JP6982576B2 - A device that generates an alternating magnetic field to induce eddy currents in a living body - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a device that generates an alternating magnetic field. In particular, the present invention is in a device that generates an alternating magnetic field for inducing eddy currents in a living body, especially for treating tinnitus.
Head part and
With a current source
With the controller
With respect to a device comprising one or more coils.

The present invention relates to a device for generating an alternating magnetic field for inducing an eddy current in a living body and the use of such a device.

Devices that generate and radiate an alternating magnetic field are designed to have adjustable low frequencies with pulses, sharp edges and harmonics.

Various devices that generate and emit alternating electromagnetic fields for treating and inspecting living organisms are known, and the penetration depth of such alternating electromagnetic fields is generally expected to be a function of frequency.

WO2011 / 09807 describes a tinnitus treatment device consisting of a combination of an applicator for a low frequency electromagnetic field (treatment) and an electroencephalogram recording (EEG) as a source for evaluation of a therapeutic effect (diagnosis). Patent application WO2011 / 09807 makes no suggestion as to how the core coil of the applicator is wound.

WO1999 / 04854 describes a device that generates an alternating magnetic field for inducing an eddy current in a living body. Similarly, patent application WO1999 / 04854 contains no indication as to how the core coil of the applicator is wound.

Further similar devices for treating the initially defined types of tinnitus can be obtained, for example, from DE10310084A1 or EP0537385A1, as well as any details regarding the winding of coils or solenoids used in such devices. Not disclosed.

International Publication No. 2011/09807 International Publication No. 1999/04854 German Patent Application Publication No. 10310084 European Patent Application Publication No. 0537385

An object of the present invention is to propose a new and improved device capable of more effectively generating an alternating magnetic field for inducing an eddy current in a living body, particularly for treating tinnitus.

To solve this object, devices of the initially defined type are substantially characterized in that at least one coil comprises at least two layers with different windings.

The present invention is structurally simple and in vivo so that induced stimulation of the autonomic nervous system enables selective control of possible charge shifts in the cell membrane and / or removal or reduction of existing obstructions. It is an object of the present invention to provide an apparatus for generating an alternating magnetic field for inducing an eddy current in a living body, which can selectively and safely generate an eddy current. Adjustable low frequency alternating magnetic fields are radiated by the apparatus according to the invention, allowing simple adaptation to different sensitivities of different organisms. In this context, sensitivity was found to be highest at frequencies corresponding to the EEC alpha rhythm of the person being treated. Moreover, the low field strength selected according to the present invention ensures that the desired effect on the induction of eddy currents in vivo is achieved by safe and absolutely safe handling. At that time, a pulse of a waveform having a pulsating and sharp edge including harmonics is generated and radiated. These induced pulses supplied to the living body optimally excite and support the living body's own pulse when the frequency of the alternating magnetic field applied from the outside is synchronized with the intrinsic pulse. Therefore, the sought after stimulation of the autonomic nervous system is supported.

An essential feature of the apparatus according to the present invention is that at least one coil comprises at least two layers having different windings. In contrast to conventional coils in which wires are wound around regularly stacked layers, at least one coil of the device according to the invention is composed of at least two layers with different windings. Due to this special winding method, the alternating magnetic field is given special properties in relation to the induction of eddy currents in the body. Different coils may be wound according to the same pattern to allow automation or reproducibility of coil manufacturing. The coil is designed to generate a magnetic field up to 2 mT, for example.

The configuration provided in accordance with the present invention of at least one coil having at least two layers with different windings provides the manufacture or provision of a coil capable of producing sharp pulses with harmonic content substantially better. enable. Such coils for producing sharp pulses with harmonic content ensure a better effect in the treatment of tinnitus, especially than normally wound coils.

According to a particularly preferred embodiment, it is provided according to the invention that the at least one coil comprises at least one layer having orthocyclic windings and at least one layer having helical windings. Such a coil configuration with at least one layer with orthocyclic winding and at least one layer with helical winding enables the reliable achievement of the sharp harmonic pulses described above in coils operating at very low frequencies. do.

In order to enhance the intended effect of the specially designed pulse, it has been proposed according to a more preferred embodiment of the invention that the at least one coil comprises multiple adjacent layers, each with orthocyclic and helical winding. To.

At least one to allow reliable and accurate positioning of the coil to generate an alternating magnetic field to induce eddy currents in vivo, especially at a location or location selected for the treatment of ear ringing. It is proposed that the coil be placed in or on the headphones, especially in or on the ear cups of the headphones, according to a more preferred embodiment of the invention.

Further, it is proposed according to a further preferred embodiment that two coils are assigned to each ear at different height levels, in order to obtain eddy currents to be induced at the desired position, especially for treating tinnitus. .. The coil assigned to each ear is attached or placed in the area of the cortex and mastoid process, where the cortical coil is located, for example, in the upper area of the ear cup of the headphone, while the coil for the mastoid process is It attaches to the head or under the ear cups of the headphones, especially at a slight angle. The special arrangement of coils assigned to each ear at different height levels as proposed by the present invention allows the force field generated by the electromagnetic field to also reach cells inside the body to achieve the desired effect. To ensure.

In this context, it is suggested according to a more preferred embodiment that the coil assigned to each ear operates in push-pull mode. Such a push-pull action of the coil assigned to each ear causes the generated alternating electromagnetic field to act on the charge, thus placing an electrostatic charge in the auditory center during exercise, especially in its own vibrational rhythm. Due to the push-pull motion of the coils, they can specifically stimulate information exchange between cells, thus producing a weak reverberation signal superimposed on the therapeutically relevant pulsating alternating electromagnetic field.

A particularly simple configuration of the present invention, which is structurally easy to manufacture, is preferably devised to include at least one bipolar core coil for the device to radiate the alternating field and an unstable multivibrator with transistors. Will be done. The generation and emission of an alternating magnetic field can be achieved relatively simply and cost-effectively using known elements. The devices according to the invention can be used, in particular, to treat tinnitus, sleep disorders, headaches, migraine headaches, cervical and thoracic syndromes, neurosis and circulatory disorders. It has been demonstrated that the advantageous part of the alternating magnetic field with adjustable low frequencies is selected so that the frequency is less than 20 Hz, especially 3 to 15 Hz. In general, two essential treatment specific areas have been found, and the frequency range of 3 to 6 Hz generally has a calming and antispasmodic effect. In contrast, the frequency range of 8 to 15 Hz has predominantly stimulating, analgesic and stabilizing effects. Further, frequencies below 8 Hz basically have a vasodilatory effect, but frequencies above 12 Hz can generally be expected to lead to vasoconstriction, and low frequencies are not effective in the high frequency range described above. Should only be applied if.

Further preferred embodiments are those provided with wobbling at a frequency of ± 50%, preferably ± 25%, preferably ± 10%, particularly digital, in order to further improve the adaptation of the frequency to be tuned to the desired effect. Therefore it is proposed.

Further, in a more preferred embodiment, a low voltage DC voltage source, particularly a 9 volt DC power supply, is provided as the voltage source for the production of structurally simple configurations, particularly devices that can operate independently of the grid. Therefore it is proposed. Therefore, it is also possible in a simple way to make mobile and portable gadgets independent of the mains by providing a battery as a DC voltage source that is particularly advantageous when applied to the treatment of tinnitus. Rechargeable batteries can also be easily integrated as a power source.

As already mentioned above, the device according to the invention can be used to treat multiple application areas, especially for the treatment of tinnitus as pointed out above, the device is attached to each speaker of the headphones. Contained in headphones with the included bipolar core core. If desired, however, for example, if tinnitus occurs in only one ear, a configuration with only one bipolar core coil may also be optionally considered. The device according to the invention is readily realized in such headphones with the appropriate small structural accessory device as needed so that an overall structure that is easy to apply and use is achieved. Can be done.

In a modified embodiment, the apparatus according to the present invention includes an input device and a display device. As already mentioned above, the essential features of the apparatus according to the invention are adjustable to handle various indicators and obtain the best possible correspondence between the alternating magnetic field and the intrinsic pulse of the person being treated. Low frequency availability. In this context, it is proposed that the device be equipped with a plurality of switches or selection means for adjusting the desired frequency, duration of treatment, start / stop of treatment. Therefore, it has become possible in a simple way to achieve both adaptation to the desired frequency range and accurate correspondence to the frequency of the person being treated's intrinsic pulse.

In the modified embodiment, the mastoid process and cortical coil are individually electrically controlled and arranged so that each signal is temporally shifted by any desired value. A half-cycle signal shift between the papillary process coil and the cortical coil on one cranial side promotes, for example, a special healing effect.

In order to further facilitate the handling and monitoring of the device according to the present invention, it is further preferably provided that the device comprises at least one display, in particular an LCD display or a retinal display. In order to further automate the use of the device according to the invention, it is proposed that the device be equipped with a timer to accommodate a more preferred embodiment of the invention.

In a modified embodiment, the device according to the invention comprises two or more speakers for combining magnetic field therapy and sound therapy. Sound sequences dedicated to tinnitus, quiet musical pieces, maskers, or noisers are radiated through speakers. The speaker is connected to the music player, for example, via an audio port or via a non-contact data interface such as Bluetooth®. Music playback is controlled via a Bluetooth compatible device such as a smartphone. Volumes and titles are displayed directly on the display device and can be triggered by the input device. Alternatively, the appropriate choice can be made by using an additional small remote controller.

In a modified embodiment, the device according to the invention comprises a region that can be heated and is in contact with or in close proximity to the skin. Such heated areas further promote blood flow. Therefore, tension and spasms in the ear area are reduced. The heating is done, for example, by a radiator operating in the infrared range.

In a modified embodiment, the apparatus according to the present invention is for connecting a wired interface such as an audio port for connecting a music player or an external controller for the operation or maintenance of the apparatus according to the present invention, or a smartphone. Equipped with a data interface such as a wireless interface such as Bluetooth. In a modified embodiment, the device according to the invention comprises an interface that allows the device to be connected to a Fitbit bracelet and smartwatch that allows data exchange. In a modified embodiment, the device according to the invention comprises an IoT (Internet of Things), an interface through which the device can be connected to a network. RFID transponders are incorporated into the circuit for this purpose.

In a modified embodiment, the apparatus according to the present invention includes, for example, a memory module such as a memory card such as an SD card for storing relaxation music and tinnitus healing music radiated by a speaker. Measurement data or treatment protocols can also be placed on the memory card for later evaluation.

In a modified embodiment, some functions of the device according to the invention are outsourced to the base. In such a configuration, the head portion comprises, for example, a headband, ear cups, applicator, speaker, and the base portion comprises the remaining components such as a current source, a controller, a display device, an input device, and the like. This modification is particularly advantageous only when the particular component is heavy, requires space, and is difficult to integrate into the head portion. The connection between the head and the base is achieved, for example, via a cable or via a non-contact interface such as Bluetooth. Certain features can be similarly integrated into smartphones in the sense of apps. In this case, the device-specific app is downloaded from the app store and installed on the smartphone. The input and display means of the smartphone can be used as the input and display means of the device according to the present invention. Such a modified embodiment provides the patient with savings. Communication between the smartphone and the device according to the invention is performed via a non-contact interface such as Bluetooth, bidirectionally, i.e., from the smartphone to the device according to the invention for control purposes and for diagnostic purposes. Therefore, it is possible to exchange data from the device according to the present invention to a smartphone.

In the following, the invention will be described in more detail with reference to exemplary embodiments schematically shown in the accompanying drawings. There it is:

It is a schematic diagram of the 1st Embodiment of the apparatus which concerns on this invention. FIG. 3 is a schematic circuit configuration diagram of an embodiment according to FIG. 1. A modified embodiment of the apparatus according to the present invention is shown by the same expression as that of FIG. A partial schematic of a coil with layers with different windings is shown enlarged.

The present invention will be described in more detail below with reference to the drawings.

The device according to FIG. 1 includes, for example, a headphone 1 also referred to as a head portion including a spring-loaded headband and two ear cups covering the ears. For the head, high quality materials are used to ensure maximum comfort during treatment. All materials have been tested for skin resistance. For example, an applicator 2 such as an iron core coil 2a is provided in each ear cup. They are provided to treat the mastoid bone and are cast directly into the posterior region of the ear cup. The mastoid bone is a curved bone, just behind the ear. Other applicators, such as the core coil 2b for the cortex, are also cast directly into the headband 1 so that they do not move during use. The cortex (also called the cerebral cortex) is the outermost layer of the cerebrum and is rich in nerve cells. In the modified embodiment, the core coil is cast into a tab attached to the headband 1 and moved until it reaches a specific position in the cortex. A current source 3, such as a battery or a rechargeable storage battery, is arranged in the headband 1 or ear cup. The controller 4 for amplifying the applicator signal and the signal amplifier (not shown) are housed in an ear cup or a headband. This electronic device also monitors the actual function of the applicator. This is done by measuring the current to the head portion.

Further, FIG. 1 shows a heating pad or region 8 to be heated in or on each earcup 19 of the display 5, the input device 6, the speaker 7, and the headphone 1.

The device comprises a controller which is described in more detail below with reference to FIG. The electronic equipment of the controller needs to be based on the latest SMT technology, which results in a significant reduction in manufacturing costs. In a modified embodiment, the electronic device of the controller including the display and the input device 6 is supplied to the head portion of the device according to the present invention, and therefore the entire device according to the present invention provides complete radiotherapy that contributes to stress reduction. enable.

The controller 4 of the apparatus according to the present invention comprises the following components:

Controller 11: ATMEGA 16-P type by Atmel with, for example, 10 Kbytes of internal program memory, 2 K RAM and 28 bytes of EEPROM. The program memory is designed as a flash program memory and can therefore be erased and programmed up to 10,000 times.

EEPROM 12: The following data, up to 10 curve shapes (2,560 bytes) of 256 bytes each, execution time meter (8 bytes), patient data (256 bytes), and time program (256 bytes) are recorded in EEPROM. .. Therefore, the total is 3,080 bytes. For future preparation, a 64 Kbit serial EEPROM will be used (eg, AT24C64 by Atmel).

RTC 13: RTC (Real Time Clock) allows accurate date and time recording and retrieval of all single treatments in the storage module 10.

Reset 14: The monitoring circuit monitors the power supply voltage and outputs a RESET signal defined for the processor unit if it falls below the defined limit. This occurs both in the case of an increase in output and in the case of a decrease in voltage. Furthermore, the module switches the power supply of the RTC module in the off state of the device.

Clock 15: Clock frequency of 8 MHz for the clock supply of controller 11. Depending on the accuracy of the required clock frequency, a ceramic resonator is used.

Display 5: A retinal HD display is preferred. The operation is done in a separate app. Overall controls 4 and 24 for the individual components are similarly provided by separate apps. However, it is also possible to include an external tinnitus app (masca, trainer or noiser) in the operation.

USB port: This connection works to charge the built-in battery. Furthermore, the USB port can be used for program updates and data exchange with PCs.

D / A converter 16: The D / A converter generates an output signal to the applicator according to the curved shape recorded in the EEPROM. The amplitude and frequency resolution is 256 (= time discrete and amplitude discrete output).

PWM output: In this case, the PWM signal is radiated by the controller 11. The amplitude is defined by the DA converter.

Output amplifier 17: It amplifies to the maximum amplitude of the applicator signal radiated by the DA converter and at the same time monitors the actual function of the applicator (head section). This is done by measuring the current flow (signal APPL OK) to the head portion as measured by the analog / digital converter of the controller 11 and evaluated accordingly. Based on this measurement, the applicator function can be evaluated. Applicators selected by the app are processed by the same signal.

Bluetooth: Controls 4 and 24 include a bluetooth module. Therefore, a smartphone or a Bluetooth-compatible player can output music or a tinnitus application to the tinnitus device via the head unit. Controls 4 and 24 can be performed via a smartphone.

Audio port: Non-compliant smartphones or players can also be connected via the audio port, and tinnitus trainers, maskers or noisers can be radiated through the head section.

SD memory card: By using an SD memory card, special relaxing or tinnitus music can be read into the device and radiated through the head.

Audio: For this purpose, an audio module (MS6331G) is used. The volume and title can be selected directly from the displays 5, 25 (display device) or smartphone.

Voltage processing 18: The device is supplied by an internal storage battery. The following voltages are processed: VLogic: 3.3V power supply voltage for the logic section and the Bluetooth module. VApl: Applicator voltage of the output amplifier. VRTC: RTC13 and real-time backup voltage. Furthermore, the voltage processor 18 also monitors the storage battery voltage (LOWBAT) and supplies it to the AD converter of the controller 11. The latter measures the voltage to allow early indication of the required charge. Development that considers energy-saving components is realized.

Infrared heating: An infrared heating pad 8 is incorporated in an ear pad (ear cup). They further promote blood circulation. Therefore, tension and spasms in the ear area are reduced.

Applicator coil: The coil for the mastoid bone is cast directly into the back of the ear cup. Cortical coils are also cast directly into the headbands 1 and 21 to prevent them from moving during use. A high quality head is used to ensure maximum comfort during treatment. All materials have been tested for skin intolerance.

This application has the following features:

Applicator signal: Ten curved shapes can be stored in layers or in combination at the same time. The selection is made via the display.

Maximum frequency of applicator: 200Hz.

An important component of frequency is provided with additional wobbling.

The frequency is selected in different programs.

0-9999 run time meter (save and read in 1/10 hour) and read on display.

Condition monitoring battery (LOWBAT) and read on display.

Reads on the Condition Monitoring Applicator (APPLOK) and the display.

Connected bluetooth display (DL link) and read on display.

SD memory card-Titles can be individually selected and controlled. Read on display.

High / low audio output volume control (<</>>) and reading on the display.

Applicators for the cortex and / or mastoid process can be individually switched on and off and read onto the display.

Menu guidance and apps on the display.

Time monitoring and automatic shutdown of the display (background lighting) and / or controller 11.

BUSY display on the display to indicate the "READY" state of the device.

For example, storage of data in EEPROM such as execution time meter and number of treatments started.

USB port for changing programs and charging batteries.

Processing of patient data can be done via upload. The data can be processed using a PC and separate software.

In the modified embodiment, the coil is composed of an iron core. The dimensions of the iron core include a length of 30 mm to 60 mm, particularly a length of 50 mm to 60 mm, and a diameter of 6 mm. The coil has 600 to 650 turns of copper wire with a diameter of 0.2 mm.

In the embodiment according to FIG. 3, the plurality of coils are similarly incorporated into the headphone 21, especially the ear cup 29 of the headphone, whereby in the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the coil 22a for the mastoid process and the cortex. Both of the coils 22b for the headphone are incorporated in the ear cup 29 of the headphone at different height levels.

Similar to the embodiment of FIG. 1, additional elements such as a controller 24, a display 25, an input device 26, a speaker 27 and a heated area or heating pad 28 are similarly incorporated into the ear cups 29 of the headphones and outlined. Is shown.

FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of the partially cut coil 30 not proportional to its actual size, schematically shown, as shown by the course 31'of the wire 31 of this layer, shown by the dashed line. , 31, it is clear that the first winding layer represented by 31 is spirally wound.

Subsequently, the winding is orthocyclically wound as indicated by the schematicly shown course 32, approximately perpendicular to the coil axis facing the diagonal or tilted arrangement of the helical winding 31 or 31', respectively. The extending layer 32 is shown.

By providing layers 31 and 32 with different windings, it is possible to obtain a field with sharp harmonic pulses, especially in contrast to coils with uniform or constant windings, especially in such cases. It can be obtained in the push-pull motion of the coils 2a and 2b assigned to each ear, as well as the 22a and 22b.

Depending on the strength of the field to be achieved, the coils 30 shown only schematically in FIG. 4 and can be used for both the cortical coils 2b and 22b and the mastoid coils 2a and 22a have different windings. A correspondingly high number of windings and winding layers can be provided, at least in part.

1,21 Headband 2a, 22a Mastoid coil 2b, 22b Cortical coil 3 Current source 4,11,24 Controller 5,25 Display device (display, HD retinal display)
6,26 Input device (touch screen, voice recognition)
7, 27 Speakers 8, 28 Heated area or heating pad 9a Serial data interface (RS232)
9b Audio Interface 9c Data Interface (Bluetooth)
10 Memory Module 12 Memory (EEPROM)
13 RTC (real time)
14 Reset 15 Clock 16 D / A converter 17 Output amplifier 18 Voltage processing 19, 29 Headphone ear cup 30 Coil 31, 31'Helical winding 32, 32'Orthocyclic winding

Claims (21)

Head part (1, 21) and
Current source (3) and
With the controller (4, 24),
With one or more coils (2a, 2b, 22a, 22b)
A device that generates an alternating magnetic field to induce eddy currents in the body to treat tinnitus.
At least one coil (2a, 2b, 22a, 22b, 30) comprises at least two layers (31, 32) with different windings.
At least one coil (2a, 2b, 22a, 22b, 30) has at least one layer having orthocyclic windings (32, 32') and at least one layer having helical windings (31, 31'). Equipped with
The device is characterized in that the device further comprises a speaker (7, 27) for audio output. It is characterized in that at least one coil (2a, 2b, 22a, 22b, 30) comprises a plurality of adjacent layers each having an orthocyclic winding and a helical winding (32, 32', 31, 31'). The device according to claim 1. The device of claim 1 or 2, wherein at least one coil (2a, 2b, 22a, 22b, 30) is located in or on the headphones (1, 21). The device of claim 1 or 2, wherein at least one coil (2a, 2b, 22a, 22b, 30) is located in or on the ear cups (19, 29) of the headphones. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein two coils (2a, 2b, 22a, 22b, 30) are assigned to each ear at different height levels. The device of claim 5, wherein the coils (2a, 2b, 22a, 22b, 30) assigned to each ear operate in push-pull mode. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the apparatus comprises at least one bipolar core coil for radiating an alternating field and an unstable multivibrator having at least one transistor. .. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the frequency is selected below 20 Hz. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the frequency is selected from 3 to 15 Hz. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein wobbling having a frequency of ± 50% of digital is provided. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein wobbling having a frequency of ± 25% of digital is provided. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein wobbling having a frequency of ± 10% of digital is provided. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein a low-voltage DC voltage source is provided as the voltage source (3). The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein a 9 volt DC voltage source is provided as the voltage source (3). The device according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the device comprises at least one display (5, 25). The device according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the device comprises an LCD display. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the device further comprises an input device (6, 26) and a display device (5, 25). The device according to any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein the device comprises one or more heated regions (8, 28). The device according to any one of claims 1 to 18, wherein the device comprises a data interface (9a, 9b). The device according to any one of claims 1 to 19, wherein the device includes a memory module (10). Tinnitus, A method of operating a device according to any one of sleep disorders, headache, migraine, cervical and thoracic syndrome claim 1 for the treatment of neurosis and circulatory disorders 20, wherein the method of operation A method of operation comprising the apparatus generating and radiating an alternating magnetic field .

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