Pulsed Magnetic Induction Heating of Acupoints for Neurorehabilitation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods fail to effectively address cognitive impairment and depression through non-invasive means, as physical exercise, a known beneficial treatment, is often unavailable to individuals with orthopedic issues or movement disorders, and existing technologies do not utilize oscillatory magnetic inductive heating of acupoints for therapeutic purposes.
Innovation Solution
A non-invasive system employing a miniaturized induction coil to generate a magnetic field for pulsed heating of acupoints like ST36, LI11, LI4, and HT7 to temperatures between 44 and 50 degrees C with a pulsation period of 0.1 to 100 Hz, using conductive substances or gold particles to induce eddy currents and stimulate these points.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If physical exercise is used to treat cognitive impairment and depression, then therapeutic effects are achieved, but it is not accessible to individuals with orthopedic issues or movement disorders
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical physical exercise with electromagnetic induction heating to stimulate acupoints. The induction coil generates a magnetic field that induces eddy currents in the conductive substance at the acupoint, producing heat without requiring mechanical movement or physical activity, thus making the treatment accessible to individuals with orthopedic issues or movement disorders while maintaining therapeutic effects.
2Reliability
If continuous heating is applied to acupoints, then therapeutic effect is maintained, but tissue damage may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic pulsed heating instead of continuous heating. The induction coil is activated in pulses to heat the acupoint to therapeutic temperatures (44-50°C) for specific durations, then allowed to cool between pulses. This periodic action maintains therapeutic effect consistency while preventing tissue damage that would result from continuous exposure to high temperatures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent precisely controls heating parameters including temperature (44-50°C), pulse duration, and frequency to achieve therapeutic effects while avoiding tissue damage. By optimizing these parameters, the system maintains reliable therapeutic effect consistency while minimizing harmful thermal effects on surrounding tissues.
3Manufacturing precision
If invasive heating methods are used, then precise targeting is achieved, but patient comfort and safety are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a conductive substance as an intermediary between the induction coil and the acupoint tissue. This conductive substance (such as conductive gel or a conductive patch) enhances the coupling between the electromagnetic field and the target tissue, enabling precise heating of the acupoint while maintaining patient comfort and safety through a non-invasive application method.
4Device complexity
If simple heating devices are used, then device complexity is reduced, but heating precision and control are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates temperature sensing and feedback control mechanisms to precisely monitor and regulate the heating process. Temperature sensors detect the temperature at or near the acupoint, and this information is fed back to the control system which adjusts the induction coil power accordingly. This feedback mechanism ensures precise temperature control (44-50°C) while keeping the overall device design relatively simple.
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 replicates the neuroprotective and neurorestorative effects of exercise by stimulating acupoints, improving cognitive functions and depressive symptoms without the need for physical activity, while avoiding tissue damage through controlled temperature and pulsation.
Implementation Method 1
a miniaturized induction coil to generate a magnetic field for pulsed heating of acupoints... using conductive substances or gold particles to induce eddy currents
Implementation Method 2
induce eddy currents and stimulate these points... heating the acupoint to temperatures between 44 and 50 degrees C
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and devices for pulsed heating of the ST36 acupoint and/or other acupoint(s) by noninvasive transcutaneous magnetic induction heating towards (1) ameliorating cognitive impairment arising, for example, from head-injury, stroke, and neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's; (2) helping to prevent neurodegenerative diseases; (3) preventing and treating age-related cognitive decline; and (4) preventing and treating depression manifesting, for example, as Major Depressive Disorder, Dysthymic Disorder, or Adjustment Disorder with Depressed Mood.