Knee Applicator with Segmented Heaters for Uniform Thermal PEMF Stimulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current treatments for osteoarthritis of the knee, such as NSAIDs and PEMF devices, are limited by their inability to provide uniform thermal stimulation and are cumbersome for elderly or overweight patients, leading to inefficiencies and discomfort during use.
Innovation Solution
A knee applicator with multiple coils positioned to generate a magnetic field normal to the tibial plateau and patella, combined with resistive heaters and free wheel diodes for uniform thermal stimulation, allowing for ergonomic use and effective electric field stimulation of cartilage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If NSAIDs and conventional PEMF devices are used for osteoarthritis treatment, then pain management and anti-inflammation effects are provided, but uniform thermal stimulation cannot be achieved and device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The applicator is divided into multiple independent heating zones, each controlled by separate heating elements positioned at different locations around the knee joint. This segmentation allows each zone to be independently controlled to achieve uniform thermal distribution across the entire treatment area without requiring a single complex heating system
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines PEMF coils and heating elements into a single integrated applicator unit that simultaneously delivers both electromagnetic field stimulation and thermal therapy. This merging eliminates the need for separate devices, reducing overall system complexity while achieving uniform thermal stimulation through coordinated operation of multiple components
2Ease of operation
If conventional PEMF devices are used for osteoarthritis treatment, then electric field stimulation is provided, but the devices are cumbersome for elderly or overweight patients
Solution Approach 1:
The applicator utilizes flexible components including elastic bands, flexible printed circuit boards, and soft heating elements that can conform to the knee joint's shape. This flexibility makes the device easy to apply and adjust for patients with varying body sizes, including elderly or overweight individuals, without requiring complex mechanical adjustment mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The applicator incorporates adjustable and adaptable features such as removable components, adjustable elastic bands, and flexible positioning systems that allow the device to be easily configured for different patients and treatment scenarios. This dynamic design enables quick adjustments without complex tools or procedures, improving ease of operation
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 well-controlled, uniform thermal and electric field stimulation to the knee joint, improving treatment efficacy and usability for all patients, including those who are elderly or overweight, by minimizing discomfort and enhancing therapeutic effects.
Implementation Method 1
A first coil can be provided to the upper part of the applicator such that the first coil is wrapped around the leg above the knee of the user when the upper part is wrapped around the leg of the user. A second coil can be provided to the lower part of the applicator such that the second coil is wrapped around the leg below the knee of the user when the lower part is wrapped around the leg of the user. When sequentially changing the magnetic field generated by the first and second coils, an electric field stimulation of cartilage in a plane of the tibial plateau is provided
Implementation Method 2
A first resistive heater can be connected in series with the first coil and a second resistive heater can be connected in series with the second coil. Each of the first and second resistive heaters can be disposed along a respective first and second opposing sides of the knee
Implementation Method 3
A free wheel diode can be connected in series with the third coil and disposed atop the patella when the applicator is wrapped around the leg of the user
Data Source
AI summary
A method, apparatus and a system for thermally-assisted pulsed electromagnetic field stimulation for treatment of osteoarthritis in the knee are disclosed. A multi-coil applicator is adapted for positioning around the knee. A first coil is positioned on the top of the knee and provides electric field stimulation in the plane of the patella to stimulate the patella cartilage. Second and third coils are rectangular coils wrapped up below and above the knee respectively. The coils in the wrapped position generate a magnetic field along the knee axis and provide high amplitude of the electric field stimulation of the femoral and tibial cartilages in the plane of tibial plateau. Resistive heaters and free wheel diodes can be provided to the applicator to supply uniform thermal stimulation around the knee joint.