CA2330503C - Therapeutic spiral magnet - Google Patents
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- CA2330503C CA2330503C CA 2330503 CA2330503A CA2330503C CA 2330503 C CA2330503 C CA 2330503C CA 2330503 CA2330503 CA 2330503 CA 2330503 A CA2330503 A CA 2330503A CA 2330503 C CA2330503 C CA 2330503C
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61N—ELECTROTHERAPY; MAGNETOTHERAPY; RADIATION THERAPY; ULTRASOUND THERAPY
- A61N2/00—Magnetotherapy
- A61N2/06—Magnetotherapy using magnetic fields produced by permanent magnets
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Abstract
Magnetic spiral devices for therapeutic application are provided herein. Such magnetic spiral devices include at least one flexible foil strip, the foil strip having a length and a width that define a larger side face, and having the length and axial depth that: define a smaller side face that adjacently faces a body of a patient. The foil strip is magnetically polarized in an axial depth direction prior to coiling the foil strip into a spiral pattern and is coiled along its larger side face. The coiled foil strip is configured for subsequent therapeutic magnetic effect in a lateral direction to the body of the patient.
Description
TITLE OF THE INVENTION
THERAPEUTIC SPIRAL MAGNET
TECHNICAL FIELD TO WHICH THE INVENTION RELATES
The present invention relates generally to spiral magnets. More specifically, the present invention relates to devices comprising spiral magnets which are usefully employed for therapeutic applications.
BACKGROUND ART
The use of magnetic fields for therapeutic application is well known. For example, U.S. Patent No. 4,549,532 issued October 29, 1985, to Baermann disclosed a flexible magnetic foil for therapeutic purposes. Primarily, the therapeutic action was produced by the Hall effect, which caused a load separation within an electrolyte which flows through the magnetic field. Electric voltages were thereby created diagonally to the flow direction, which can generate the desired therapeutic action in the sections of the body thus treated.
Such devices for therapeutic application were typically manufactured using foils which were made of a rubber-type flexible plastic, which preferably was skin-compatible.
Permanently-magnetic particles were embedded in the plastic, and these permanently-magnetic particles were preferably permanently-magnetic particles of a ferrite or rare-earth component, for example, barium ferrite or strontium ferrite, or NdFeB. These permanently-magnetic particles were aligned by applying an external magnetic field to one side, or to both sides of the foil and thus to create a magnetically-polarized area. The conventional foil was thus a sheet-type formation, with a commonly available foil thickness of between 0.3 mm and 1.5 mm.
Various designs of such conventional magnetic foils are known. They were made by stamping or cutting from commonly-available magnetic foils, normally in the form of circular discs or rectangles. Double or mufti-polar magnetization was usually carried out laterally on one side. The pole configurations thereby were usually in the form of straight lines, concentric circles, spirals, rectangles, or sections, as well as other geometric formations. Only in the case of axial magnetization, whereby one surface had a single N-pole and the reverse side of the foil had a single S-pole, were identical magnetic induction values shown at corresponding measuring points on both sides.
In contrast to a double sided lateral mufti-polar magnetization, the aforementioned single-sided lateral mufti-polar magnetization had the advantage that it was normally very practical and showed higher induction values on the side of the foil adjacent to the body of the patient than it would exhibit in the case of two-sided lateral polarization with the identical pole configuration, irrespective of the configuration.
However, the above dual or mufti-polar lateral magnetizations of such sheet-type formations were unfavourable due to the magnetic flux direction being curved within large sections of the foil. The desired total saturation polarization of the overall available magnetic material, on the utilization side of the foil facing the body, can thus no longer be ensured.
This problem proved to be of particular disadvantage for magnetic foils which were used for therapeutic purposes, where the pole width was larger than the foil thickness.
However, magnetizing with pole widths which were in excess of the 1-time, often even 20-times, that of the foil thickness were preferred due to their desired greater dispersion into deeper areas of the body. An additional disadvantage of this type of magnetization has proven to be the leakage flux which formed on the reverse side of the foil, due to the low relative permeability of ~ci = 1Ø This may be as much as 75 % of the area of the foil facing the body and reduced the desired beneficial flow considerably.
In some cases, however, this disadvantage was compensated by the side of the foil facing the body being covered by a magnetic, highly-permeable foil, for example, of thin, low-carbon steel sheeting. Due to this magnetic reflux, the utilization flux of the foil was highly increased. A disadvantage, however, was the use of steel sheeting which, due to its negligible thickness, presented a considerable injury potential. Its use increased the manufacturing price and also reduces the flexibility of the foil.
Therefore, in summary, the use of such magnetic therapeutic devices was limited by the strength of the polarization. With a weak polarization of the foil used, the effect produced by the magnetic field within the body, was also weak.
THERAPEUTIC SPIRAL MAGNET
TECHNICAL FIELD TO WHICH THE INVENTION RELATES
The present invention relates generally to spiral magnets. More specifically, the present invention relates to devices comprising spiral magnets which are usefully employed for therapeutic applications.
BACKGROUND ART
The use of magnetic fields for therapeutic application is well known. For example, U.S. Patent No. 4,549,532 issued October 29, 1985, to Baermann disclosed a flexible magnetic foil for therapeutic purposes. Primarily, the therapeutic action was produced by the Hall effect, which caused a load separation within an electrolyte which flows through the magnetic field. Electric voltages were thereby created diagonally to the flow direction, which can generate the desired therapeutic action in the sections of the body thus treated.
Such devices for therapeutic application were typically manufactured using foils which were made of a rubber-type flexible plastic, which preferably was skin-compatible.
Permanently-magnetic particles were embedded in the plastic, and these permanently-magnetic particles were preferably permanently-magnetic particles of a ferrite or rare-earth component, for example, barium ferrite or strontium ferrite, or NdFeB. These permanently-magnetic particles were aligned by applying an external magnetic field to one side, or to both sides of the foil and thus to create a magnetically-polarized area. The conventional foil was thus a sheet-type formation, with a commonly available foil thickness of between 0.3 mm and 1.5 mm.
Various designs of such conventional magnetic foils are known. They were made by stamping or cutting from commonly-available magnetic foils, normally in the form of circular discs or rectangles. Double or mufti-polar magnetization was usually carried out laterally on one side. The pole configurations thereby were usually in the form of straight lines, concentric circles, spirals, rectangles, or sections, as well as other geometric formations. Only in the case of axial magnetization, whereby one surface had a single N-pole and the reverse side of the foil had a single S-pole, were identical magnetic induction values shown at corresponding measuring points on both sides.
In contrast to a double sided lateral mufti-polar magnetization, the aforementioned single-sided lateral mufti-polar magnetization had the advantage that it was normally very practical and showed higher induction values on the side of the foil adjacent to the body of the patient than it would exhibit in the case of two-sided lateral polarization with the identical pole configuration, irrespective of the configuration.
However, the above dual or mufti-polar lateral magnetizations of such sheet-type formations were unfavourable due to the magnetic flux direction being curved within large sections of the foil. The desired total saturation polarization of the overall available magnetic material, on the utilization side of the foil facing the body, can thus no longer be ensured.
This problem proved to be of particular disadvantage for magnetic foils which were used for therapeutic purposes, where the pole width was larger than the foil thickness.
However, magnetizing with pole widths which were in excess of the 1-time, often even 20-times, that of the foil thickness were preferred due to their desired greater dispersion into deeper areas of the body. An additional disadvantage of this type of magnetization has proven to be the leakage flux which formed on the reverse side of the foil, due to the low relative permeability of ~ci = 1Ø This may be as much as 75 % of the area of the foil facing the body and reduced the desired beneficial flow considerably.
In some cases, however, this disadvantage was compensated by the side of the foil facing the body being covered by a magnetic, highly-permeable foil, for example, of thin, low-carbon steel sheeting. Due to this magnetic reflux, the utilization flux of the foil was highly increased. A disadvantage, however, was the use of steel sheeting which, due to its negligible thickness, presented a considerable injury potential. Its use increased the manufacturing price and also reduces the flexibility of the foil.
Therefore, in summary, the use of such magnetic therapeutic devices was limited by the strength of the polarization. With a weak polarization of the foil used, the effect produced by the magnetic field within the body, was also weak.
DESCRIPTION OF' THE INVENTION
An object of a broad aspect of the present invention is to provide a magnetic;
device for therapeutic application which may be easily manufactured and which generates a strong and effective magnetic he d.
.A first broad aspect of the' present invention provides a magnetic spiral device for therapeutic application. Such maL;netic spiral device includes at least one flexible foil strip, the foil strip having a length and a width that define a larger side face, and having the length and an axial depth that define a smaller side fare that adjacently faces a body of a patient. Such foil strip is magn estically polarized in an axial depth direction prior to coiling the foil strip into a spiral pattern, and is coiled along its larger side face. The coil strip is configured for subsequent therapeutic magnetic effect in a lateral direction to the body of the patient.
By a first variant of this first broad aspect of the present invention, the foil strip has a right angle cross section and includes a dispersion of powder-type magnetic components embedded therein. I3y a first variation thereof, the magnetic components comprise ;~r-ferr~ite or NdFeB, having an average particle size smaller than 1. By a second variation thereof, the average particle size of the magnetic components is smaller than 100p.
By a second variant of this tirst broad aspect ofthe present invention, the fo l strip includes at least two varying magnetic polarizations which are applied to each larger side face of the foil strip in opposition to one another.
By a third variant of this first broad aspect of the present invention, the magnetic strip includes a plurality of areas with varying polarization serially alternating with one another on a side face along the lengthwise extent of the foil strip. By a variation thereof, each of the areas has a length which is at least 2 ~c radians when coiled.
By a fourth variant of this first broad aspect of the present invention, the magnetic spiral device includes at least two foil strips which are positioned in end-to-end abutment and are coiled up collectively, one after the other into a single spiral configuration, so that the polarization of the larger side faces of each of the at least two foil strip changes at the end-to-end abutment thereof.
By a fifth variant of this first broad aspect of the present invention, the magnetic spiral device is in th.e form of a generally-cylindrical configuration and has a cylinder height which is less than the dianroter of the cylinder.
An object of a broad aspect of the present invention is to provide a magnetic;
device for therapeutic application which may be easily manufactured and which generates a strong and effective magnetic he d.
.A first broad aspect of the' present invention provides a magnetic spiral device for therapeutic application. Such maL;netic spiral device includes at least one flexible foil strip, the foil strip having a length and a width that define a larger side face, and having the length and an axial depth that define a smaller side fare that adjacently faces a body of a patient. Such foil strip is magn estically polarized in an axial depth direction prior to coiling the foil strip into a spiral pattern, and is coiled along its larger side face. The coil strip is configured for subsequent therapeutic magnetic effect in a lateral direction to the body of the patient.
By a first variant of this first broad aspect of the present invention, the foil strip has a right angle cross section and includes a dispersion of powder-type magnetic components embedded therein. I3y a first variation thereof, the magnetic components comprise ;~r-ferr~ite or NdFeB, having an average particle size smaller than 1. By a second variation thereof, the average particle size of the magnetic components is smaller than 100p.
By a second variant of this tirst broad aspect ofthe present invention, the fo l strip includes at least two varying magnetic polarizations which are applied to each larger side face of the foil strip in opposition to one another.
By a third variant of this first broad aspect of the present invention, the magnetic strip includes a plurality of areas with varying polarization serially alternating with one another on a side face along the lengthwise extent of the foil strip. By a variation thereof, each of the areas has a length which is at least 2 ~c radians when coiled.
By a fourth variant of this first broad aspect of the present invention, the magnetic spiral device includes at least two foil strips which are positioned in end-to-end abutment and are coiled up collectively, one after the other into a single spiral configuration, so that the polarization of the larger side faces of each of the at least two foil strip changes at the end-to-end abutment thereof.
By a fifth variant of this first broad aspect of the present invention, the magnetic spiral device is in th.e form of a generally-cylindrical configuration and has a cylinder height which is less than the dianroter of the cylinder.
By a sixth variant of this first broad aspect of the present invention, the therapeutic device includes at least two magnet spirals as described hereinabove.
By a first variant of this suxth variant of the present invention, the pair of magnet spirals are separated from one another by a predetermined separation distance.
By a second variation thereof, the pair of magnet spirals are substantially parallel to one another.
By a seventh variant of this first broad aspect of the present invention, at least one foil strip is coiled around itself.
By an eighth variant of this first broad aspect of the present invention, at least one foil strip is coiled around an object of optional form.
By ninth, tenth or eleventh variants of this first broad aspect of the present invention, the magnetic spiral device is containc;d within a bandage, or is contained within a pocket, or is contained within a face mask.
A second broad aspect of~ the present invention provides a method of using a magnetic spiral device for therapeutic application comprising at least one flexible foil strip, the foil strip having a length and width that define a larger side face, and having the length and axial depth that define: a smaller side face that adjacently faces a body of a patient, wherein the foil strip is magnetically polarized in an axial depth direction prior to coiling the foil strip into a spiral pattern, the foil strip is coiled along its larger side face, and the coiled foil strip is configured for subsequent therapeutic magnetic effect in a lateral direction to the body of the patient.
In other more general terms, an aspect of the present invention provides a magnetic spiral device for therapeutic application with minimum of one foil strip, which is preferably made of a rubber-type flexible, and more preferable a skin compatible, plastic which is coiled up along its lengthwise dimension in the form of a spiral. The foil strip is magnetically polarized in an axial direction relative to its larger lateral face (i.e., in its lengthwise direction).
Preferably, the magnet spiral device according to an aspect of the present invention includes a minimum of one magnetically-polarized foil strip which is coiled up into a spiral. Thereby, the large lateral faces of the foil are magnetically-polarized in an axial direction of the foil, that is, in the lengthwise direction of the foil strip, preferably up to its total saturation. The axial direction refers to the foil in its coiled condition. In the coiled condition of the foil, one side of the larger lateral area thus faces the other large lateral area. Starting at the centre, this configuration creates a sequence of varying magnetic polarizations within the cross-section of the magnet spiral in a radial direction. The effect of the series arrangement of the magnetic polarizations causes the creation of a particularly strong magnetic field in the vicinity of the magnet spiral. The strength of the magnetic field is caused, in particular, by a multitude of magnetic dipoles being arranged in series along their magnetic axes.
In the case of the magnet spiral according to aspects of the present invention, the foil strip may be coiled up around itself, or may be coiled up around an object of optional form in the centre of the spiral. The magnetic spiral of an aspect of the present invention may, for example, have a largely circular form circumference, or have a rectangular periphery with rounded-off corners, or be irregularly shaped.
In preferred embodiments, the foil may have the form of an elongated strip with right angled cross-section, whereby powder-type magnetic components, preferably Sr-ferrite or NdFeB of particle size smaller than 1 mm, particularly preferably smaller than 100 ,u are embedded in as evenly-formed statistical dispersion as possible. In the case of such a strip, the larger lateral faces are those faces which run in the longitudinal direction of the strip and which are broader. A strip-type foil is particular easy to coil. For the manufacture of a magnet spiral device according to an aspect of the present invention, it is useful for the practical application to fix the free end of the strip positionally, in the coil-up condition, to the magnet spiral. This may be achieved, for example, by using an adhesive strip or a similar fixing method.
In another preferred embodiment of the invention, a minimum of two different polarizations are applied to each of the large lateral faces, whereby the polarization is, in each case, set in opposition. Thereby, beside the magnetic effect which is caused by the axial polarization of the foil, a further source for the magnetic field is created due to the additional magnetic polarization on the larger lateral face, which acts similarly to a dipole arranged across the axial direction of the foil. The field distribution of the magnet spiral can thereby be favourably modified.
Several areas of varying polarization may follow on one side, along the lengthwise extent of the coil of the foil. With a series arrangement of varying polarization areas on one side, along the lengthwise direction, two areas of identical polarization become adjacent to one another in one section of the coiled foil. Whereas, in the case of identical polarization of the large side areas, two varying polarizations always abut, so that in the cross-section of the magnet spiral North pole and South pole of a dipole always abut. In the case of a different polarization on the large side areas, a North Pole of one foil section, in the cross-section of the magnet spiral, abuts at least once to a North pole of another following foil element lying in the winding direction. With reference to the magnetization of the spiral, three ring-shaped poles of the magnet spiral are created in the area in which, for example, two regions of identical polarization meet. When such a meeting of identical polarization occurs, the magnet spiral largely shows a rotation symmetric polarization which occurs in radial direction, for example with a North-pole, South-pole and North-pole again. The pole sequence is caused by two foil elements for example, being aligned contrary to one another, whereby North-pole abuts North-pole. Such a magnetic field, with more poles, may also be favourable for therapeutic application, since the change of the magnetic fields has additional and particular favoured effect on electrolytes in the vicinity of the field.
In one useful form, the areas following one another in the longitudinal direction of the winding of the foil, represent a length of a minimum angle zone of 2 n radians each.
Thereby, it is ensured that a fundamental rotation-symmetric field distribution is created.
Preferably, the spiral is in the form of an essentially-cylindrical configuration, with the cylinder height being smaller than the cylinder diameter. A magnet spiral so dimensioned is easy to handle.
Another aspect of the present invention is accomplished by a device for therapeutic application, particular a bandage, or a pocket or a face mask, which contains at minimum one of the above described spirals. A minimum of one foil, coiled up into a spiral, is arranged in a device for therapeutic application. Therefore, bandages, or pockets and face masks are suitable. The device is worn with its effective surface as close as possible to the body part which is intended to be treated and is in need of the magnetic therapy.
In a further embodiment of an aspect of the invention, a minimum of two foils, each coiled in the shape of a spiral and set with a space between them, is intended. Thereby, similar to a Helmholtz coil pair, a magnetic field can be created between the two spirals.
Such a magnetic field may be particularly favourable for a therapeutic application of the device. Also, the individual foils which are coiled into spirals may be arranged in the device in such a way that very specific field configurations are created, insofar as this is desired for a therapeutic action.
In a preferred implementation of an aspect of the invention, a minimum of two foils, each coiled in the shape of a frontal spiral, are intended to be arranged essentially with spiral axes falling on top of one another, with a space between them. Thereby, for example, a minimum of two alternating magnetic poles are created, between which the part of the body to be treated may be arranged.
Favourably, the front of the spiral is arranged in the vicinity of the body part to be treated. An advantage of such a spiral arrangement is that there is a very strong magnetic field along the effective area of the device. Therefore, for example, the spiral may be arranged inside a bandage or inside a pocket parallel to the skin.
DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
In the accompanying drawings, FIGURES lA-1C each schematically represent exemplary geometric forms of a therapeutic spiral magnet in accordance with embodiments of an aspect of the present invention;
FIGURE 2 schematically shows a magnetic foil which is magnetized in its thickness direction according to an embodiment of an aspect of the present invention;
FIGURE 3 schematically shows a magnetic foil with several areas of varying polarization following one another according to an embodiment of an aspect of the present invention;
FIGURE 4 shows an exemplary magnetic spiral with an externally positioned North-pole and an internally positioned South-pole according to an embodiment of an aspect of the present invention made from a magnetic foil as shown in the embodiment of an aspect of the present invention as shown in FIGURE 2;
FIGURE 5 shows an exemplary spiral magnet with an alternating radial pole sequence according to an embodiment of an aspect of the present invention made from the magnetic foil depicted in the embodiment of an aspect of the present invention as shown in FIGURE 3;
FIGURE 6 schematically depicts a magnetic foil with axial polarization on the larger lateral face area according to an embodiment of an aspect of the present invention;
FIGURE 7A shows a magnetic foil with two varying polarizations on the larger lateral face are according to an embodiment of an aspect of the present invention;
FIGURE 7B shows a magnetic foil with several varying polarizations on the larger lateral face area according to an embodiment of an aspect of the present invention;
FIGURE 8 is a graphical plot of induction values on a magnet spiral dependent on thickness and spacing measured with a magnet according to the embodiment of an aspect of the present invention as shown in FIGURE 4;
FIGURE 9 is a graphical plot of measurements of the spacing of two magnet spirals which are arranged axially to one another according to the embodiment of an aspect of the present invention as shown in Figure 4, the poles of which are polarized contrary to one another, at constant field strength inside the centre of the arrangement;
FIGURE 10 schematically depicts the arrangement of the magnet spirals according to an embodiment of an aspect of the present invention for measuring the spacing at constant field strength as per FIGURE 9; and FIGURE 11 schematically depicts a pair of magnet spirals in cross-section, which are arranged coaxially and spaced from one another with contrary poles according to an embodiment of an aspect of the present invention.
AT LEAST ONE MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
One form of a magnet spiral device 1 in accordance with an aspect of the present invention is depicted in Fig. 1A. Specifically, the magnet spiral device 1 is formed by a foil strip being coiled up to have a substantially-circular shaped circumference. The magnet spiral device 1 shown in Fig, 1A thus has an internal diameter D1 and an external diameter D2, it being understood that the magnet spiral device 1 also has a height dimension (not shown) extending into the plane of Fig. 1A. As a result, a basically circular-shaped internal area of diameter D1 remains free in the centre of magnet spiral device 1 in which objects may be placed. The sizes of some exemplary magnet spirals may be, for example:
D1=3 mm; D2=40 mm; height=2.5 mm; D1=5 mm; D2=150 mm; height=15 mm; D1=150 mm; height=30 mm.
The circular shaped magnet spiral device 1 shown in Fig. 1A is exemplary only.
Thus, the magnet spiral device 1 may take the form of a generally-rectangular circumference with rounded off corners by winding the foil around a square object as shown by magnet spiral device 1' in Fig. 1B. Alternatively, the magnet spiral device 1"
shown in Fig. 1C may be formed into an irregular circumferential shape.
The foil strips from which the magnet spiral device 1 is formed by coiling most preferably exhibits a consistent magnetic polarization in the direction of its thickness as shown in Fig. 2. The foil snip 2 has a length Ll and may be coiled up along its length.
As an annex on the first coiled-up foil strip, further foil strips may be wound around the first foil, thereby enveloping the first foil. The polarization of the larger side face area of the second foil strip, which is wound around the first foil, may be the same as, or opposite to, the polarization of the first foils larger side face area. Such a series winding of several foil strips acts on the magnetic field of the magnet spiral like a consistent or alternating polarization in the longitudinal direction when using exactly one foil.
Fig. 2 shows that the reverse side (i.e., with the pole letter identifier being dotted) of a magnetized foil strip has the opposite polarization. The foil strip 2 shown in Fig. 2 is therefore axially-polarized, which is also clarified by Fig. 6, showing a cross section through a foil strip.
In the case of the foil strip shown in Fig. 3, areas 3 and 4 are alternately abutted with one another with respectively different polarizations on the larger side face areas. Area 3 has a length L2 and the area 4 has a length L3. The lengths L2, L3 are such that, in a coiled-up condition of the foil, each length has made at least one winding circumferentially.
That is, the areas 3, 4 serially following one another in the longitudinal direction of the winding of the foil, each represent a length of a minimum angle zone of 2 n radians each:
As a result, it is ensured that a fundamental rotation-symmetric field distribution is created.
When foil strip 2 of Fig. 2 is coiled up, a magnet spiral is created which has two poles on its facing side. If the side face area of foil stip 2, which is magnetized with a South pole, faces inwardly, the pole distribution of the magnet spiral shown in Fig. 4 is created. A magnetic North pole 5 is arranged in the peripheral area of the magnet spiral and a magnetic South pole 7 in the central area of the magnet spiral. A
separating line 6 runs along the intermediate area which identifies, simultaneously, a neutral zone and the transition between the magnetic poles 5 and 7.
If as shown in Fig. 3, several varying magnetic polarized areas are arranged in series, a pole distribution as shown in Fig. 5 may be created. Thereby, magnetic North pole 8 and magnetic South pole 9 alternate with each other from one winding to the next.
It is also possible to apply several areas of magnetic polarization to the large side faces of the foil. Thus, Fig. 6 shows a cross-section of the magnetic foil described in Fig. 2 with a common polarization 2 on the larger side faces. The foil shown in Fig.
6 is axially-magnetized, because North and South poles lie opposite to one another on the large side faces of the foil strip.
Figs 7a and 7b each respectively show axially-magnetized foil strips, whereby several areas of alternately varied magnetization are arranged side-by-side on the large side face. In Fig. 7b, for example, area 10 is arranged at the edge of the foil and is adjacent to a central area 11 with opposite polarization.
An example of the operating mode of a magnet spiral is explained by reference to Figs. 8 to 10. In this regard, as shown graphically in Fig. 8, the magnetic flux density of a magnet spiral is dependent upon its height 'h' and the spacing 'd' at the indicated measurement point. One can see from Fig. 8, therefore, that the magnetic induction increases when the height 'h' of the magnetic spiral increases.
From the measurements shown in Fig. 8 it can also be gathered that the strength of the magnetic flux density decreases with increasing distance 'd' from the surface of the magnet spiral. Each distance 'd' is hereby indicated in mm. The measured values show a four to tenfold strength when using an identical magnetic component, in comparison to using an uncoiled magnetic foil strip. This represents a considerable advantage of the effect of the magnet spiral.
Fig. 9 shows the dependency of spacing 'X' of two magnet spirals, with opposite polarity and being arranged parallel to one another, on the height of these spirals. The magnetic induction in the centre between both magnet spirals, coiled up as per Fig. 4, is 1 mT=10 Gauss. Such an arrangement is shown in Fig. 10.
The arrangement explains that, in the space area between two magnet spirals, which are arranged parallel to one another on the frontal side, a considerably strong, and thereby effective, magnetic flux density can be obtained which is suitable for a therapeutic utilization. Such an arrangement of the spirals may be used beneficially, for example, in knee, back, hip, arm, and elbow bandages. Aspects of this invention show that the high induction values obtained when the distances between the surfaces of the magnet spirals are identical, represent a particular advantage.
A further advantageous arrangement of two magnet spirals is shown in cross-section in Fig. 11. In this case, two magnet spirals are located opposite to one another in such a way that, in each case, two opposite poles face one another. By way of such an arrangement of the magnet spirals, particularly high induction values are obtained in the volume contained between the magnet spirals, which is of particular advantage for the therapeutic treatment of body parts arranged in this area.
By a first variant of this suxth variant of the present invention, the pair of magnet spirals are separated from one another by a predetermined separation distance.
By a second variation thereof, the pair of magnet spirals are substantially parallel to one another.
By a seventh variant of this first broad aspect of the present invention, at least one foil strip is coiled around itself.
By an eighth variant of this first broad aspect of the present invention, at least one foil strip is coiled around an object of optional form.
By ninth, tenth or eleventh variants of this first broad aspect of the present invention, the magnetic spiral device is containc;d within a bandage, or is contained within a pocket, or is contained within a face mask.
A second broad aspect of~ the present invention provides a method of using a magnetic spiral device for therapeutic application comprising at least one flexible foil strip, the foil strip having a length and width that define a larger side face, and having the length and axial depth that define: a smaller side face that adjacently faces a body of a patient, wherein the foil strip is magnetically polarized in an axial depth direction prior to coiling the foil strip into a spiral pattern, the foil strip is coiled along its larger side face, and the coiled foil strip is configured for subsequent therapeutic magnetic effect in a lateral direction to the body of the patient.
In other more general terms, an aspect of the present invention provides a magnetic spiral device for therapeutic application with minimum of one foil strip, which is preferably made of a rubber-type flexible, and more preferable a skin compatible, plastic which is coiled up along its lengthwise dimension in the form of a spiral. The foil strip is magnetically polarized in an axial direction relative to its larger lateral face (i.e., in its lengthwise direction).
Preferably, the magnet spiral device according to an aspect of the present invention includes a minimum of one magnetically-polarized foil strip which is coiled up into a spiral. Thereby, the large lateral faces of the foil are magnetically-polarized in an axial direction of the foil, that is, in the lengthwise direction of the foil strip, preferably up to its total saturation. The axial direction refers to the foil in its coiled condition. In the coiled condition of the foil, one side of the larger lateral area thus faces the other large lateral area. Starting at the centre, this configuration creates a sequence of varying magnetic polarizations within the cross-section of the magnet spiral in a radial direction. The effect of the series arrangement of the magnetic polarizations causes the creation of a particularly strong magnetic field in the vicinity of the magnet spiral. The strength of the magnetic field is caused, in particular, by a multitude of magnetic dipoles being arranged in series along their magnetic axes.
In the case of the magnet spiral according to aspects of the present invention, the foil strip may be coiled up around itself, or may be coiled up around an object of optional form in the centre of the spiral. The magnetic spiral of an aspect of the present invention may, for example, have a largely circular form circumference, or have a rectangular periphery with rounded-off corners, or be irregularly shaped.
In preferred embodiments, the foil may have the form of an elongated strip with right angled cross-section, whereby powder-type magnetic components, preferably Sr-ferrite or NdFeB of particle size smaller than 1 mm, particularly preferably smaller than 100 ,u are embedded in as evenly-formed statistical dispersion as possible. In the case of such a strip, the larger lateral faces are those faces which run in the longitudinal direction of the strip and which are broader. A strip-type foil is particular easy to coil. For the manufacture of a magnet spiral device according to an aspect of the present invention, it is useful for the practical application to fix the free end of the strip positionally, in the coil-up condition, to the magnet spiral. This may be achieved, for example, by using an adhesive strip or a similar fixing method.
In another preferred embodiment of the invention, a minimum of two different polarizations are applied to each of the large lateral faces, whereby the polarization is, in each case, set in opposition. Thereby, beside the magnetic effect which is caused by the axial polarization of the foil, a further source for the magnetic field is created due to the additional magnetic polarization on the larger lateral face, which acts similarly to a dipole arranged across the axial direction of the foil. The field distribution of the magnet spiral can thereby be favourably modified.
Several areas of varying polarization may follow on one side, along the lengthwise extent of the coil of the foil. With a series arrangement of varying polarization areas on one side, along the lengthwise direction, two areas of identical polarization become adjacent to one another in one section of the coiled foil. Whereas, in the case of identical polarization of the large side areas, two varying polarizations always abut, so that in the cross-section of the magnet spiral North pole and South pole of a dipole always abut. In the case of a different polarization on the large side areas, a North Pole of one foil section, in the cross-section of the magnet spiral, abuts at least once to a North pole of another following foil element lying in the winding direction. With reference to the magnetization of the spiral, three ring-shaped poles of the magnet spiral are created in the area in which, for example, two regions of identical polarization meet. When such a meeting of identical polarization occurs, the magnet spiral largely shows a rotation symmetric polarization which occurs in radial direction, for example with a North-pole, South-pole and North-pole again. The pole sequence is caused by two foil elements for example, being aligned contrary to one another, whereby North-pole abuts North-pole. Such a magnetic field, with more poles, may also be favourable for therapeutic application, since the change of the magnetic fields has additional and particular favoured effect on electrolytes in the vicinity of the field.
In one useful form, the areas following one another in the longitudinal direction of the winding of the foil, represent a length of a minimum angle zone of 2 n radians each.
Thereby, it is ensured that a fundamental rotation-symmetric field distribution is created.
Preferably, the spiral is in the form of an essentially-cylindrical configuration, with the cylinder height being smaller than the cylinder diameter. A magnet spiral so dimensioned is easy to handle.
Another aspect of the present invention is accomplished by a device for therapeutic application, particular a bandage, or a pocket or a face mask, which contains at minimum one of the above described spirals. A minimum of one foil, coiled up into a spiral, is arranged in a device for therapeutic application. Therefore, bandages, or pockets and face masks are suitable. The device is worn with its effective surface as close as possible to the body part which is intended to be treated and is in need of the magnetic therapy.
In a further embodiment of an aspect of the invention, a minimum of two foils, each coiled in the shape of a spiral and set with a space between them, is intended. Thereby, similar to a Helmholtz coil pair, a magnetic field can be created between the two spirals.
Such a magnetic field may be particularly favourable for a therapeutic application of the device. Also, the individual foils which are coiled into spirals may be arranged in the device in such a way that very specific field configurations are created, insofar as this is desired for a therapeutic action.
In a preferred implementation of an aspect of the invention, a minimum of two foils, each coiled in the shape of a frontal spiral, are intended to be arranged essentially with spiral axes falling on top of one another, with a space between them. Thereby, for example, a minimum of two alternating magnetic poles are created, between which the part of the body to be treated may be arranged.
Favourably, the front of the spiral is arranged in the vicinity of the body part to be treated. An advantage of such a spiral arrangement is that there is a very strong magnetic field along the effective area of the device. Therefore, for example, the spiral may be arranged inside a bandage or inside a pocket parallel to the skin.
DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
In the accompanying drawings, FIGURES lA-1C each schematically represent exemplary geometric forms of a therapeutic spiral magnet in accordance with embodiments of an aspect of the present invention;
FIGURE 2 schematically shows a magnetic foil which is magnetized in its thickness direction according to an embodiment of an aspect of the present invention;
FIGURE 3 schematically shows a magnetic foil with several areas of varying polarization following one another according to an embodiment of an aspect of the present invention;
FIGURE 4 shows an exemplary magnetic spiral with an externally positioned North-pole and an internally positioned South-pole according to an embodiment of an aspect of the present invention made from a magnetic foil as shown in the embodiment of an aspect of the present invention as shown in FIGURE 2;
FIGURE 5 shows an exemplary spiral magnet with an alternating radial pole sequence according to an embodiment of an aspect of the present invention made from the magnetic foil depicted in the embodiment of an aspect of the present invention as shown in FIGURE 3;
FIGURE 6 schematically depicts a magnetic foil with axial polarization on the larger lateral face area according to an embodiment of an aspect of the present invention;
FIGURE 7A shows a magnetic foil with two varying polarizations on the larger lateral face are according to an embodiment of an aspect of the present invention;
FIGURE 7B shows a magnetic foil with several varying polarizations on the larger lateral face area according to an embodiment of an aspect of the present invention;
FIGURE 8 is a graphical plot of induction values on a magnet spiral dependent on thickness and spacing measured with a magnet according to the embodiment of an aspect of the present invention as shown in FIGURE 4;
FIGURE 9 is a graphical plot of measurements of the spacing of two magnet spirals which are arranged axially to one another according to the embodiment of an aspect of the present invention as shown in Figure 4, the poles of which are polarized contrary to one another, at constant field strength inside the centre of the arrangement;
FIGURE 10 schematically depicts the arrangement of the magnet spirals according to an embodiment of an aspect of the present invention for measuring the spacing at constant field strength as per FIGURE 9; and FIGURE 11 schematically depicts a pair of magnet spirals in cross-section, which are arranged coaxially and spaced from one another with contrary poles according to an embodiment of an aspect of the present invention.
AT LEAST ONE MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
One form of a magnet spiral device 1 in accordance with an aspect of the present invention is depicted in Fig. 1A. Specifically, the magnet spiral device 1 is formed by a foil strip being coiled up to have a substantially-circular shaped circumference. The magnet spiral device 1 shown in Fig, 1A thus has an internal diameter D1 and an external diameter D2, it being understood that the magnet spiral device 1 also has a height dimension (not shown) extending into the plane of Fig. 1A. As a result, a basically circular-shaped internal area of diameter D1 remains free in the centre of magnet spiral device 1 in which objects may be placed. The sizes of some exemplary magnet spirals may be, for example:
D1=3 mm; D2=40 mm; height=2.5 mm; D1=5 mm; D2=150 mm; height=15 mm; D1=150 mm; height=30 mm.
The circular shaped magnet spiral device 1 shown in Fig. 1A is exemplary only.
Thus, the magnet spiral device 1 may take the form of a generally-rectangular circumference with rounded off corners by winding the foil around a square object as shown by magnet spiral device 1' in Fig. 1B. Alternatively, the magnet spiral device 1"
shown in Fig. 1C may be formed into an irregular circumferential shape.
The foil strips from which the magnet spiral device 1 is formed by coiling most preferably exhibits a consistent magnetic polarization in the direction of its thickness as shown in Fig. 2. The foil snip 2 has a length Ll and may be coiled up along its length.
As an annex on the first coiled-up foil strip, further foil strips may be wound around the first foil, thereby enveloping the first foil. The polarization of the larger side face area of the second foil strip, which is wound around the first foil, may be the same as, or opposite to, the polarization of the first foils larger side face area. Such a series winding of several foil strips acts on the magnetic field of the magnet spiral like a consistent or alternating polarization in the longitudinal direction when using exactly one foil.
Fig. 2 shows that the reverse side (i.e., with the pole letter identifier being dotted) of a magnetized foil strip has the opposite polarization. The foil strip 2 shown in Fig. 2 is therefore axially-polarized, which is also clarified by Fig. 6, showing a cross section through a foil strip.
In the case of the foil strip shown in Fig. 3, areas 3 and 4 are alternately abutted with one another with respectively different polarizations on the larger side face areas. Area 3 has a length L2 and the area 4 has a length L3. The lengths L2, L3 are such that, in a coiled-up condition of the foil, each length has made at least one winding circumferentially.
That is, the areas 3, 4 serially following one another in the longitudinal direction of the winding of the foil, each represent a length of a minimum angle zone of 2 n radians each:
As a result, it is ensured that a fundamental rotation-symmetric field distribution is created.
When foil strip 2 of Fig. 2 is coiled up, a magnet spiral is created which has two poles on its facing side. If the side face area of foil stip 2, which is magnetized with a South pole, faces inwardly, the pole distribution of the magnet spiral shown in Fig. 4 is created. A magnetic North pole 5 is arranged in the peripheral area of the magnet spiral and a magnetic South pole 7 in the central area of the magnet spiral. A
separating line 6 runs along the intermediate area which identifies, simultaneously, a neutral zone and the transition between the magnetic poles 5 and 7.
If as shown in Fig. 3, several varying magnetic polarized areas are arranged in series, a pole distribution as shown in Fig. 5 may be created. Thereby, magnetic North pole 8 and magnetic South pole 9 alternate with each other from one winding to the next.
It is also possible to apply several areas of magnetic polarization to the large side faces of the foil. Thus, Fig. 6 shows a cross-section of the magnetic foil described in Fig. 2 with a common polarization 2 on the larger side faces. The foil shown in Fig.
6 is axially-magnetized, because North and South poles lie opposite to one another on the large side faces of the foil strip.
Figs 7a and 7b each respectively show axially-magnetized foil strips, whereby several areas of alternately varied magnetization are arranged side-by-side on the large side face. In Fig. 7b, for example, area 10 is arranged at the edge of the foil and is adjacent to a central area 11 with opposite polarization.
An example of the operating mode of a magnet spiral is explained by reference to Figs. 8 to 10. In this regard, as shown graphically in Fig. 8, the magnetic flux density of a magnet spiral is dependent upon its height 'h' and the spacing 'd' at the indicated measurement point. One can see from Fig. 8, therefore, that the magnetic induction increases when the height 'h' of the magnetic spiral increases.
From the measurements shown in Fig. 8 it can also be gathered that the strength of the magnetic flux density decreases with increasing distance 'd' from the surface of the magnet spiral. Each distance 'd' is hereby indicated in mm. The measured values show a four to tenfold strength when using an identical magnetic component, in comparison to using an uncoiled magnetic foil strip. This represents a considerable advantage of the effect of the magnet spiral.
Fig. 9 shows the dependency of spacing 'X' of two magnet spirals, with opposite polarity and being arranged parallel to one another, on the height of these spirals. The magnetic induction in the centre between both magnet spirals, coiled up as per Fig. 4, is 1 mT=10 Gauss. Such an arrangement is shown in Fig. 10.
The arrangement explains that, in the space area between two magnet spirals, which are arranged parallel to one another on the frontal side, a considerably strong, and thereby effective, magnetic flux density can be obtained which is suitable for a therapeutic utilization. Such an arrangement of the spirals may be used beneficially, for example, in knee, back, hip, arm, and elbow bandages. Aspects of this invention show that the high induction values obtained when the distances between the surfaces of the magnet spirals are identical, represent a particular advantage.
A further advantageous arrangement of two magnet spirals is shown in cross-section in Fig. 11. In this case, two magnet spirals are located opposite to one another in such a way that, in each case, two opposite poles face one another. By way of such an arrangement of the magnet spirals, particularly high induction values are obtained in the volume contained between the magnet spirals, which is of particular advantage for the therapeutic treatment of body parts arranged in this area.
Claims (17)
1. A magnetic spiral device for therapeutic application comprising:
at least one flexible foil strip;
said foil strip having a length and a width that define a larger side face;
and having said length and an axial depth that define a smaller side face that adjacently faces a body of a patient; wherein:
said foil strip is magnetically polarized in an axial depth direction prior to coiling said foil strip into a spiral pattern;
said foil strip is coiled along its larger side face; and said coiled foil strip is configured for subsequent therapeutic magnetic effect in a lateral direction to the body of said patient.
at least one flexible foil strip;
said foil strip having a length and a width that define a larger side face;
and having said length and an axial depth that define a smaller side face that adjacently faces a body of a patient; wherein:
said foil strip is magnetically polarized in an axial depth direction prior to coiling said foil strip into a spiral pattern;
said foil strip is coiled along its larger side face; and said coiled foil strip is configured for subsequent therapeutic magnetic effect in a lateral direction to the body of said patient.
2. The magnetic spiral device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said foil strip has a right angle cross-section and includes a dispersion of powder-type magnetic components embedded therein.
3. The magnetic spiral device as claimed in claim 2, wherein said magnetic components comprise Sr-ferrite, having an average particle size smaller than 1 mm.
4. The magnetic spiral device as claimed in claim 3, wherein said magnetic components comprise NdFeB, having an average particle size smaller than 1 mm.
5. The magnetic spiral device as claimed in claim 3 or claim 4, wherein the average particle size of said magnetic components is smaller than 100µm.
6. The magnetic spiral device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein said foil strip includes at least two varying magnetic polarizations which are applied to each first side face of said foil strip in opposition to one another.
7. The magnetic spiral device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein said magnetic strip includes a plurality of areas with varying polarization serially alternating with one another on a side face along the lengthwise extent of said foil strip.
8. The magnetic spiral device as claimed in claim 7, wherein each of said areas has a length which is at least 2 .pi. radians when coiled.
9. A magnetic spiral device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 8, comprising at least two foil strips positioned in end-to-end abutment and coiled up collectively, one after the other into a single spiral configuration, wherein the polarization of the first side faces of each said at least two foil strips changes at the end-to-end abutment thereof.
10. The magnetic spiral device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 9, in the form of a cylindrical configuration and having a cylinder height which is less than the cylinder diameter.
11. A therapeutic device comprising at least two magnet spirals as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 10.
12. The therapeutic device as claimed in claim 11, further comprising a pair of magnet spirals separated from one another by a predetermined separation distance.
13. The therapeutic device as claimed in claim 12, wherein said pair of magnet spirals are parallel to one another.
14. The magnetic spiral device as claimed in claims 1 to 10, wherein at least one foil strip is coiled around itself.
15. The magnetic spiral device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein at least one foil strip is coiled around an object of optional form.
16. The magnetic spiral device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 10, which is contained within a bandage.
17. The use of a magnetic spiral device for magnetic therapeutic application in the lateral direction, such magnetic spiral device comprising at least one flexible foil strip, such flexible foil strip having a length and a width that define a larger side face, having said length and an axial depth that define a smaller side face, wherein said foil strip is magnetically polarized in an axial depth direction prior to coiling the foil strip into a spiral pattern.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2330503 CA2330503C (en) | 2001-01-09 | 2001-01-09 | Therapeutic spiral magnet |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2330503 CA2330503C (en) | 2001-01-09 | 2001-01-09 | Therapeutic spiral magnet |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2330503A1 CA2330503A1 (en) | 2002-07-09 |
| CA2330503C true CA2330503C (en) | 2006-10-10 |
Family
ID=4168051
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2330503 Expired - Lifetime CA2330503C (en) | 2001-01-09 | 2001-01-09 | Therapeutic spiral magnet |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2330503C (en) |
-
2001
- 2001-01-09 CA CA 2330503 patent/CA2330503C/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| CA2330503A1 (en) | 2002-07-09 |
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