Pain relief device and control method thereof

Abstract

To provide a pain relief device and a control method thereof.SOLUTION: The pain relief device includes a generating unit that generates an electrical signal recognized as non-painful by the brain; an electrode attached to at least one part of the body to deliver the generated electrical signal; and a control unit that controls the operation of the generating unit and the electrode, and, during the process in which a pain signal generated in a first region of the body is transmitted to the brain, the electrical signal delivered by the electrode is transmitted to the brain along with the pain signal through surface stimulus receptor of the first region, thereby alleviating the pain perceived by the brain in the first region, and the electrical signal is an alternating current stimulation signal, and the alternating current stimulation signal repeatedly switches on and off according to a predetermined first frequency, and may be a first combined stimulation that applies the signal switched on according to the first frequency as stimuli according to a predetermined second frequency.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a pain relief device and a control method thereof. More specifically, an electrical signal recognized as painless in the brain is transmitted to the brain together with a pain signal generated in a part of the body, causing the user's brain to have an illusion that no pain signal is generated. At the same time, the present invention relates to a pain relief device capable of relieving pain generated in a part of the body along with improved blood flow and a control method thereof.

Background Art

[0002] Pain is a local sensation accompanied by discomfort, uneasiness, or pain when nerve endings are stimulated, and it functions as a human body defense mechanism to escape from or remove damage. On the other hand, pain is an abstract and subjective concept and can be regarded as a very personal feeling. The Classification Committee of the International Association for the Study of Pain (IASP) defines pain as an unpleasant sensory and emotional experience associated with actual or potential tissue damage. That is, pain is an essential sensation for the survival of animals and is the first sign that appears in the body when a disease develops as a complex biological reaction. However, when it becomes chronic, pain itself can be regarded as a disease. The International Association for the Study of Pain classifies pain according to site, system, duration, degree, and cause, but it is common to classify pain according to its duration. Generally, when pain persists for more than three months, it is classified as chronic pain.

[0003] Pain can be caused not only by physical factors but also by mental and social factors, and treatment methods are diverse, such as drug therapy, physical therapy, surgical therapy, and psychotherapy.

[0004] Among the above-mentioned pain treatment methods, drug therapy has problems such as an increase in drug dosage and frequency due to drug resistance, many side effects due to drug abuse, and high costs associated with long-term drug use. Other treatment methods also have problems such as temporary effectiveness or high costs.

[0005] The applicant of the present application is attempting to propose a pain scrambler in order to improve the above-mentioned pain treatment method.

[0006] This pain scrambler is a device that controls pain by mixing a calculated electrical signal during the process in which a pain signal caused by pain occurring in a part of the user's body is transmitted (or applied) to the brain (central nervous system), so that the user does not feel pain. The electrical signal generated by the pain scrambler is recognized as a painless microcurrent similar to the biological signal on the body in the user's brain, creating an illusion that no pain signal is generated in the user's brain. By increasing ATP (adenosine triphosphate) in the cells where pain occurs, it has the effect of improving blood flow and alleviating inflammation (or pain).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0007]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0008] Therefore, the present invention has been devised to solve the above-mentioned problems. The object of the present invention is to transmit an electrical signal recognized as painless in the brain together with a pain signal generated in a part of the body to the brain, creating an illusion that no pain signal is generated in the user's brain, and at the same time, to provide a pain relief device and its control method for alleviating the pain generated in a part of the body.

[0009] However, the technical problems to be achieved by the present invention are not limited to the above-mentioned technical problems, and other technical problems not mentioned will also be clearly understood by those with ordinary knowledge in the technical field to which the present invention belongs from the following description.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0010] In order to achieve the above object, a pain relief device according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a generation unit that generates an electrical signal recognized as painless by the brain, an electrode that is attached to at least a part of the body and transmits the generated electrical signal, and a control unit that controls the operations of the generation unit and the electrode. In the process of the pain signal generated in the first region of the body being transmitted to the brain, the electrical signal transmitted by the electrode is transmitted to the brain together with the pain signal through the surface stimulatory receptors in the first region, so that the pain caused by the first region recognized by the brain is relieved. The electrical signal is an alternating current stimulation (ACS) signal, and the alternating current stimulation signal is repeatedly turned on (ON) / off (OFF) according to a preset first frequency, and the signal turned on (ON) according to the first frequency is a first combined stimulation applied as a stimulation according to a preset second frequency.

[0011] Also, in order to achieve the above object, a control method for a pain relief device according to an embodiment of the present invention is a control method for a pain relief device including a generation unit that generates an electrical signal recognized as painless by the brain, an electrode that is attached to at least a part of the body and transmits the generated electrical signal, and a control unit that controls the operations of the generation unit and the electrode. The method includes: a) a first step in which an electrical signal is transmitted to the surface stimulatory receptors in the first region of the body; b) a second step in which, in the process of the pain signal generated in the first region being transmitted to the brain, the electrical signal transmitted to the surface stimulatory receptors in the first region is mixed with the pain signal; c) a third step in which the electrical signal and the pain signal are both transmitted to the brain; and d) a fourth step in which the pain caused by the first region recognized by the brain due to the electrical signal is relieved. The electrical signal is an alternating current stimulation (ACS) signal, and the alternating current stimulation signal is repeatedly turned on (ON) / off (OFF) according to a preset first frequency, and the signal turned on (ON) according to the first frequency is a first combined stimulation applied as a stimulation according to a preset second frequency.

Advantages of the Invention

[0012] According to an embodiment of the present invention, by mixing an electrical signal recognized as painless in the user's brain with a pain signal generated in a part of the body and transmitting it to the user's brain, it is possible to create an illusion in the user's brain that no pain signal is generated, and at the same time, relieve the pain generated in a part of the body.

[0013] According to an embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to treat a pain site based on relieving the pain generated in a part of the body.

[0014] However, the effects obtained by the present invention are not limited to the above-mentioned effects, and other effects not mentioned will also be clearly understood by those with ordinary knowledge in the technical field to which the present invention belongs from the following description.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0015]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0016] Hereinafter, with reference to the accompanying drawings, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail so that those having ordinary knowledge in the technical field to which the present invention pertains can easily implement them. However, since the description of the present invention is merely an example for structural or functional explanation, the scope of rights of the present invention should not be construed as being limited by the embodiments described in the text. That is, the embodiments can be variously modified and can take several forms, so the scope of rights of the present invention should be understood to include equivalents that can implement the technical idea. Also, the objects or effects shown in the present invention do not mean that a specific embodiment must include all of them or only such effects, so the scope of rights of the present invention should not be understood to be limited thereby.

[0017] The meanings of the terms described in the present invention should be understood as follows.

[0018] Terms such as "first" and "second" are for distinguishing one component from another, and the scope of rights is not limited by these terms. For example, the first component can be named the second component, and similarly, the second component can also be named the first component. When a component is described as being "connected to" another component, it should be understood that it may be directly connected to the other component, but there may also be other components in between. Conversely, when a component is described as being "directly connected to" another component, it should be understood that there are no other components in between. In addition, other expressions for explaining the relationship between components, that is, "between" and "directly between", and "adjacent to" and "directly adjacent to", etc. should be interpreted in the same way.

[0019] Unless the context clearly dictates otherwise, singular forms shall be construed to include plural forms, and terms such as "comprising" or "having" are intended to specify the presence of the stated features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof, and are not to be construed as precluding the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0020] All terms used herein shall have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs, unless otherwise defined. Terms defined in commonly used dictionaries shall be construed to be consistent with the meaning in the context of the related art and shall not be construed to have an ideal or overly formal meaning unless expressly so defined in this invention.

[0021] Pain relief device

[0022] A pain relief device (10) according to an embodiment of the present invention is a pain scrambler that controls pain by mixing a calculated electrical signal in the process of transmitting (or applying) a pain signal caused by pain generated in a part of a user's body to the brain (central nervous system), so that the user does not feel pain.

[0023] The electrical signal (100) generated by the pain relief device (10) of the present invention is a fine current similar to a biological signal on the body, and is recognized as painless in the user's brain, thereby causing an illusion that a pain signal is not generated in the user's brain, and has the effect of improving blood flow and relieving inflammation (or pain) by increasing ATP (adenosine triphosphate) in the cells where pain occurs.

[0024] In addition, the pain relief device (10) of the present invention is capable of treating a pain site based on the fact that pain generated in a part of the body is relieved through the electrical signal (100).

[0025] In the present invention, the types of pain occurring in a part of the user's body are not limited. However, in one embodiment, it means pain in the knee joint, pain in the shoulder due to frozen shoulder, pain in the shoulder impingement syndrome, pain in the carpal tunnel syndrome, pain in plantar fasciitis, pain in rheumatoid arthritis, postherpetic neuralgia, low back pain, pain due to spinal canal stenosis, pain in the neck, etc.

[0026] On the other hand, the pain relief device (10) can be realized through the devices shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 in one embodiment in order to make the user misperceive that no pain signal is generated in the brain while improving blood flow and relieving inflammation.

[0027] FIGS. 1 to 3 are diagrams showing a device for realizing a pain relief device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 3, the pain relief device (10) includes a generation unit (11), an electrode (12), a control unit (13), a main body (14), a power supply unit (15), a stimulation change unit (16), an intensity adjustment unit (17), a timer setting unit (18), and a rubber packing (19).

[0029] The generation unit (11) can generate a fine current-based electrical signal (100) close to a biological signal on the body that is recognized as painless in the user's brain.

[0030] In one embodiment, the generation unit (11) is arranged in the internal space of the main body (14) not shown in the drawing and can transmit the generated electrical signal (100) to the electrode (12) inserted into the electrode insertion part (14a) of the main body (14).

[0031] When the electrode (12) is attached to a first region that is a part of the user's body where pain has occurred, the electrical signal (100) transmitted from the generation unit (11) can be transmitted to the surface stimulation receptors in the first region and then transmitted to the user's brain.

[0032] In one embodiment, the electrode (12) needs to be disposed in a first region where a pain signal is generated, and can have a certain adhesive force so that it can be disposed and removed while being disposed in the first region. Regardless of the size of the first region, it can be configured in a plurality so as to relieve the pain in the first region and simultaneously relieve the pain in various body regions including the first region.

[0033] Further, when the plurality of electrodes (12) are inserted into the electrode insertion portion (14a) provided on one side of the main body (14), they are transmitted from the generation unit (11) via the control unit (13), and the electrical signal (100) transmitted from the generation unit (11) can be transmitted to the surface stimulatory receptors in the first region.

[0034] Then, the plurality of electrodes (12) transmit an electrical signal to the surface stimulatory receptors in the first region so as to promote ATP (adenosine triphosphate) production in the first region, and based on the promoted ATP production, blood flow can be improved, so that the inflammation related to the first region is improved.

[0035] On the other hand, the electrical signal (100) transmitted from the electrode (12) to the surface stimulatory receptors in the first region means a signal having a current value that is similar to a biological signal on the body within a certain error range so that the pain relief device (10) is realized as a pain scrambler and can be recognized as painless by the user's brain.

[0036] Further, the electrical signal (100) means a current with an intensity of 100 μA to 1000 μA so that it can be recognized as painless by the user's brain.

[0037] Then, the electrical signal (100) is generated in a plurality in the generation unit (11) to relieve the pain in the first region, and after being transmitted to the surface stimulatory receptors in the first region for the time set by the timer setting unit (18), it can be transmitted to the user's brain.

[0038] Such an electrical signal (100) is preferably understood as a painless signal transmitted to the surface receptors in the first region. In the user's brain, by receiving the electrical signal (100), which is a painless signal, together with the pain signal generated in the first region, the presence or absence of pain in the first region is recognized as painless.

[0039] Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 4, which is a graph composed of the x-axis with respect to time and the y-axis with respect to current value, the electrical signal (100) can be an alternating current stimulation (ACS) signal.

[0040] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the electrical signal generated by the generation unit shown in FIG. 1.

[0041] Referring to FIG. 4, the electrical signal (100) of the present invention is repeatedly generated during the time set by the timer setting unit (18) and can be transmitted to the surface receptors in the first region where pain signals are generated via a plurality of electrodes (12).

[0042] In the present invention, the plurality of electrical signals (100) are not limited, but in the following example, the description will be based on the first electrical signal (100a) and the second electrical signal (100b) shown in FIG. 4.

[0043] In one example, the plurality of electrical signals (100a, 100b) are repeatedly turned on (ON) / off (OFF) according to a preset first frequency. This first frequency means a burst signal.

[0044] At this time, the burst signal means a continuous series of a limited number of unique pulses or vibrations of a limited duration.

[0045] Also, the burst signal can be repeated with a positive signal having a value exceeding a preset reference and a negative signal having a value less than the preset reference.

[0046] In one embodiment, such a burst signal means a signal including a plurality of combined rectangular signals (101, 103) having positive and negative values, as shown in FIG. 4.

[0047] Among the plurality of rectangular signals, the first rectangular signal (101) having a positive current value can be composed of a first - 1 rectangular signal (101a) and a first - 2 rectangular signal (101b) in one embodiment according to the fact that the electrical signal (100) is the first and second electrical signals (100a, 100b).

[0048] And when the electrical signal (100) is generated by the generating unit (11), the first rectangular signals (101a, 101b) can be realized as a burst signal in the form of a rectangle having the same maximum positive current value set, the same width with respect to the x - axis of time, and the same length with respect to the y - axis of current value.

[0049] Such a first rectangular signal (101a, 101b) includes at least one positive spike signal (102).

[0050] The positive spike signal (102) is preferably composed of a plurality according to the fact that the electrical signal (100) is the first and second electrical signals (100a, 100b), and can be composed of a first positive spike signal (102a) and a second positive spike signal (102b) in one embodiment.

[0051] Also, the positive spike signal (102) can have a regular pattern on the first rectangular signal (101) and occur at the same time interval when the electrical signal (100) is generated by the generating unit (11).

[0052] On the other hand, among the plurality of rectangular signals, the second rectangular signal (103) having a negative current value can be composed of a second - 1 rectangular signal (103a) and a second - 2 rectangular signal (103b) in one embodiment according to the fact that the electrical signal (100) is the first and second electrical signals (100a, 100b).

[0053] Then, when the electrical signal (100) is generated by the generating unit (11), the second rectangular signal (103a, 103b) can be realized as a burst signal in the form of a rectangle having the same maximum negative current value, the same width with respect to the x-axis with respect to time, and the same length with respect to the y-axis with respect to the current value.

[0054] Such a second rectangular signal (103a, 103b) includes at least one negative spike signal (104).

[0055] The negative spike signal (104) is preferably composed of a plurality of electrical signals (100) being the first and second electrical signals (100a, 100b), and in one embodiment, can be composed of a first negative spike signal (104a) and a second negative spike signal (104b).

[0056] Also, when the electrical signal (100) is generated by the generating unit (11), the negative spike signal (104) can have a regular pattern on the second rectangular signal (103) and occur at the same time interval.

[0057] In one embodiment, the plurality of electrical signals (100a, 100b) are a first combined stimulation in which a signal turned on according to a first frequency is applied as a stimulation according to a preset second frequency, and this second frequency means a pulse repetition frequency (PRF).

[0058] At this time, the pulse repetition frequency means the number of pulses of the electrical signals (100a, 100b) that are repeated within a specific time unit.

[0059] As shown in FIG. 4, the second frequency with such a pulse repetition frequency includes the rectangular signals (101, 103) of the burst signal which is the first frequency, and a pause period without pulses after the burst. At this time, the pause period of the burst is an important feature of the burst signal. Without the pause period, the user's brain cannot recognize the electrical signal (100).

[0060] As shown in FIG. 4, the electrical signals (100a, 100b) are shown to enter the pause period after passing through the last second rectangular signal (103), but it is not limited thereto, and they can also enter the pause period after passing through the last first rectangular signal (103).

[0061] Referring to FIG. 1 again, the control unit (13) can control the operations of the generation unit (11) and the electrodes (12).

[0062] In one embodiment, the control unit (13) is disposed in the internal space of a main body (14) not shown in the drawings, and can control the operations of the generation unit (11) and the electrodes (12).

[0063] As a specific example, when the degree of pain relief in the first region by the first composite stimulus based on the electrical signal (100) is below a preset range, the control unit (13) controls the operation of the generation unit (11) so that the generation unit (11) generates an electrical signal (100) based on a second composite stimulus in which at least one of the output, waveform, and period of the stimulus based on the first frequency (burst), the second frequency (PRF), and the second frequency (PRF) is modified.

[0064] Also, the control unit (13) controls the operation of the generation unit (11) so that the electrical signal (100) based on the second composite stimulus generated by the generation unit (11) is transmitted to the plurality of electrodes (12), and then controls the operation of the plurality of electrodes (12) so that the electrical signal (100) based on the second composite stimulus is transmitted to the surface stimulus receptors in the first region by the plurality of electrodes (12).

[0065] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the main body (14) has a power supply unit (15), a stimulation change unit (16), an intensity adjustment unit (17), and a timer setting unit (18) arranged at different positions on one side so that the pain relief device (10) of the present invention can be operated by a user or a medical worker providing pain relief service to the user.

[0066] Further, the main body (14) can be provided with one or more electrode insertion parts (14a) on one side in a form in which a plurality of electrodes (12) can be inserted.

[0067] At this time, it is desirable that the electrode insertion part (14a) be provided on one side of the main body (14) at a ratio of 1:1 to the maximum number of electrodes (12) that can be provided to the user or the medical worker. That is, when the number of electrodes (12) that can be provided by the pain relief device (10) is six, six electrode insertion parts (14a) can be provided on one side of the main body (14).

[0068] And the main body (14) can be provided with a battery mounting part (14b) so that a battery (not shown) for supplying electrical energy to the generation unit (11) and the control unit (13) is mounted in the internal space.

[0069] Further, the main body (14) can be provided with a cable connection part (14c) so that a cable (not shown) for charging the battery mounted on the battery mounting part (14b) from the outside is connected.

[0070] Furthermore, the main body (14) can be provided with a gripping part (14d) in a size and shape that can be held by hand so that the pain relief device (10) can be placed at a position desired by the user or the medical worker.

[0071] It is desirable that such a main body (14) be provided on other sides excluding the side where the battery mounting part (14b), the cable connection part (14c), and the gripping part (14d) are located and the other side where the rubber packing (19) is attached.

[0072] Further, one or more rubber packings (19) can be attached to the other side surface that becomes the bottom surface according to the arrangement method of the pain relief device (10) on the main body (14).

[0073] Furthermore, the main body (14) is provided with a display (not shown) for outputting data on one side surface in order to provide the user with data including the current value of the electrical signal (100) transmitted to the surface receptors in the first region, the usage time of the pain relief device (10), the number of electrodes (12) inserted into the electrode insertion portion (14a), the remaining amount of the battery built into the internal space, etc., and the real-time change of the data.

[0074] The power supply unit (15) can be arranged on one side surface of the main body (14) to turn on (ON) / off (OFF) the power of the pain relief device (10).

[0075] Also, the power supply unit (15) can be realized in the form of a button so that the user or medical staff can turn on (ON) / off (OFF) the power of the pain relief device (10) when inputting a signal using a finger or a tool.

[0076] In one embodiment, when the power of the pain relief device (10) is turned on (ON) through the power supply unit (15), the generation unit (11) and the control unit (13) can operate based on the electrical energy supplied from the battery.

[0077] The stimulation change unit (16) can be arranged on one side surface of the main body (14) to change the composite stimulation method of the electrical signal (100).

[0078] Also, the stimulation change unit (16) can be realized in the form of a button so that the composite stimulation method of the electrical signal (100) is changed when the user or medical staff inputs a signal using a finger or a tool.

[0079] In one embodiment, when a signal is input, the stimulation changing unit (16) can transmit a first request signal to the control unit (13) to change the electrical signal (100) based on the first composite stimulation being transmitted to the surface receptors of the first region through the plurality of electrodes (12) into an electrical signal (100) based on the second composite stimulation.

[0080] That is, in the present invention, the electrical signal (100) based on the first composite stimulation is changed to the electrical signal (100) based on the second composite stimulation by the control unit (13) when the pain relief degree of the first region by the first composite stimulation is below a preset range, or can be changed to the electrical signal (100) based on the second composite stimulation when the user or medical staff inputs a signal to the stimulation changing unit (16).

[0081] Such a stimulation changing unit (16) is not limited to changing the electrical signal (100) based on the first composite stimulation to the electrical signal (100) based on the second composite stimulation, and can transmit a second request signal to the control unit (13) to change the electrical signal (100) based on the second composite stimulation being transmitted to the surface receptors of the first region through the plurality of electrodes (12) into an electrical signal (100) based on the first composite stimulation.

[0082] The intensity adjusting unit (17) can be arranged on one side surface of the main body (14) to adjust the current value (intensity) of the electrical signal (100) being transmitted to the surface receptors of the first region through the plurality of electrodes (12).

[0083] Also, the intensity adjusting unit (17) can be realized in the form of a button so that the current value of the electrical signal (100) being transmitted to the surface receptors of the first region is adjusted when the user or medical staff inputs a signal using a finger or a tool.

[0084] The current value of the electrical signal (100) adjusted through such an intensity adjustment unit (17) is not limited. However, in one embodiment, since the electrical signal (100) needs to be recognized as painless by the user's brain, it is desirable that the intensity adjustment unit (17) be a means provided on one side of the main body (14) such that the current value of the electrical signal (100) is adjusted from 100 μA to 1000 μA.

[0085] The timer setting unit (18) can be arranged on one side of the main body (14) to adjust the time for which the electrical signal (100) is applied to the surface stimulation receptors in the first region through the plurality of electrodes (12).

[0086] Also, the timer setting unit (18) can be realized in the form of a button such that when the user or a medical practitioner inputs a signal using a finger or a tool, etc., the time for which the electrical signal (100) is applied to the surface stimulation receptors in the first region is adjusted.

[0087] The time for which the electrical signal (100) is applied to the surface stimulation receptors in the first region through such a timer setting unit (18) is not limited. However, in one embodiment, since it is necessary to relieve the pain in the first region, it is desirable that the timer setting unit (18) be a means provided on one side of the main body (14) such that the time applied to the surface stimulation receptors in the first region is adjusted from 10 minutes to 60 minutes.

[0088] The rubber packing (19) is arranged on the other side of the main body (14). When the other side is positioned on the floor (ground) in a situation where the user receives a pain relief service, it can prevent the movement of the main body (14) based on the frictional force with the floor while the electrical signal (100) is being applied to the surface stimulation receptors in the first region.

[0089] For preventing the movement of the main body (14), it is desirable that one or more such rubber packings (19) be arranged on the other side of the main body (14) as shown in FIG. 2.

[0090] On the one hand, the pain relief device (10) is not limited to the forms shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, and as shown in FIG. 5, it can also be deformed into the form of a wearable device (10a) with improved portability such that it can be held by a user or a medical worker with one hand, and with relatively reduced size and weight.

[0091] Control Method of Pain Relief Device

[0092] Hereinafter, the control method (S10) of the above-mentioned pain relief device (10) will be described in detail.

[0093] FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a control method of a pain relief device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0094] Referring to FIG. 6, the control method (S10) of the pain relief device includes an electrical signal transmission stage (S11), a signal mixing stage (S12), a signal transmission stage (S13), a pain relief stage (S14), a pain relief degree determination stage (S15), an electrical signal generation and transmission stage (S16) based on a second composite stimulus, an electrical signal transmission stage (S17) based on a first composite stimulus, and an inflammation improvement stage (S18).

[0095] In the above-mentioned electrical signal transmission stage (S11), when an electrical signal (100) based on a first composite stimulus is generated by the generation unit (11), it is transmitted from the generation unit (11) to a plurality of electrodes (12).

[0096] In the above-mentioned signal mixing stage (S12), during the process in which the pain signal generated in the first region of the body is transmitted to the user's brain, the electrical signal (100) is mixed with the pain signal.

[0097] In the above-mentioned signal transmission stage (S13), the electrical signal (100) and the pain signal are both transmitted to the user's brain.

[0098] In the above-mentioned pain relief stage (S14), the pain in the first region recognized by the user's brain due to the electrical signal (100) is relieved.

[0099] In the pain relief degree determination step (S15), the control unit (13) determines whether the degree of pain relief based on the first composite stimulus by the electric signal (100) is equal to or less than a preset range.

[0100] At this time, if the degree of pain relief based on the first composite stimulus is equal to or less than the preset range (S15 - YES), the control unit (13) can control the operation of the generation unit (11) so that the generation unit (11) generates an electric signal (100) based on a second composite stimulus instead of the electric signal (100) based on the first composite stimulus (S16a).

[0101] Thereafter, the control unit (13) can control the operations of the generation unit (11) and the plurality of electrodes (12) so that the electric signal (100) based on the second composite stimulus is transmitted to the surface stimulation receptors in the first region (S16b).

[0102] On the contrary, when the degree of pain relief based on the first composite stimulus is within the preset range (S15 - NO), the control unit (13) controls the operation of the generation unit (11) so that the generation unit (11) continuously generates the electric signal (100) based on the first composite stimulus, and controls the operation of the plurality of electrodes (12) so that the electric signal (100) based on the first composite stimulus is applied to the surface stimulation receptors in the first region so as to promote ATP (adenosine triphosphate) generation in the first region (S17).

[0103] Thereafter, by applying the electric signal (100) based on the first composite stimulus to the surface stimulation receptors in the first region by the plurality of electrodes (12), it becomes possible to improve blood flow based on the promoted ATP generation, and the inflammation related to the first region is improved (S18).

[0104] The detailed description of the preferred embodiments of the present invention disclosed as above is provided so that those skilled in the art can implement and carry out the present invention. Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference thereto, those skilled in the art will understand that the present invention can be variously modified and changed without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, those skilled in the art can use each configuration described in the above embodiments in combination with each other. Therefore, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments shown herein, but is intended to be given the broadest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.

[0105] The present invention can be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the technical idea and essential characteristics of the present invention. Therefore, the above detailed description should not be construed restrictively in all respects, but should be considered exemplary. The scope of the present invention should be determined by a reasonable interpretation of the appended claims, and all changes within the equivalent scope of the present invention are included in the scope of the present invention. The present invention is not limited to the embodiments shown herein, but is intended to be given the broadest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein. Also, embodiments can be constituted by combining claims without an explicit citation relationship in the claims, and can be included in new claims by amendment after filing.

Description of Reference Numerals

[0106] 10 ··· pain relief device, 11 ··· generation unit, 12 ··· electrode, 13 ··· control unit, 14 ··· main body, 14a ··· electrode insertion part, 14b ··· battery mounting part, 14c ··· cable connection part, 14d ··· gripping part, 15 ··· power supply unit, 16 ··· stimulation change unit, 17 ··· intensity adjustment unit, 18 ··· timer setting unit, 19 ··· rubber packing, 100 ··· electrical signal, 100a ··· first electrical signal, 100b ··· second electrical signal, 101a ··· first rectangular signal, 101b ··· the first rectangular signal, 102a, 102b ··· positive spike signals, 103a, 103b ··· the second rectangular signal, 104a, 104b ··· negative spike signals

Claims

1. A generator for generating an electrical signal that is recognized by the brain as painless; an electrode attached to at least a portion of a body and configured to transmit the generated electrical signal; A control unit that controls the operation of the generation unit and the electrodes, In a process in which a pain signal generated in the first region of the body is transmitted to the brain, the electrical signal transmitted by the electrode is transmitted to the brain together with the pain signal through a surface stimuli receptor in the first region, thereby alleviating the pain in the first region recognized by the brain; The electrical signal is an alternating current electrical stimulation signal, The AC electrical stimulation signal is A pain relief device characterized in that the first complex stimulus is repeatedly turned on and off according to a preset first frequency, and the signal turned on according to the first frequency is applied as a stimulus according to a preset second frequency.

2. The signal generated according to the first frequency is A burst signal in which a positive signal having a value exceeding a preset standard and a negative signal having a value below the preset standard are repeated, 2. The pain relief device of claim 1, wherein each of said positive and negative signals includes at least one spike signal.

3. The positive and negative signals are 3. The pain relief device of claim 2, comprising a plurality of positive spike signals and a plurality of negative spike signals.

4. The burst signal is A signal that includes a plurality of rectangular signals having positive and negative current values, A first rectangular signal among the plurality of rectangular signals is at least one positive spike signal; A second rectangular signal following the first rectangular signal is 3. The pain relief device of claim 2, comprising at least one negative spike signal.

5. The control unit is The pain relief device of claim 4, characterized in that when the degree of pain relief based on the first compound stimulus is below a predetermined range, the generation unit generates a second compound stimulus by modifying at least one of the first frequency, the second frequency, and the output, waveform, and period of the stimulus based on the second frequency, and controls the second compound stimulus to be transmitted to the surface stimulation receptor through the electrode.

6. The electrical signal is 3. The pain relief device according to claim 2, wherein the electrical signal is similar to the biological signal on the body within a certain error range and is recognized by the brain as painless.

7. The electrode is The pain relief device of claim 6, wherein a plurality of the pain relief devices are disposed near the first area.

8. The plurality of electrodes include An electrical signal is transmitted to promote ATP (adenosine triphosphate) production in the first region, and blood flow can be improved based on the promoted ATP production, 8. The pain relief device of claim 7, wherein inflammation associated with said first area is ameliorated.

9. The electrical signal is 9. The pain relief device of claim 8, wherein the intensity is between 100 μA and 1000 μA and the application is provided for between 10 and 60 minutes.

10. The pain occurring in the first area is 2. The pain relief device of claim 1, including knee pain, frozen shoulder pain, shoulder impingement syndrome pain, carpal tunnel syndrome pain, plantar fasciitis pain, rheumatoid arthritis pain, post-herpetic neuralgia, lower back pain, pain due to spinal stenosis, and neck pain.

11. A method for controlling a pain-relief device including a generator that generates an electrical signal that is recognized by the brain as painless, an electrode that is attached to at least a part of the body and transmits the generated electrical signal, and a controller that controls the operation of the generator and the electrode, a) a first step in which the electrical signal is transmitted to a surface stimulatory receptor in a first region of the body; b) a second step in which an electrical signal transmitted to a surface stimulatory receptor in the first region is mixed with the pain signal generated in the first region during the process of the pain signal being transmitted to the brain; c) a third stage in which both the electrical signal and the pain signal are transmitted to the brain; and d) a fourth step of causing the electrical signal to reduce pain in the first area as perceived by the brain, The electrical signal is an alternating current electrical stimulation signal, The AC electrical stimulation signal is A method for controlling a pain relief device, characterized in that a first complex stimulus is applied as a stimulus according to a preset second frequency, the first complex stimulus being repeatedly turned on and off according to a preset first frequency.

12. The signal generated according to the first frequency is A burst signal in which a positive signal having a value exceeding a preset standard and a negative signal having a value below the preset standard are repeated, 12. The method of claim 11, wherein each of the positive and negative signals includes at least one spike signal.

13. The burst signal is A signal that includes a plurality of rectangular signals having positive and negative current values, A first rectangular signal among the plurality of rectangular signals is at least one positive spike signal; A second rectangular signal following the first rectangular signal is 13. The method of claim 12, further comprising at least one negative spike signal.

14. The method for controlling the pain-relief device includes:

14. The method of claim 13, further comprising a fifth step of controlling the control unit to generate a second compound stimulus by modifying at least one of the first frequency, the second frequency, and the output, waveform, and period of the stimulus based on the second frequency from the generation unit when a degree of pain relief based on the first compound stimulus is below a preset range in the fourth step, and to transmit the second compound stimulus to the surface stimulus receptor through the electrode.

15. The electrical signal is Since the electrical signal is similar to the biological signal on the body within a certain error range, the brain recognizes it as painless, The electrode is A plurality of the electrodes are arranged near the first region, The method for controlling the pain-relief device includes: A sixth step, after the fourth step, in which the plurality of electrodes transmits an electrical signal to the surface stimulation receptors so as to promote ATP (adenosine triphosphate) production in the first region; The method of claim 12, further comprising a seventh step of improving blood flow based on the enhanced ATP production, thereby improving inflammation associated with the first area.

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