Device for non-invasive magnetic field therapy

Abstract

The invention relates to a device for non-invasive magnetic field therapy, comprising a therapy unit (1) with at least one periodically excitable electromagnet (2), a first radiation source emitting near-infrared radiation, and a heating element (4). To further improve the well-being of a patient using the device (1), the therapy unit further comprises a second radiation source emitting UV-B radiation.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a device for non-invasive magnetic field therapy, which comprises a therapy unit with at least one periodically excitable electromagnet, a first radiation source which emits radiation in the near infrared, and a heating element.

[0002] Non-invasive magnetic field therapy has been used in alternative medicine for thousands of years, dating back to Chinese medicine when magnetic stones were used to support healing processes. Today, magnetic fields are generated by the stimulation of magnetic coils, allowing for a variety of patterns and therapeutic approaches that are said to enhance the health and well-being of the user.

[0003] EP 2 050 481 B1 discloses a magnetic field therapy device in which a field generating device, controlled by a pulse generator, generates a pulsating magnetic field composed of a sequence of main pulses with a specific amplitude profile. This improves the effect of the magnetic field therapy.

[0004] Furthermore, it is known to combine magnetic field therapy with other therapeutic methods. For example, DE 10 2010 038 249 A1 discloses a method and device for the physical stimulation of human tissue by using photons, i.e., light, together with either alternating magnetic fields or mechanical vibrations. The simultaneous application of heat further enhances the therapeutic effect.

[0005] Light therapy uses various wavelengths, typically in the visible and infrared spectrum, and occasionally in the UV range. It uses either pulsed or continuous radiation.

[0006] UV-B radiation lies in the wavelength range of 270 nm to 350 nm. This high-energy radiation is strongly scattered in biological tissue and is responsible for long-term tanning of the skin. Furthermore, the skin produces vitamin D3 when exposed to UV-B radiation.

[0007] The task is to provide a device that advances the state of the art by integrating further therapeutic approaches and improving the well-being of a patient.

[0008] The above-mentioned device achieves this objective by providing the therapy unit with a second radiation source that emits UV-B radiation. Previously used devices utilize only a single light source. The additional second radiation source, which emits UV-B radiation, has the additional positive effect of stimulating the production of vitamin D3, thus improving the patient's well-being compared to the current state of the art.

[0009] It is advantageous if the UV-B radiation is in a wavelength range between 270 nm and 350 nm. Furthermore, it is advantageous if the first radiation source emits radiation within a wavelength range between 600 nm and 750 nm.

[0010] Furthermore, it is advantageous if the therapy unit comprises a control unit that controls the first radiation source, the electromagnet, the heating element, and the second radiation source. It is particularly advantageous if the control unit comprises a plurality of selectable therapy programs, wherein the first radiation source is active in a first therapy program, the second radiation source is active in a second therapy program, and both the first and second radiation sources are active in a third therapy program. In this way, the various therapy forms can be controlled independently of one another to provide a variety of therapy programs.

[0011] In a further advantageous embodiment, the therapy unit is designed as a base, and the first radiation source has a plurality of first emitters and the second radiation source has a plurality of second emitters, wherein the first and second emitters are each arranged distributed across the base. Particularly advantageously, the number of first and second emitters is identical. Alternatively or additionally, it is advantageous if the first and second emitters are evenly distributed across the base. In this way, the UV-B radiation, like the near-infrared radiation, is emitted evenly across the patient.

[0012] It is understood that the features mentioned above and those to be explained below can be used not only in the combinations indicated, but also in other combinations or on their own, without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0013] The invention will be explained in more detail below using an exemplary embodiment with reference to the accompanying drawing, which also discloses features essential to the invention. The exemplary embodiment is for illustrative purposes only and is not to be interpreted as limiting. For example, a description of the exemplary embodiment with a plurality of elements or components should not be interpreted as meaning that all of these elements or components are necessary for implementation. Rather, other exemplary embodiments may also include alternative elements and components, fewer elements or components, or additional elements or components without departing from the scope of the invention. Modifications and variations described for the exemplary embodiment may also be applicable to other exemplary embodiments. It shows: Fig. 1 A schematic representation of a device for non-invasive magnetic field therapy.

[0014] The Fig. Figure 1 shows a device for non-invasive magnetic field therapy, comprising a therapy unit 1 with an electromagnet 2, a control unit 3, a heating element 4, and a series of first radiators 5 and second radiators 6. The first radiators 5, which together form a first light source, are shown as diamonds and emit light in the near-infrared range within a wavelength range between 600 nm and 750 nm. The second radiators 6, which form a second light source, are shown as rectangles and emit light in a UV-B range between 270 nm and 350 nm.

[0015] The therapy unit 1 is designed as a base 7 containing all components. The emitters 5, 6 are designed as LEDs and are located on the surface of the base 7, facing the patient lying on it. To ensure even irradiation of the patient's entire body, the emitters 5, 6 are evenly arranged in four rows on the base 7, with each first emitter 5 having only second emitters 6 in the immediate vicinity. The total number of first and second emitters 5, 6 is identical.

[0016] The control unit 3 is designed to control the electromagnet 2, the heating element 4, and the radiators 5, 6. Thus, all components can be controlled individually or jointly. For this purpose, a multitude of selectable therapy programs are stored or programmable in the control unit 3. In a first therapy program, the first radiation source is active, in a second therapy program, the second radiation source is active, and in a third therapy program, both the first and second radiation sources are active. Likewise, the electromagnet 2 and the heating element 4 can be switched on or off depending on the therapy program.

[0017] The electromagnet 2 is typically composed of a plurality of magnetic coils, which are periodically excited to generate a pulsed magnetic field with a specific magnetic field frequency. Sinusoidal, rectangular, and sawtooth signals, or even defined pulse sequences, can be generated. The type of excitation is freely selectable and depends on the selected therapy program. List of reference symbols 1 therapy session 2 electromagnet 3 Control unit 4 heating element 5 first spotlights 6 second spotlights 7 Base QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] EP 2 050 481 B1

[0003] DE 10 2010 038 249 A1

[0004]

Claims

[1] Device for non-invasive magnetic field therapy, which comprises a therapy unit (1) with at least one periodically excitable electromagnet (2), a first radiation source which emits radiation in the near infrared, and a heating element (4), characterized by that the therapy unit (1) further comprises a second radiation source which emits UV-B radiation. [2] Device according to claim 1, characterized by that UV-B radiation lies in a wavelength range between 270 nm and 350 nm. [3] Device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by that the first radiation source emits radiation within a wavelength range between 600 nm and 750 nm. [4] Device according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized by that the therapy unit (1) comprises a control unit (3) which controls the first radiation source, the electromagnet (2), the heating element (4) and the second radiation source. [5] Device according to claim 4, characterized by that the control unit (3) comprises a plurality of selectable therapy programs, wherein in a first therapy program the first radiation source is active, in a second therapy program the second radiation source is active, and in a third therapy program both the first and the second radiation source are active. [6] Device according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized by in that the therapy unit (1) is designed as a base (7) and the first radiation source comprises a plurality of first radiators (5) and the second radiation source comprises a plurality of second radiators (6), wherein the first and second radiators (5, 6) are each arranged distributed over the base (7). [7] Device according to claim 6, characterized by that a number of first radiators (5) and a number of second radiators (6) are identical. [8] Device according to claim 6 or 7, characterized bythat the first and second radiators (5, 6) are evenly distributed over the base (7).

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