Therapeutic Magnetic Array for Blood Viscosity Reduction
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current magnetic therapeutic bracelets and rings for hypertension lack a strong, measurable magnetic field that can effectively interact with blood cells, relying on anecdotal evidence and having designs that are not functional due to weak field strengths and improper field orientation.
Innovation Solution
A directional array of permanent magnets, including soft iron and mu-metal, generates a strong static magnetic field parallel to blood flow, polarizing red blood cells to reduce blood viscosity and pressure, with scalable designs for wearable or implantable applications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If large electromagnets are used to generate strong magnetic fields for therapeutic effect, then magnetic field strength is improved, but device size and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the magnetic field generation system into multiple small permanent magnet segments arranged in a specific geometric pattern (e.g., Halbach array). Instead of using one large electromagnet, the system uses many small permanent magnets that collectively generate the required strong magnetic field, making the device compact and wearable.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the magnetic field generation approach from electromagnetic (requiring power and cooling) to permanent magnets. By changing the material parameter from soft magnetic cores in electromagnets to hard permanent magnets, the system achieves strong magnetic fields without the need for large power supplies or cooling systems, enabling portable application.
2Weight of stationary object
If permanent magnets are used to reduce device size and cost, then device portability is improved, but magnetic field strength and uniformity may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs asymmetric magnet arrangements such as the Halbach array configuration where magnets are oriented at specific angles (0°, 45°, 90°, 135°) in a repeating pattern. This asymmetric orientation creates a concentrated, uniform magnetic field in the desired region while canceling out field components in other directions, achieving both compact size and field strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from considering only the magnitude of magnetic field to optimizing the spatial distribution across multiple dimensions. By carefully arranging magnets in three-dimensional space with specific orientations, the system creates a uniform magnetic field region that is compact in all dimensions, solving the contradiction between size and field strength.
3Force
If magnetic field orientation is perpendicular to blood flow for therapeutic effect, then magnetic interaction with blood cells is improved, but field uniformity and therapeutic effectiveness deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the magnetic array to serve multiple functions simultaneously: it generates a uniform magnetic field, orients blood cells perpendicular to flow direction, and maintains this configuration throughout the treatment area. The multi-functional design ensures that the magnetic field achieves both therapeutic interaction and uniformity requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses repeated patterns of magnet orientations (such as the Halbach sequence repeating every four magnets) to create a magnetic field that maintains its properties across the treatment zone. This periodic copying of the magnet orientation pattern ensures field uniformity while maintaining the perpendicular orientation necessary for therapeutic effect.
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 effectively lowers blood viscosity and pressure by creating chains of polarized red blood cells, providing a measurable therapeutic effect that is scalable and safe for consumer use, with customizable magnetic field profiles for optimal effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
The array of permanent magnets generates a large static magnetic field parallel or anti-parallel to the blood flow
Implementation Method 2
The large magnetic field will polarize the hemoglobin within the red blood cells in the targeted veins and arteries
Implementation Method 3
A novel configuration of permanent magnets and magnetic materials such as, but not limited to, soft iron, and mu-metal materials
Data Source
AI summary
An array of permanent magnets and magnetic materials create a large focused magnetic field capable of reducing the viscosity of blood in a human subject, and consequently reducing the blood pressure of the subject. The magnets can be arranged in highly tunable and customizable configurations suited to unique and individual applications.