Electromagnetic applicator system

Abstract

An electromagnetic applicator system comprises a housing (100) containing a control unit (110), a battery storage unit (120) for powering the control unit (110), and externally accessible plug connectors (130), and at least one applicator (200) comprising at least one coil (210) that can be connected to the plug connectors (130) via a supply line with at least two poles. The at least one coil and the supply line are formed by means of a high-frequency litz wire. The control unit (110) is configured to generate a sequence of electrical pulse signals (PS) from energy stored in the battery storage unit (120) for output via the plug connectors (130), such that the at least one applicator (200), when connected to the plug connectors (130), generates an electromagnetic field. Each pulse signal (PS) has a maximum pulse power in the range of 100 kW to 10 MW with a pulse length in the range of 100 µs to 10 ms.

Description

Technical field of the invention

[0001] The invention relates to an electromagnetic applicator system that can be used, for example, as a device for magnetic field therapy. State of the art

[0002] It is known to treat various physical ailments in living beings with a therapy of pulsed electromagnetic fields (PEMF).

[0003] Conventional devices use coils, such as Helmholtz coils, to be driven with high-intensity pulsed signals generated by a stationary control unit. Due to the high intensities and the associated high currents, these conventional devices experience significant losses, which must be dissipated as heat energy via specialized cooling systems, such as water cooling. These devices can only be powered via the mains electricity supply. Furthermore, such devices are not flexible in their deployment.

[0004] In some conventional devices, the problem of heat loss is addressed by significantly reducing the intensities of the pulsed signal currents and the resulting magnetic field. However, this leads to reduced therapy effectiveness. Task and problem solving

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

[0006] This problem is solved by the independent patent claim, with advantageous developments specified in the dependent claims.

[0007] The improved concept is based on the idea of ​​making an electromagnetic applicator system so efficient by minimizing power loss, particularly in the coils, that it requires only low energy despite high pulse powers and can be powered by a battery. It was found that in the frequency range where the pulse signals are generated, a significant reduction in energy loss can be achieved by using high-frequency litz wire. Nevertheless, short-term pulse energies in the megawatt range can be achieved.

[0008] For example, one embodiment of an electromagnetic applicator system according to the improved concept comprises a housing containing a control unit, a battery for powering the control unit, and externally accessible plug connectors. Furthermore, the applicator system includes at least one applicator comprising at least one coil that can be connected to the plug connectors via a supply line with at least two poles. According to the improved concept, the at least one coil and the supply line are formed by means of a high-frequency litz wire.

[0009] The control unit is designed to generate a series of electrical pulse signals from energy stored in the battery, which are then output via the plug connectors. This allows at least one applicator, when connected to the plug connectors, to generate an electromagnetic field. Each pulse signal has a maximum pulse power in the range of 100 kW to 10 MW and a pulse duration in the range of 100 µs to 10 ms. This pulse power is higher than that of conventional devices of this type.

[0010] Such an applicator system is, for example, suitable and set up for PEMF treatment.

[0011] While conventional devices require the applicator to be permanently attached to a signal generator or only detachable with considerable effort, the improved design allows for the easy connection and disconnection of various applicators to the control unit via plug connectors. This provides greater flexibility. The plug connectors are safety-tested and can withstand the high currents and voltages required for the necessary maximum pulse power. For example, the connectors incorporate safety mechanisms that prevent current and voltage from being present at the connectors unless the applicator is plugged in. This ensures a high level of product safety for the user.

[0012] For example, each pulse signal exhibits a maximum current in the range of 100 A to 10 kA. Similarly, each pulse signal exhibits a maximum voltage in the range of 100 V to 10 kV. Due to the short pulse durations and the required high pulse powers or high maximum currents, it is desirable for the control unit to be capable of generating a steep current gradient. For example, each pulse signal exhibits a current profile such that a magnetic field change with a gradient on the order of 1 T / ms results in the applicator.

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

[0014] In various embodiments, the sequence of pulse signals contains, for example, 5 to 30 electrical pulse signals per second. Such a low frequency of pulse signals has proven advantageous for therapy.

[0015] In various embodiments, the applicator system is configured for an application duration of up to 20 minutes. For example, such a treatment duration of up to 20 minutes can be fully powered by the battery storage, in particular without relying on a mains supply and / or intermediate charging of the battery storage.

[0016] For example, the applicator system features passive cooling. Specifically, the applicator system is free of fan and water cooling. In contrast, conventional applicators often require water cooling of the coils to dissipate the high energy losses. Since the applicator generates fewer losses, the power consumption of the control unit is also lower, thus reducing losses in the control unit as well. Therefore, the control unit can be operated with passive cooling without the use of fans. Fanless operation is also more pleasant for the user of the applicator system, as no disturbing noises are produced. Alternatively or additionally, the control unit can be cooled, if necessary, with one or more virtually silent fans that generate a noise level of less than 17 dB(A). Water cooling is not required in any case.

[0017] In various embodiments, the high-frequency litz wire has several thousand strands. The large number of strands significantly reduces the skin effect, which plays a major role in the generation of heat loss.

[0018] The battery storage system, for example, has a capacity of 200 Wh to 400 Wh. This enables longer operating times for the applicator system, even at high pulse power levels. The battery storage system can be recharged, for example, from a mains power supply, although this is not directly required for the operation of 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, in particular as a touch-sensitive display.

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

[0021] In some configurations, the case also includes the aforementioned control panel, which is located in the lid of the case. For example, the applicator system is operated with the case lid open, allowing the user to control the applicator system via the control panel in the lid.

[0022] While only the basic properties of the pulse signals or the sequence of pulse signals have been described here, different parameterizations of the sequence or the pulse signals can be made in different operating modes.

[0023] In various configurations, the applicator system can also include several different types of applicators, which can be selectively connected to the housing and the control unit, depending on the application, to treat a specific body part. For example, one or more of these applicators are flexible and equipped with corresponding loops or similar features to attach the respective applicator to the desired body area. The different applicators can vary, for example, in size, the number of coils, or other characteristics.

[0024] The improved concept is explained in more detail below using exemplary embodiments and with reference to the drawings. Similar elements or elements with the same functions are designated with the same reference numerals. Therefore, repeated explanations of individual elements are omitted where necessary.

[0025] They show: Fig. 1 a schematic representation of an embodiment of an electromagnetic applicator system, Fig. 2 a basic temporal progression of a sequence of pulse signals, Fig. 3 to 6 different designs of applicators for use with the electromagnetic applicator system, and Fig. 7 and Fig. 8 illustrations of an embodiment of an electromagnetic applicator system.

[0026] Fig. Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of an embodiment of an electromagnetic applicator system with a housing 100, which contains a control unit 110, a battery storage unit 120 for supplying the control unit 110, and externally accessible plug connectors 130. In particular, the plug connectors are led from the inside of the housing 100 to the outside.

[0027] The applicator system further comprises at least one applicator 200, which includes at least one coil 210 that can be connected to the plug terminals 130 via a supply line with a plug connection of at least two poles. Thus, an electrical connection can be established between the applicator 200 and the control unit 110, which is connected to the plug terminals 130 on the output side inside the housing.

[0028] The coil 210 and the connecting cable from the plug terminals 130 to the coil 210 are formed using a high-frequency litz wire. This consists of numerous insulated individual conductors bundled together to form a strand of electrically parallel conductors. For example, high-frequency litz wires with several thousand individual conductors are used in the applicator system. Compared to individual thick copper conductors, as used in conventional applicators, the skin effect can be reduced or eliminated with high-frequency signals, resulting in lower power loss in the applicator system according to the improved design.

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

[0030] With reference to Fig. Figure 2 schematically shows an exemplary sequence of pulse signals PS that can be generated by the control unit 110.

[0031] For example, each pulse signal PS has a maximum pulse power in the range of 100 kW to 10 MW with a pulse duration in the range of 100 µs to 10 µs. The corresponding maximum pulse powers result, for example, from each pulse signal PS having a maximum current in the range of 100 A to 10 kA. Similarly, the maximum voltage of each pulse signal PS can range from 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 exhibits a current profile such that a magnetic field change with a gradient on the order of 1 T / ms results in the applicator 200. This allows the required maximum pulse powers to be reliably achieved.

[0033] Such an applicator system is, for example, suitable and set up for PEMF treatment.

[0034] Back to Fig. 1. In some versions, the applicator system features passive cooling. Specifically, the applicator system operates without fan or water cooling. Alternatively or additionally, the control unit is cooled, if necessary, by one or more virtually silent fans that generate a noise level of less than 17 dB(A). As mentioned previously, the use of a high-frequency litz wire for the coil 210 reduces power loss compared to conventional coils, allowing it to operate without additional cooling, particularly water cooling, even at high maximum power levels. Due to the resulting lower overall power consumption in the control unit 110, it can also be fanless or equipped with virtually silent fans. Water cooling is unnecessary in all cases.

[0035] The battery storage unit 120, which supplies the control unit 110 with energy during operation, has a capacity of, for example, between 200 Wh and 400 Wh. The battery storage unit 120 is rechargeable, although a corresponding charging device is not shown for clarity.

[0036] In the Fig. Figures 3 to 6 show different embodiments of applicators for use with the electromagnetic applicator system. Fig. Figure 3 shows an example of a systematic representation of an applicator with a single spiral flat spool in top view, which is embedded, for example, in a flexible, possibly rollable, flat body. For example, the flat spool is embedded between two textile surfaces. In the Fig. 3 loops are indicated, with which the applicator 200 can be attached to a part of the body.

[0037] Please note that the cable for the Applicator 200 is only partially shown. The connector, which has at least two poles, is not shown for clarity.

[0038] Fig. Figure 4 shows another embodiment of an applicator, which is similar to the embodiment in Fig. 3 has two flat coils 210, 210a connected in series.

[0039] In a further development, it shows Fig. 5 an applicator 200 with four series-connected flat coils 210, 210a, 210b, 210c. Similar to the Fig. 3 loops are indicated, with which the applicator 200 can be attached to the body.

[0040] Fig. Figure 6 shows another embodiment of an applicator, which is designed in the form of a loop through which a body part, for example an arm or a leg, can be inserted.

[0041] The Fig. 7 and Fig. Figure 8 shows illustrations of an embodiment of an electromagnetic applicator system in which the housing 100 is designed as a kind of case. In the Fig. Figure 7 shows a top view of the case with one lid 150 open. The control unit 110 and the battery storage unit 120 are visible inside the case. Compartments for storing accessories, such as an applicator, are also provided. The case is approximately the size of a shoebox.

[0042] In the Fig.Figure 8 shows a side view of the case-like housing, in which a control panel 140 is arranged in the lid 150. The control panel serves, for example, to operate the control unit 110 and can be designed, for example, as a touch-sensitive display. This makes it easy for a user to select different programs or directly adjust parameters of the pulse signals PD or the sequence of pulse signals.

Claims

[1] Electromagnetic applicator system comprising - a housing (100) containing a control unit (110), a battery storage unit (120) for supplying the control unit (110) and externally accessible plug connections (130); and - at least one applicator (200) comprising at least one coil (210) which can be connected to the plug connections (130) via a supply line with an at least two-pole plug connection; wherein - the at least one coil (210) and the supply line are formed by means of a high-frequency stranded wire; - the control unit (110) is configured to generate a sequence of electrical pulse signals (PS) from energy stored in the battery storage device (120) for output via the plug-in connections (130), so that the at least one applicator (200), when connected to the plug-in connections (130), generates an electromagnetic field; and - each pulse signal (PS) has a maximum pulse power in the range of 100 kW to 10 MW with a pulse length in the range of 100 µs to 10 ms. [2] 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] Applicator system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein each pulse signal (PS) has a current profile such that a magnetic field change with a gradient in the order of 1 T / ms results in the applicator (200). [4] Applicator system according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the sequence contains 5 to 30 electrical pulse signals (PS) per second. [5] Applicator system according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the applicator system is configured for a respective application duration of up to 20 minutes. [6] Applicator system according to one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the applicator system - has passive cooling and is free from fan cooling and water cooling; or - is free of water cooling and has passive cooling and / or fan cooling with one or more fans generating a noise level of less than 17dB(A). [7] Applicator system according to one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the high-frequency stranded wire has several thousand strands. [8] Applicator system according to one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the battery storage (120) has a capacity in the range of 200 Wh to 400 Wh. [9] Applicator system according to one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the housing (100) further comprises a control panel (140) for operating the control device (110). [10] Applicator system according to claim 9, wherein the housing (100) is formed by a case containing the battery storage (120), the control unit (110) and the control panel (140), and wherein the control panel (140) is arranged in a lid (150) of the case.

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