Ferromagnetic Acupuncture Needle Heating With Precise Tip Temperature Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional acupuncture and moxibustion techniques face challenges such as high risk of skin burns, toxic smoke release, and lack of precise temperature control, making them unsafe and impractical for use, especially in confined spaces.

Innovation Solution

A device comprising a heated, pointed, biocompatible acupuncture needle made of ferromagnetic material, a magnetic field generator to elevate temperature, and a temperature control device for precise temperature calibration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional moxibustion is used to heat acupuncture points, then therapeutic effect is achieved, but skin burns and toxic smoke release occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesafety of treatmentVSAvoidskin burns and toxic smoke
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the traditional mechanical combustion process of moxibustion with an electromagnetic induction heating system. The acupuncture needle contains a ferromagnetic core that is heated through electromagnetic induction from an external generator, eliminating the need for burning moxa cones and thereby preventing skin burns and toxic smoke release while maintaining therapeutic heating effects

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the heating mechanism from uncontrolled combustion to controlled electromagnetic heating with adjustable parameters. The temperature, heating duration, and power output can be precisely controlled through the electromagnetic generator, allowing safe and effective treatment without the harmful effects of traditional moxibustion

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Temperature

If traditional moxibustion is used for heating, then therapeutic effect is achieved, but precise temperature control is not possible

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetemperature control precisionVSAvoidtemperature precision
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates a temperature control system that monitors and regulates the heating process. The electromagnetic generator can adjust its output based on temperature feedback, ensuring precise temperature control at the acupuncture needle tip and preventing overheating, thereby achieving reliable and precise temperature management

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The replacement of combustion-based heating with electromagnetic induction heating enables precise control over heating parameters. The electromagnetic field can be adjusted in intensity and duration, allowing exact temperature control that is not possible with traditional moxibustion

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Adaptability or versatility

If moxibustion is performed in confined spaces, then treatment can be provided, but toxic fumes accumulate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveportability and accessibilityVSAvoidtoxic smoke release
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the combustion process that generates toxic smoke with electromagnetic induction heating that produces no emissions. This allows the treatment to be safely administered in confined spaces such as offices or orbital stations without requiring smoke extraction systems, greatly enhancing portability and accessibility

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The acupuncture needles can be designed as disposable single-use items containing ferromagnetic material, eliminating the need for moxa cones and their associated toxic emissions. This makes the treatment clean and suitable for confined spaces

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

4Temperature

If heated acupuncture needles with thermal conductors are used, then heating effect is achieved, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheating capabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the material composition of the acupuncture needle to include a ferromagnetic core, which enables direct heating through electromagnetic induction. This simplifies manufacturing compared to traditional heated needles that require complex thermal conductor layers and heating elements, as the ferromagnetic property alone enables the heating function

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The replacement of complex thermal conduction systems with electromagnetic induction heating eliminates the need for multiple layers and integrated heating components. The simple ferromagnetic core in the needle interacts directly with the external electromagnetic field, greatly simplifying manufacturing

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

5Temperature

If heated acupuncture needles with thermal conductors are used, then heating effect is achieved, but reliability decreases due to layer deterioration

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheating capabilityVSAvoiddurability under repeated heating
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the thermal conductor layers and heating elements with a simple ferromagnetic core that is inherently durable. The ferromagnetic material can withstand repeated electromagnetic heating cycles without degradation, eliminating the reliability issues associated with deteriorating thermal conductor layers

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The change in material composition to ferromagnetic material provides superior thermal and structural stability under repeated heating conditions, ensuring long-term reliability and consistency of the heating effect across multiple uses

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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

The solution provides secure, reliable, and precise control over the temperature at the heating point, reducing the risks associated with traditional methods and making the treatment more practical and safe.

Implementation Method 1

a magnetic field generator adapted to direct the magnetic field of the ferromagnetic material in order to produce a temperature rise in the acupuncture needle of the object

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic field heating: Induction Heating

Data Source

PatentEP3817704B1Device comprising an object with a biocompatible heating tip
Publication Date: 2025.05.14 AXEMOX
  • EP3817704B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3817704B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3817704B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention concerns a device (1) comprising: an object (2) which has a sharp or pointed biocompatible heating tip and comprises at least one ferromagnetic material; a magnetic field generator (3) capable of directing the magnetic field of the ferromagnetic material in order to produce an increase in temperature in the heating tip of the object (2); and a device (4) for controlling the temperature of the heating tip of the object (2). The present invention also relates to the cosmetic use of the device in the treatment of wrinkles, dark circles around the eyes, and cellulite. Finally, the invention relates to the use of the device in the treatment of varicose veins and/or in the treatment of the syndromes associated with presentations of vertebral pain and pain associated with these different presentations, in particular lumbago or chronic cervical pain and the associated referred pain.