Far-infrared irradiation apparatus for middle and inner ear, and far-infrared irradiation earmuff

Abstract

The present invention relates to the technical field of medical auxiliary instruments, specifically to a far-infrared irradiation apparatus for the middle and inner ear, the far-infrared irradiation apparatus comprising a cone element, a heating assembly, and a waveguide tube. A large opening and a small opening are respectively formed at two axial ends of the cone element, a conical surface is formed between the large opening and the small opening, and the cone element is in communication with the waveguide tube by means of the small opening. Far-infrared rays emitted by a first far-infrared emitter diffuse along the waveguide tube into the ear hole to promote resonance inside the ear hole, thereby promoting blood circulation in the ear hole. Far-infrared rays emitted by a second far-infrared emitter generate resonance around the area surrounding the ear hole, thereby promoting blood circulation near the ear. The far-infrared rays can cover the inner and outer positions of the entire ear, so that the coverage area is wider, achieving a better effect in promoting blood circulation.

Description

Far infrared irradiation device for middle and inner ear and far infrared irradiation earmuff

[0001] This application claims priority to the Chinese patent application filed on October 30, 2023, with application number 202311417038.4 and invention name “A far-infrared irradiation device and far-infrared irradiation earmuff for the middle and inner ear”, the contents of which should be understood as incorporated into this application by reference. Technical Field

[0002] The present invention relates to the technical field of medical auxiliary equipment, in particular to a far-infrared irradiation device for the middle and inner ear and a far-infrared irradiation earmuff. Background Art

[0003] Otolaryngologists point out that hearing loss generally begins after the age of 50. With aging, metabolism slows, and blood vessels in the inner ear become hardened or narrowed, impairing blood circulation. This hinders nutrient delivery to ear cells, affecting the microcirculation of the auditory nerve, leading to hearing loss or ossicular hardening, which reduces high-frequency sound reception. 70-80% of tinnitus cases are also caused by high-frequency hearing loss. To slow hearing loss, it's important to protect your ears in daily life to prevent damage. In addition to nutritious food, promoting blood circulation helps improve metabolism and circulation, which can slow and improve hearing loss.

[0004] Far infrared rays, with a wavelength of 8 to 12 microns, can resonate with the body's molecules, promoting capillary dilation, smoothing blood circulation, boosting metabolism, and thus increasing the body's immunity. Therefore, in addition to its applications in science and technology and astronomy, far infrared rays are also used in medicine and health care. For example, far infrared rays are often used to irradiate blood stasis or poor blood circulation.

[0005] Currently, to direct far-infrared radiation into the small cavities of the human body, far-infrared irradiation devices typically optically guide the radiation, then focus it through a waveguide and direct it into the ear. However, due to the small size of the ear canal, the far-infrared radiation emitted by the waveguide is limited to a limited area within the ear, resulting in ineffective irradiation. Large-area flat-panel irradiators are also impractical due to the irregular structure and small size of the ear.

[0006] Summary of the Invention

[0007] The present invention aims to solve the technical problems existing in the prior art and provides a far-infrared irradiation device for the middle and inner ear and a far-infrared irradiation earmuff to solve the problem that the above-mentioned far-infrared irradiation device only irradiates far-infrared rays locally in the ear hole area and has insufficient irradiation effect.

[0008] The present invention solves the above-mentioned technical problems with the following technical solution: A far-infrared irradiation device for the middle inner ear comprises a conical element, a heating assembly, and a waveguide; a large opening and a small opening are respectively provided at the axial ends of the conical element, a conical surface is formed between the large opening and the small opening, and the conical element is connected to the waveguide through the small opening.

[0009] The large opening of the conical element is provided with a first far-infrared ray emitter for emitting far-infrared rays that converge along the large opening toward the small opening, and the conical surface is provided with a second far-infrared ray emitter for emitting far-infrared rays that diffuse outward along the conical surface;

[0010] The first far-infrared emitter includes a metal sheet and a first far-infrared radiation film, wherein the metal sheet contacts the conical element; the first far-infrared radiation film is disposed on a side of the metal sheet close to the large opening;

[0011] The heating component is arranged on the other side of the metal sheet and is used to heat the metal sheet so that the first far-infrared radiation film is heated to emit far-infrared rays;

[0012] The second far-infrared ray emitter includes a second far-infrared ray radiating film, which is arranged on the outer surface of the cone surface of the cone element. The second far-infrared ray radiating film transmits the heat of the metal sheet through the cone element to emit far-infrared rays.

[0013] On the basis of the above technical solution, the present invention can also be improved as follows.

[0014] Furthermore, the wavelength of far infrared rays emitted by the first far infrared radiation film and the second far infrared radiation film is 8 to 12 microns; and the heating temperature of the metal sheet is maintained at 39 to 45 degrees Celsius.

[0015] Furthermore, the conical element is made of metal material, and the second far-infrared radiation film is plated on the outer surface of the cone.

[0016] Furthermore, the conical element further includes a conical metal sheet covering the outer surface of the cone, and the second far-infrared radiation film is plated on the outer surface of the conical metal sheet.

[0017] Furthermore, the inner diameter of the large opening is D1, the inner diameter of the small opening is D2, the cone angle of the conical element is θ, and the shortest straight-line distance between the large opening and the small opening is D3;

[0018] Among them, the following are satisfied:

[0019] The far infrared rays emitted by the first far infrared emitter have an enhanced effect on the waveguide.

[0020] The waveguide is in the shape of a hollow tube with an inner diameter of D4, and D4 is not larger than D2.

[0021] Furthermore, the cone angle θ is between 45 and 90 degrees.

[0022] Furthermore, the cone angle θ is between 55 and 65 degrees.

[0023] Furthermore, the metal sheet is a flat sheet, and the inner surface of the conical element is further provided with a reflective film for reflecting the far infrared rays emitted by the first far infrared radiation film and converging them toward the small opening.

[0024] Furthermore, the metal sheet forms a spherical concave surface toward the large opening; the radius of the spherical concave surface is D5, and satisfies the following relationship:

[0025] Furthermore, the waveguide is made of a light-transmitting material.

[0026] Furthermore, the far-infrared irradiation device for the middle and inner ear provided by the present invention has at least the following beneficial effects compared with the prior art:

[0027] The far infrared rays emitted by the first far infrared emitter will radiate into the ear canal along the waveguide to promote resonance inside the ear canal and promote blood circulation in the ear canal; the far infrared rays emitted by the second far infrared emitter will resonate with the surrounding areas of the ear canal and promote blood circulation near the ear; the far infrared rays can cover the entire inside and outside of the ear, with a wider coverage range and a better effect in promoting blood circulation.

[0028] The present invention also provides a far-infrared irradiation earmuff, comprising a pair of earmuff bodies, an elastic arm connecting the pair of earmuff bodies, and the far-infrared irradiation device for the middle and inner ear as described above; each of the earmuff bodies is provided with a far-infrared irradiation device and a power input device; the power input device is electrically connected to the heating component of the far-infrared irradiation device.

[0029] Moreover, the far-infrared irradiation earmuffs provided by the present invention have at least the following beneficial effects compared with the prior art: the earmuff body can be directly installed on the human ears, ensuring that the waveguide is aligned with the ear holes, so that the far-infrared rays emitted by the first far-infrared emitter can accurately enter the ear holes; at the same time, the second far-infrared emitter emits far-infrared rays to the periphery of the ear holes; the far-infrared rays can cover the entire ear area, with a better irradiation effect, and have the functions of promoting blood circulation in the ears, activating cells, etc. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0030] FIG1 is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the present invention (the metal sheet forms a spherical concave surface);

[0031] FIG2 is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of another embodiment of the present invention (the metal sheet is a flat sheet).

[0032] In the accompanying drawings, the components represented by the reference numerals are as follows:

[0033] 1. Conical element, 1.1. Large opening, 1.2. Small opening, 1.3. Reflective film, 1.4. Conical surface, 1.41. Conical metal sheet, 2. Waveguide, 3. First far-infrared emitter, 3.1. Metal sheet, 3.2. First far-infrared radiation film, 3.3. Heating component, 4. Second far-infrared emitter, 4.1. Second far-infrared radiation film. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0034] The principles and features of the present invention are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The examples given are only used to explain the present invention and are not used to limit the scope of the present invention.

[0035] It should be noted that, unless otherwise expressly specified or limited, the terms "installed," "connected," and "connected" should be understood broadly. For example, they can refer to fixed connections, detachable connections, or integrated structures. Those skilled in the art will understand the specific meanings of such terms in this patent based on specific circumstances.

[0036] Far infrared light is a type of light wave that can be broadly categorized as near infrared (0.76-4 micron wavelength) and far infrared (4-400 micron wavelength). Clinical trials have shown that biochemical far infrared light is similar to the human body's wavelength of 8-12 microns, easily resonating with the body. It has the properties of warmth, massage, blood circulation, and cell activation, making it an essential light source for plants and animals. Water makes up 65-70% of the human body, with approximately 60-95% contained within cells. The resonant wavelength of water is approximately 8-10 microns.

[0037] In order to apply far infrared rays to the human ear, promote metabolism and improve blood circulation, thereby slowing down and improving hearing deterioration, the present invention provides a far infrared irradiation device for the middle and inner ear and a far infrared irradiation earmuff. By applying far infrared rays of corresponding wavelengths to the ear, the ear is effectively protected and hearing aging is delayed.

[0038] As shown in FIG1 , the far-infrared irradiation device for the middle and inner ear designed in the present invention includes a conical element 1, a heating assembly 3.3, and a waveguide 2; a large opening 1.1 and a small opening 1.2 are respectively provided at the axial ends of the conical element 1, a conical surface 1.4 is formed between the large opening 1.1 and the small opening 1.2, and the conical element 1 is connected to the waveguide 2 through the small opening 1.2.

[0039] The large opening 1.1 of the conical element 1 is provided with a first far-infrared ray emitter 3 for emitting far-infrared rays that converge along the large opening 1.1 toward the small opening 1.2, and the conical surface 1.4 is provided with a second far-infrared ray emitter 4 for emitting far-infrared rays that diffuse outward along the conical surface 1.4;

[0040] The first far-infrared emitter 3 includes a metal sheet 3.1 and a first far-infrared radiation film 3.2. The metal sheet 3.1 is in contact with the cone element 1. The first far-infrared radiation film 3.2 is arranged on a side of the metal sheet 3.1 close to the large opening 1.1.

[0041] The heating component 3.3 is provided on the other side of the metal sheet 3.1 and is used to heat the metal sheet 3.1 so that the first far-infrared radiation film 3.2 is heated to emit far-infrared rays;

[0042] The second far-infrared emitter 4 includes a second far-infrared radiation film 4.1 disposed on the outer surface of the conical surface 1.4 of the conical element 1. The second far-infrared radiation film 4.1 conducts heat from the metal sheet 3.1 through the conical element 1 to emit far-infrared rays.

[0043] Specifically, the conical element 1 is a metal element. When the heating component 3.3 generates heat, part of the heat will directly act on the first far-infrared radiation film 3.2, and the other part of the heat will be conducted to the second far-infrared radiation film 4.1 through the conical element 1, thereby realizing the simultaneous action of two sets of far-infrared radiation films.

[0044] Preferably, the conical element 1 is made of metal material, and the second far-infrared radiation film 4.1 is coated on the outer surface of the conical surface 1.4, which has better thermal conductivity.

[0045] Among them, the far infrared rays emitted by the first far infrared emitter 3 will converge along the large opening 1.1 of the cone element 1 to the small opening 1.2, and then be sent into the ear canal through the waveguide 2. The far infrared rays diverge into the ear canal along the waveguide 2 to promote resonance inside the ear canal and promote blood circulation in the ear canal.

[0046] The far infrared rays emitted by the second far infrared ray emitter 4 diffuse outward along the cone surface 1.4 of the cone element 1 to generate resonance with the periphery of the ear hole, thereby promoting blood circulation near the ear.

[0047] In this embodiment, the far infrared rays generated by the first far infrared emitter 3 and the second far infrared emitter 4 can cover the entire inside and outside of the ear, with a wider coverage range and a better effect of promoting blood circulation.

[0048] As an embodiment, the far infrared rays emitted by the first far infrared radiation film 3.2 and the second far infrared radiation film 4.1 have a wavelength of 8 to 12 microns; the heating temperature of the metal sheet 3.1 is maintained at 39 to 45 degrees Celsius, preferably at 41±1 degrees Celsius.

[0049] Ideally, the higher the far infrared emissivity (100% emissivity), the better. However, it also needs to be compatible with the wavelength and temperature of the body being heated. The average human body temperature is 37°C. According to Wien's displacement law, the most suitable wavelength is:

[0050] 2897 constant ÷ (273 + 37) absolute temperature = 9.3 microns wavelength

[0051] Therefore, when far infrared rays are used at 37°C, the higher the far infrared ray release rate in the 9.3 micron wavelength range, the stronger the far infrared ray power and the better the effect. In addition, the higher the temperature, the stronger the power.

[0052] The normal human body temperature is 36.5°C to 37°C, which translates to a wavelength of approximately 9 to 9.5 microns. When infrared products are heated to 41°C to 50°C and contact the human body or skin, the far-infrared radiation resonates with the body's water molecules and bones.

[0053] At this time, the emissivity of far infrared rays at a wavelength of 9 to 9.5 microns will affect the degree of resonance of far infrared rays on the human body.

[0054] When the heating temperature is 41°C, the wavelength is: 2897 / (273+41)≈9.2 microns;

[0055] Unit power: Power = σT4, the higher the temperature, the stronger the power;

[0056] Therefore, considering the operating temperature of the medical device and the optimal wavelength, the heating temperature in this embodiment is set at 39-45°C, and the optimal temperature is 41±1°C.

[0057] In addition, Wien's displacement law is a law in physics that describes the inverse relationship between the peak wavelength of the radiance of the blackbody electromagnetic radiation spectrum and its own temperature. Its mathematical expression is:

[0058] Where,

[0059] λ max

[0060] is the peak wavelength of the radiation (unit: meter);

[0061] T is the absolute temperature of the black body (unit: Kelvin);

[0062] b is a proportional constant, also known as the Wien displacement constant, and its value is equal to 2.8977729(17)×10 -3 m·k; (value recommended by the International Committee for Scientific and Technological Information in 2014, with the uncertainties in brackets at a confidence level of 68.27%).

[0063] In optics, nanometers (nm) are generally used as the unit of wavelength, so b = 2.8977729 (17) × 10 6 nm·k.

[0064] As a supplement, the Stephen-Boltzmann law states that the total radiated power Eb of a black body is calculated as follows:

[0065] E b =σT 4 ;

[0066] where σ is the Stefan-Boltzmann constant and T is the absolute temperature of the blackbody.

[0067] The value of the Stephen-Boltzmann constant is 5.67×10 -8 W / m 2 k 4 or 3.3063×10 -15 Btu / s.in 2 .F 4 .

[0068] The Planck distribution describes the spectral variation of blackbody radiation. Integrating all wavelengths (λ) with the Planck distribution law yields the Stefan-Boltzmann law.

[0069] When a black body with a surface area (A) is immersed in a medium with an ambient temperature of Ta, the net rate of thermal radiation from the black body is calculated as follows:

[0070] Q radiati on=σA(T s 4 -T a 4 ), T s >T a ;

[0071] in:

[0072] Ts = absolute temperature of a black body;

[0073] Ta = absolute temperature of the surrounding medium (ambient temperature).

[0074] As an embodiment, the inner diameter of the large opening 1.1 is D1, the inner diameter of the small opening 1.2 is D2, the cone angle of the conical element 1 is θ, and the shortest straight-line distance between the large opening 1.1 and the small opening 1.2 is D3;

[0075] Among them, the following are satisfied:

[0076] The far infrared rays emitted by the first far infrared emitter 3 have an enhanced effect on the waveguide 2.

[0077] The waveguide 2 is in the shape of a hollow tube with an inner diameter of D4, and D4 is not greater than D2;

[0078] Wherein, the cone angle θ is between 45 and 90 degrees.

[0079] Preferably, the cone angle θ is between 55 and 65 degrees.

[0080] In this embodiment, the specifications of D1, D2, D3, D4 and the cone angle θ can be adjusted according to the adaptability of different user groups.

[0081] As one embodiment, referring specifically to Figure 2 , the metal sheet 3.1 is a flat sheet. The inner surface of the conical element 1 is also coated with a reflective film 1.3, which is used to reflect the far-infrared rays emitted by the first far-infrared radiating film 3.2 and converge them toward the small opening 1.2. The reflective film 1.3 is used to reflect the far-infrared rays emitted by the first far-infrared radiating film 3.2 and converge them toward the small opening 1.2, ensuring that the far-infrared rays emitted by the first far-infrared radiating film 3.2 fully reach the ear canal.

[0082] As an embodiment, referring specifically to FIG1 , the metal sheet 3.1 is formed with a spherical concave surface toward the large opening 1.1; the radius of the spherical concave surface is D5 and satisfies the following relationship:

[0083] The center of the spherical concave surface falls on the end of the waveguide 2 close to the conical element 1, ensuring a better convergence effect of the far infrared rays generated by the metal sheet 3.1.

[0084] As an embodiment, the waveguide 2 is made of a light-transmitting material to ensure that the far infrared rays can fully diffuse into the ear hole.

[0085] The present invention also provides a far-infrared irradiation earmuff, comprising a pair of earmuff bodies, an elastic arm connecting the pair of earmuff bodies, and the far-infrared irradiation device for the middle and inner ear as described above; each of the earmuff bodies is provided with a far-infrared irradiation device and a power input device; the power input device is electrically connected to the heating component 3.3 of the far-infrared irradiation device.

[0086] In this embodiment, the earmuff body can be directly installed on the human ears to ensure that the waveguide 2 is aligned with the ear holes, so that the far infrared rays emitted by the first far infrared emitter 3 can accurately enter the ear holes; at the same time, the second far infrared emitter 4 emits far infrared rays to the periphery of the ear holes; the far infrared rays can cover the entire ear area, promote blood circulation in the ear, activate cells and other functions.

[0087] It should be noted that, in this article, the terms "include", "comprising" or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, so that a process, method, article or device that includes a series of elements includes not only those elements, but also includes other elements that are not explicitly listed, or also includes elements inherent to such process, method, article or device. Unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "install", "connect" and "connect" should be understood in a broad sense, for example, it can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; it can be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can be a direct connection, or it can be an indirect connection through an intermediate medium, or it can be internal communication between two elements. For those of ordinary skill in the art, the specific meanings of the above terms in the present invention can be understood according to specific circumstances.

[0088] Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described, those skilled in the art may make additional changes and modifications to these embodiments once they have learned the basic creative concept. Therefore, the appended claims are intended to be interpreted as including the preferred embodiments and all changes and modifications that fall within the scope of the present invention.

[0089] Obviously, those skilled in the art may make various changes and modifications to the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Thus, if such changes and modifications fall within the scope of the claims and their equivalents, the present invention is intended to include such changes and modifications.

Claims

1. A far-infrared irradiation device for the middle and inner ear, comprising a conical element (1), a heating component (3.3), and a waveguide (2); a large opening (1.1) and a small opening (1.2) are respectively provided at two axial ends of the conical element (1), a conical surface (1.4) is formed between the large opening (1.1) and the small opening (1.2), and the conical element (1) is connected to the waveguide (2) through the small opening (1.2), characterized in that: The large opening (1.1) of the conical element (1) is provided with a first far-infrared ray emitter (3) for emitting far-infrared rays that converge along the large opening (1.1) toward the small opening (1.2), and the conical surface (1.4) is provided with a second far-infrared ray emitter (4) for emitting far-infrared rays that diffuse outward along the conical surface (1.4); The first far-infrared emitter (3) comprises a metal sheet (3.1) and a first far-infrared radiation film (3.2), wherein the metal sheet (3.1) is in contact with the conical element (1); the first far-infrared radiation film (3.2) is arranged on a side of the metal sheet (3.1) close to the large opening (1.1); The heating component (3.3) is arranged on the other side of the metal sheet (3.1) and is used to heat the metal sheet (3.1) so that the first far-infrared radiation film (3.2) is heated to emit far-infrared rays; The second far-infrared emitter (4) comprises a second far-infrared radiation film (4.1) arranged on the outer surface of the conical surface (1.4) of the conical element (1), and the second far-infrared radiation film (4.1) transmits the heat of the metal sheet (3.1) through the conical element (1) to emit far-infrared rays.

2. The far-infrared irradiation device for the middle and inner ear according to claim 1, characterized in that: The far infrared rays emitted by the first far infrared radiation film (3.2) and the second far infrared radiation film (4.1) have a wavelength of 8 to 12 micrometers; the heating temperature of the metal sheet (3.1) is maintained at 39 to 45 degrees Celsius.

3. The far-infrared irradiation device for the middle and inner ear according to claim 2, characterized in that: The conical element (1) is made of metal material, and the second far-infrared radiation film (4.1) is plated on the outer surface of the conical surface (1.4).

4. The far-infrared irradiation device for the middle and inner ear according to claim 2, characterized in that: The conical element (1) further comprises a conical metal sheet (1.41) covering the outer surface of the conical surface (1.4), and the second far-infrared radiation film (4.1) is plated on the outer surface of the conical metal sheet (1.41).

5. The far-infrared irradiation device for the middle and inner ear according to claim 2, characterized in that: The inner diameter of the large opening (1.1) is D1, the inner diameter of the small opening (1.2) is D2, the cone angle of the conical element (1) is θ, and the shortest straight-line distance between the large opening (1.1) and the small opening (1.2) is D3; Among them, it meets: The far infrared rays emitted by the first far infrared emitter (3) have an enhanced effect on the waveguide (2). The waveguide (2) is in the shape of a hollow tube, with an inner diameter of D4, and D4 is not greater than D2.

6. The far-infrared irradiation device for the middle and inner ear according to claim 5, characterized in that: The cone angle θ is between 45 and 90 degrees.

7. The far-infrared irradiation device for the middle and inner ear according to claim 6, characterized in that: The cone angle θ is between 55 and 65 degrees.

8. The far-infrared irradiation device for the middle and inner ear according to claim 5, characterized in that: The metal sheet (3.1) is a flat sheet, and the inner surface of the conical element (1) is also provided with a reflective film (1.3) for reflecting the far infrared rays emitted by the first far infrared radiation film (3.2) and converging them toward the small opening (1.2).

9. The far-infrared irradiation device for the middle and inner ear according to claim 5, characterized in that: The metal sheet (3.1) forms a spherical concave surface toward the large opening (1.1); the radius of the spherical concave surface is D5, and satisfies the following relationship:

10. The far-infrared irradiation device for the middle and inner ear according to claim 4, characterized in that: The waveguide (2) is made of a light-transmitting material.

11. A far infrared irradiation earmuff, characterized in that: It comprises a pair of earmuff bodies, an elastic arm connecting the pair of earmuff bodies, and a far-infrared irradiation device for the middle and inner ear as described in any one of claims 1 to 10; each of the earmuff bodies is provided with a power input device and the far-infrared irradiation device; the power input device is electrically connected to the heating component (3.3) of the far-infrared irradiation device.

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