Electrical stimulation moist heat therapy apparatus and method for using same

Abstract

Disclosed are an electrical stimulation moist heat therapy apparatus and a method for using same. The electrical stimulation moist heat therapy apparatus comprises a skin contact layer, a moist heat dressing layer, a heat source contact layer, a heat source, a controller, and a plurality of wires, wherein the skin contact layer, the moist heat dressing layer, the heat source contact layer, and the heat source are sequentially arranged in a stacked configuration, and the controller is electrically connected to both the skin contact layer and the heat source by means of the plurality of wires. Using the electrical stimulation moist heat therapy apparatus allows for either electrotherapy or moist heat therapy to be performed on acupuncture points of a human body, or for both electrotherapy and moist heat therapy to be performed simultaneously, thereby improving human health.

Description

Electrical stimulation moist heat therapy device and its usage method Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an electrostimulation moist heat therapy device and its usage method, and particularly to an electrostimulation moist heat therapy device and its usage method that can perform electrotherapy or moist heat therapy on the human body separately, or perform electrotherapy and moist heat therapy simultaneously. Background Technology

[0002] Hot compresses hold an important place and have a long history in the application of muscle pain and general health care. There is even a saying that "hot compresses are as effective as half a traditional Chinese medicine doctor." Traditional Chinese medicine traumatology believes that "warmth promotes circulation, and circulation relieves pain." Symptoms such as "coldness," "pain," and "obstruction" caused by wind, cold, qi stagnation, blood stasis, and dampness can be relieved by applying hot compresses to the patient's body. This can promote blood circulation, relieve pain, and dispel wind and dampness. It is effective for back pain, arthritis, chronic stomach pain, diarrhea, neuralgia, and aversion to cold. Keeping the skin moist during hot compresses can increase heat conduction efficiency and avoid discomfort such as dry and itchy skin. In recent years, electronic powered hot compresses have become more popular among patients.

[0003] On the other hand, electrical muscle stimulation (also known as electrotherapy) uses a dynamic muscle stimulator to repeatedly stimulate motor nerves at a high frequency through current applied to electrode patches on the surface of the body. This induces involuntary but rhythmic local contractions in nearby muscle groups. It is a physical electrical stimulation therapy technique. This technique is often used to relieve muscle soreness and strengthen muscle tissue. Its efficacy is suitable for both medical treatment and home healthcare.

[0004] In addition, Western rehabilitation medicine uses heat therapy, electrical stimulation, and physical therapy to treat symptoms such as muscle and bone pain or chronic pain caused by poor posture; while Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) uses acupuncture to stimulate meridians and acupoints or massage to loosen contracted muscles, further achieving pain relief and relaxation. Many medical institutions today offer integrated TCM and Western medicine clinics, incorporating the concept of the meridian system and combining it with professional resources such as rehabilitation, acupuncture, and massage, which have shown good results in relieving muscle and bone pain and post-exercise recovery.

[0005] While medical or health care devices that can perform electrical stimulation or heat therapy exist, the general method used in electrotherapy involves electrode patches that users can apply themselves to the body surface. The purpose of these patches is to conduct current and maintain moisture, reducing impedance between the body surface and the device, and minimizing settling time. However, electrode patches often have poor moisturizing effects, and users without professional medical knowledge may be unable to adhere them to the appropriate acupoints or adjust the stimulation frequency, leading to overstimulation. Furthermore, since most electrode patches are self-adhesive, repeated application reduces adhesion, moisture retention, and conductivity, increasing impedance. The gel may also cause skin irritation or allergies. Additionally, medical or health care devices for electrical stimulation and heat therapy must be used separately and cannot simultaneously apply electrical stimulation and heat to the affected area or acupoints, causing inconvenience.

[0006] Invention disclosure

[0007] In view of the above-mentioned deficiencies in the prior art, after tireless research and experimentation, the inventor has finally developed a device that can simultaneously provide electrical stimulation and / or heat therapy to the affected areas or acupoints of the human body, thereby overcoming the deficiencies of the prior art and making it more convenient for users to use.

[0008] The purpose of this invention is to provide an electrostimulation moist heat compress device, which includes: a skin contact layer, a moist heat compress layer, a heat source contact layer, a heat source, a controller, and multiple wires; wherein the skin contact layer, the moist heat compress layer, the heat source contact layer, and the heat source are stacked sequentially, and the controller is electrically connected to the skin contact layer and the heat source respectively via the multiple wires.

[0009] The skin contact layer is made of conductive fabric, which is selected from washable conductive fabric or conductive fabric containing conductive yarn.

[0010] The moist heat dressing layer is made of a hygroscopic material with a porous surface, which can absorb or release moisture (such as water vapor) and absorb or release far-infrared rays, so that the heat energy released by the heat source can be released more evenly.

[0011] Preferably, the moist heat dressing layer is removably disposed between the skin contact layer and the heat source contact layer.

[0012] The material of the heat source contact layer can be any fabric that can evenly disperse the heat energy released by the heat source and is flame-retardant.

[0013] The controller provides power to the skin contact layer and the heat source via the multiple wires, thereby controlling the temperature of the heat source and the intensity and frequency of electrical stimulation of the skin contact layer. It can also select whether to provide power to the heat source for heating to perform a wet compress, or to provide power to the skin contact layer for electrical stimulation, or to perform a wet compress and electrical stimulation simultaneously.

[0014] Another objective of the present invention is to provide a method of using an electrostimulation moist heat compress device, which allows for electrotherapy or moist heat compress on acupoints of the human body, or simultaneous electrotherapy and moist heat compress, thereby improving the health of the human body.

[0015] The following detailed description, using specific embodiments and accompanying drawings, will make it easier to understand the purpose, technical content, features, and effects achieved by the present invention.

[0016] Brief description of the attached figures

[0017] The following accompanying diagrams further illustrate the present invention:

[0018] Figure 1 is a simplified schematic diagram of the electrostimulation moist heat compress device of the present invention;

[0019] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the electrostimulation moist heat compress device of the present invention, in which the moist heat compress layer adsorbs external moisture.

[0020] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the electrostimulation moist heat compress device of the present invention, which releases far-infrared rays and expels moisture contained in the moist heat compress layer when heated by a heat source.

[0021] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the operation process of the electrostimulation moist heat compress device of the present invention.

[0022] Figures 5 to 8 are simplified schematic diagrams of the electrostimulation and moist heat therapy device of the present invention, which, when worn on the knee joint, provides electrostimulation or moist heat therapy to different acupoints of the human body.

[0023] In the attached diagram, the following symbols are used: 1: Electrostimulation moist heat compress device; 2: Skin contact layer; 3: Moist heat compress layer; 4: Heat source contact layer; 5: Heat source; 6: Controller; 7: Wire; 8: Moisture; 9: Far-infrared rays; 10a, 10b, 10c: Anterior side of the knee joint; 10d: Posterior side of the knee joint; 11a: Xuehai acupoint; 11b: Yinlingquan acupoint; 11c: Heding acupoint; 11d: Liangqiu acupoint; 11e: Outer knee eye acupoint; 11f: Zusanli acupoint; 11g: Xiyangguan acupoint; 11h: Yanglingquan acupoint; 11i: Xiguan acupoint; 11j: Yingu acupoint; 11k: Weizhong acupoint; 11l: Weiyang acupoint.

[0024] Best way to implement the present invention

[0025] To make the technical features, content, advantages, and effects of the present invention more readily apparent to those skilled in the art, the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and in the form of embodiments. The drawings used are for illustrative purposes only and to assist in the description, and may not represent the actual proportions and precise configurations after the implementation of the present invention. Therefore, the proportions and configurations of the accompanying drawings should not be used to interpret or limit the scope of the present invention in actual implementation. This is hereby stated.

[0026] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein (including technical and scientific terms) shall have the meanings commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains. It will be further understood that terms such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries shall be interpreted as having meanings consistent with their meanings in the context of the relevant technology and the present invention, and shall not be interpreted as having idealized or overly formal meanings unless expressly defined herein.

[0027] Please refer to Figure 1, which is a simplified schematic diagram of the electrostimulation moist heat compress device of the present invention. The electrostimulation moist heat compress device 1 includes: a skin contact layer 2, a moist heat compress layer 3, a heat source contact layer 4, a heat source 5, a controller 6, and multiple wires 7; wherein the skin contact layer 2, the moist heat compress layer 3, the heat source contact layer 4, and the heat source 5 are stacked sequentially, and the controller 6 is electrically connected to the skin contact layer 2 and the heat source 5 respectively through the multiple wires 7.

[0028] The skin contact layer 2 is composed of conductive fabric, which is selected from washable conductive fabric or conductive fabric containing conductive yarn. For example, washable conductive fabric is made by bonding conductive resin to the fabric through printing methods such as heat transfer, while conductive fabric is made by sewing conductive yarn together with common fabric materials such as polyester fiber and nylon, but is not limited to these. Using conductive fabric as the skin contact layer 2 can improve problems such as skin allergies caused by gel on traditional electrode patches and can increase the electrical stability during use.

[0029] The moist heat dressing layer 3 is made of a hygroscopic material with a porous surface, which can absorb or release moisture (such as water vapor) and absorb or release far-infrared rays, so that the heat energy released by the heat source can be released more evenly. Specifically, the hygroscopic material is selected from any one or a combination of bamboo charcoal, activated carbon, shale, gypsum, charcoal, silica gel, magnesium sulfate, sodium sulfate, potassium nitrate, montmorillonite, diatomaceous earth, zeolite, sepiolite, kaolin, aluminosilicate, polyacrylate, polyvinyl alcohol, polyurethane, calcium oxide, and lithium chloride.

[0030] Preferably, the moist heat dressing layer 3 is removably disposed between the skin contact layer 2 and the heat source contact layer 4. For example, the periphery of the skin contact layer 2 and the heat source contact layer 4 can be sewn together to form an accommodating space (not shown in the figure), and a portion of the periphery can be left unsewn as an opening for inserting or removing the moist heat dressing layer 3. When the effect of the moist heat dressing layer 3 in absorbing or expelling moisture, absorbing or releasing far-infrared rays, etc., declines, a new moist heat dressing layer 3 can be replaced, improving the convenience of use.

[0031] The material of the heat source contact layer 4 can be any fabric that can evenly disperse the heat energy released by the heat source and is flame-retardant. For example, the material of the heat source contact layer 4 is selected from fiber raw materials with a limiting oxygen index (LOI) greater than 20%, such as metal fibers, carbon fibers, asbestos, boron fibers, glass fibers, PBO fibers (poly(p-phenylenebenzodioxazole)), PBI (polybenzimidazole) fibers, polyimide fibers, aramid fibers, fluorofibers, chlorofibers, modified nylon, modified polyester, modified polypropylene, modified vinylon, modified viscose, PPS (polyphenylene sulfide) fibers, seaweed fibers, etc., but is not limited to these.

[0032] There are no particular limitations on the heat source 5; any common portable or small heating device can be used. For example, heat energy can be provided by an electric heating wire, but this is not a limitation.

[0033] The controller 6 provides power to the skin contact layer 2 and the heat source 5 via the multiple wires 7, thereby controlling the temperature of the heat source 5 and the intensity and frequency of electrical stimulation of the skin contact layer 2. It can also select whether to provide power to the heat source 5 for moist heat therapy, to provide power to the skin contact layer 2 for electrical stimulation, or to perform both moist heat therapy and electrical stimulation simultaneously. The controller 6 can be powered by an external power source and / or by a built-in battery.

[0034] Please refer to Figure 2, which is a schematic diagram of the electrostimulation moist heat compress device of the present invention, in which the moist heat compress layer adsorbs external moisture; when the electrostimulation moist heat compress device 1 is not in use, the hygroscopic material contained in the moist heat compress layer 3 can adsorb and filter external moisture 8.

[0035] Please also refer to Figure 3, which is a schematic diagram of the electrostimulation moist heat compress device of the present invention, showing how it releases far-infrared rays and expels moisture contained in the moist heat compress layer when heated by a heat source. When the electrostimulation moist heat compress device 1 is used, the heat source provided by the heat source 5 is transferred to the moist heat compress layer 3 through the heat source contact layer 4, causing the hygroscopic material contained in the moist heat compress layer 3 to absorb heat energy and release far-infrared rays 9. The moisture 8 adsorbed in the moist heat compress layer 3 is further heated and evaporated by the far-infrared rays 9 and diffused outward, and then transferred to the skin contact layer 2. The skin contact layer 2 then transfers the moisture 8 and the far-infrared rays 9 to the surface of the human skin for moist heat compress. In addition, since some users have relatively dry skin and the heat compress effect is not good, the heat energy can be conducted by the moisture 8 to improve the heat compress effect and keep the user's skin moist.

[0036] On the other hand, when the electrostimulation hot compress device 1 is to be used to perform electrotherapy on the user, the controller 6 provides power to the skin contact layer 2 to perform electrostimulation, and the moisture 8 can make the skin contact layer 2 have a slight moisture content to improve conductivity, so as to make the electrotherapy effect better and thus improve the problem that the electrotherapy effect is not good for some users whose skin is relatively dry.

[0037] Please also refer to Figure 4, which is a schematic diagram of the operation process of the electrostimulation moist heat compress device of the present invention. As can be seen from Figure 4, when using the electrostimulation moist heat compress device 1, the user first turns on the controller 6, then selects the desired mode, such as moist heat compress and / or electrostimulation, and sets the usage time, and then begins moist heat compress and / or electrostimulation. After the set usage time is reached, the controller 6 cuts off the power supply to end the use.

[0038] Finally, please refer to Figures 5 to 8, which are simplified schematic diagrams of the electrostimulation moist heat therapy device of the present invention, which, when worn on the knee joint, provides electrostimulation or heat therapy to different acupoints of the human body.

[0039] When the electrostimulation moist heat compress device 1 is worn on the knee joint, moist heat compresses and / or electrostimulation can be applied to acupoints located near the knee joint. As can be seen from Figures 5 to 8, there are many different acupoints around the anterior (10a, 10b, and 10c) and posterior (10d) sides of the knee joint that can be treated with moist heat compresses and / or electrostimulation. For example, the acupoints around the anterior side of the knee joint include Xuehai (11a), Yinlingquan (11b), Heding (11c), Liangqiu (11d), Waixiyan (11e), and Zusanli (11f); the acupoints around the lateral side of the knee joint include Xiyangguan (11g) and Yanglingquan (11h); the acupoint around the medial side of the knee joint includes Xiguan (11i); and the acupoints around the posterior side of the knee joint include Yingu (11j), Weizhong (11k), and Weiyang (11l). These acupoints are closely related to various diseases or symptoms in the human body. Applying moist heat compresses and / or electrostimulation to these acupoints can improve the user's physical condition and make the user healthier and stronger.

[0040] In summary, the electrostimulation moist heat compress device provided by the present invention can perform electrotherapy or moist heat compress separately, or perform electrotherapy and moist heat compress simultaneously. Furthermore, the moisture provided by the moist heat compress layer can further enhance the effects of electrotherapy and heat compress, thereby improving the health of the human body.

[0041] Those skilled in the art will understand from the foregoing that the present invention can be exemplified in other specific forms without altering the technical concept or essential characteristics of this disclosure. In this regard, the illustrative examples disclosed herein are for illustrative purposes only and should not be construed as limiting the scope of this disclosure. Rather, this disclosure is intended to cover not only such illustrative examples but also various modifications, alterations, equivalents, and other forms that may be included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

[0042] Industrial application

[0043] This invention discloses an electrostimulation moist heat compress device and its usage method, which includes a skin contact layer, a moist heat compress layer, a heat source contact layer, a heat source, a controller, and multiple wires. The skin contact layer, the moist heat compress layer, the heat source contact layer, and the heat source are stacked sequentially, and the controller is electrically connected to the skin contact layer and the heat source respectively through the multiple wires. With the electrostimulation moist heat compress device, electrotherapy or moist heat compress can be applied to acupoints of the human body, or both can be applied simultaneously, thereby improving the health of the human body.

Claims

1. An electrostimulation-based moist heat therapy device, characterized in that, It includes: A skin contact layer; A moist heat dressing layer is disposed below the skin contact layer; A heat source contact layer is disposed below the moist heat dressing layer; A heat source, which is disposed below the heat source contact layer; and A controller is electrically connected to the skin contact layer and the heat source via multiple wires.

2. The electrostimulation moist heat compress device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The skin contact layer is made of a conductive fabric.

3. The electrostimulation moist heat therapy device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The conductive fabric is made from washable conductive fabric or conductive fabric containing conductive yarn.

4. The electrostimulation moist heat compress device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The moist heat dressing layer is removably disposed between the skin contact layer and the heat source contact layer.

5. The electrostimulation moist heat therapy device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The moist heat dressing layer is made of a moisture-absorbing material.

6. The electrostimulation moist heat therapy device according to claim 5, characterized in that, The hygroscopic material is selected from any one or a combination of bamboo charcoal, activated carbon, shale, gypsum, charcoal, silica gel, magnesium sulfate, sodium sulfate, potassium nitrate, montmorillonite, diatomaceous earth, zeolite, sepiolite, kaolin, aluminosilicate, polyacrylate, polyvinyl alcohol, polyurethane, calcium oxide, and lithium chloride.

7. A method of using the electrostimulation moist heat therapy device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The skin contact layer of the electrostimulation moist heat compress device is placed on an acupoint on the human body, so that the skin contact layer is in direct contact with the acupoint, and the controller controls the electrostimulation moist heat compress device to perform electrostimulation and / or moist heat compress on the acupoint.

8. The method of use according to claim 7, characterized in that, This acupoint is located around the front and / or back of the knee joint.

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