Electromagnetic Acupuncture Device for Simultaneous Multi-Point Stimulation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current acupuncture methods face limitations in efficiently stimulating multiple acupuncture points simultaneously due to manual manipulation constraints, inconsistent magnetic field applications, and variability in pre-magnetized needles, leading to ineffective treatments.

Innovation Solution

The development of a system using electromagnetic generators with specialized coil configurations to deliver programmed, infinitely variable magnetic fields, capable of stimulating multiple acupuncture points simultaneously, with adjustable intensity and frequency, and the integration of additional therapies like light and sound.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual manipulation of acupuncture needles is used, then the acupuncturist can rotate or oscillate the needles, but the number of needles that can be manipulated is limited to a maximum of two at any one time

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanual needle manipulationVSAvoidnumber of needles stimulated simultaneously

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical manipulation of acupuncture needles with an automated electromagnetic system. An electromagnetic generator produces a magnetic field that interacts with ferromagnetic material embedded in the needle, causing automatic rotation and oscillation. This substitution allows multiple needles to be stimulated simultaneously without requiring manual manipulation of each needle individually.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If pre-magnetized needles are used, then magnetic fields can be applied to stimulate acupuncture points, but the magnetic properties vary widely and are difficult to control

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemagnetic field applicationVSAvoidmagnetic field consistency

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from static pre-magnetized needles to a dynamic electromagnetic field system. Instead of relying on fixed magnetic properties embedded in the needles, the system uses an electromagnetic generator to produce a controllable, variable magnetic field that can be adjusted in intensity and duration. This dynamic approach allows precise control over the magnetic stimulation parameters.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates control mechanisms that allow the electromagnetic generator to be regulated, ensuring consistent and reproducible magnetic field application. The controller can adjust the field strength and duration based on treatment requirements, providing feedback control to maintain precision in magnetic field delivery across multiple treatment sessions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Adaptability or versatility

If TENS devices are used to stimulate acupuncture points, then electrical stimulation can be delivered, but the output levels are poorly controlled and vary widely

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical stimulation capabilityVSAvoidoutput control precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces direct electrical stimulation (TENS) with indirect magnetic field stimulation. Instead of applying electrical current directly through conductive pads to the skin and muscles, the system uses an electromagnetic generator to produce a magnetic field that indirectly stimulates the acupuncture needles and underlying tissues. This indirect approach provides better control over stimulation intensity and reduces the risk of excessive or uncontrolled electrical output.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This approach allows for more effective and efficient acupuncture treatments by ensuring consistent and customizable magnetic field applications, reducing treatment time, and improving outcomes by simultaneously stimulating multiple points with precise control over magnetic fields and additional energy modalities.

Implementation Method 1

an electromagnetic generator producing a magnetic field stimulating the acupuncture needle

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic field: Magnetic Field

Data Source

PatentUS20220265511A1Acupuncture device and method of using magnetic fields to stimulate acupuncture needles, and magnetic coil configurations

Publication Date: 2022.08.25 MARCANTONIO DENNIS

AI summary

Devices and methods for generating and applying stimulated acupuncture needles to one or more acupuncture points on a body of an individual suffering from one or more ailments using magnetic fields. The acupuncture device is configured for generating magnetic fields to stimulate acupuncture without using human manual manipulation. The acupuncture device may comprise a control unit and one or more acupuncture needle stimulation units. Each one or more acupuncture needle stimulation unit is functionally connected to the control unit by a cable or lead. The control unit may include a variable frequency generator configured to deliver various power levels, direct voltages, or a combination of various power levels and direct voltages to the acupuncture needle stimulation units, alone or in combination with other stimuli. Special magnetic coil configurations may be used to boost coil efficiently and reduce the required energy to generate comparable magnetic fields.