Biological vector potential generation device and method for operating same

Abstract

[Problem] To provide a biological vector potential generation device capable of suppressing resistance and inductance of a solenoid coil while also conducting a large current. [Solution] A biological vector potential generation device 1 comprises a vector potential coil 10 obtained by winding solenoid coils 20a-20d, which are formed by winding conductors 22a-22d connected in series around core wires 21a-21d, along substrates 30a-30d having insulating properties. Further, an oscillator 36 and amplifiers 31-34 are provided, the amplifiers being connected to the oscillator 36 and being connected respectively to a plurality of vector potential coils 10a-10d. The vector potential coils 10a-10d are layered so that the central axes of the substrates 30a-30d coincide with each other. A vector potential is generated in an internal space by making a current flow through the vector potential coils 10a-10d connected to the amplifiers 31-34.

Description

Device for generating bio-vector potential and its operating method Cross Reference

[0001] This application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2023-136219 filed in Japan on August 24, 2023, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The present invention relates to a bio-vector potential generation device capable of generating a vector potential, and a method of operating the same.

[0003] Conventionally, vector potential generation devices are known that generate vector potential using a solenoid coil that extends along a spirally wound coil axis (see, for example, Patent Document 1). Here, vector potential is not a scalar quantity like electric potential, but a potential that has directionality, and is a unified concept that includes electric fields and magnetic fields. Furthermore, a biovector potential generation device that applies vector potential to a living organism using such a vector potential coil has also been disclosed (see, for example, Patent Document 2).

[0004] Japanese Patent No. 6205572 Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2020-58523

[0005] In the biovector potential generation device described above, the solenoid coil, which is wound with a small coil diameter, extends along the spirally wound coil axis, so the conductor wire that makes up the solenoid coil is long and the conductor wire itself is thin. As a result, the resistance and inductance of the solenoid coil become large. When the AC resistance, or inductance, becomes large, it becomes difficult to conduct a large AC current through the solenoid coil, and ultimately, it becomes difficult to generate a strong vector potential.

[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide a bio-vector potential generation device and an operation method thereof that can suppress the AC resistance, i.e., inductance, of a solenoid coil while simultaneously conducting a large current.

[0007] (1) A bio-vector potential generation device according to one embodiment for achieving the above object is characterized in that it comprises a plurality of vector potential coils formed by winding a solenoid coil, formed by winding a conductor connected in series to a core wire around an insulating cylindrical base, and has a drive unit formed including an oscillator and an amplifier connected to each of the plurality of vector potential coils, the vector potential coils being stacked so that at least the central axes of the bases are aligned, and a vector potential is generated in the internal space by passing a current from the amplifier through the core wire and conductor of the vector potential coil connected to each amplifier. (2) A bio-vector potential generation device according to another embodiment for achieving the above object is characterized in that it includes a plurality of vector potential coils configured by winding a solenoid coil, each of which is formed by winding a conductor connected in series to a core wire around an insulating cylindrical base, around the core wire as a winding axis, and has a drive unit connected in common to the plurality of vector potential coils and configured to include an oscillator and an amplifier, the vector potential coils are stacked so that at least the central axes of the bases coincide, and a vector potential is generated in the internal space by passing a current from the amplifier through the core wire and conductor of each vector potential coil connected to the drive unit. (3) In a bio-vector potential generation device according to another embodiment, it is preferable that the solenoid coil be wound around an insulating base. (4) In a bio-vector potential generation device according to another embodiment, it is preferable that the core wire and / or conductor be made of a conductive material with soft magnetic properties. (5) In a bio-vector potential generation device according to another embodiment, it is preferable that the number of turns of each of the plurality of vector potential coils is the same. (6) In a biovector potential generation device according to another embodiment, it is preferable that the conductors of each of the multiple vector potential coils are wound along the base around which the solenoid coil is wound in a loop, with the winding direction (clockwise or counterclockwise) being the same with respect to the direction of current flow, and with the same number of turns.(7) In a bio-vector potential generation device according to another embodiment, it is preferable that the base be cylindrical. (8) A bio-vector potential generation device according to another embodiment for achieving the above object is characterized in that it comprises a plurality of vector potential coils formed by winding a solenoid coil, formed by winding a conductor connected in series to a core wire around an insulating cylindrical base, and has a drive unit comprising an oscillator and an amplifier connected to each of the plurality of vector potential coils, the vector potential coils being arranged concentrically or linearly, and a vector potential being generated in the internal space by passing a current from the amplifier through the core wire and conductor of the vector potential coil connected to each amplifier. (9) In a bio-vector potential generation device according to another embodiment, it is preferable that the base be excluded from the vector potential generation device described above. (10) To achieve the above object, a method of operating a bio-vector potential generation device according to one embodiment uses the bio-vector potential generation device to hold a living organism or part of a living organism in the internal space, and passes a current of a predetermined frequency from the oscillator to a vector potential coil, thereby generating an electric field within the internal space along the axial direction of the internal space, causing an alternating current to be passed to a predetermined part of the living organism or part of the living organism, thereby providing electrical stimulation.

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a biovector potential generation device that generates a vector potential within an internal space formed by the winding structure of a vector potential coil, while creating a substantially magnetic field-free state within that internal space, and that suppresses the resistance and inductance of the solenoid coil while also being able to conduct a large current.

[0009] FIG. 1(a) is a diagram showing an example of a bio-vector potential generation device according to a first embodiment, and FIG. 1(b) is a diagram showing the structure of a drive unit. FIG. 1(a) is a diagram for explaining the vector potential coil of the generation device shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 1(b) is a diagram showing an example of a bio-vector potential generation device according to a second embodiment. FIG. 1(c) is a diagram showing an example of a bio-vector potential generation device according to a third embodiment. FIG. 1(d) is a diagram showing an example of a bio-vector potential generation device according to a fourth embodiment.

[0010] 1, 45, 50, 52 Bio-vector potential generation device 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d Vector potential coil 20 Drive unit 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d Solenoid coil 21a, 21b, 21c, 21d Core wire 22a, 22b, 22c, 22d Conductor 31, 32, 33, 34, 41, 70, 71, 72, 75 Amplifier 36, 46, 76, 77 Oscillator 40 Cylinder portion 81a, 81b, 81c, 81d Core wire 82a, 82b, 82c, 82d Conductor

[0011] Below, a bio-vector potential generation device according to one aspect of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0012] <Bio-vector potential generation device> [First embodiment]: When the base body is cylindrical and there are four vector potential coils FIG. 1(a) is a diagram that schematically shows an example configuration of a bio-vector potential generation device according to the first embodiment, and FIG. 1(b) is a diagram that shows the structure of the drive unit. FIG. 2 is a diagram that explains the structure of the vector potential coils. This bio-vector potential generation device 1 is configured with four vector potential coils 10a, 10b, 10c, and 10d, four amplifiers 31, 32, 33, and 34, and an oscillator 36. Vector potential coil 10a is connected to amplifier 31, vector potential coil 10b is connected to amplifier 32, vector potential coil 10c is connected to amplifier 33, and vector potential coil 10d is connected to amplifier 34. Amplifiers 31, 32, 33, and 34 are connected to oscillator 36. The four vector potential coils 10a, 10b, 10c, and 10d have the same number of windings (number of turns), and the oscillator 36 distributes and supplies an AC signal of the same frequency to the amplifiers 31, 32, 33, and 34. The amplifiers 31, 32, 33, and 34 amplify the AC signal from the oscillator 36 to generate a voltage with a specific waveform, and supply a current with a specific waveform to the vector potential coils 10a, 10b, 10c, and 10d, respectively. This oscillator 36 and amplifiers 31, 32, 33, and 34 function as a driver 20 (see FIG. 1(b)) for supplying current to the vector potential coils 10a, 10b, 10c, and 10d.

[0013] [First-Stage Vector Potential Coil 10a and Amplifier 31] As shown in FIG. 2, for example, the vector potential coil 10a comprises a solenoid coil (basic wire) 20a formed by winding a conductor (outer wire) 22a spirally around a core wire 21a (with an insulating coating) without any gaps, and a base (rectangular tube) 30a. Note that winding clockwise from the start (tip) of the winding is called "right-handed winding," and winding counterclockwise from the start (tip) of the winding is called "left-handed winding." In this embodiment, the winding is left-handed. The vector potential coil 10a further comprises a tube portion 40 formed by winding the solenoid coil 20a in a loop shape around the base 30a. One end P1 of the core wire 21a is electrically connected to one end P2 of the conductor 22a, and the other end P3 of the core wire 21a is connected to one end of the amplifier 31 via a lead wire 212a. The other end P4 of the conductor 22a is connected to the other end of the amplifier 31 via a lead wire 222a. The core wire 21a and the conductor 22a are not limited to being separate conductors, but may be a single conductor that is folded back at point P1 (P2). In this embodiment, the base 30a is formed in a rectangular cylindrical shape. However, it may also be formed in a cylindrical shape. While the solenoid coil 20a shown in FIG. 1(a) is wound in only one layer, it may be wound in multiple layers.

[0014] The amplifier 31 generates a voltage with a specific waveform and conducts a current with a specific time-varying waveform (such as an AC current, such as a sine wave, a triangular wave, or a rectangular wave, a pulse current, or a combination thereof) to the core wire 21a and the conductor 22a via the lead wires 212a and 222a. For example, the amplifier 31 functions as a high-frequency power source of approximately 1 kHz to 1 GHz. A frequency band in which the skin effect is particularly pronounced, particularly a band of 100 kHz to 1 GHz, is preferable. Furthermore, for example, the amplifier 31 may continuously conduct an AC current of a predetermined frequency to the core wire 21a and the conductor 22a, or may conduct an AC current of a predetermined frequency to the core wire 21a and the conductor 22a intermittently at predetermined time intervals or in a predetermined time sequence pattern.

[0015] [Second-Stage Vector Potential Coil 10b and Amplifier 32] The vector potential coil 10b comprises a solenoid coil (basic wire) 20b, which is formed by spirally winding a conductor (outer wire) 22b around a core wire 21b with no gaps between them, and a base (rectangular tube) 30b. The cross section of the base 30b is rectangular, the same shape as the base 30a. The base 30b may be cylindrical in shape rather than rectangular in shape. The central axis of this second-stage vector potential coil 10b coincides with the central axis of the first-stage vector potential coil 10a. In other words, the first-stage vector potential coil 10a is layered on the second-stage vector potential coil 10b without overlapping it. The solenoid coil 20b may also be wound in multiple layers.

[0016] The vector potential coil 10b further has a cylindrical portion 40 formed by winding this solenoid coil 20b in a loop shape around a base body 30b. One end P1 of the core wire 21b is electrically connected to one end P2 of the conductor 22b, and the other end P3 of the core wire 21b is connected to one end of the amplifier 32 via a lead wire 212b. The other end P4 of the conductor 22b is connected to the other end of the amplifier 32 via a lead wire 222b.

[0017] The amplifier 32 has the same function as the amplifier 31 described above, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted here.

[0018] [Third-Stage Vector Potential Coil 10c and Amplifier 33] The vector potential coil 10c comprises a solenoid coil (basic wire) 20c formed by spirally winding a conductor (outer wire) 22c around a core wire 21c with no gaps between them, and a base (rectangular tube) 30c. The cross section of the base 30c is rectangular, the same shape as the base 30a. The base 30c may be cylindrical in shape rather than rectangular in shape. The central axis of this third-stage vector potential coil 10c coincides with the central axes of the first-stage and second-stage vector potential coils 10a, 10b. In other words, the second-stage vector potential coil 10b is layered without overlapping the third-stage vector potential coil 10c. The solenoid coil 20c may also be wound in multiple layers.

[0019] The vector potential coil 10c further has a cylindrical portion 40 formed by winding this solenoid coil 20c in a loop shape around a base body 30c. One end P1 of the core wire 21c is electrically connected to one end P2 of the conductor 22c, and the other end P3 of the core wire 21c is connected to one end of the amplifier 33 via a lead wire 212c. The other end P4 of the conductor 22c is connected to the other end of the amplifier 33 via a lead wire 222c.

[0020] The amplifier 33 has the same function as the amplifier 31 described above, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted here.

[0021] [Fourth-Stage Vector Potential Coil 10d and Amplifier 34] The vector potential coil 10d comprises a solenoid coil (basic wire) 20d formed by spirally winding a conductor (outer wire) 22d around a core wire 21d with no gaps around the core wire 21d, and a base (rectangular tube) 30d. The cross section of the base 30d is rectangular, the same shape as the base 30d. The base 30d may be cylindrical in shape rather than rectangular in shape. The central axis of this fourth-stage vector potential coil 10d coincides with the central axes of the first-stage, second-stage, and third-stage vector potential coils 10a, 10b, and 10c. In other words, the third-stage vector potential coil 10c is layered without overlapping the fourth-stage vector potential coil 10d. The solenoid coil 20d may also be wound in multiple layers.

[0022] The vector potential coil 10d further has a cylindrical portion 40 formed by winding this solenoid coil 20d in a loop shape around the base body 30d. One end P1 of the core wire 21d is electrically connected to one end P2 of the conductor 22d, and the other end P3 of the core wire 21d is connected to one end of the amplifier 34 via a lead wire 212d. The other end P4 of the conductor 22d is connected to the other end of the amplifier 34 via a lead wire 222d.

[0023] The amplifier 34 has the same function as the amplifier 31 described above, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted here.

[0024] [Operation of the bio-vector potential generator]

[0025] Amplifier 31 applies an AC voltage of a predetermined frequency to the other end P3 of core wire 21a and the other end P4 of conductor 22a, causing a current I(t) to flow through solenoid coil 20a. Amplifier 32 applies an AC voltage of a predetermined frequency to the other end P3 of core wire 21b and the other end P4 of conductor 22b, causing a current I(t) to flow through solenoid coil 20b. Amplifier 33 applies an AC voltage of a predetermined frequency to the other end P3 of core wire 21c and the other end P4 of conductor 22a, causing a current I(t) to flow through solenoid coil 20c. Amplifier 34 applies an AC voltage of a predetermined frequency to the other end P3 of core wire 21d and the other end P4 of conductor 22a, causing a current I(t) to flow through solenoid coil 20d.

[0026] By passing a current through solenoid coils 20 a to 20 d, the space within bases 30 a to 30 d (inside cylindrical portion 40) is made substantially magnetic field-free, and a vector potential VP (dotted arrow in FIG. 1) is generated within that space.

[0027] <Modification> This is a configuration example in which the bases 30a-30d are removed from the bio-vector potential generation device 1 of FIG. 1(a). If the solenoid coil 3 itself is made of a hard material, its shape will be maintained even if a "base" is not present. For this reason, even in a bio-vector potential generation device without a base, it is possible to obtain the same effects and advantages as the bio-vector potential generation device 1 of FIG. 1(a), namely, "the internal space formed by the winding structure of the vector potential coil can be made substantially magnetic field-free, and a vector potential can be generated within this internal space." This is because the solenoid coil 3 is spatially self-sustaining, and therefore a "base" to maintain the shape of the solenoid coil 3 is not necessarily required.

[0028] Next, examples of the present invention will be described in comparison with comparative examples, but the present invention is not limited to the following examples.

[0029] 1. Test Method and Evaluation Method As an example, a test was conducted in which an AC current of 200 kHz was passed from amplifiers 31 to 34 to each of the four-stage vector potential coils 10a to 10d according to the present embodiment described above, and the output voltage of the vector potential coils 10a to 10d (hereinafter referred to as the "VP coil output voltage") was measured. Note that the oscillator 36 was set to supply an AC signal of the same frequency so that the amplifiers 31 to 34 supplied the same value of current. As a comparative example, a single vector potential coil with the same total number of turns as the vector potential coils 10a to 10d of the example was prepared, and an AC current of 200 kHz was passed through this vector potential coil from a single amplifier, and the output voltage of the VP coil (the voltage (electric field strength) generated within the cylindrical portion 40) was measured. This output voltage can be calculated based on the differential value of the current applied to the vector potential coils 10a to 10d. This calculation formula can basically be determined from the winding density of the base wire, the coil diameter, and the like, as described in detail in Patent Document 1. As an example, the output voltage generated in the cylindrical portion 40 can be calculated based on the formula (12) described in Patent Document 1.2. Sample <Example Sample> A biovector potential generation device in which amplifiers 31 to 34 are connected to the following first to fourth stage vector potential coils, respectively. (1) First stage vector potential coil Number of turns: 10 turns Coil impedance Z: 3.712 Ω Coil (conductor) resistance Rs: 1.320 Ω Coil reactance X: 3.516 Ω Coil inductance Ls: 2.756 μH Input current from amplifier: 1.40 A Amplifier input / output voltage: 5.40 V (2) Second stage vector potential coil Number of turns: 10 turns Coil impedance Z: 3.712 Ω Coil (conductor) resistance Rs: 1.320 Ω Coil reactance X: 3.516 Ω Coil inductance Ls: 2.756 μH Input current from amplifier: 1.40 A Amplifier input / output voltage: 5.40 V (3) Third-stage vector potential coil Number of turns: 10 turns Coil impedance Z: 3.712 Ω Coil (conductor) resistance Rs: 1.320 Ω Coil reactance X: 3.516 Ω Coil inductance Ls: 2.756 μH Input current from amplifier: 1.40 A Amplifier input / output voltage: 5.40 V (4) Fourth-stage vector potential coil Number of turns: 10 turns Coil impedance Z: 3.712 Ω Coil (conductor) resistance Rs: 1.320 Ω Coil reactance X: 3.516 Ω Coil inductance Ls: 2.756 μH Input current from amplifier: 1.40 A Amplifier input / output voltage: 5.40 V <Sample of Comparative Example> Sample of Comparative Example: A biovector potential generation device in which a single amplifier is connected to the following vector potential coil Number of turns: 40 turns - Coil impedance Z: 18.465Ω - Coil (conductor) resistance Rs: 8.603Ω - Coil reactance X: 16.337Ω - Coil inductance Ls: 13.001μH - Input current from amplifier: 0.35A - Amplifier input / output voltage: 6.65V.

[0030] <Test Results> As shown in Table 1 below, in the bio-vector potential generation device including the vector potential coil according to the comparative example, the VP coil output voltage was 8.3 mV. On the other hand, the VP coil output voltage of vector potential coils 10a to 10d was 7 mV each, for a total of 28 mV.

[0031] Therefore, the bio-vector potential generation device 1 according to this embodiment obtained an output voltage of 28 mV while securing 40 turns. On the other hand, in the comparative example, when 40 turns were secured, only an output voltage of 8.3 mV was obtained. The reason for this is that the resistance and inductance of the 40 turns in the comparative example were high, and even if the voltage (current) supplied from the amplifier was increased, an output voltage above a certain level could not be obtained. The inventors focused on this point, and in the bio-vector potential generation device 1 according to this embodiment, the vector potential coil was configured with four stages of 10 turns each, thereby suppressing the resistance and inductance of each stage, and by supplying the same current value to each stage from a different amplifier, the desired output voltage was obtained. Furthermore, because the cylindrical base is formed by stacking, the internal space can be increased, and the internal capacitance of the base can be increased. Note that while the experiment was conducted using a four-stage vector potential coil, if a larger vector potential is desired, the number of turns can be increased further, for example, by using a vector potential coil with five or more stages. On the other hand, if a smaller vector potential is desired, the number of turns can be reduced further, for example, by using a two- or three-stage vector potential coil.

[0032]

[0033] [Operation Method] A tubular section 40 (internal space) that holds a living organism or a part of a living organism (upper limbs, lower limbs, or torso) is formed inside the biovector potential generation device. By holding a predetermined part of the living organism within the tubular section 40 and passing a current of a predetermined frequency from the oscillator 36 through the four vector potential coils, an electric field is generated along the axial direction of the tubular section 40 in a non-contact manner without generating a magnetic field within the tubular section 40. Furthermore, at a position within this electric field, in a living organism part, such as an upper limb, lower limb, or torso, a current flows from a location where the electric field is strong to a location where it is weak. This makes it possible to administer a predetermined electrical stimulus to a predetermined living organism part.

[0034] Furthermore, in the operating method of the present disclosure, the disease to be treated is not particularly limited, but preferred treatment targets include diseases related to bones or joints. For example, the method may be used to treat conditions involving widespread overactive or inappropriate bone growth, such as rheumatoid arthritis, fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva (FOP), diffuse idiopathic osteophytosis (DISH), ankylosing spondylitis, and heterotopic ossification. Some treatment targets may be used for removing bone masses in conditions involving neoplastic bone formation or bone tumors, such as osteosarcoma, chondrosarcoma, Ewing's sarcoma, osteoblastoma, and osteoid osteoma.

[0035] Similarly, it may be used to remove bone spurs (i.e., "osteophytes") that form in the legs, shoulders, neck, spine, etc. as a result of chronic osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, reactive arthritis, rotator cuff injuries, plantar fasciitis, spondylosis, and / or spinal stenosis.

[0036] Another preferred treatment target is ligament injury. The joints of the body are supported by ligaments. Ligaments are tough bands of connective tissue that connect bones to other bones. A sprain is a simple stretch or tear of a ligament. The areas most susceptible to sprains are the ankle, knee, and wrist. The mildest sprains can be cured with rest, ice, compression, elevating, and exercise and / or physical therapy. Moderate sprains may also require a period of immobilization. Severe sprains may require surgery to repair the torn ligament.

[0037] Other therapeutic targets include diabetes, gastritis, peptic ulcers, ulcerative colitis, irritable bowel syndrome, hemorrhoids; bronchial asthma, including colds, tonsillitis, sinusitis, and chronic bronchitis; cardiovascular diseases, including phlebitis, endarteritis, and varicose veins; mental disorders, such as depression, aggression, anxiety, and stress; and brain and psychiatric disorders, including Parkinson's disease, epilepsy, migraines, stroke, Alzheimer's disease, and other degenerative brain disorders, as well as cerebral palsy, mental retardation, hyperactivity, and learning disabilities. Furthermore, the compound can be used to treat genitourinary conditions, such as menstrual irregularities, infertility, endometritis, and endometriosis in women, and orchitis, prostatitis, and oligospermia in men. Furthermore, the compound can be used in the treatment of skin diseases and cosmetic procedures. It is particularly promising for the treatment of acne, hyperhidrosis, burns, and surgical skin sutures. Furthermore, myopia, ophthalmic diseases such as ptosis, entropion, lagophthalmos, hordeolum, chalazion, blepharospasm, malignant eyelid tumor, conjunctivitis, dermoid, subconjunctival hemorrhage, pinguecula, malignant lymphoma, scleritis, scleromalacia, keratitis, keratoconus, pterygium, granular corneal degeneration, erosive corneal ulcer, uveitis, cataract, ectopia lentis, lens dislocation, exfoliation syndrome, vitreous hemorrhage, astrocytosis, persistent primary vitreous hyperplasia, glaucoma, ocular hypertension, retinal detachment, diabetic retinopathy, age-related macular degeneration, polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy, retinal artery occlusion, retinal vein occlusion, retinitis pigmentosa, retinoschisis, macular hole, jaundice, vitreous detachment, diabetic retinopathy, age-related macular degeneration, polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy, retinal artery occlusion, retinal vein occlusion, retinitis pigmentosa, retinoschisis, macular hole, vitreous detachment ... The present invention can also be applied to the treatment of epiretinal membrane, Coats' disease, familial exudative vitreoretinopathy, acute retinal necrosis, cytomegalovirus retinitis, retinopathy of prematurity, retinoblastoma, optic neuritis, optic nerve hypoplasia, Leber's hereditary optic neuropathy, optic duct fracture, multiple sclerosis, Devic's disease, pituitary tumor, cerebral infarction, dry eye, dacryocystitis, nasolacrimal duct obstruction, canaliculitis, myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism, presbyopia, strabismus, inferior oblique hypermobility, Duane's syndrome, oculomotor nerve palsy, abducens nerve palsy, Horner's syndrome, Adie's syndrome, traumatic mydriasis, color vision disorder, myasthenia gravis, systemic lupus erythematosus, thyroid eye disease, etc.

[0038] Some of these effects are thought to be, for example, in the central nervous system, by synthesizing neurochemicals necessary for the transmission of impulses or commands at the synaptic level and improving the electrical activity of these cells, thereby improving the efficiency of brain cells. Other effects include the ability to stabilize genes and prevent the activity of oxygen free radicals formed within cells, which may help slow the aging process. The effects on articular cartilage will be explained in detail in the Examples below.

[0039] Also, as a preventative treatment before surgery, VP treatment of the upper abdomen can increase blood perfusion to the body's extremities and reduce the inflammatory response to injury. Preoperative preparation of surgical sites has also been shown to accelerate healing. Furthermore, it can reduce or alleviate symptoms of postoperative recovery nausea, motion sickness, or other forms of nausea, such as vomiting.

[0040] The device can also be used as an adjunct to treatment, or for treating cartilage defects and preventing tumor metastasis. In other embodiments, the device can also be used as a cell preservation and culture device that can efficiently mass-culture stem cells in an artificial environment in order to grow target cells or organs from stem cells in a culture dish for transplantation into humans, for example, in regenerative medicine for treating angina pectoris, myocardial infarction, etc. by angiogenesis from bone marrow-derived stem cells. In other embodiments, the device can also be used to increase bone density during bone preparation for dental or orthopedic implants, or in the treatment of bone gaps such as alveolar defects, areas adjacent to the alveolar bone, or bone defects caused by surgery, trauma, or disease.

[0041] In still other embodiments, it may also be used for similar purposes in non-human mammals, such as companion animals such as dogs and cats, and horses, particularly race horses, in the veterinary field.

[0042] Second Embodiment A second embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to Fig. 3. In the first embodiment described above, an amplifier was provided for each of the four vector potential coils, but as shown in Fig. 3, it is also possible to connect the four vector potential coils in parallel and connect them to a single amplifier 41. In this case, the output of amplifier 41 needs to generate an output voltage that is greater than the individual output voltages of amplifiers 31, 32, 33, and 34.

[0043] A bio-vector potential generation device 45 according to the second embodiment is configured with four vector potential coils 10a, 10b, 10c, and 10d, four amplifiers 41, and an oscillator 46. The vector potential coils 10a, 10b, 10c, and 10d are connected to the amplifier 41. The amplifier 41 is connected to the oscillator 46. The four vector potential coils 10a, 10b, 10c, and 10d have the same number of windings (number of turns), and the oscillator 46 supplies an AC signal according to a set frequency to the amplifier 41. The amplifier 41 amplifies the AC signal from the oscillator 46 to generate a voltage with a specific waveform, and supplies a current with a specific waveform to each of the vector potential coils 10a, 10b, 10c, and 10d. The oscillator 46 and amplifier 41 function as a drive unit 20 (see FIG. 1(b)) for supplying current to the vector potential coils 10a, 10b, 10c, and 10d. By supplying a current with a specific waveform from the amplifier 41 to the vector potential coils 10a, 10b, 10c, and 10d, the space within the cylindrical portion 40 is substantially put into a magnetic field-free state, and a vector potential VP (dotted arrow in FIG. 3) is generated within that space.

[0044] According to this embodiment, a vector potential VP can be generated in the internal space of the vector potential coils 10a, 10b, 10c, and 10d using a single amplifier, thereby improving the degree of freedom in design.

[0045] Third Embodiment A third embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIG. 4. Multiple cylindrical base bodies with different outer diameters are prepared, and solenoid coils 60a, 60b, and 60c are spirally wound around each of the base bodies 90a, 90b, and 90c, respectively, to arrange multiple vector potential coils 65a, 65b, and 65c in a concentric or linear pattern. The solenoid coil 60a is configured by winding a conductor 82a spirally a predetermined number of times around a core wire 81a, the solenoid coil 60b is configured by winding a conductor 82b spirally a predetermined number of times around a core wire 81b, and the solenoid coil 60c is configured by winding a conductor 82c spirally a predetermined number of times around a core wire 81c. The solenoid coils 60a, 60b, and 60c may be wound in multiple layers.

[0046] The bio-vector potential generation device 50 is composed of three vector potential coils 65a, 65b, and 65c, three amplifiers 70, 71, and 72, and an oscillator 76. The vector potential coil 65a is connected to the amplifier 70, the vector potential coil 65b is connected to the amplifier 71, and the vector potential coil 65c is connected to the amplifier 72. The amplifiers 70, 71, and 72 are connected to an oscillator 76. The three vector potential coils 65a, 65b, and 65c have a predetermined number of windings (number of turns), and the oscillator 76 supplies an AC signal of a predetermined frequency to the amplifiers 70, 71, and 72. The amplifiers 70, 71, and 72 amplify the AC signal from the oscillator 76 to generate a voltage of a specific waveform, and supply a current of a specific waveform to the vector potential coils 65a, 65b, and 65c, respectively. This oscillator 76 and amplifiers 70, 71, and 72 function as a driver for supplying current to the vector potential coils 65a, 65b, and 65c.

[0047] Amplifier 70 applies an AC voltage of a predetermined frequency to the other end P3 of core wire 81a and the other end P4 of conductor 82a, causing a current I(t) to flow through solenoid coil 60a. Amplifier 71 applies an AC voltage of a predetermined frequency to the other end P3 of core wire 81b and the other end P4 of conductor 82b, causing a current I(t) to flow through solenoid coil 60b. Amplifier 72 applies an AC voltage of a predetermined frequency to the other end P3 of core wire 81c and the other end P4 of conductor 82a, causing a current I(t) to flow through solenoid coil 60c. By passing a current through solenoid coils 60a-60c, the space within bases 90a-90c is substantially put into a magnetic field-free state, and a vector potential VP is generated in that space.

[0048] According to the third embodiment, multiple vector potential coils are arranged concentrically or linearly by spirally winding solenoid coils around cylindrical base bodies with different outer diameters, making it possible to achieve both a compact bio-vector potential generation device and a high-output vector potential.

[0049] <Modification> When the solenoid coils 60a-60c themselves are made of a hard material, the same effect as above can be obtained even with a configuration in which the base bodies 90a-90c are removed from the biovector potential generation device 50 in FIG. 4.

[0050] Fourth Embodiment A fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to Fig. 5. In the third embodiment described above, an amplifier was provided for each of the three vector potential coils, but as shown in Fig. 5, it is also possible to connect the three vector potential coils in parallel and connect them to a single amplifier 75. In this case, the output of amplifier 75 needs to generate an output voltage that is greater than the individual output voltages of amplifiers 70, 71, and 72.

[0051] The bio-vector potential generation device 52 is composed of three vector potential coils 65a, 65b, and 65c, a single amplifier 75, and an oscillator 77. The vector potential coils 65a, 65b, and 65c are connected to the amplifier 75. The amplifier 75 is connected to the oscillator 77. The three vector potential coils 65a, 65b, and 65c have a predetermined number of windings (number of turns), and the oscillator 77 supplies an AC signal of a predetermined frequency to the amplifier 75. The amplifier 75 amplifies the AC signal from the oscillator 77 to generate a voltage with a specific waveform, and supplies a current of a specific waveform to each of the vector potential coils 65a, 65b, and 65c. This oscillator 77 and amplifier 75 function as a driver for supplying current to the vector potential coils 65a, 65b, and 65c.

[0052] Amplifier 75 applies an AC voltage of a predetermined frequency to the other end P3 of core wire 81a and the other end P4 of conductor 82a, causing a current I(t) to flow through solenoid coil 60a. Amplifier 71 applies an AC voltage of a predetermined frequency to the other end P3 of core wire 81b and the other end P4 of conductor 82b, causing a current I(t) to flow through solenoid coil 60b. Amplifier 72 applies an AC voltage of a predetermined frequency to the other end P3 of core wire 81c and the other end P4 of conductor 82a, causing a current I(t) to flow through solenoid coil 60c. By passing a current through solenoid coils 60a-60c, the space within bases 90a-90c is substantially put into a magnetic field-free state, and a vector potential VP is generated within that space.

[0053] According to this embodiment, a vector potential VP can be generated in the internal space of the vector potential coils 10a, 10b, 10c, and 10d using a single amplifier, thereby improving the degree of freedom in design.

[0054] In each of the above embodiments, the core wire and / or conductor constituting the solenoid coil preferably have a shape extending along the core wire and conductor and are made of a soft magnetic material (a conductive material having soft magnetism). In particular, from the viewpoints of processability and low manufacturing cost, it is preferable that the core wire is made of a soft magnetic material and the conductor is made of a normal copper wire or aluminum wire. Examples of soft magnetic materials include conductive materials such as permalloy.

[0055] A soft magnetic conductor material is one that is easily magnetized by an external magnetic field and loses its magnetism when the magnetic field is removed. Materials that have both electrical conductivity and soft magnetic properties include the following: (1) Iron and iron alloys Iron is the most common soft magnetic material, and its magnetic properties vary depending on its purity and composition. Iron alloys, which are made by adding other metals to iron, can adjust the magnetic permeability and saturation magnetic flux density. For example, electromagnetic pure iron is an alloy made by adding small amounts of silicon or aluminum to iron, and has a high saturation magnetic flux density and low core loss. Specifically, soft magnetic materials primarily composed of Fe, Ni, or Co include pure iron, Fe-Si alloys such as silicon steel, Fe-Ni alloys such as Permalloy, Fe-Co alloys such as Permendur, Fe-Si-Al alloys such as Sendust, Fe-Cr-Si alloys, Fe-Cr-Al alloys, and various Fe alloys, as well as various Ni alloys and various Co alloys. (2) Amorphous and Nanocrystalline Amorphous and nanocrystalline metals are non-crystalline or microcrystalline metals with high magnetic permeability and low core loss. Amorphous metals are composed of transition metals such as iron and cobalt and non-metals such as silicon and boron, while nanocrystalline metals are composed of transition metals such as iron and nickel and elements such as copper and zirconium. Specific examples include Fe-based alloys such as Fe-Si-B, Fe-Si-B-C, Fe-Si-B-Cr-C, Fe-Si-Cr, Fe-B, Fe-P-C, Fe-Co-Si-B, Fe-Si-B-Nb, Fe-Si-B-Nb-Cu, and Fe-Zr-B alloys; Ni-based alloys such as Ni-Si-B and Ni-P-B alloys; and Co-based alloys such as Co-Si-B alloys.

[0056] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

Claims

1. A bio-vector potential generation device comprising a plurality of vector potential coils configured by winding a solenoid coil formed by winding a conductor connected in series to a core wire around an insulating cylindrical base, having a drive unit configured including an oscillator and an amplifier connected to each of the plurality of vector potential coils, the vector potential coils are stacked so that at least the central axes of the bases coincide, and a vector potential is generated in the internal space by passing a current from the amplifier through the core wire and conductor of the vector potential coil connected to each of the amplifiers.

2. A bio-vector potential generation device comprising a plurality of vector potential coils configured by winding a solenoid coil formed by winding a conductor connected in series to a core wire around an insulating cylindrical base, the device having a drive unit connected in common to the plurality of vector potential coils and configured including an oscillator and an amplifier, the vector potential coils are stacked so that at least the central axes of the bases coincide, and a vector potential is generated in the internal space by passing a current from the amplifier through the core wire and conductor of each of the vector potential coils connected to the drive unit.

3. The bio-vector potential generation device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the solenoid coil is wound around an insulating base body.

4. The bio-vector potential generation device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the core wire and / or the conductor are formed from a conductive material having soft magnetic properties.

5. The bio-vector potential generation device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein each of the multiple vector potential coils has the same number of turns.

6. The bio-vector potential generation device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the conductor of each of the multiple vector potential coils is wound along the base around which the solenoid coil is wound in a loop, with the winding direction being the same with respect to the direction of current flow and the number of turns being the same.

7. The bio-vector potential generation device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the base body is cylindrical.

8. A bio-vector potential generation device comprising a plurality of vector potential coils configured by winding a solenoid coil formed by winding a conductor connected in series to a core wire around an insulating cylindrical base, having a drive unit configured including an oscillator and amplifiers connected to each of the plurality of vector potential coils, each of the vector potential coils being arranged concentrically or linearly, and a vector potential is generated in the internal space by passing a current from the amplifier through the core wire and conductor of the vector potential coils connected to each of the amplifiers.

9. A bio-vector potential generation device according to any one of claims 1, 2 and 8, excluding the base body.

10. A method for operating a bio-vector potential generation device using any of claims 1, 2, or 8, in which a living organism or part of a living organism is held in the internal space and a current of a prescribed frequency is passed from the oscillator to the vector potential coil, thereby generating an electric field within the internal space along the axial direction of the internal space, thereby passing an alternating current to a prescribed part of the living organism or part of a living organism, thereby providing electrical stimulation.

Images