Method and apparatus for generating an electromagnetic field

Abstract

An improved method for generating electromagnetic fields by low frequency current pulses to treat body parts of a living organism is proposed. [Solution] The present invention relates to a method for generating an electromagnetic field by a generator (5) in an applicator (5) using low-frequency current pulses (10). Furthermore, a plurality of current pulses (10) according to a signal progression are generated. Each current pulse (10) has a first signal component in the form of a rectangular pulse. A current pulse pause (16) is provided between two current pulses (10). The amplitude of the current pulses (10) is modulated at the modulation frequency of the sinusoidal signal progression. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a device for carrying out this method.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The invention relates to a method for generating an electromagnetic field by means of low-frequency current pulses, in particular for treating parts of the body, having the features of claim 1, and to a device comprising the method for generating low-frequency current pulses, having the features of claim 17. [Background technology]

[0002] Methods for generating electromagnetic fields are known in various configurations and are widely used to apply electromagnetic fields to parts of living organisms. The generated electromagnetic fields are conventionally used to influence biological processes in areas of the body of living organisms. An example of such a device is known from EP 152 963 A1.

[0003] Furthermore, EP 0 594 655 B1 discloses a device comprising a generator for generating pulsed currents at low frequency and a transmitting coil connected thereto, the electromagnetic field generated by the coil being used to apply to the body part to be treated. The device taught therein is configured to transport ions, in particular protons, by specifically influencing the ion concentration in any part of the human or animal body. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] EP 152 963 A1 [Patent Document 2] EP 0 594 655 B1 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] Although such prior art devices have proven effective in the past, further developments in this technology are desirable to improve performance.

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

[0007] Based on this current situation, the object of the present invention is to propose an improved method for generating an electromagnetic field by low-frequency current pulses to treat body parts of a living organism, which has been problematic in the past. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The above problem is solved by a method having the features of claim 1 and a device for carrying out this method having the features of claim 17.

[0009] Further preferred embodiments of the invention are given in the dependent claims.

[0010] The method according to the invention for generating an electromagnetic field having the features of claim 1, in particular for treating a body part of a living organism, in particular a human or animal, by means of an applicator having a transmitting coil and energized with low-frequency current pulses, is characterized in that the current pulses have signal progressions, each current pulse having a first signal component whose amplitude is formed 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 preferably modulated with a sinusoidal signal progression at a single modulation frequency.

[0011] The first signal component in the sense of the present invention preferably has an amplitude that is approximately constant in the time course of the respective current pulse.

[0012] The invention is based on the idea of ​​generating a pulsating electromagnetic field that becomes stronger and then weaker over time. The sinusoidally modulated signal progression ensures that the amplitude of the current pulses gradually rises and falls over time during a complete cycle, thereby achieving stimulation of the autonomic nervous system and ion transport in the applied body area in a particularly effective manner. It has also been shown that sinusoidal amplitude modulation of the current pulses improves the penetration depth of the electromagnetic field into the body area.

[0013] Pulsating electromagnetic fields are used for the treatment, prevention and / or aftercare of sleep disorders, fatigue, stress, burnout, pain, degenerative diseases, inflammation, bone fractures, improved wound healing, bone fracture healing disorders, wound healing disorders, blood circulation disorders, metabolic disorders, improved performance in sports, especially competitive sports, improved regenerative capacity, etc. The corresponding body part is exposed to the pulsating electromagnetic field. For example, the applicator already described at the beginning can be placed on the body so that the pulsating electromagnetic field is applied to the area of ​​the body to be treated.

[0014] According to a preferred further development of the invention, the signal progression comprises at least one current pulse train describing at least one complete sinusoidal period. It is particularly advantageous if the current pulse train describes several periods, although the number of periods does not necessarily have to be an integer. Thus, the current pulse train may last, for example, 3.5 periods. It may also be advantageous if the current pulse train describes half a sinusoidal period.

[0015] Furthermore, according to a further development of the invention, each current pulse has a duration between 0.1 ms and 10 s. In particular, it is preferred that each current pulse has a duration between about 0.5 ms and about 2 ms, and even more preferred that the current pulse has a duration of about 2 ms.

[0016] The signal transitions are defined by a particularly high rate of change of current throughout the duration of the corresponding current pulse, so that the induced voltage pulses cannot have a substantial phase shift compared to the current pulses, resulting in continuous induction by the changing electromagnetic field in the body region.

[0017] In a further development of the invention, a complete sinusoidal period has at least 4, more preferably at least 8, even more preferably at least 12 current pulses, preferably with equal current pulse rest periods between the individual current pulses. However, the number of current pulses per complete sinusoidal period can be increased. The number of current pulses depends, inter alia, on the modulation frequency, which determines the duration of the current pulse train.

[0018] In a further development of the invention, the signal progression comprises at least three current pulse trains with approximately the same amplitude. In particular, a current pulse train with a full period can also be formed over a half period with a current pulse train pause.

[0019] Furthermore, it is advantageous if the rest period between two current pulses is between 0.1 ms and 10 s, and in particular if the rest period between current pulses is less than about 5 ms, and it has been found to be particularly advantageous if the rest period between current pulses is equal to or less than about 5 ms, and even more advantageous if the rest period between current pulses is about 0.25 ms.

[0020] It is also advantageous if the current pulses are generated at a carrier frequency, which is preferably between 100 Hz and 100 KHz.

[0021] In a further development of the invention, the duration of the current pulses in combination with the rest periods of the current pulses form a frequency that is tuned to the mechanical resonance of the organ, tissue, cell aggregate or molecule, the mechanical resonance frequency being preferably between 3 Hz and 3 KHz.

[0022] For example, 200 Hz resonates with arterioles, causing them to vibrate slightly, which reduces the friction coefficient of the blood suspension against the endothelium and increases flow velocity, improving thermoregulation and increasing red blood cell transport to the capillary system.

[0023] Each current pulse is formed by the superposition of the first and second signal components already described, the second signal component being formed by an increasing and / or decreasing current, the first and second signal components being preferably synchronously superimposed.

[0024] Furthermore, the second signal component formed from the increasing and / or decreasing current preferably corresponds to the shape of a linear function, an exponential function and / or a Fibonacci sequence.

[0025] The second signal component may be defined to be stepped, with the individual steps being due to, for example, a carrier frequency and corresponding to a series of rectangular pulses of increasing and / or decreasing amplitude.

[0026] For example, the second signal component may increase or decrease over the duration of the corresponding current pulse. For example, if the current pulse duration is 2 ms, the amplitude of the second signal component may increase for 0.9 ms and decrease for the remaining 1.1 ms. The ratio of the increasing portion to the decreasing portion may preferably be between 10:1 and 1:10.

[0027] The high rate of change of current in the second signal component of the increasing and / or decreasing function results in, inter alia, the induced voltage pulse having no significant phase shift compared to the current pulse, resulting in continuous induction by the changing electromagnetic field in the body region.

[0028] In a further development, a current pulse train rest period is preferably provided between two current pulse trains at regular or irregular intervals, the rest period preferably having a duration longer than 0.1 ms and preferably shorter than 10 s, during which the biochemical and physical processes stimulated by the pulses are given an opportunity to take effect.

[0029] According to a preferred further development of the invention, all current pulses of at least one current pulse train have amplitudes that are selected such that the current pulses have no polarity changes in the signal progression, in other words the amplitude of the current pulse train is such that A(t)≧0 or A(t)≦0.

[0030] In particular, it is advantageous if in at least one current pulse train all current pulses have an amplitude A>0 or A<0. Thus, during the current pulse train, the living body is continuously exposed to the current and the charged particles are continuously pushed in one direction.

[0031] In a preferred further development of the present invention, the modulation frequency is between 0.5 Hz and 120 Hz. In a particularly preferred further development of the present invention, the generator is capable of selecting at least two modulation frequencies, specifically, generating modulation frequencies of approximately 6 Hz, approximately 10 Hz, and approximately 16 Hz. These modulation frequencies are adapted to the autonomic nervous system of the human brain, with the approximately 6 Hz modulation frequency stimulating the autonomic nervous system to induce a state of rest, and the approximately 16 Hz modulation frequency stimulating the autonomic nervous system to induce physical activity. The third modulation frequency, approximately 10 Hz, should be emphasized, as this modulation frequency stimulates the autonomic nervous system to induce relaxation. Parts of the brain of all living organisms, particularly the autonomic nervous system, resonate with modulation frequencies and can therefore be particularly well stimulated by these frequencies. It is particularly advantageous if the only modulation frequency, or at least one of the at least two variable modulation frequencies, is approximately 2.2 Hz, 7.83 Hz, and / or 14.2 Hz. These frequencies may be harmonic or resonant frequencies of the autonomic nervous system. "About" here means a tolerance of approximately ±2 Hz. More preferably, the modulation frequency tolerance is ±10%.

[0032] In a further development of the invention, each current pulse has a carrier frequency between 100 Hz and 100 KHz or between 50 MHz and 250 MHz. A carrier frequency of 150 MHz is particularly preferred, which, together with the sinusoidal amplitude modulation of the current pulses, allows for a focused effective magnetic field and a deep penetration depth with high energy transfer. This combination, in particular, avoids the undesirable skin effect, whereby the high-frequency electromagnetic field penetrates only the surface of the body part, generating undesirable eddy currents there, which can cause, for example, heat or pain.

[0033] A further development of the present invention provides at least one control parameter that can affect the amplitude, modulation frequency, modulation amplitude, rest period, rest period of the current pulse train, and / or the duration of the current pulse train, or the number of cycles per current pulse train. Typically, such control parameters include, for example, blood pressure measurement via biofeedback, temperature detection, pulse detection, etc., so that the device can provide a signal progression 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 operating elements. However, the control parameter input can also include an interface configured to communicate with a measurement device. Such a measurement device can be either a conventional measurement device, a smart device, and / or a wearable device such as a smartwatch. Such devices, particularly wearable devices, can measure body temperature, heart rate, oxygen saturation, blood pressure, etc.

[0034] A further second aspect of the present invention relates to the use of the above-described method for the treatment, prevention and / or aftercare of sleep disorders, fatigue, stress, pain, degenerative diseases, inflammation, in particular for the prevention and aftercare of the aforementioned health disorders. Furthermore, the described method is used in fracture healing, wound healing, the treatment of cardiovascular and metabolic disorders, and / or for improving or complementing performance and regeneration in sports, in particular competitive sports.

[0035] A further third aspect of the invention relates to an apparatus for carrying out the above-mentioned method, which apparatus is capable of generating in particular low-frequency current pulses, by which an applicator with at least one transmitting coil is energized to generate an electromagnetic field.

[0036] Furthermore, it is advantageous if the applicator comprises at least one measuring means capable of detecting at least one of the aforementioned control parameters and transmitting it to the device or to a control parameter input of the device.

[0037] Furthermore, according to further developments, the device can be used for the treatment, prevention and / or aftercare of sleep disorders, fatigue, stress, burnout, pain, degenerative diseases, inflammation, bone fractures, improved wound healing, fracture healing, wound healing, circulatory disorders, metabolic disorders, performance enhancement, especially in competitive sports, and improved regeneration. [Effects of the Invention]

[0038] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An improved method and apparatus is provided for generating electromagnetic fields by low frequency current pulses to treat body parts of a living organism. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0039] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 shows a schematic exemplary structure of a treatment system comprising a device for generating low-frequency current pulses and an applicator with a transmitting coil for treating a body part with an electromagnetic field.

[0040] [Figure 2] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing ideal current pulses with rest periods between the current pulses.

[0041] [Figure 3] FIG. 1 illustrates an ideal current pulse train with sinusoidal amplitude modulation of the current pulses.

[0042] [Figure 4] FIG. 10 shows a state in which a rest period of a current pulse train for tissue regeneration is present between two current pulse trains. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0043] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0044] Identical or functionally identical parts or features are labeled with the same reference numbers in the detailed description of the figures that follows. Furthermore, not all identical or functionally identical parts or features are labeled with reference numbers in the figures.

[0045] 1 is a diagram showing a preferred exemplary configuration of a treatment system 2. The treatment system 2 comprises an apparatus 1 for generating low-frequency current pulses 10 for an applicator 5, and the applicator 5.

[0046] 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 suitable electrical connections.

[0047] When used as intended, the applicator 5 may be placed on, under, around and / or adjacent to a living body, particularly a human body part, and when energized by the device 1 with a current pulse 10, the applicator generates an electromagnetic field that can act on the body part.

[0048] The generator, also referred to as a signal generator, is capable of generating a number of current pulses 10. Figure 2 shows an example of a current pulse 10 on an amplitude-time graph, where amplitude A is plotted with current I on the vertical axis and time t on the horizontal axis.

[0049] The generator may comprise one or more oscillators for generating a carrier frequency and one or more high frequency preamplifiers and main amplifiers configured to generate the current pulses 10. Generally, the generator comprises an oscillator for generating the carrier frequency and an oscillator for generating the modulating frequency. Additionally, the generator may comprise a signal generator and / or an amplitude control regulator, as well as a high frequency preamplifier and / or a high frequency main amplifier.

[0050] Each current pulse 10 has a duration t1, and between two current pulses 10 there is a current pulse rest period 16. The current pulse rest period 16 has a duration t2. The duration t1 of the current pulses 10 can be longer than the duration t2 of the current pulse rest period 16. Preferably, the ratio of t1 to t2 is about 8:1.

[0051] Each current pulse 10 has a carrier frequency between 100 Hz and 100 KHz, or between 50 MHz and 250 MHz, preferably about 150 MHz. Together with the sinusoidal amplitude modulation of the current pulses 10, a particularly focused area of ​​action and a deep penetration depth with high energy transfer in the body area can be achieved.

[0052] The device 1 generates current pulses 10 at low frequency. According to the invention, "low frequency" is understood to mean the frequency at which the current pulses 10 are generated, preferably between 100 Hz and 1000 Hz.

[0053] Each current pulse 10 preferably has a duration between 0.1 ms and 10 s and has at least a first signal component formed by a rectangular current pulse.

[0054] Preferably, each current pulse 10 can be formed from the superposition of a first signal component and at least one second signal component, the first signal component being a rectangular current pulse and the second signal component having a current (not shown) that increases or decreases linearly or exponentially with time.

[0055] A number of current pulses 10 form signal progressions such as those shown in FIGS.

[0056] In particular, FIG. 3 shows that the current pulse 10 is sinusoidally amplitude modulated, whereby the amplitude A of the current pulse 10 gradually increases and decreases over time in a sinusoidal curve.

[0057] 2 and 3, the sinusoidal curves result from the assumed connections between the maximum amplitudes A of the respective current pulses 10. In FIG.

[0058] In the illustrated example embodiment, the first signal component is amplitude modulated and the second signal component remains constant.

[0059] According to an alternative embodiment not shown, the first signal component can be kept constant and the second signal component can be amplitude modulated.

[0060] According to a further alternative embodiment, not shown, the first signal component and the second signal component can be amplitude modulated, more preferably both signal components being equally amplitude modulated.

[0061] The amplitude A of the signal transition S is modulated so that the current pulse does not change polarity. In other words, the amplitude A during the current pulse 10 is always A≧0. In particular, it is desirable that the amplitude A is always >0. In this case, the first signal component is always >0.

[0062] The amplitude modulation is preferably performed at a modulation frequency between 0.5 and 120 Hz, the modulation frequency being selectable. To this end, as shown in Figure 1, the device 1 can have at least one control parameter input 8, which in the simplest case can be constituted by a switch that allows the modulation frequency to be selected. Such a switch can be, for example, a rotary or sliding control that can be set to any value between 0.5 Hz and 120 Hz, preferably continuously (steplessly).

[0063] During the current pulses 10 in the current pulse rest periods 16, a fundamental current (not shown) may be output by the generator, this fundamental current being many times smaller than the first signal component. Preferably, the fundamental current is at most 30%, preferably 20%, more preferably about 10% of the current of the first signal component.

[0064] The device outputs a current pulse train 11, which is formed from a plurality of current pulses 10, the current pulse train 11 having at least three complete sinusoidal periods of equal amplitude, preferably each complete period consisting of approximately at least four current pulses 10.

[0065] At this point, it should be noted that the current pulse train 11 has at least three complete periods of the same amplitude, although the number of periods need not be an integer number, but preferably each period begins and ends at a local minimum in amplitude A.

[0066] 4, current pulse trains 11 are interrupted by current pulse train rest periods 12. The signal transition is such that the current pulse trains preferably have a length of about 0.1 ms to about 10 s. The current pulse train rest periods can be provided between two current pulse trains, and the current pulse train rest periods 12 are preferably shorter than the current pulse trains, and more preferably, all current pulse trains have the same length.

[0067] A current pulse 10 is transmitted to the applicator 5 via an electrical connection, and the transmitting coil 6 generates an electromagnetic field that can act on a living body part.

[0068] As shown in Figure 1, the transmitting coil 6 can be a flat coil, and it is particularly preferable if the transmitting coil 6 is an air-core coil. In particular, it is preferable if the transmitting coil 6 has a particularly small inductance. For example, the transmitting coil 6 can be a copper coil.

[0069] Alternatively or additionally, the device 1 may have at least one control parameter input 8, via which control parameters such as blood pressure, body temperature, pulse rate, blood glucose level, etc. can be received. Depending on the measured control parameters, the amplitude A, duration t1, duration t2, modulation frequency, modulation amplitude, duration t4 of the current pulse train rest period 12 and / or duration t3 of the current pulse train 11, or the number of periods of the current pulse train 11, of the current pulse train 10 can be set. For example, the control parameter input 8 may have a standardized interface connectable to at least one corresponding measuring device or wearable device, in particular a smart device such as a smart watch, and the values ​​detected by the measuring device are used as the control parameters.

[0070] In addition to or as an alternative to the at least one measuring device already mentioned, a measuring device may also be provided in the applicator 5, which measuring device in the applicator may be formed, for example, by a receiving coil that receives the biological response of the body part to which it is applied.

[0071] In the treatment, treatment, prevention, and / or aftercare of body parts in living organisms, such as humans and / or animals, the generated electromagnetic fields can be used to treat sleep disorders, fatigue, stress, burnout, pain, degenerative diseases, inflammation, fracture healing, wound healing, fracture healing, wound healing disorders, blood circulation disorders, metabolic disorders, performance enhancement and improved regeneration in sports, especially competitive sports. For the sake of completeness, it should be noted that this list is not exhaustive. [Explanation of symbols]

[0072] 1...device 2. Treatment system 3...Generator 5...Applicator 6...Transmitting coil 8...Control parameter input section 10...Current pulse 11...Current pulse train 12...Current pulse train rest period 15...cycle 16...Current pulse rest period t1: Duration of current pulse 10 t2: Duration of the current pulse rest period 16 t3: Duration of the current pulse train 11 t4: Duration of the current pulse train rest period 12

Claims

1. A method (1) for generating an electromagnetic field by means of an applicator (5) using low-frequency current pulses (10), comprising generating a plurality of current pulses (10) according to a signal course, Each current pulse (10) has a first signal component in the form of a rectangular pulse; a current pulse pause (16) is provided between two current pulses (10); The amplitude of the current pulse (10) is modulated at the modulation frequency of the sinusoidal signal transition. method.

2. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the signal progression comprises a current pulse train (11), the current pulse train (11) comprising at least three complete sinusoidal periods of approximately equal amplitude.

3. 3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that at least one complete sine wave period (15) has at least 4, 8, or at least 12 or more current pulses (10).

4. 4. The method according to claim 1, wherein the current pulses (10) are generated at a carrier frequency between 50 MHz and 250 MHz or between 100 Hz and 100 KHz.

5. 5. The method according to claim 1, wherein each current pulse (10) is formed from the superposition of a first signal component and a second signal component, the second signal component being formed from an increasing or decreasing current.

6. 6. The method of claim 5, wherein the second signal component formed from an increasing or decreasing current corresponds to a linear, exponential or Fibonacci sequence format.

7. 7. The method according to claim 1, wherein a current pulse train rest period (12) is provided between two current pulse trains (11), the current pulse train rest period (12) having a rest time (t4) between 0.1 ms and 10 s.

8. 8. The method according to claim 1, wherein all current pulses (10) have an amplitude (A) selected such that the current pulses (10) have no polarity changes on the signal progression.

9. 9. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that all current pulses (10) have an amplitude (A) greater than 0, preferably over at least one current pulse train.

10. 10. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that all current pulses (10) have an amplitude (A) less than 0, preferably over at least one current pulse train.

11. 11. The method according to claim 1, wherein the modulation frequency is between 0.5 Hz and 120 Hz.

12. 12. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that each current pulse (10) has a duration between 0.1 ms and 10 s, preferably 0.5 ms.

13. 13. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that each current pulse rest period (16) has a duration (t2) between 0.1 ms and 10 s, preferably 4.5 ms.

14. 14. The method according to claim 1, wherein the duration (t1) of the current pulses (10) together with the duration (t2) of the current pulse rest periods (16) have a frequency of between 3 Hz and 3 KHz over the duration of at least one current pulse train (11).

15. 15. The method according to claim 1, wherein a control parameter input is provided, and at least one control parameter can be provided via said control parameter input, said at least one control parameter influencing the amplitude A of the current pulses (10), the modulation frequency, the modulation amplitude, the pause duration (11), the duration (t4) of the pause period (11) of the current pulse train and / or the duration (t3) of the current pulse train (11) or the number of periods (15).

16. Use of the methods according to claims 1 to 15 for the treatment, prevention and / or aftercare of sleep disorders, fatigue, stress, burnout, pain, degenerative diseases, inflammation, bone fractures, wound healing, impaired bone healing, impaired wound healing, blood circulation disorders, metabolic disorders, improving performance and regeneration in sports, especially competitive sports.

17. A device (1) for generating an electromagnetic field, which implements the method according to at least one of claims 1 to 15.

18. 18. Device (1) according to claim 17 for the prevention and / or aftercare of sleep disorders, fatigue, stress, burnout, pain, degenerative diseases, inflammation, treatment of bone fractures, wound healing disorders, blood circulation disorders, metabolic disorders, in particular for the prevention, aftercare and / or regeneration in competitive sports.

Images