Massager that generates standing waves.

Abstract

A massage device comprising one or more generators of mechanical vibrations with a rotary-vibration or eccentric mechanism or a piezoelectric element, a central control unit, several waveguides for transmitting the vibration action to the body surface, and one or more microcontrollers controlling the vibration parameters for each of the waveguides, characterized in that the waveguides have a fractal 3D structure.

Description

Technical area

[0001] The proposed device belongs to the field of massage devices with possible applications for rehabilitation, cosmetic, relaxation and preventive purposes. Invention objective

[0002] The aim of the invention is to provide a massage device capable of generating a standing wave, as well as a polarized standing wave or a standing wave with torsional moment, at a specific location and depth in the body tissue, as well as the ability to change the localization of such a standing wave. Brief description of the invention

[0003] A device for generating a massage effect capable of generating a polarized standing wave and a torque-induced standing wave at a specific depth in body tissue. The device also allows for changing the polarization direction of the standing wave and the rotation direction of the standing wave. For this purpose, a structure is proposed consisting of one or more mechanical vibration generators, each consisting of a source of mechanical vibration with a rotating mechanism or piezoelectric element, a memory block, one or more microcontrollers that control the vibration parameters for each of the vibration modules, and waveguides that transmit the vibration oscillations from the vibration module to the body surface.The waveguides of the proposed device have a fractal 3D structure, a rounded, elliptical, parabolic, spiral, or conical shape, and the aperture of the waveguides forms a fractal 2D pattern. The device contains a mechanism that allows changing the inclination angle of the waveguides. The waveguides are arranged at different angles to the central axis of the vibrator and to the body surface, and the inclination angle of the waveguides can be changed. On the body surface, the waveguides can form a figure of several perimeters. The device generates a fractal . Set of frequencies in the range of 0.1 to 300 Hertz with targeted biologically relevant frequencies. Technology status

[0004] The use of standing waves in biological and medical devices is quite widespread. For example, US 9567559B2 describes a bioreactor that utilizes an acoustic standing wave. In the described device, an ultrasonic transducer and an opposing reflector are used to generate a multidimensional acoustic standing wave, under the influence of which cell clusters that have reached a certain size are

[0005] The use of standing waves in biological and medical devices is quite widespread. For example, US Patent No. 9567559B2 describes a bioreactor that utilizes an acoustic standing wave. The device described uses an ultrasonic transducer and an opposing reflector to generate a multidimensional acoustic standing wave, under the influence of which cell clusters that have reached a certain size are segregated within the bioreactor space.

[0006] In US 10737228B2 a standing wave is used which moves in a reaction vessel and thereby causes mixing of the components in the vessel.

[0007] US 2008021259A1 describes a device for separating particles using standing waves. The device uses ultrasonic standing waves that are switched between two different frequencies. When the particles are exposed to the fundamental standing wave, forces act to collect the particles in the center. When the particles are exposed to the second-order harmonic standing wave, forces act to collect the particles in two pressure nodes on the sides.

[0008] RU2665621C2 describes a method for exposing tumor cells to an electromagnetic wave with a frequency of 50 MHz. The frequency used corresponds to the natural frequency of the rotational vibrations of the DNA of tumor cells and is used to suppress the growth of tumor tissue.

[0009] JP000004983802B2 discloses an apparatus for measuring the progression of osteoporosis by means of ultrasonic waves generating a rotational vibration applied to the bone part of a subject and ultrasonic waves generating a longitudinal vibration applied to the bone part.

[0010] DE201010018391A1 describes a massage device in which the transmission mechanism has at least one eccentric which is radially offset to a rotation axis and can be driven in rotation about the rotation axis by means of a drive motor.

[0011] CN 000002565444 Y presents a massager whose surface is provided with a multitude of round openings in which massage balls are arranged. These massage balls exhibit twisting, rotation, and elastic damping effects thanks to a design in which each massage ball is incorporated and clamped within an elastic component.

[0012] KR 101253378B1 describes a drive motor for a massage device that generates vibrations at audio frequencies. In one embodiment, a stepper motor is used to ensure an oscillating rotary motion of the motor's drive shaft, which is connected to a toothbrush head.

[0013] US 5955819A discloses a highly efficient standing wave vibration motor comprising: an elastic element; wherein the direction of rotation can be maintained when the excitation frequency is close to the resonance frequencies. The motor can generate a first standing wave and a second standing wave crossing the first. Brief description of the technical drawing Figure 1 shows the general scheme of a vibration device capable of generating a standing wave, a polarized standing wave, and a standing wave with torsional moment in body tissue. The design of the device allows for changing the polarization direction and the rotation direction of the standing wave.

[0014] Point 1 denotes the central control unit; point 2 - microcontroller for controlling the vibration parameters; point 3 - generators for mechanical vibrations; point 4 - waveguides with fractal construction; point 5 - mechanism for changing the inclination angle of the waveguides. Disclosure of the invention

[0015] Most massage devices in use today use a progressive vibration wave or mechanical wave as the agent of the action method. This method has several disadvantages, the most important of which are the impossibility of localizing the massage effect, the unidirectional nature of the action, and the high dispersion of the mechanical energy.

[0016] A more effective method of vibration exposure is one in which a standing wave is created in the body's tissue. Another beneficial method of vibration exposure can be tissue stimulation with a standing wave with torque. Another method for enhancing the massage effect is a polarized standing wave or a standing wave with torque, where the polarization direction of the standing wave or the direction of the torque can be changed in a predefined mode.

[0017] The general scheme of the device, which allows the formation of a standing wave, a polarized standing wave, a standing wave with torque, and a standing wave with the possibility of changing the direction of polarization or rotation, includes the following components: 1 - housing; 2 - actuator, i.e., an electromechanical device that converts electrical energy into mechanical motion. The actuator can be electromagnetic, piezoelectric, hydraulic, or pneumatic. A variant of the actuator can be a rotary-oscillatory mechanism, i.e., a device that simultaneously generates rotational motion around an axis and oscillatory motion (linear or oscillatory) along or perpendicular to the same axis; 3 - central control unit.One of the variants of the proposed device can be a multi-section actuator with separate control of the sections for generating a wave motion; 4 - several, from two to N, microcontrollers that regulate the parameters of the generated oscillations; 5 - several, from two to N, waveguides that transmit the oscillations to the surface of the body tissue and are arranged at an angle to each other.

[0018] The optimal shape of the housing of a vibrating device for these purposes should be conical or dome-shaped, which focuses mechanical waves in the target area and enhances wave interference. Furthermore, the shape of the housing should allow for angular placement of the waveguides with respect to the aperture plane, which adds rotational components to the longitudinal waves.

[0019] The rotation-oscillation mechanism can consist of an electric motor with an eccentric or a bent piezo element, whereby the generated torque amplifies the effect of the standing wave.

[0020] Structural components known as waveguides play a key role in the design of the massager to create a standing wave. A waveguide is a structural component that transmits and guides mechanical vibrations from the vibration source to the area of influence.

[0021] The waveguides can have different designs depending on the type of massager and the specific purposes of its application. For generating a polarized standing wave, an elliptical or parabolic waveguide shape is optimal.

[0022] The elliptical shape ensures a smooth change in the direction of wave propagation, creates a more uniform energy distribution, minimizes reflection losses and enables precise focusing of the wave at a specific point.

[0023] The parabolic shape ensures optimal focusing of energy at a specific point, creates a parallel wave beam after reflection, reduces wave dispersion and has better properties when working with coherent waves.

[0024] Optimal parameters for forming a polarized standing wave at a depth of 1 cm are as follows: the radius of curvature of the ellipse should be 15-20 mm; eccentricity: 0.6-0.7; aperture size: 20-25 mm.

[0025] Parameters for a depth of 3 cm: radius of curvature of the ellipse: 45-50 mm; eccentricity: 0.8-0.85; aperture: 40-45 mm.

[0026] In both cases, the angle between the waveguides should be 90° and the optimal wall thickness is 2-3 mm.

[0027] The overall waveguide design can also consist of components with spiral structures. Such spiral structures can increase the efficiency of the vibration effect by extending wave propagation, generating additional inertia, forming secondary resonant circuits, and improving the distribution of mechanical energy.

[0028] In addition, the spiral design of the waveguide components or the vibration head promotes the generation of an inhomogeneous stress field in the tissue, enhances the rotational moment of the vibration and increases the active surface of the waveguide.

[0029] The optimal, but not limiting, parameters for the spiral waveguide design can be defined as follows: spiral pitch: 1.5-2 mm; pitch angle: 15-20 degrees; number of turns: 3-5.

[0030] The general characteristic of waveguide shapes is the use of spiral and rounded structures on the vibrating surface. The shape is understood as both the outer contour of the entire waveguide and the contour of its individual components. For example, the overall shape of the waveguide can be spiral, while its inner structure can contain spiral channels to enhance the rotational moment.

[0031] In another variant, for example, for the effective generation of a standing wave with rotational torque, a conical waveguide shape is optimal. One possible design is a conical waveguide with a variable cross-section. The most general recommendations for the parameters of the conical waveguide cross-section for vibration stimulation of soft tissue are as follows: diameter from 20 mm at the vibration source to 40 mm at the aperture; height - approximately 60 mm; inclination angle - 10-15 degrees. The conical waveguide can also contain spiral channels to enhance the rotational torque.

[0032] A fractal waveguide design can offer additional advantages in generating a polarized standing wave, particularly a standing wave with rotational momentum. A fractal 3D waveguide structure can improve the vibration parameters through the following features: 1 - Improvement of the spatial vibration characteristics, in particular through the formation of frequency clusters, an optimized distribution of mechanical stresses, and the creation of self-similar vibration structures at different scale levels; 2 - Improvement of the wave effects through a more complex interference pattern, the generation of multiple phase centers, and improved focusing of the vibration energy; 3 - Reduction of losses due to internal friction and optimization of the distribution of the vibration energy in space.

[0033] The optimal quantitative parameters for the 3D fractal structure of the waveguide construction can be defined as follows: 1 - Fractal dimension: 2.1 to 2.8, preferably 2.4 to 2.7, which corresponds to the fractal dimension of most natural objects; 2 - Number of iterations: 2 to 15, preferably 2 to 5; 3 - Scaling factor (reduction of the size ratio in each iteration): 0.2 to 0.8, preferably 0.3 to 0.4; 4 - Branching angle: 30 to 80 degrees, preferably 60 to 70 degrees, which favors optimal distribution of vibrational energy.

[0034] In the most general form, the fractal characteristics of the waveguide structure can be within the fractal values of objects in living nature, for example: Romanesco cauliflower (Brassica oleracea L. var. botrytis L.) - fractal dimension: approximately 2.7, number of iterations: 6-7, spiral angle: approximately 137.5° (golden angle); human bronchial system - fractal dimension: 2.8-3.0, number of iterations: 23-24 generations, branching factor: on average 2.3-2.8; coral species Acropora cervicornis - fractal dimension: 2.4, number of iterations: 4-5, scaling factor: 0.6-0.7.

[0035] The closest analogues to the fractal structure of the waveguide can be a three-dimensional modification of the Mandelbrot fractal, which has properties of the Fibonacci spiral in three-dimensional space, or a three-dimensional modification of the Pythagorean tree fractal.

[0036] An additional property of the waveguide's fractal structure that can enhance the formation of a standing wave with rotational momentum is the use of rounded shapes in each fractal iteration. Particularly effective in this regard can be the use of self-similar spiral structures, including the logarithmic spiral, with a decreasing scaling factor of 0.4 to 0.9, preferably 0.7 to 0.8, for each subsequent level.

[0037] Another factor to increase the efficiency of the fractal structure of the waveguide can be the integration of a microchannel system based on the principle of a fractal tree, with a fractal dimension of 2.1 to 2.9, preferably between 2.4 and 2.6.

[0038] The aperture of the waveguide also plays a key role in the formation of the standing wave in the massager's design. The aperture (the contact surface) here refers to the area of direct contact with the body through which the mechanical vibrations are transmitted.

[0039] The optimal shape for generating a polarized standing wave or a standing wave with aperture torque is a twisted, elliptical, or spiral shape, with the aperture edges slightly rounded to minimize diffraction moments. The diameter of the round aperture or the major axis of the elliptical aperture should be a multiple of half the wavelength in the tissue.

[0040] For elliptical shapes, an axial ratio of approximately 1.2-1.5 ensures optimal energy distribution. The use of asymmetric shapes in the aperture pattern enhances the rotational motion of the mechanical shafts, which contributes to the generation of torque.

[0041] The diameter should be comparable to the wavelength in the human body. For example, at a frequency of 20 Hz, the aperture diameter should be approximately 70-80 mm; a diameter of up to 150 mm can achieve both local and deep effects. The preferred aperture relief depth should ideally be between 0.1 and 5 mm, forming a special microstructure to ensure improved skin contact and energy transfer.

[0042] One possible variation of the aperture shape is an exponential or power-based aperture profile. In this case, the shape of the aperture edge is described by a mathematical function of an exponential or power-based nature. Such profiles ensure a smooth increase or decrease in pressure during the massage, a gradual change in the depth of application, and an even distribution of the load across the tissue.

[0043] A particularly effective variation of the aperture shape can be a 2D fractal pattern. The general properties of the fractal aperture pattern are determined by the projection of a 3D fractal structure onto the waveguide. The fractal pattern on the massager's aperture can theoretically increase the efficiency of forming a standing wave with torque during mechanical vibration.

[0044] Fractal patterns have a complex geometric structure that can contribute to the amplification of resonance phenomena. This can improve the tuning of the device's vibration frequencies with the natural frequencies of the tissue, thus increasing the amplitude of the standing wave. Furthermore, fractal patterns can redistribute mechanical stresses, thereby reducing energy losses due to friction or dissipation. This increases the proportion of energy transferred to the tissue to generate rotational vibrations.

[0045] The fractal properties of the aperture pattern of the waveguide can be in the following range: Hausdorff-Besicovitch dimension range from 1.1 to 1.9, preferably from 1.3 to 1.6 and a self-similarity degree from 2 to N, preferably from 3 to 9.

[0046] The efficiency of the massage effect can be increased by adjusting the angle of inclination of the waveguides. For this purpose, the proposed device provides a mechanism that allows changing the angle of inclination of the waveguides relative to the plane of the stimulated surface. Changing the angle of inclination of the waveguides allows for regulating the depth and localization of the formation of the standing wave. This is achieved by changing the geometry of the wave interaction, changing the angle and changing the intersection point of the wavefronts. In addition, this affects the formation of antinodes and nodes of the standing wave. Changing the angle of inclination of the waveguides also changes the wave propagation paths. Increasing the angle of inclination increases the wave path to the point of action, which affects the depth of wave penetration.

[0047] The optimal mechanism for changing the angle of inclination of the waveguides could be a hinged connection. For this purpose, a hinge with the ability to rotate in the vertical plane is installed at the base of each waveguide. Other mechanisms for regulating the angle of inclination of the waveguides are also possible, such as electromechanical drives, hydraulic drives, cam mechanisms, eccentric mechanisms, etc. The use of various mechanisms for changing the angle of inclination of the waveguides does not limit the essence of the proposed solution, as long as these various mechanisms fulfill the function of changing the angle of inclination of the massager's waveguides.

[0048] A variant of the proposed device could be a special design that ensures automatic change of the waveguide inclination angle during application. The automatic change of the waveguide inclination angle creates an automatic displacement of the standing wave vertically and horizontally in the body tissue, which can significantly increase the efficiency of the vibration effect.

[0049] Additional design features of the proposed massager could be replaceable waveguides with different geometric properties, such as height, fractal pattern, thickness, etc. Replaceable waveguides allow for a greater variety of variations in the intensity, localization, and depth of the standing wave in the tissue.

[0050] Another way to increase the variety of standing wave formation variants is the use of interchangeable attachments attached to the waveguides. A monolithic construction made of a material with good acoustic impedance, a conical taper towards the working part for wave focusing, and various inclination angles of the working surface for different penetration depths in the interchangeable attachments can significantly increase the variety of properties of the standing wave formed in the tissue.

[0051] A key factor determining the effectiveness of the massage effect is the number of waveguides used in the device. The minimum number is two, and the maximum is limited to a few dozen.

[0052] An increased number of waveguides, preferably 8 to 12, complicates the design but also has its advantages. The main advantage is the arrangement of the waveguides in multiple perimeters on the body surface. By sequentially switching on the waveguides arranged along the perimeter of the surface using controllers, the efficiency of the standing wave's torque and the efficiency of changing the direction of rotation of the standing wave can be significantly increased.

[0053] The perimeters of the waveguide arrangement can form concentric, spiral, or other rounded shapes. In the case of a spiral arrangement of waveguides along the circumference, the distance between the vibrating heads should decrease as one approaches the base of the spiral. Optimal characteristics of such a spiral are: a logarithmic spiral with an opening angle of 30-45 degrees; a spiral pitch corresponding to 1.5 to 2 times the diameter of the vibrating head; and a number of spiral turns of 3-4.

[0054] The order of activation of the circumferentially arranged waveguides can be different, for example, sequential activation in one direction on all perimeters, opposite activation on different perimeters, differently directed activation within a perimeter, and so on.

[0055] The opposite switching direction of the waveguides along the circumference ensures mutual torque amplification, compensation of parasitic vibrations and optimization of energy transfer.

[0056] Additional opportunities to increase the efficiency of the proposed device are offered by the use of a fractal spectrum of applied frequencies during vibration stimulation. Fractal structures in the organization of vibration rhythms can have a significant impact on the formation and properties of polarized standing waves in elastic media. The fractal organization of rhythms can increase the temporal coherence of oscillations necessary for interference, ensure more stable frequency characteristics that contribute to the formation of a clear interference pattern, and enhance resonance effects in the system, thereby improving the conditions for a polarized standing wave.

[0057] The optimal spectrum for vibration massage of tissues is between 0.1 and 300 Hz. Effective frequencies for the impact on small arterial vessels, muscles, lymphatic vessels, and mechanoreceptors are in the range of 20–200 Hz. The target frequencies are selected depending on the goals of the impact, primarily the specific structure targeted. For example, 10–12 Hz for arterioles, 5–7 Hz for lymphatic vessels, 12–14 Hz for muscle tissue, 20 Hz for large joints and large muscle groups, 60 Hz for receptors and nerve endings, and 120 Hz for proprioceptors.

[0058] When applying a standing wave to the prostate, the frequency range is between 20 hertz for deep stimulation and up to 45 hertz for superficial stimulation. The torque standing wave ensures deeper penetration, better stimulation of blood flow, and is most effective for chronic conditions or congestion. The application of a polarized standing wave produces a more targeted effect and is better suited for improving acute conditions.

[0059] Effective stimulation of the facial skin is achieved with waves in the frequency range from 15 Hertz, for example for lymphatic drainage, with a frequency of 20-25 Hertz to improve microcirculation, frequencies of 25-30 Hertz for the lifting effect and frequencies of 30-35 Hertz to stimulate collagen production.

[0060] The standing wave with torque is better suited for a massage effect, is more effective for general lifting, and promotes more active lymphatic drainage. The polarized standing wave has a gentler effect, is better suited for sensitive areas (around the eyes), and is more effective for the targeted treatment of expression lines. The optimal solution would be a combined application: using the torque for general facial massage, applying the polarized wave for sensitive areas, and the ability to switch between modes depending on the area being treated.

[0061] The effectiveness of the massage effect can be increased by changing the polarization direction of the standing wave. Changing the direction of circular polarization enhances the therapeutic effect, effectively distributes vibration energy, and stimulates tissue with various types of deformation. The optimal frequency of the direction change is in the range of 1-10 seconds. This vibration exposure mode stimulates tissue plasticity, regenerative capacity, muscle elasticity and tone, connective tissue strength, activates mechanoreceptors, improves blood and lymph flow, oxygenation, reduces edema, enhances the immune response, and accelerates tissue healing.

[0062] Another method for increasing the effectiveness of vibration exposure using the proposed device is changing the direction of the standing wave's torque. The change in the direction of rotation of the standing wave is achieved by changing the phase relationship between oscillations in perpendicular planes, from +90 degrees to -90 degrees. Changing the direction of the standing wave's torque improves the circulation of intercellular fluid, stimulates lymphatic drainage, increases fascia elasticity, enhances local blood flow, and boosts tissue metabolism. At low frequencies, up to approximately 30 Hz, the change in the direction of rotation of the standing wave should be more gradual due to the greater inertia of tissues; at frequencies above 100 Hz, the change can be almost instantaneous.

[0063] An additional, specific advantage of massage exposure to body tissues using a standing wave is the significant improvement in the absorption, transport, and assimilation of cosmetic and medicinal products when applied to the skin. The vibrational effect of a standing wave on the absorption and assimilation of cosmetic products results in the following benefits: increased permeability of the skin barrier, temporary microdeformation of cell membranes, creation of microchannels for better transport of substances, activation of blood circulation in the treated area, and enhancement of metabolic processes. Additional positive conditions for the absorption and assimilation of creams when exposed to a standing wave include a reduction in cream viscosity, stimulation of receptors, and easier penetration of cream molecules through the epidermis. 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] US 9567559B2 [0004, 0005] US 10737228B2

[0006] US 2008021259A1

[0007] RU 2665621C2

[0008] JP 000004983802B2

[0009] DE 201010018391A1

[0010] CN 000002565444 Y

[0011] KR 101253378B1

[0012] US 5955819A

[0013]

Claims

[1] Massage device consisting of one or more generators of mechanical vibrations with a rotary-vibration or eccentric mechanism or a piezoelectric element, a central control unit, several waveguides for transmitting the vibration effect to the body surface and one or more microcontrollers that control the vibration parameters for each of the waveguides, characterized by that the waveguides have a fractal 3D structure. [2] Device according to claim 1, characterized by that the waveguides have a conical shape. 2.1 Device according to claim 1, characterized by that the waveguides have a spiral shape. [3] Device according to claim 1, characterized by that the waveguides contain spiral channels to amplify the torque. [4] Device according to claim 1, characterized by that the aperture of the waveguides has a fractal 2D pattern. [5] Device according to claim 1, characterized by that the waveguides have an articulated or composite structure. [6] Device according to claim 5, characterized by that the design allows the use of replaceable waveguides. [7] Device according to claim 1, characterized by that the waveguides are arranged on the tissue surface in such a way that they form a figure of N perimeters, where N > 1. [8] Device according to claim 1, characterized by that it contains a structural component that allows the inclination angle of the waveguides to be changed. 8.1 Device according to claim 8, characterized by that the inclination angle of the waveguides can be changed automatically during the exposure.

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