Magnetic Pulse Applicator With Segmented Coils for Whole-Foot Therapy
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for a Magnetic Pulse Therapy Device (MPTD) that can safely and effectively treat foot pain, suitable for in-home self-administration, as existing devices are either unsafe for home use or ineffective due to low flux density and applicator size limitations.
Innovation Solution
A novel applicator design using a multiplicity of axially aligned low-voltage coils forming an operative solenoid, allowing a foot to be easily slid in and out, which delivers a medically effective dose of magnetic pulses uniformly across the entire foot without high voltages or thermal risks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If high-power MPTDs are used to achieve clinical efficacy, then pain relief effectiveness is improved, but safety and suitability for home use deteriorates due to high voltage and thermal risks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the treatment system into multiple low-voltage coils arranged in series, where each coil generates a small magnetic pulse. The cumulative effect of these segmented pulses achieves the same therapeutic dosage as a single high-power pulse, thereby maintaining clinical efficacy while eliminating high voltage and thermal safety concerns
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the voltage parameter from high voltage to low voltage operation. By using multiple low-voltage coils in series, the system achieves the required magnetic flux density through cumulative effect rather than high voltage, fundamentally altering the safety profile while maintaining therapeutic effectiveness
2Reliability
If existing MPTDs are designed for clinical use, then treatment effectiveness is improved, but ease of operation and suitability for self-administration deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the applicator with a simple insert/removal mechanism that allows patients to self-administer treatment without clinical supervision. The device automatically delivers the therapeutic pulses once the foot is inserted, eliminating the need for skilled operation while maintaining clinical effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The patent ensures uniform magnetic flux distribution across the entire foot by arranging coils in a homogeneous pattern. This uniform dosage distribution simplifies the treatment process for self-administration, as no positioning adjustments are needed, while maintaining consistent therapeutic effectiveness
3Area of stationary object
If applicator size is increased to treat the entire foot, then treatment coverage is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the large applicator into multiple smaller coils arranged in series along the foot. This segmentation allows the entire foot to be treated through cumulative magnetic flux from multiple simple coil units, avoiding the complexity of designing a single large applicator while achieving comprehensive coverage
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the functions of multiple coils into a single series circuit configuration. By combining the magnetic flux effects of individual coils through series connection, the system achieves treatment of the entire foot using simple, modular coil units rather than a complex integrated applicator
4Reliability
If flux density is increased to achieve medical efficacy, then pain relief effectiveness is improved, but thermal effects and safety risks worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the high flux density requirement into multiple low-flux-density pulses delivered in sequence. The cumulative effect of these segmented pulses achieves the required therapeutic flux density without concentrating thermal energy, thereby maintaining medical efficacy while minimizing thermal effects
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses periodic pulsing of the magnetic field rather than continuous high-flux-density application. By delivering flux in periodic pulses, the system achieves cumulative therapeutic effect while allowing heat dissipation between pulses, thereby maintaining efficacy while controlling thermal effects
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 achieves clinical-level pain relief by concurrently treating the entire foot with a consistent and uniform dosage of magnetic flux, ensuring safety and convenience for in-home use.
Implementation Method 1
Magnetic pulse therapy devices (MPTDs) for the treatment of pain use a multiplicity of axially aligned coils which form an operative solenoid and which generate magnetic pulses
Data Source
AI summary
For foot pain sufferers, especially those with peripheral neuropathy, this invention introduces a breakthrough device. Its key feature is a novel self-aligning applicator that simultaneously treats the entire foot and eliminates adjustments and sizing. A large enough and powerful enough treatment zone is possible by utilizing a segmented solenoid and by placing the foot directly into its coherent core flux. Dosages to the entire foot of 2,500ΣΔBT can be achieved within an hour. Extremely low voltages are used, and very little heat is produced, making the device suitable for in-home use.