Infrared Stimulation Device with Controlled Beam Sequences
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for local stimulation, such as those using infrared beams for acupuncture or auriculotherapy, face challenges in precision, safety, and complexity in applying stimulation protocols, particularly in accurately targeting reflex points and nerve endings without causing burns or requiring excessive user expertise.
Innovation Solution
A device with a control unit, storage unit, and user interface that allows for the controlled emission of infrared beams with customizable parameters and sequences, including duration and intensity, along with graphical representation of stimulation points, enabling both manual and automatic application modes to assist users in following predetermined protocols.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a laser beam is used for local stimulation, then precision in targeting reflex points is improved, but safety deteriorates due to non-negligible risks of burns
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the stimulation beam by using infrared radiation with wavelengths between 700 nm and 1 mm, specifically targeting wavelengths that penetrate tissue effectively without causing burns. The control unit regulates the power and duration of infrared beam application to achieve therapeutic effects while maintaining safety margins below burn thresholds.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic or pulsed infrared beam application rather than continuous exposure. The control unit can deliver infrared energy in controlled pulses with adjustable duration and intensity, allowing tissue to dissipate heat between pulses and preventing cumulative thermal damage while maintaining effective stimulation at reflex points.
2Measurement precision
If a laser beam is used for local stimulation, then precision in targeting reflex points is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to need for great precision making devices difficult to use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates guidance features that allow the device to assist the user in locating and targeting reflex points. The device includes means for indicating the position of points to be stimulated and provides a user interface that guides the user through the stimulation protocol, reducing the need for extensive user expertise while maintaining precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary control unit that acts as a mediator between the user and the infrared beam application. This control unit processes user input, manages the complex parameters of infrared delivery, and provides feedback through the user interface, simplifying the operation while ensuring precise and safe application at reflex points.
3Productivity
If high cut-off frequencies above 70 Hz are used in infrared beam devices, then certain stimulation effects are achieved, but the desired local stimulation effect at reflex points is not obtained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent systematically varies the cut-off frequency parameter of the infrared beam across a broad range from DC to several thousand Hz, including but not limited to high frequencies above 70 Hz. This parameter exploration allows identification of optimal frequency ranges for different reflex points and therapeutic objectives, achieving both productivity and precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic adjustment of infrared beam parameters including frequency, power, and duration through the control unit. The system can adaptively modify these parameters during treatment based on the specific reflex point being stimulated and the therapeutic goal, rather than using fixed high frequencies, thereby achieving precise local stimulation effects.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If infrared lamp devices are used for local stimulation, then safety is improved by reducing burns risk, but precision deteriorates because they only stimulate large and superficial zones without concentrating the beam
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the infrared radiation source into multiple independent emitters or divides the treatment area into discrete zones, each capable of being stimulated independently. This segmentation allows the device to concentrate infrared energy on specific reflex points while maintaining overall safety, bridging the gap between the safety of lamp devices and the precision needed for point-specific stimulation.
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 device provides precise and safe local stimulation by assisting users in applying infrared beam sequences to specific points, reducing the risk of errors and improving user experience through guided protocols and adjustable parameters, thus effectively targeting reflex points and nerve endings.
Implementation Method 1
a source (2) of infrared radiation for the emission of an infrared beam (4)
Implementation Method 2
the control unit (1) delivers one or more pulses to a power interface (6) which transforms these pulses into a supply current for the source (2)
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4B
AI summary
The invention relates to an apparatus and method for locally stimulating a subject, which can be used in particular for the stimulation of reflex points (acupuncture, auriculotherapy or reflexotherapy points), or nerve endings, by means of an infrared beam. The apparatus includes a control unit (1) controlling an infrared source (2) emitting an infrared beam (4), a storage unit (8) capable of storing sequences of beam-application parameter values, in particular the application time and/or the optical power output, a means (3) for applying the beam onto a point (P1, P2, P3), and a user interface (7). The user interface includes means (14) for selecting a sequence of values. The interface can also include means for indicating the position of the points, e.g. in the form of a graphical representation, means for creating said points, means for indicating and/or modifying the parameters relating to the infrared beam and to the adjustment thereof, as well as other parameters such as the name of the sequence of points corresponding to a particular type of care, or parameters corresponding to the stimulation mode (e.g. normal or intense, pulsed or continuous), the usage mode (e.g. expert, manual, automatic), or any adjustment parameters specific to the use of the apparatus in acupuncture, auriculotherapy or relfexotherapy. The control unit is capable of controlling the parameters and of controlling the emission of a plurality of sequential infrared beams according to the sequence of values, so as to enable the application, by means of the application means and onto a sequence of points, of a sequence of infrared beams which correspond to the sequence of values.