Low-Turn Coil PEMF Applicator for Osteoarthritis Treatment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) systems for treating osteoarthritis are inefficient in generating electric fields, have non-uniform coverage, and include 'dead zones' where the electric field is too low to be therapeutic, and often provide treatment at ambient temperatures that do not optimize cartilage metabolism.
Innovation Solution
The development of PEMF systems with coils having a low number of turns (1 to 10) to generate high-amplitude, efficiently changing electric fields, and the use of multiple coils positioned around joints to ensure uniform coverage and eliminate dead zones, along with thermally assisted PEMF treatment to maintain joint temperatures between 39-42°C for enhanced cartilage metabolism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If PEMF systems use conventional coil designs with high number of turns, then magnetic field generation is achieved, but electric field amplitude is insufficient and dead zones are created
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional approach by using a low number of coil turns (1-10) instead of high number of turns to generate the electromagnetic field. This inversion creates a more efficient system that produces higher amplitude electric fields without dead zones, as the low-turn design allows for optimized current delivery and field distribution across the treatment area.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes key parameters of the coil system by reducing the number of turns from conventional high values to low values (1-10 turns). This parameter change fundamentally alters the electromagnetic field generation efficiency, resulting in higher amplitude electric fields and elimination of dead zones while maintaining therapeutic effectiveness.
2Manufacturing precision
If PEMF systems use single coil design, then device simplicity is maintained, but uniform coverage is achieved only with multiple coils positioned around joints
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the treatment system into multiple independent coil units that can be positioned around different joints. Each coil is designed as a separate, simple unit (1-10 turns), and multiple units are deployed simultaneously around different joints to achieve uniform coverage. This segmentation allows for precise control of electric field distribution across multiple treatment sites without requiring a single complex system.
3Productivity
If PEMF treatment is provided at ambient temperature, then energy consumption is reduced, but cartilage metabolism is not optimized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the temperature parameter of the treatment environment by providing thermal assistance to maintain joint temperatures between 39-42°C during PEMF treatment. This temperature optimization enhances cartilage metabolism and chondrocyte activity, thereby improving repair efficiency. The thermal energy is applied selectively and controlled to achieve the optimal temperature range without excessive energy consumption.
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 increases the amplitude and uniformity of the electric field, eliminates dead zones, and optimizes cartilage repair by enhancing chondrocyte metabolism and protein production, leading to more effective osteoarthritis treatment.
Implementation Method 1
a coil in a known art configuration and coupled to a controller. The coil is configured to generate a pulsed electromagnetic field
Implementation Method 2
a piezoelectric effect and a streaming potential
Implementation Method 3
the electric signal on a loaded cartilage tissue can be produced by two physical phenomena: a piezoelectric effect and a streaming potential
Data Source
AI summary
A method, apparatus and a system for thermally-assisted pulsed electromagnetic field stimulation for treatment of osteoarthritis are disclosed. In one embodiment, the system comprises a multi-coil applicator adapted for positioning near or around of the treated joint, a pulse generator functionally coupled to the applicator, a power supply, and a feedback loop for stabilizing the temperature of the joint. The feedback loop includes a heating element, a temperature sensor and an electronic controller for maintaining the temperature of the joint in the range of 38 to 42 degree C. At elevated temperatures the healing effect of PEMF stimulation on the cartilage is maximized and overall efficiency of the treatment is improved. To produce a high electric field, the coils of the applicator are made with a low number of turns, for example less than 5 turns, and are spatially arranged to cover the whole joint without “dead” zones.