Flexible Micro-Coil Web for Directed PEMF Therapy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing PEMF systems are ineffective in maintaining bone density and preventing muscular atrophy during extended periods of immobility, such as in space missions or when limbs are immobilized due to casting, as they lack the ability to concentrate and direct electromagnetic fields effectively.
Innovation Solution
A flexible web of interconnected nodes with embedded micro-coil electromagnets and iron-core magnets that can be arranged in arbitrary configurations to concentrate and direct pulsed electromagnetic fields, providing three degrees of freedom for positioning and orientation, thus preventing wire damage and enhancing magnetic power.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional PEMF systems are used during immobility, then the system structure is simple, but the ability to maintain bone density and prevent muscular atrophy is ineffective
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the electromagnetic field generation into multiple independent micro-coil electromagnets distributed across a flexible web, rather than using a single traditional PEMF system. Each micro-coil can be independently controlled to generate pulsed electromagnetic fields at different locations and orientations, enabling effective treatment during immobility while maintaining manageable system complexity through modular architecture
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces three degrees of freedom for positioning and orienting micro-coil electromagnets in arbitrary directions, moving beyond the limited planar configuration of traditional PEMF systems. This spatial dimensionality enhancement allows electromagnetic fields to be applied from multiple angles simultaneously, significantly improving effectiveness in maintaining bone density and preventing muscular atrophy during casting or immobilization
2Power
If micro-coil electromagnets are arranged in arbitrary configurations, then the ability to concentrate and direct electromagnetic fields is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs iron-core magnets at specific locations within the flexible web to concentrate and direct electromagnetic fields locally where needed. Each iron-core magnet enhances the magnetic flux density in its immediate vicinity, allowing targeted delivery of intense pulsed electromagnetic fields to specific bone or tissue regions without requiring complex overall system redesign
Solution Approach 2:
Iron-core magnets serve as intermediary elements between the micro-coil electromagnets and the target tissue. These iron cores concentrate the electromagnetic fields generated by the micro-coils and direct them toward the bone or tissue being treated, enhancing magnetic power concentration while simplifying the overall coil arrangement by providing passive field guidance rather than requiring complex active control of each coil's orientation
3Power
If iron-core magnets are used to enhance magnetic power, then the penetrating ability of electromagnetic fields is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The iron-core magnets are integrated directly into the flexible web structure, merging the magnetic enhancement function with the structural support function. This combination eliminates the need for separate magnet mounting mechanisms and simplifies the overall device architecture while maintaining enhanced electromagnetic field penetration capability through the immobilized limb or body part
4Adaptability or versatility
If the web is made flexible to conform to body parts, then the adaptability is improved, but the reliability of electrical connections may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a flexible web made of thin film material to support the micro-coil electromagnets and iron-core magnets. This flexible substrate allows the entire assembly to conform to various body shapes and positions while maintaining the structural integrity of embedded electrical connections. The thin film structure distributes mechanical stresses uniformly, preventing wire damage even during repeated bending and conforming operations
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 system effectively maintains bone density, prevents muscular atrophy, and promotes tissue health by concentrating and directing electromagnetic fields, providing intense and penetrating pulsed electromagnetic forces that can be applied from multiple directions, even in immobilized conditions.
Implementation Method 1
micro-coil electromagnets that can be arranged in arbitrary configurations to concentrate and direct pulsed electromagnetic fields
Implementation Method 2
iron-core magnets that can be arranged in arbitrary configurations to concentrate and direct pulsed electromagnetic fields
Data Source
AI summary
A PEMF web using immersive, flux-guided, micro-coils to direct intense, deeply penetrating, magnetic flux into a subject from each micro-coil capable of pointing in an arbitrary direction. Micro-coils are spooled around iron cores, insulated properly, and soldered to connecting wires, all embedded in a polymeric resin, such as cold-cured silicone resin. Nodes protect, enclose, insulate electrically, and otherwise protect the micro-coils. Connectors between nodes provide mechanical stability against breaking of wires, while permitting folding, bending, buckling, and otherwise deflecting to position the nodes as desired with three degrees of freedom.