PEMF Applicator Coil Array With Field Director for Uniform Therapy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) therapy devices often fail to provide a uniform magnetic field over larger body areas, such as the foot, hand, or arm, and lack the ability to deliver additional therapies simultaneously with PEMF treatment.
Innovation Solution
The development of PEMF therapy applicators that include multiple PEMF emitter coils arranged to direct magnetic fields uniformly and additional therapy pads for providing heating, cooling, or transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) therapies, with a ferromagnetic field director to enhance magnetic field strength and a substrate that can conform to body parts, allowing for directed and intensified magnetic field application.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a single PEMF emitter coil is used, then the device complexity is low, but the magnetic field uniformity over larger body areas deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single coil into multiple emitter coils (first emitter coil and second emitter coil) arranged in specific patterns. Each coil segment contributes to creating a uniform magnetic field across larger body areas, resolving the contradiction between field uniformity and device complexity by distributing the function across multiple coordinated components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple emitter coils with ferromagnetic field directors into a unified applicator assembly. The coils are positioned and configured to work together, with their magnetic fields merging to produce a uniform distribution across the treatment area, achieving both complexity management and field uniformity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple therapies are integrated into a single applicator, then the treatment versatility improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the applicator to perform multiple therapeutic functions simultaneously: PEMF therapy through emitter coils, thermal therapy through heating/cooling elements, and electrical nerve stimulation through TENS capability. This multi-functionality is achieved by integrating different therapy delivery mechanisms within a single unified structure, improving versatility while managing complexity through integrated design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges distinct therapy delivery systems (PEMF coils, thermal elements, TENS electrodes) into a single combined applicator. These components are positioned and configured to operate independently or in combination, allowing versatile treatment options without requiring multiple separate devices, thus improving adaptability while controlling overall device complexity.
3Power
If ferromagnetic field directors are added to enhance magnetic field strength, then the magnetic field intensity improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces ferromagnetic field directors as intermediary components between the emitter coils and the body tissue. These directors act as magnetic flux concentrators and directors, enhancing the magnetic field strength and directing it toward the treatment area. The intermediaries amplify the effect of the coils without requiring the coils themselves to generate higher power, thus improving magnetic field intensity while managing the complexity of the source generation system.
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 a more uniform and intensified magnetic field treatment, reducing healing time for wounds and offering a combination therapy option that simplifies treatment protocols by integrating multiple therapies into a single applicator.
Implementation Method 1
a ferromagnetic field director comprising a first side attached to a first surface of the substrate and a second side opposite to the first side, and an emitter coil array disposed on the second side of the ferromagnetic field director, wherein the ferromagnetic field director is configured to receive a magnetic field from the emitter coil array and direct the received magnetic field back toward the emitter coil array
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for providing pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) therapy to a patient is disclosed. In some embodiments, the PEMF therapy may be provided through an applicator that includes one or more PEMF emitter coils and a ferromagnetic field director. The ferromagnetic field director can direct a magnetic field away from an unused side of the applicator and towards the patient. In some embodiments, the applicator may include alternative therapy pads (e.g., heating pads, cooling pads, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) pads, and the like) in addition to the PEMF emitter coils.