. Proximal section 386 is configured as a male end and connects to hollow body 310. Tip piece 340 includes female connector element 388. To attach / engage tip piece 340 with hollow body 310, a user engages by pushing the male end of proximal section 386 of connector element into female connector element 388 on tip piece 340. In some embodiments, connector element 382 is configured so that when fully engaged, the user can hear and / or feel a click, indicating that the connection is secure. To disengage tip piece 340 from hollow body 310, the user pulls tip piece 340 from hollow body 310, which allows disengagement. In some embodiments, connector element 382 is configured so that when a user successfully disengages tip piece 340 from hollow body 310, they can hear and / or feel a click to indicate that the connection is fully disconnected. In some embodiments (not shown), there is a similar Figure 8 and Figure 9 Release button as described in .

[0068] In some embodiments, as Figure 15 As shown, the longitudinal axis 356 of the distal section of the tip piece is non-parallel and non-coaxial with the longitudinal axis 352 of the hollow body and the longitudinal axis 354 of the proximal section of the tip piece. Figure 15 , the longitudinal axis 356 of the distal section of the tip piece makes an angle θ of about 45° with the longitudinal axis 352 of the hollow body.

[0069] In some embodiments, the device 300 further includes a hinge (not shown) similar to Figures 11a-11e . The hinge can be coupled to the proximal section of the tip piece and the distal section of the tip piece and can be adjusted to change the angle between the longitudinal axis of the tip piece and the longitudinal axis of the hollow body. In some embodiments, the hinge allows the angle between the longitudinal axis of the tip piece and the longitudinal axis of the hollow body to be adjusted to a plurality of discrete angles, and in various other embodiments, the hinge allows the angle between the longitudinal axis of the tip piece and the longitudinal axis of the hollow body to be adjusted along a continuous range of angles (rather than discrete angles).

[0070] Figures 21a-21e 340. In some embodiments, the contact element 346 is an oval with an opening, such as Figure 21b In some embodiments, the contact element 346 is a circular shape with an opening, such as Figure 21cIn some embodiments, the contact element 346 has a break and / or discontinuity in the open geometry, such as Figure 21d and 21e In some embodiments, the break in the open geometry can be at any position in the geometry. In some embodiments, when the contact element 346 is viewed in the top view (e.g. Figure 21d In some embodiments, when the contact element 346 is viewed in the top view (as shown in FIG. Figure 21e In some embodiments, the disconnection and / or discontinuity in the geometry of the opening allows the needle to be placed on the patient's skin more easily.

[0071] In some embodiments, the contact element 146 , 346 includes a plurality of bumps 326 on its contact surface.

[0072] The plurality of raised dots 326 protrude from the surface of the contact elements 146, 346 on the side of the contact elements 146, 346 that will contact the patient. In some embodiments, the plurality of raised dots 326 contact the patient's skin or other part while the contact elements 146, 346 do not. In some embodiments, each raised dot is oval, circular, or another geometric shape. In some embodiments, each of the plurality of raised dots has the same geometric shape. In some embodiments, one or more of the plurality of raised dots has a different geometric shape than the remaining raised dots in the plurality of raised dots. In some embodiments, the raised dots are rounded. In some embodiments, the raised dots are flat.

[0073] In some embodiments, the plurality of raised dots 326 results in a vibration analgesia effect that is enhanced over the vibration analgesia effect produced in a similar device but without the plurality of raised dots.

[0074] In some embodiments, there is no charging port 172, 372. Instead, a device according to one or more embodiments, such as Figure 23a and 23b As shown, the battery 170, 370 can be charged via a charging cradle 430 that charges the device 100, 300 using an inductive current. In these embodiments, the battery 170, 370 is configured to be charged via an inductive current.

[0075] Figure 24The device 300 of one or more embodiments is shown in use. The contact element 346 of the device 300 will be positioned on an area of ​​the subject's arm 400. The vibration motor 320 will be turned on. This will generate vibrations that are transmitted from the contact element 346 to the anesthetized area of ​​the subject's arm 400. The contact element 346 remains on the arm 400 for a period of time before and during the application of the needle 410. In some embodiments, as Figure 24 As shown, the needle is injected into an area of ​​the skin located within the contact element having an open geometry. The vibrations produce a vibroanalgesic effect on the arm 400 to relieve the subject's pain.

[0076] In the disclosure herein, the terms "vibration analgesia" and "vibration anesthesia" are used interchangeably.

Claims

1. A device (100, 300) for relieving pain in a subject, characterized in that The device comprises: a. A hollow body (110, 310) having at least two ends; b. a vibration motor (120, 320) mounted in the hollow body (110, 310), the vibration motor being configured to transmit vibrations of variable frequency and / or variable voltage; c. a switch (130) or button (330) located on the hollow body for turning on and off the vibration motor (120, 320); and d. A tip member (140, 340), comprising: a proximal section (142, 342) removably coupled to one end of the hollow body, a distal section (144, 344) extending forwardly from the hollow body, and a contact element (146, 346) on the distal section (144, 344), The contact element has an open geometry.

2. The device for alleviating pain in a subject according to claim 1, wherein The geometric shape of the opening is a ring or an open ellipse, wherein the contact element (146, 346) with the open geometric shape has an inner diameter (147, 347) in the range of 1 cm to 50 cm.

3. The device for alleviating pain in a subject according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The tip (140, 340) is disposable.

4. The device for alleviating pain in a subject according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The hollow body (110, 310) has a longitudinal axis (152, 352), wherein the proximal section (142, 342) of the tip piece (140, 340) has a longitudinal axis (154, 354) parallel to the longitudinal axis (152, 352) of the hollow body, wherein the distal section (144, 344) of the tip piece has a longitudinal axis (156, 356) that forms an angle in the range of 0° to 90° relative to the longitudinal axis (152, 352) of the hollow body, and The contact element (146, 346) has a longitudinal axis (158, 358) that forms an angle in the range of 0° to 90° relative to a longitudinal axis (152, 352) of the hollow body.

5. The device for alleviating pain in a subject according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The vibration motor (120, 320) transmits vibration at a frequency in the range of 2.5 Hz to 1000 Hz.

6. The device for alleviating pain in a subject according to claim 5, wherein The switch (130) is a variable dimmer switch configured to control the frequency and / or voltage of the transmitted vibration.

7. The device for alleviating pain in a subject according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The vibration motor (120, 320) is turned on and off by the button (330), wherein the device further comprises one or more vibration switching buttons (332, 334) for controlling the frequency and / or voltage of the transmitted vibration to a plurality of discrete vibration levels.

8. The device for alleviating pain in a subject according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The device further comprises a rechargeable battery (170, 370) and a charging port (172, 372), and the device is rechargeable; or The device also includes a rechargeable battery (170, 370) and a charging base (430) that generates an induced current, wherein the rechargeable battery is configured to be charged using the induced current.

9. The device for alleviating pain in a subject according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The contact element (146, 346) is configured to transmit vibration from the vibration motor (120, 320) to an anesthesia area on the skin area of ​​a subject when the distal piece contacts the skin, thereby producing a vibration analgesic effect and alleviating pain in the anesthesia area.

10. The device for alleviating pain in a subject according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The contact element (146, 346) also includes a plurality of bumps (326).

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