FR2627693A1 - Electromagnetic vibrator for medical treatment of pain - uses induction winding fed from variable-amplitude and frequency signal generator to actuate vibrator - Google Patents

Abstract

The electromagnetic device applies vibratory stimulation to parts of the body. The vibrations are variable in amplitude and in freqeuncy. The device is actuated in a to and fro sense and consists of an induction winding (6) fed from a generator which transmits a signal which is adjustable in amplitude and frequency. A rod (11) passing through the body (1) of the device is connected at one end to the winding support (7) and has at its other end the stimulater (12). A flexible membrane (8) connects and centres the moving element to the fixed part of the device (9). USE - For treatment of pain and recuperation of sensitive cutaneous areas or under skin areas.

Description

 The invention relates to an electromagnetic device for medical treatment by means of local skin applications of vibration stimulation adjustable in amplitude and frequency.

 Known treatments, applicable to muscle or tendon pain, use laser, ultrasound, radar, etc. techniques, which on the one hand have the disadvantage of contraindications and on the other hand that of their ineffectiveness in relieving or even heal in most cases. As for neurological pain (neuralgia type), only surgical interventions are possible.

 The known devices allowing local cutaneous applications of vibratory stimulations, more particularly designed for massages in physiotherapy, are of two types (1) electromechanical:: transformation of a circular movement into alternative movement: complexity of realization and vibratory stimuli of constant amplitude and great inertia, therefore traumatic for the treatment of painful electromagnetic areas (2): use of metallic elements in motion inside a fixed induction coil - French patent No. 1,119,040 describes a device whose movable element, excited by the induction coil, returns to its rest position, thanks to a spring: the power of the mechanical impulse depends on that of the spring: it is not adjustable; there is also a traumatic impact due to the inertia of the movable element; - French patent no. 2,306,677 describes a percussion massage device based on the principle of a mass which falls by gravity on the part to be treated after being placed in the high position by the excitation of an induction coil : this device also has the drawback due to its inertia and the resulting percussions are traumatic for the area to be treated.

 The object of the present invention is in particular to remedy these various drawbacks and to this end relates to an electromagnetic device, the movable element of which moves back and forth, essentially comprises a) an induction coil supplied by a generator emitting a signal adjustable in amplitude and frequency b) a rod, passing through the casing of the device, connected at one end to the coil holder and comprising, at the other end, the stimulation probe c) a flexible membrane connecting and centering said movable member to the fixed part of the device.

 The advantages obtained thanks to the invention essentially consist in having - a mobile element of minimum mass, therefore of low inertia, since consisting of the coil and its support, the rod and the probe, the whole being made of light materials: the frequency and the pressure of the probe being variable thanks to the action of a generator with adjustable frequency and amplitude; - the course of the latter being a function of the elasticity of the area to be treated: gentle, non-traumatic stimulation.

 Other characteristics and advantages will appear on reading the following detailed description of a preferred embodiment of the invention given by way of non-limiting example and shown in the accompanying drawings.

In these drawings - fig. 1 is a sectional view of the device in its simplified embodiment; - fig. 2 is a partial view of the device having at least two feelers and a second connecting and centering membrane.

 The apparatus shown in the figures comprises - a housing 1 produced for example in two nested parts comprising the whole of the electro-mechanical-magnetic part: it may be of circular shape or of any other form - a permanent magnet 2, for example annular, resting on a bottom plate 3, also serving as a support for a core 4 (for example made of soft iron) located in its center; a field plate 5 completing this fixed metal assembly - an induction coil 6 and its support 7 connected, by means of a flexible membrane 8 (for example in corrugated fibers), to the fixed part of the device , thanks to a support 9 itself integral, for example, with the field plate 5: this membrane serving for centering and guiding the movable element; the coil and its support moving, under the effect of an alternating electric current, relative to the fixed core 4, with a back and forth movement; the upper end of the coil comprising a connecting piece 10 (hollowed out so as to make it as light as possible) in which the rod 11 is fixed, supporting the stimulation probe 12 and passing through the wall of the housing 1 by means of the orifice 13 this orifice also serving as a guide point for the mobile assembly.

The assembly thus represented will be controlled by a generator with alternating signal, at variable frequency and amplitude, by means of lugs 14 connected to the wires 15 supplying the coil.

To improve the connection of the mobile element and its centering with respect to the fixed part of the apparatus, a second membrane 16 can be provided: it is in this case possible to eliminate, if redundant, the guidance of the rod by the orifice fitted on the housing.

According to another variant of the invention, it is also possible to provide at least two rods, probe support, passing through the housing of the device.

In the preferred embodiment of the invention, and taking into account the clinical tests carried out, the device, which is cylindrical-canic - has a diameter of about 50 mm - has a height, excluding feeler, of 60 to 70 mm - a a reciprocating movement of amplitude approximately 7 mm - uses a generator of power 10 watts and frequency varying in a range between 30 and 300 hertz (not limiting).

It is also possible to provide a means emitting a frequency and amplitude program, for example prerecorded on magnetic tape, corresponding to a well-determined therapeutic treatment.

 This device, which sees its main application in the treatment of muscle, tendon and neuralgic pain, can also be used in skin or subcutaneous sensory recovery.

 Of course, the invention is not limited to the embodiment described and shown, for which we can provide other variants, use all types of materials and extend it to other applications, without departing from the scope. of the invention.

Claims (4)

 1 - Electromagnetic device for medical treatment by means of local skin applications of vibratory stimulation, characterized in that the mobile element, animated by a movement back and forth, essentially comprises a) an induction coil 6 supplied by a generator emitting a signal adjustable in amplitude and frequency b) a rod 11, passing through the casing 1 of the device, secured at one end to the coil support 7 by means of a connecting piece 10, and comprising , at the other end, the stimulation probe 12; c) a flexible membrane 8 for connecting and centering said movable element to the fixed part of the device.  2 - Device according to claim 1, characterized in that a second flexible membrane 16 connects another point of the movable element to the fixed part of the device.  3 - Apparatus according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the movable member may include several rods 11, provided with feelers 12, passing through the housing of the apparatus at several points.  4 - Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it is controlled by means, such as a magnetic stripe reader, transmitting a program of frequencies and amplitudes corresponding to a well-determined medical treatment.