Device for noninvasive magnetic field therapy

Abstract

The invention relates to a device for noninvasive magnetic field therapy, comprising a therapy unit (1) with at least one periodically excitable electromagnet (2), a first radiation source which emits near-infrared radiation, and a heating element (4). In order to further improve the well-being of a patient using the device (1), the therapy unit additionally comprises a second radiation source which emits UVB radiation.

Description

Device for non-invasive magnetic field therapy

[0001] The invention relates to a device for non-invasive magnetic field therapy, comprising a therapy unit with at least one periodically excitable electromagnet, a first radiation source which emits radiation in the near infrared, and a heating element.

[0002] Non-invasive magnetic field therapy has been used in alternative medicine for millennia, dating back to when Chinese physicians used magnetic stones to support healing processes. Today, magnetic fields are generated by the excitation of magnetic coils using appropriate devices, allowing for a variety of patterns and therapeutic approaches that are said to improve the health and well-being of the user.

[0003] EP 2 050 481 B1 discloses a magnetic field therapy device in which a field generation device, controlled by a pulse generator, produces a pulsating magnetic field composed of a sequence of main pulses exhibiting a specific amplitude profile. This profile enhances the effectiveness of the magnetic field therapy.

[0004] Furthermore, it is known to combine magnetic field therapy with other therapeutic methods. For example, German patent DE 10 2010 038 249 A1 discloses a method and a device for the physical stimulation of human tissue by using photons, i.e., light, together with either alternating magnetic fields or mechanical vibrations. The therapeutic effect is further enhanced by the simultaneous application of heat.

[0005] Light therapy uses various wavelengths, usually in the visible and infrared spectrum, and occasionally in the ultraviolet range. Either pulsed or continuous radiation is used.

[0006] UV-B radiation lies in the wavelength range of 270 nm to 350 nm. This high-energy radiation is strongly scattered in biological tissue and is responsible for long-term tanning of the skin. Furthermore, the skin produces vitamin D3 when exposed to UV-B radiation.

[0007] The task is to provide a device that advances the state of the art by integrating further therapeutic approaches and improving the well-being of a patient.

[0008] The problem is solved for the aforementioned device by including a second radiation source in the therapy unit, which emits UV-B radiation. Previously used devices employ only a single light source. The additional second radiation source, which emits UV-B radiation, has the added benefit of stimulating vitamin D3 production, thus improving the patient's well-being compared to the current state of the art.

[0009] It is advantageous if the UV-B radiation lies within a wavelength range between 270 nm and 350 nm. Furthermore, it is beneficial if the first radiation source emits radiation within a wavelength range between 600 nm and 750 nm.

[0010] Furthermore, it is advantageous if the therapy unit includes a control unit that manages the first radiation source, the electromagnet, the heating element, and the second radiation source. It is particularly beneficial if the control unit offers a variety of selectable therapy programs, with the first radiation source being active in one program, the second in a second, and both in a third. This allows the different therapy modes to be controlled independently, providing a wide range of therapy programs.

[0011] In a further advantageous embodiment, the therapy unit is designed as a base, and the first radiation source has a plurality of first emitters, and the second radiation source has a plurality of second emitters, with the first and second emitters being distributed across the base. A particularly advantageous feature is a number of first emitters and a number of second emitters. The emitters are identical. Alternatively or additionally, it is advantageous if the first and second emitters are evenly distributed across the surface. In this way, the UV-B radiation, like the near-infrared radiation, is evenly distributed over the patient.

[0012] It is understood that the features mentioned above and those to be explained below can be used not only in the combinations given, but also in other combinations or on their own, without leaving the scope of the present invention.

[0013] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to an exemplary embodiment and the accompanying drawing, which also discloses essential features of the invention. The exemplary embodiment serves only for illustration and is not to be interpreted as limiting. For example, a description of the exemplary embodiment with a plurality of elements or components is not to be interpreted as meaning that all of these elements or components are necessary for its implementation. Rather, other exemplary embodiments may also contain alternative elements and components, fewer elements or components, or additional elements or components without departing from the scope of the invention. Modifications and variations described for the exemplary embodiment may also be applicable to other exemplary embodiments. It shows:

[0014] Fig. 1 A schematic representation of a device for non-invasive magnetic field therapy.

[0015] Figure 1 shows a device for non-invasive magnetic field therapy comprising a therapy unit 1 with an electromagnet 2, a control unit 3, a heating element 4, and a series of first emitters 5 and second emitters 6. The first emitters 5, which together form a first light source, are shown as squares and emit light in the near-infrared range within a wavelength range between 600 nm and 750 nm. The second emitters 6, which form a second light source, are shown as rectangles and emit light in a UV-B range between 270 nm and 350 nm.

[0016] Therapy unit 1 is designed as a base 7, which includes all It contains components. The spotlights 5 and 6 are designed as LEDs and are located at the The surface of the base 7 is oriented so that the emitters 5 and 6 face the patient lying on it. To ensure that the patient's entire body is irradiated evenly, the emitters 5 and 6 are arranged in four rows on the base 7, with each first emitter 5 having only second emitters 6 in its immediate vicinity. The total number of first and second emitters 5 and 6 is identical.

[0017] The control unit 3 is designed to control the electromagnet 2, the heating element 4, and the emitters 5 and 6. This allows all components to be controlled individually or together. A variety of selectable therapy programs are stored or programmable in the control unit 3. In the first therapy program, the first radiation source is active; in the second therapy program, the second radiation source is active; and in the third therapy program, both the first and second radiation sources are active. Similarly, depending on the therapy program, the electromagnet 2 and the heating element 4 can be switched on or off.

[0018] Electromagnet 2 is typically composed of a multitude of magnetic coils that are periodically excited to generate a pulsed magnetic field with a specific magnetic field frequency. Sine, square, and sawtooth signals, or defined pulse sequences, can be generated. The type of excitation is freely selectable and depends on the chosen therapy program. List of reference symbols: Therapy unit, Electromagnet, Control unit, Heating element, First emitter, Second emitter, Base

Claims

Patent claims 1 . A device for non-invasive magnetic field therapy, comprising a therapy unit (1) with at least one periodically excitable electromagnet (2), a first radiation source which emits radiation in the near infrared, and a heating element (4), characterized in that the therapy unit (1) further comprises a second radiation source which emits UV-B radiation.

2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the UV-B radiation is in a wavelength range between 270 nm and 350 nm.

3. Device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the first radiation source emits radiation within a wavelength range between 600 nm and 750 nm.

4. Device according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the therapy unit (1) comprises a control unit (3) which controls the first radiation source, the electromagnet (2), the heating element (4) and the second radiation source.

5. Device according to claim 4, characterized in that the control unit (3) comprises a plurality of selectable therapy programs, wherein in a first therapy program the first radiation source is active, in a second therapy program the second radiation source is active, and in a third therapy program both the first and the second radiation source are active.

6. Device according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the therapy unit (1) is designed as a base (7) and the first radiation source comprises a plurality of first radiators (5) and the second radiation source comprises a plurality of second radiators (6), wherein the first and second radiators (5, 6) are each arranged distributed over the base (7).

7. Device according to claim 6, characterized in that a number of first radiators (5) and a number of second radiators (6) are identical.

8. Device according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that the first and second radiators (5, 6) are evenly distributed over the base (7).

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