Method for generating electromagnetic fields and a device having such a device

Abstract

The present invention relates to generating electromagnetic fields using an applicator (5) with low-frequency current pulses (10), with a generator (3) that produces the low-frequency current pulses (10) for generating the electromagnetic fields, wherein a plurality of current pulses (10) follow a signal curve, wherein the respective current pulse (10) comprises a first signal component in the form of a rectangular pulse, wherein a current pulse pause (16) is provided between two current pulses (10), and wherein the amplitude of the current pulses (10) is modulated with a modulation frequency in a sinusoidal signal curve. The present invention also relates to a device for carrying out the method.

Description

[0001] Method for generating electromagnetic fields and a device comprising such a device

[0002] The present invention relates to a method for generating electromagnetic fields by means of low-frequency current pulses, in particular for treating body regions, having the features of patent claim 1, as well as to a device comprising the device for generating the low-frequency current pulse, having the features of patent claim 17.

[0003] Methods for generating electromagnetic fields are known in various forms from the prior art and are widely used to expose body regions of living beings to electromagnetic fields. The generated electromagnetic fields are used in the prior art to influence biological processes in the body regions of the living beings. An example of such a device is known from the document EP 152 963 A1.

[0004] Furthermore, EP 0 594 655 B1 discloses a device comprising a generator producing a low-frequency, pulsed electric current and a transmitting coil connected thereto. The electromagnetic fields generated by the coil are used to act on a body region to be treated. The device taught therein is intended to transport ions, and in particular protons, by specifically influencing the ion concentration in any body region in humans and animals.

[0005] The devices known from the state of the art have proven themselves in the past, but there is a desire to further develop this technology in order to improve its effectiveness.

[0006] This is where the present invention comes in.

[0007] Based on this prior art, the present invention has for its object to propose a suitably improved method for generating electromagnetic fields by means of low-frequency current pulses, in particular for treating body regions of living beings, which suitably eliminates disadvantages of the prior art.

[0008] This object is achieved by a method having the features of patent claim 1 and a device for carrying out the method having the features of patent claim 17.

[0009] Further advantageous embodiments of the present invention are specified in the subclaims.

[0010] The inventive method for generating electromagnetic fields with the features of patent claim 1 by means of an applicator energized with low-frequency current pulses and having a transmitting coil, in particular for treating body regions of living beings, in particular humans or animals, is characterized in that the current pulses have a signal curve and the respective current pulse comprises a first signal component whose amplitude is in the form of a rectangular pulse. Furthermore, a current pulse pause is provided between two current pulses. According to the invention, the amplitude of the current pulses is modulated with a preferably single modulation frequency in a sinusoidal signal curve. The first signal component within the meaning of the present invention preferably has an approximately constant amplitude over the time course of the respective current pulse.

[0011] The present invention is based on the idea of ​​generating pulsating electromagnetic fields that become more intense and then weaker over time. The sinusoidal, modulated signal curve contributes to the amplitude of the current pulses rising and falling gently over time along a complete period, thereby stimulating the autonomic nervous system and achieving particularly effective ion transport in the affected body region. Furthermore, it has been shown that the sinusoidal amplitude modulation of the current pulses improves the penetration depth of the electromagnetic fields into the body region.

[0012] The pulsating electromagnetic fields are used for the treatment, prevention and / or aftercare of sleep disorders, exhaustion, stress, burnout, pain, degenerative diseases, inflammation, broken bones, improved wound healing, bone fracture healing, wound healing, circulatory disorders, metabolic disorders, increased performance and improved regeneration in sports, particularly competitive sports. The corresponding body region is exposed to the pulsating electromagnetic fields. For this purpose, for example, the applicator mentioned at the beginning can be positioned on the body in such a way that the pulsating electromagnetic fields can act on the body region to be treated. According to a preferred development of the present invention, the signal curve comprises at least one current pulse sequence which describes at least one complete sinusoidal period.In particular, it has proven advantageous if a current pulse sequence describes several periods. It should be noted here that the number of periods does not necessarily have to be a whole number. Thus, a current pulse sequence can last, for example, 3.5 periods. Furthermore, it should be noted that it can also be advantageous if a current pulse sequence comprises half a sinusoidal period.

[0013] Furthermore, according to a further development of the present invention, the respective current pulse has a duration of between 0.1 ms and 10 s. It is particularly preferred if the respective current pulse has a duration of approximately 0.5 ms to approximately 2 ms, with the current pulse even more preferably having a duration of approximately 2 ms.

[0014] The duration of the corresponding current pulse determines, in particular, a high rate of change of the current in the signal waveform. This prevents the induced voltage pulses from exhibiting any significant phase shift compared to the current pulses. Thus, a continuous induction occurs due to the changing electromagnetic field in the body region.

[0015] A further development of the present invention provides that the complete sinusoidal period comprises at least four, more preferably at least eight, and even more preferably at least twelve current pulses, wherein the current pulse pauses between the individual current pulses can preferably be of equal length. It should be noted at this point that the number of current pulses per complete sinusoidal period can be increased as desired. The number of current pulses depends, among other things, on the modulation frequency, which determines the duration of a current pulse sequence.

[0016] A further development of the present invention provides that the signal waveform comprises at least three current pulse sequences of approximately equal amplitude. In particular, a current pulse sequence comprising a full period can also be formed by a half-period with a current pulse sequence pause of half a period.

[0017] Furthermore, it has proven advantageous if the current pulse pause between two current pulses has a duration of between 0.1 ms and 10 s. In particular, it has proven advantageous if the current pulse pause is less than approximately 5 ms. In particular, it has proven advantageous if the current pulse pause is less than approximately 5 ms, and it is even more preferred if the current pulse pause is approximately 0.25 ms.

[0018] Furthermore, it may be advantageous if the current pulses are generated at a carrier frequency. The carrier frequency is preferably between 100 Hz and 100 kHz.

[0019] An additional development of the present invention provides that the duration of current pulses in conjunction with current pulse pauses forms a frequency that is tuned to a mechanical resonance in organs, tissues, cell aggregates, or molecules. The mechanical resonance frequency is preferably between 3 Hz and 3 kHz. For example, 200 Hz resonates with arterioles and causes them to vibrate slightly. This reduces the friction coefficient of the blood suspension on the endothelium, which can lead to a higher flow velocity, resulting in improved thermoregulation and increased erythrocyte transport to the capillary system.

[0020] The respective current pulse can be formed by superimposing the first signal component already described and a second signal component, wherein the second signal component is formed from a rising and / or falling current. The first signal component and the second signal component are preferably synchronized and superimposed.

[0021] Furthermore, the second signal component can advantageously be formed from a rising and / or falling current, which can correspond to the form of a linear, exponential function and / or a Fibonacci number sequence.

[0022] At this point, it should be noted that the second signal component can also be described as step-like. The individual steps can, for example, be due to the carrier frequency and can also correspond to successive rectangular pulses with increasing and / or decreasing amplitude.

[0023] For example, the second signal component can be either rising or falling over the duration of the corresponding current pulse. For example, with a current pulse duration of 2 ms, it is conceivable for the amplitude in the second signal component to rise for 0.9 ms and then fall for the remaining 1.1 ms. The ratio between the rising and falling components can preferably be between 10:1 and 1:10.

[0024] Due to a high rate of change of the current in the second signal component with the rising and / or falling function, it results that in particular the induced voltage pulses do not have any significant phase shift compared to the current pulses and a continuous induction occurs due to the changing electromagnetic field in the body region.

[0025] Furthermore, it is preferred if, according to a further development, a current pulse train pause is provided between two current pulse train sequences at regular or irregular intervals, and that the current pulse train pause has a duration that is preferably longer than 0.1 ms and preferably shorter than 10 s. During the current pulse train pause, the organism is given the opportunity to allow the biochemical-physical processes stimulated by the pulses to take effect.

[0026] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, all current pulses across at least one current pulse sequence have an amplitude selected such that the current pulses do not exhibit a polarity reversal in the signal path. In other words, the amplitude of a current pulse sequence can be A(t)>0 or, alternatively, A(t)<0.

[0027] In particular, it has proven advantageous if all current pulses over at least one current pulse sequence have an amplitude A > 0 or A < 0. Accordingly, the organism is continuously exposed to current pulses during a current pulse sequence, whereby the charged particles are continuously pushed in one direction.

[0028] A preferred development of the present invention provides that the modulation frequency is between 0.5 Hz and 120 Hz. A particularly preferred development of the present invention provides that the generator can switch between at least two modulation frequencies, wherein the generator can particularly preferably generate the modulation frequencies of approximately 6 Hz, approximately 10 Hz, and approximately 16 Hz. These modulation frequencies are adapted to the autonomic nervous system of a human brain, wherein the modulation frequency of approximately 6 Hz stimulates the autonomic nervous system toward a resting state, and approximately 16 Hz stimulates the autonomic nervous system toward a physically active person. Of particular note here is the third modulation frequency mentioned above, of approximately 10 Hz, wherein this modulation frequency corresponds to stimulation of the autonomic nervous system toward a relaxed state.A part of the brain of all living beings, particularly the autonomic nervous system, oscillates in resonance with the modulation frequency and can therefore be particularly well stimulated with the modulation frequency. It can be particularly advantageous if the – preferably only – modulation frequency or at least one of the previously described at least two interchangeable modulation frequencies is approximately 2.2 Hz, 7.83 Hz, and / or 14.2 Hz. These frequencies can be harmonic or resonant frequencies of the autonomic nervous system. It should be noted here that "approximately" in this context means a tolerance of approximately ±2 Hz. Further preferably, the tolerance of the modulation frequency is ±10%.

[0029] A further development of the present invention provides that the respective current pulse has a carrier frequency between 100 Hz and 100 KHz or between 50 MHz and 250 MHz. In particular, it is preferred if the carrier frequency is 150 MHz, which, together with the sinusoidal amplitude modulation of the current pulses, makes it possible to achieve a focused field of action and a deep penetration depth with a high degree of energy transfer. In particular, the combination avoids an undesirable skin effect, in which high-frequency electromagnetic fields only penetrate the surface of the body regions and create undesirable eddy currents there, which can, for example, lead to a heat or pain stimulus.

[0030] A further development of the present invention also provides that at least one control parameter can be provided which can influence the amplitude of the current pulses, the modulation frequency, the modulation amplitude, the pause duration, a duration of the current pulse sequence pause and / or a duration of the current pulse sequence or number of periods per current pulse sequence. Typically, such a control parameter can comprise, for example, biofeedback, a blood pressure monitor, temperature detection, pulse detection or the like, whereby the device can provide a signal curve of the current pulses adapted to the body. In the simplest case, the control parameter input can be formed by an HMI (human-machine interface), such as one or more control elements. However, the control parameter input can also comprise an interface which is set up to communicate with a measuring device.Such a measuring device can be a conventional measuring device, a smart device and / or a wearable such as a smartwatch. Such devices, in particular wearables, can measure, among other things, temperature, pulse, oxygen saturation, blood pressure, etc. A further and second aspect of the present invention relates to the use of the method described above for the treatment, prevention and / or aftercare of sleep disorders, exhaustion, stress, pain, degenerative diseases, inflammation, in particular for the prevention and aftercare of the aforementioned health disorders. Furthermore, the described method is used for the treatment of bone fracture healing, wound healing, circulatory and metabolic disorders and / or is used additionally for increasing performance and improving regeneration in sports, in particular competitive sports.

[0031] A further and third aspect of the present invention relates to a device for carrying out the method described above. The device can, in particular, generate low-frequency current pulses and thus energize an applicator with at least one transmitting coil in order to generate the electromagnetic fields.

[0032] Furthermore, it has proven advantageous if the applicator comprises at least one measuring device that can detect the at least one previously described control parameter and transmit it to the device or the control parameter input of the device.

[0033] Furthermore, according to a further development, the device can be used for the treatment, prevention and / or aftercare of sleep disorders, exhaustion, stress, burnout, pain, degenerative diseases, inflammation, bone fractures, improvement of wound healing, bone fracture healing, wound healing, circulatory disorders, metabolic disorders, performance improvement and improvement of regeneration in sports, in particular competitive sports.

[0034] An embodiment of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings:

[0035] Figure 1 shows a schematic and exemplary structure of the therapy system with a device for generating low-frequency current pulses and an applicator with a transmitting coil for treating body regions with electromagnetic fields,

[0036] Figure 2 shows idealized current pulses with a current pulse pause in between,

[0037] Figure 3 shows an idealized current pulse sequence with a sinusoidal amplitude modulation of the current pulses, and

[0038] Figure 4 shows two current pulse sequences, with a current pulse sequence pause between the current pulse sequences for the regeneration of the tissue.

[0039] Identical or functionally identical parts or features are identified by the same reference numerals in the following detailed description of the figures. Furthermore, not all identical or functionally identical parts or features are provided with a reference numeral in the figures. Figure 1 shows a preferred and exemplary embodiment of a therapy system 2. The therapy system 2 comprises a device 1 for generating low-frequency current pulses 10 for an applicator 5 and the applicator 5.

[0040] The device 1 for generating low-frequency current pulses 10 comprises a generator (not shown in detail) and can be connected to the applicator 5 via a suitable electrical connection.

[0041] When used as intended, the applicator 5 can be positioned on, under, around and / or adjacent to a body region of a living being, in particular a human being, wherein when energized by the device 1 with the current pulses 10, the applicator generates electromagnetic fields which can act on the body region.

[0042] The generator can also be referred to as a signal generator and can generate a plurality of current pulses 10, which are illustrated as an amplitude-time diagram in Figure 2. The amplitude A is plotted as current I on the abscissa, and time t is plotted on the ordinate.

[0043] The generator may comprise one or more oscillators for generating a carrier frequency as well as one or more RF preamplifiers and main amplifiers configured to generate the current pulses 10. Typically, the generator comprises an oscillator for generating the carrier frequency and an oscillator for generating the modulation frequency. Furthermore, the generator may comprise a signal generator and / or an amplitude regulator as well as a high-frequency preamplifier and / or a high-frequency main amplifier. The respective current pulse 10 has a duration t1 and between two current pulses 10 there is a current pulse pause 16. The

[0044] Current pulse pause 16 has a duration t2. The duration t1 of the current pulses 10 can be longer than the duration t2 of the current pulse pauses 16. The ratio between t1 and t2 is preferably approximately 8:1.

[0045] The respective current pulse 10 has a carrier frequency between 100 Hz and 100 kHz, alternatively between 50 MHz and 250 MHz, with the carrier frequency preferably being approximately 150 MHz. Together with the sinusoidal amplitude modulation of the current pulses 10, a particularly focused field of action and a deep penetration depth with a high degree of energy transmission in the body region can be achieved.

[0046] The device 1 generates the current pulses 10 at a low frequency. According to the present invention, "low frequency" is understood to mean a frequency at which the current pulses 10 are generated, which is preferably between 100 Hz and 1000 Hz.

[0047] The respective current pulse 10 preferably has a duration between 0.1 ms and 10 s and has at least a first signal component which is designed as a rectangular current pulse.

[0048] Preferably, the respective current pulse 10 can be formed from a superposition of a first signal component and at least one second signal component, wherein the first signal component is a rectangular current pulse and the second signal component has a current that increases linearly or exponentially over time or (not shown) decreases. A plurality of current pulses 10 form a signal curve, which is shown, for example, in Figures 3 and 4.

[0049] In particular, it can be seen from Figure 3 that the current pulses 10 are amplitude-modulated in a sinusoidal manner, after which the amplitude A of the current pulses 10 increases and decreases over time in a sinusoidal manner.

[0050] In Figures 2 and 3, the sinusoidal curve results from the imaginary connections between the maximum amplitude A of the respective current pulse 10 .

[0051] In the illustrated embodiment, the first signal component is amplitude modulated, while the second signal component remains constant.

[0052] According to an alternative embodiment not shown, the first signal component can be kept constant, while the second signal component is amplitude modulated.

[0053] According to a further alternative and not shown embodiment, the first signal component and the second signal component can be amplitude-modulated, wherein more preferably both signal components are equally amplitude-modulated.

[0054] The amplitudes A in the signal curve S are modulated in such a way that the current pulses do not have a change in polarity. In other words, the amplitude A during a current pulse 10 is > 0 at any time. In particular, it is preferred if the amplitude A is > 0 at any time. In this case, the first signal component is also always > 0. The amplitude modulation takes place at a modulation frequency of 0.5 to 120 Hz, wherein the modulation frequency is preferably selectable. For this purpose, as shown in Figure 1, the device 1 can have at least one control parameter input 8, which in the simplest case can be formed by a switch which allows a selection of the modulation frequency. Such a switch can, for example, be a rotary or slide control which can be set to any value between 0.5 Hz and 120 Hz, preferably continuously.

[0055] Between the current pulses 10 in the so-called current pulse pause 16, a base current (not shown) can be output by the generator, wherein the base current is several times smaller than the first signal component. The base current is preferably a maximum of 30%, preferably 20%, and even more preferably approximately 10% of the current of the first signal component.

[0056] The device outputs a current pulse sequence 11, which is formed from a plurality of current pulses 10, and the current pulse sequence 11 describes at least three complete sinusoidal periods with the same amplitude. Preferably, each complete period comprises approximately at least four current pulses 10.

[0057] At this point it should be noted that the current pulse train 11 has at least three complete periods with the same amplitude, however the number of periods does not have to be a whole number. However, it is preferred if the respective period begins with a local minimum of the amplitude A and ends with a local minimum of the amplitude. As can be seen in particular from Figure 4, the current pulse trains 11 are interrupted by a current pulse train pause 12, wherein a preferred embodiment of the signal curve provides that the current pulse train has a length of approximately 0.1 ms to approximately 10 s. A current pulse train pause can be provided between each two current pulse trains, wherein the current pulse train pause 12 is preferably shorter than the current pulse train. Preferably all current pulse trains last the same length.

[0058] The current pulses 10 are transmitted to the applicator 5 via the electrical connections and the transmitting coil 6 generates electromagnetic fields with which the body regions of a living being can be exposed.

[0059] The transmitting coil 6 can, as shown in Figure 1, be a flat coil, with particular preference given to an air-core coil. It is particularly preferred if the transmitting coil 6 has a particularly low inherent inductance. For example, the transmitting coil 6 can be a copper coil.

[0060] Instead of or in addition to the previously described embodiments, the device 1 can have at least one control parameter input 8 through which control parameters such as blood pressure, body temperature, pulse, blood sugar level, etc. can be received. Depending on the measured control parameter, the amplitude A of the current pulses 10, the duration t1, the duration t2, the modulation frequency, the modulation amplitude, a duration t4 of the current pulse train pause 12 and / or a duration t3 of the current pulse train 11 or the number of periods of a current pulse train 11 can be set. For example, the control parameter input 8 can comprise a standardized interface that can be connected to a corresponding at least one measuring device or a smart device, such as a wearable, in particular a smart watch, wherein the values ​​recorded by the measuring device are used as control parameters.

[0061] In addition or as an alternative to the at least one measuring device already mentioned, a measuring device can also be provided in the applicator 5, wherein the measuring device in the applicator can be formed, for example, by a receiving coil which comprises the bioreaction of the body region to be acted upon.

[0062] In the treatment, therapy, prevention and / or aftercare of body regions of living beings, such as humans and / or animals, the generated electrometric field can be used to treat sleep disorders, exhaustion, stress, burnout, pain, degenerative diseases, inflammation, bone fractures, improved wound healing, bone fracture healing, wound healing, circulatory disorders, metabolic disorders, performance enhancement and improved regeneration in sports, particularly competitive sports. For the sake of completeness, it should be noted that this list is not exhaustive.

[0063] Reference symbol list

[0064] 1 device

[0065] 2 Therapy system

[0066] 3 Generator

[0067] 5 Applicator

[0068] 6 transmitting coil

[0069] 8 Control parameter input

[0070] 10 current pulses

[0071] 11 Current pulse sequence

[0072] 12 current pulse sequence pause

[0073] 15 period

[0074] 16 Current pulse pause tl duration of 10 t2 duration of 16 t3 duration of 11 t4 duration of 12

Claims

Patent claims 1. Method (1) for generating electromagnetic fields by an applicator (5) with low-frequency current pulses (10), wherein a plurality of current pulses (10) are generated which follow a signal curve, - wherein the respective current pulse (10) comprises a first signal component in the form of a rectangular pulse, - wherein a current pulse pause (16) is provided between two current pulses (10), and - wherein an amplitude of the current pulses (10) is modulated with a modulation frequency in a sinusoidal signal waveform.

2. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that the signal waveform comprises a current pulse sequence (11), and that the current pulse sequence (11) comprises at least three complete sinusoidal periods with approximately the same amplitude.

3. Method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the at least one complete sinusoidal period (15) comprises at least four, eight, or at least twelve or more current pulses (10).

4. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the current pulses (10) are generated with a carrier frequency of 50 MHz to 250 MHz or 100 Hz to 100 KHz. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the respective current pulse (10) is formed from a superposition of the first signal component and a second signal component, wherein the second signal component is formed from a rising or falling current. Method according to claim 5, characterized in that the second signal component from a rising or falling current can correspond to the form of a linear, exponential function or a Fibonacci number sequence. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a current pulse sequence pause (12) is provided between two current pulse sequences (11), and that the current pulse sequence pause (12) has a pause duration (t4) of 0.1 ms to 10 s.Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that all current pulses (10) have an amplitude (A) selected such that the current pulses (10) do not exhibit a polarity change in the signal curve. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that all current pulses (10), preferably over at least one current pulse sequence, have an amplitude A > 0. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that all current pulses (10), preferably over at least one current pulse sequence, have an amplitude A < 0. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the modulation frequency is between 0.5 and 120 Hz. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the respective current pulse (10) has a duration between 0.1 ms and 10 s, preferably 0.5 ms. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the respective current pulse pause (16) has a duration (t2) between 0.1 ms and 10 s, preferably 4.5 ms.Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the duration (t1) of a current pulse (10) together with the duration (t2) of a current pulse pause (16) over the duration of at least one current pulse sequence (11) has a frequency between 3 Hz and 3 kHz. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a control parameter input is provided, and that at least one control parameter is input via the control parameter input. which can determine the amplitude A of the current pulses (10), the modulation frequency, the modulation amplitude, the pause duration (11), a duration (t4) of the current pulse train pause (11) and / or a duration (t3) of the current pulse train (11) or number of periods (15). Use of the method according to claims 1 to 15 for the treatment, prevention, and / or aftercare of sleep disorders, exhaustion, stress, burnout, pain, degenerative diseases, inflammation, bone fractures, improved wound healing, impaired bone fracture healing, impaired wound healing, circulatory disorders, metabolic disorders, performance enhancement, and improved regeneration in sports, particularly competitive sports. Device (1) for carrying out the method according to one of claims 1 to 15 for generating electromagnetic fields.Device (1) according to claim 17 for the treatment, prevention and / or aftercare of sleep disorders, exhaustion, stress, burnout, pain, degenerative diseases, inflammations, bone fractures, wound healing disorders, circulatory disorders, metabolic disorders, prevention, aftercare and / or regeneration, in particular in competitive sports.

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