CA2923119A1 - Therapeutic energy transfer apparel and method - Google Patents
Therapeutic energy transfer apparel and method Download PDFInfo
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- CA2923119A1 CA2923119A1 CA2923119A CA2923119A CA2923119A1 CA 2923119 A1 CA2923119 A1 CA 2923119A1 CA 2923119 A CA2923119 A CA 2923119A CA 2923119 A CA2923119 A CA 2923119A CA 2923119 A1 CA2923119 A1 CA 2923119A1
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Abstract
A wearable device for transferring electrical energy to the acupuncture regions of a body is disclosed. The wearable device includes an article of clothing configured to cover portions of the body, a plurality of electrodes integrated to the article of clothing at positions above the acupuncture regions of the body when the article of clothing is worn with each electrode configured to deliver electrical energy to the body. The wearable device further includes an electrical network integrated to the article of clothing configured to electrically connect the plurality of electrodes, a power source connected to the electrical network for storing electrical energy, and a controller for controlling the distribution electrical energy between the power source and the electrodes via the electrical network.
Advantageously, electrical energy can be transferred to the acupuncture regions when the wearable device is worn. A related method of transferring electrical energy to the acupuncture regions of a body is also disclosed.
Advantageously, electrical energy can be transferred to the acupuncture regions when the wearable device is worn. A related method of transferring electrical energy to the acupuncture regions of a body is also disclosed.
Description
, 1 THERAPEUTIC ENERGY TRANSFER APPAREL AND METHOD
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an apparel and method for strategically delivering electrical energy to the body. In particular, the present invention relates to apparel having an interconnected electrical network for delivering energy to acupuncture points of the body when worn and a method therefor.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Stimulating acupuncture points for the purposes of treatment to rebalance the body's energy equilibrium and assist with the elimination of pain caused by stress and muscle aches is well known in the prior art. Acupuncture techniques, as well as its derivatives such as electro-acupuncture or electrotherapy, are utilized for precisely targeting points on the body related to the twelve meridians as taught by traditional Chinese medicine. In practice, more than three hundred and sixty one acupuncture points corresponding each and all to a particular zone of the body are known which, when stimulated, promote therapeutic responses in the body.
Traditional acupuncture entails acting on acupuncture points with invasive physical stimuli, such as the insertion of very fine needles through the skin at precise points of the body representing the acupuncture points, as initially employed in traditional Chinese medicine. As a result of introduction of such needles, directed vital energy for maintaining or re-establishing equilibrium of the body is achieved.
Modern day derivatives of acupuncture therapy forego the use of needles to penetrate the skin for the stimulation of the acupuncture zones. For example, different stimulation therapies may be employed such as acupressure massages which require applying compressive pressure to the body's acupuncture points, . 2 or through biostimulation practices such as electroacupunture or electrotherapy which employs the strategic delivery of electrical energy to the acupuncture points.
However, one drawback of such methods is that since these treatments usually require specialized equipment and a specialized operator, the patient must be immobilized at a dedicated facility to receive treatment. As a result, visits to such sites often requires the patient to travel, and even more so frequently if numerous treatment sessions are required.
It would thus be preferable to provide a wearable apparel which can be worn by a user on a daily basis which provides for the delivery of energy to the meridian pathways and/or acupuncture points of the body.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention contrives to solve the disadvantages of the prior art.
In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a wearable device for transferring electrical energy to the acupuncture regions of a body. The wearable device includes an article of clothing configured to cover portions of the body, a plurality of electrodes integrated to the article of clothing at positions above the acupuncture regions of the body when the article of clothing is worn, with each electrode configured to deliver electrical energy to the body. The wearable device also includes an electrical network integrated to the article of clothing configured to electrically connect the plurality of electrodes, a power source connected to the electrical network for storing electrical energy, and a controller for controlling the distribution electrical energy between the power source and the electrodes via the electrical network.
In one possible embodiment the controller controls the distribution of positive electrical energy from the power source to an electrode at an acupuncture point comprising a low electrical energy potential and the distribution of negative , . 3 electrical energy from the power source to an electrode at an acupuncture point comprising a high electrical energy potential.
Optionally, the wearable device is a body suit.
The present invention is also directed to a method of transferring electrical energy to the acupuncture regions of a body. The method comprises the steps of wearing an article of clothing configured to cover portions of the body, providing a plurality of electrodes integrated to the article of clothing at positions above the acupuncture regions of the body when the article of clothing is worn, each electrode configured to deliver electrical energy to the body, providing an electrical network integrated to the article of clothing configured to electrically connect the plurality of electrodes, providing a power source connected to the electrical network for storing electrical energy, and controlling the distribution electrical energy between the power source and the electrodes via the electrical network.
The present invention thus allows for the transfer of electrical energy to the acupuncture regions of a body using a wearable device, such as a body suit.
The wearable device allows for the delivery of electrical energy to the acupuncture regions of a body throughout the day as long as the wearable device is worn.
Advantageously also, electrical energy at the acupuncture regions of a body can be sensed and the appropriate amount of electrical energy can be delivered to these acupuncture regions based on the sensed electrical energy.
Other features and objects of the present invention will become more apparent from the description that follows of optional embodiments thereof, having reference to the appended drawings and given as examples only as to how the invention may be put into practice.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
For a better understanding of the present invention, reference is made to the following description and accompanying drawings, wherein like numerals refer to like parts, and the scope of the invention is set forth in the appended claims.
FIG. 1 is a front view of a user wearing a wearable device for transferring electrical energy to the acupuncture regions of the body in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the invention;
FIG. 2 is a rear view of a user wearing the wearable device of FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 is a top view of an electrode integrated within the wearable device of FIG.
1;
FIG. 4 is a side cross-sectional view of the sensor of FIG. 3 integrated within the wearable device of FIG. 1;
FIG. 5 is a side cross-sectional view of the wearable device of FIG. 1 adjacent to the body of a user when worn;
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the wearable device of FIG. 1 with a portion of the wearable device peeled from the body to expose the electrodes;
FIG. 7 is a block diagram of an energy transfer unit, in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the present invention; and FIG. 8 is a circuit diagram of a network integrated into the wearable device of FIG. 1, in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Now referring to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, a wearable device for transferring electrical energy to the acupuncture regions or points of the body generally referred to using the reference numeral 10 will now be described. The wearable device 10 is apt for transferring electrical energy to the acupuncture regions 12 of the body 14 , , 5 and includes a body worn article of clothing 16 configured to cover portions of the body 14 of a user 18, such as a human or animal body. The acupuncture regions 12 are typically known conventionally as acupuncture points or acupressure points. The terms "acupuncture regions" or "acupuncture points" are used herein interchangeably to refer to the locations on the body 14 that are the focus of acupuncture, acupressure, sonopuncture and/or laser acupuncture treatment and include several hundred acupuncture points considered to be located along meridians. Additionally, the term may also refer to other numerous "extra points"
not associated with a particular meridian. The term "meridians" as used herein refers to the connected points across the anatomy which affect a specific organ or other part of the body. Of note, only a portion of the acupuncture points and meridians are illustrated in the figures and other points at different positions on the body may be applicable to the present invention.
Still referring to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the wearable device 10 is a body worn device which illustratively includes a torso portion 20, a neck opening 22, a pair of upper limb openings 24, and a pair of lower limb openings 26, which is illustratively in the form of a body suit which can be worn by a human body 14 as a second skin.
The term "wearable" device is used herein to refer to a device that is directly, but non-permanently, affixed to a user's body 14. The wearable device 10 may be formed from a thin layer of material, such as Lycra Spandex , cotton, polyester or a combination of such materials, so as to be maintained in a close relationship to the skin of the body 14 and which can be worn comfortably by the user 18 on a daily basis without visible signs of such an under apparel being worn as observed by a third party. Optionally, the wearable device 10 includes multiple panels of material sewn together in an edge-to-edge relationship, or can be formed from a single integral piece of material. Of note, while the present invention is illustrated with reference to a wearable device worn to cover the torso, arms and limbs of a body 14, the wearable device 10 may also be configured to be a wearable device in the form of a wearable accessory such as a head covering, hand coverings or ' 6 gloves, or foot covering, as well as socks, pants, shirts, vests, belts, hats and shoes (all not shown), and the like.
Now referring to FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, in addition to FIG. 1, the wearable device includes a plurality of electrodes 28 having physiological measurement capabilities and which are integrated to the wearable device 10 at positions above or aligned with the wearer's 18 acupuncture regions 12 when the wearable device 10 is worn. The electrodes 28 function to monitor the physiological signals at the acupuncture regions 12, for example each electrode 28 is capable of collecting, processing, and communicating physiological data about the body 14 specifically at the acupuncture regions 12. Such physiological data may include, but is not limited to, autonomic nervous system activity, muscle activity, and electrical energy. Each electrode 28 may also deliver electrical energy to the body 14 such as the delivery of electroshocks as part of electroshock therapy.
Still additionally, each electrode 28 may also be configured capture or harness electrical energy from the body 14 at the acupuncture regions 12. To maintain the proper positioning of the electrodes 28 relative to the acupuncture regions 12, the electrodes 28 can be incorporated into the material of wearable device 10 so that they enter into direct or indirect (for example through capacitive coupling) electrical connection with the body 14 when the wearable device 10 is worn by the user 18.
Now referring to FIG. 4, in addition to FIG. 1 and FIG. 3, the electrodes 28 may illustratively be embodied as patches or devices incorporated into the material of wearable device 10 to be positioned and maintained in position adjacent to the body's 14 approximate acupuncture regions 12. For example, the electrodes 28 may be incorporated between an inner surface 30 of the wearable device 10 the facing the body 14 and an outer surface 32 of the wearable device 10 as illustrated in FIG. 4. Optionally, the electrodes 28 may be incorporated on the inner surface 30 of the wearable device 10 (not shown) to enter into direct contact with the body 14.
Now referring to FIG. 5, in addition to FIGs. 1, 3 and 4, the wearable device includes a network 34 integrated in the material of the wearable device 10 which electrically interconnects each electrode 28 to one another. For example, the electrical network 34 may carrying low voltage sensing signals collected by the electrodes 28 representative of physiological measurements at the acupuncture regions 12, or may serve to deliver higher voltage electrical energy to the body 14 at the acupuncture regions 12 below an electrode 28 for electrical shock treatment or for the transfer of energy to the acupuncture regions 12.
Illustratively, the electrical network 34 could be made from conductive wiring integrated within a layer the material between the inner surface 30 and the outer surface 32 of the wearable device 10 in the form of a grid. Optionally, the electrical network 34 could also include a wireless network which may transmit sensed signals by the electrodes 28 wirelessly.
Now referring to FIG. 7, in addition to FIGs. 1 and 2, the wearable device 10 includes an energy transfer unit 38 that controls and delivers electrical energy to the electrodes 28. The energy transfer unit 38 can be directly "worn" by the user 18, for example as a side accessory, or can be integrated directly into the wearable device 10, similar to the integration of the electrodes 28. The energy transfer unit 38 is connected to each of the electrodes 28 via the network 34 and includes generally a capacitor or capacitor bank 40, a capacitor charger 42 and a switch 44 for switching the capacitor bank 40 to the appropriate electrode 28.
The switch 44 may also connect one or more electrodes 28 together for transferring energy from an acupuncture point 12 experiencing a high energy level to an acupuncture point 12 experiencing a low energy level for energy rebalancing of the body 14, as will be described herein below.
Still referring to FIGs. 1, 2, and 7, the energy transfer unit 38 includes a controller 46. The controller 46 processes sensed electrical signals captured by the electrodes 28 at the acupressure regions 12 and for controlling the distribution of electrical energy to the electrodes 28 via the electrical network 34.
Illustratively, the controller 46 includes a processor unit 48, a memory 50, and a wireless , transceiver 52. The processor unit 48 may be a microprocessor, a gate array, an ASIC, or any other control logic architecture for executing instructions for software that may be loaded into memory 50 for controlling the distribution of electrical energy to the electrodes 28. The memory 50 may be, for example, a random access memory or any other suitable volatile or non-volatile storage device. The controller 46 may execute various control functions and features such as instructions for monitoring and collecting physiological data by the electrodes 28, the initiation of key protocols for secure communication by the wireless transceiver 52, or undertake the mapping of sensed energy and delivery of energy to, and/or between the acupuncture points 12.
Still referring to FIGs. 1, 2, and 7, in operation, the controller 46 monitors the physiological measurements at the acupuncture regions 12 as sensed by the electrodes 28. Based upon these sensed signals, the controller 46 may determine which acupuncture regions 12 require stimulation by the delivery of electrical energy to the electrodes 28. Electrical energy, either consisting of positive potential or negative potential in the form of electrical shocks or pulses for example, may thus be delivered to the acupuncture region 12 via the electrode 28. For example, the controller 46 may determine to deliver low voltage electrical dischargers to the body 14 to re-establish the equilibrium for the well-being of its user 18 having sensed a certain electrical energy level at these electrodes 28 indicative of a low energy equilibrium in the body 14. To do so, the controller 46 controls the switch 44 to connect the capacitor 40 to the appropriate electrode 28 or to the appropriate multiple electrodes 28 if required. For example, if the controller 46 senses an acupuncture region 12 of low energy level, the switch 44 may be set to interconnect the capacitor 40 with the appropriate electrode 28 for delivering electrical energy to the required acupuncture points 12.
Still referring to FIGs. 1, 2, and 7, the energy transfer unit 38 may also include a power source 54, such as a battery, which provides an energy source for operation of the electrodes 28 and the electronics of the energy transfer unit 38.
s As illustrated in Figure 8, the power source 54 may be integrated in the material of the wearable device 10 for example, between the inner surface 30 the outer surface 32. Optionally, one or more external electrical inputs 56 including the necessary power electronics circuitry (not shown) may be provided for connecting and powering the energy transfer unit 38 with an external power source 58. Such external electrical inputs 56 would provide the necessary voltages with the proper current supply to power the energy transfer unit 38.
Still referring to FIGs. 2 and 7, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, electrical energy may be captured from a plurality of solar cells 58 provided on the outer surface 32 of the wearable device 10 as the energy source for delivering electrical energy to the power source 54, for example a rechargeable battery which may be recharged by the solar energy captured by the solar cells 58.
Still referring to FIGs. 1 and 7, optionally, the wearable device 10 is apt for harnessing energy which it needs to function from the body 14 itself. For example, the electrodes 28 may collect or harness energy from acupuncture points 12 having a high potential energy, detected by the controller 46 and the electrodes 28 positioned over these acupuncture points 12. Such a high potential energy may be collected and stored in capacitor 40 and released to a targeted lower energy acupuncture section 12 as determined by the controller 46.
In operation, the wearable device 10 is capable of monitoring physiological signals of the body 14 at the acupuncture points 12 via the electrodes 28 and identify those acupuncture points 12 having low energy, for example as a result of detected physiological signals due to intra muscular and pains experienced within different organs. The wearable device 10 can then direct electrical energy as stored or collected in the capacitor 40 to one or more of acupuncture points 12 via the electrical network 34 and the electrodes 28 thereby transmitting strategically targeted electrical energy, for example in the form of pulses, to different points on the body 14 simultaneously to re-establish the energy equilibrium of the body 14 to obtain the results of traditional acupuncture.
As a result, the wearable device 10 can be worn as a second skin of the user 18 during the day and to continuously treat the acupuncture points 12 of the body with electrical energy. The wearable device 10 is able to continuously detect the 5 symptoms related to the user's 18 discomforts and treat them as soon as they appear which results in an immediate benefit to the user 18.
Although the above describes particular embodiments of the invention, many other variations and modifications and other uses may become apparent to those skilled in the art. It is preferred, that the present invention not be limited by this 10 specific disclosure herein, but only by the appended claims.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an apparel and method for strategically delivering electrical energy to the body. In particular, the present invention relates to apparel having an interconnected electrical network for delivering energy to acupuncture points of the body when worn and a method therefor.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Stimulating acupuncture points for the purposes of treatment to rebalance the body's energy equilibrium and assist with the elimination of pain caused by stress and muscle aches is well known in the prior art. Acupuncture techniques, as well as its derivatives such as electro-acupuncture or electrotherapy, are utilized for precisely targeting points on the body related to the twelve meridians as taught by traditional Chinese medicine. In practice, more than three hundred and sixty one acupuncture points corresponding each and all to a particular zone of the body are known which, when stimulated, promote therapeutic responses in the body.
Traditional acupuncture entails acting on acupuncture points with invasive physical stimuli, such as the insertion of very fine needles through the skin at precise points of the body representing the acupuncture points, as initially employed in traditional Chinese medicine. As a result of introduction of such needles, directed vital energy for maintaining or re-establishing equilibrium of the body is achieved.
Modern day derivatives of acupuncture therapy forego the use of needles to penetrate the skin for the stimulation of the acupuncture zones. For example, different stimulation therapies may be employed such as acupressure massages which require applying compressive pressure to the body's acupuncture points, . 2 or through biostimulation practices such as electroacupunture or electrotherapy which employs the strategic delivery of electrical energy to the acupuncture points.
However, one drawback of such methods is that since these treatments usually require specialized equipment and a specialized operator, the patient must be immobilized at a dedicated facility to receive treatment. As a result, visits to such sites often requires the patient to travel, and even more so frequently if numerous treatment sessions are required.
It would thus be preferable to provide a wearable apparel which can be worn by a user on a daily basis which provides for the delivery of energy to the meridian pathways and/or acupuncture points of the body.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention contrives to solve the disadvantages of the prior art.
In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a wearable device for transferring electrical energy to the acupuncture regions of a body. The wearable device includes an article of clothing configured to cover portions of the body, a plurality of electrodes integrated to the article of clothing at positions above the acupuncture regions of the body when the article of clothing is worn, with each electrode configured to deliver electrical energy to the body. The wearable device also includes an electrical network integrated to the article of clothing configured to electrically connect the plurality of electrodes, a power source connected to the electrical network for storing electrical energy, and a controller for controlling the distribution electrical energy between the power source and the electrodes via the electrical network.
In one possible embodiment the controller controls the distribution of positive electrical energy from the power source to an electrode at an acupuncture point comprising a low electrical energy potential and the distribution of negative , . 3 electrical energy from the power source to an electrode at an acupuncture point comprising a high electrical energy potential.
Optionally, the wearable device is a body suit.
The present invention is also directed to a method of transferring electrical energy to the acupuncture regions of a body. The method comprises the steps of wearing an article of clothing configured to cover portions of the body, providing a plurality of electrodes integrated to the article of clothing at positions above the acupuncture regions of the body when the article of clothing is worn, each electrode configured to deliver electrical energy to the body, providing an electrical network integrated to the article of clothing configured to electrically connect the plurality of electrodes, providing a power source connected to the electrical network for storing electrical energy, and controlling the distribution electrical energy between the power source and the electrodes via the electrical network.
The present invention thus allows for the transfer of electrical energy to the acupuncture regions of a body using a wearable device, such as a body suit.
The wearable device allows for the delivery of electrical energy to the acupuncture regions of a body throughout the day as long as the wearable device is worn.
Advantageously also, electrical energy at the acupuncture regions of a body can be sensed and the appropriate amount of electrical energy can be delivered to these acupuncture regions based on the sensed electrical energy.
Other features and objects of the present invention will become more apparent from the description that follows of optional embodiments thereof, having reference to the appended drawings and given as examples only as to how the invention may be put into practice.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
For a better understanding of the present invention, reference is made to the following description and accompanying drawings, wherein like numerals refer to like parts, and the scope of the invention is set forth in the appended claims.
FIG. 1 is a front view of a user wearing a wearable device for transferring electrical energy to the acupuncture regions of the body in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the invention;
FIG. 2 is a rear view of a user wearing the wearable device of FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 is a top view of an electrode integrated within the wearable device of FIG.
1;
FIG. 4 is a side cross-sectional view of the sensor of FIG. 3 integrated within the wearable device of FIG. 1;
FIG. 5 is a side cross-sectional view of the wearable device of FIG. 1 adjacent to the body of a user when worn;
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the wearable device of FIG. 1 with a portion of the wearable device peeled from the body to expose the electrodes;
FIG. 7 is a block diagram of an energy transfer unit, in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the present invention; and FIG. 8 is a circuit diagram of a network integrated into the wearable device of FIG. 1, in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Now referring to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, a wearable device for transferring electrical energy to the acupuncture regions or points of the body generally referred to using the reference numeral 10 will now be described. The wearable device 10 is apt for transferring electrical energy to the acupuncture regions 12 of the body 14 , , 5 and includes a body worn article of clothing 16 configured to cover portions of the body 14 of a user 18, such as a human or animal body. The acupuncture regions 12 are typically known conventionally as acupuncture points or acupressure points. The terms "acupuncture regions" or "acupuncture points" are used herein interchangeably to refer to the locations on the body 14 that are the focus of acupuncture, acupressure, sonopuncture and/or laser acupuncture treatment and include several hundred acupuncture points considered to be located along meridians. Additionally, the term may also refer to other numerous "extra points"
not associated with a particular meridian. The term "meridians" as used herein refers to the connected points across the anatomy which affect a specific organ or other part of the body. Of note, only a portion of the acupuncture points and meridians are illustrated in the figures and other points at different positions on the body may be applicable to the present invention.
Still referring to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the wearable device 10 is a body worn device which illustratively includes a torso portion 20, a neck opening 22, a pair of upper limb openings 24, and a pair of lower limb openings 26, which is illustratively in the form of a body suit which can be worn by a human body 14 as a second skin.
The term "wearable" device is used herein to refer to a device that is directly, but non-permanently, affixed to a user's body 14. The wearable device 10 may be formed from a thin layer of material, such as Lycra Spandex , cotton, polyester or a combination of such materials, so as to be maintained in a close relationship to the skin of the body 14 and which can be worn comfortably by the user 18 on a daily basis without visible signs of such an under apparel being worn as observed by a third party. Optionally, the wearable device 10 includes multiple panels of material sewn together in an edge-to-edge relationship, or can be formed from a single integral piece of material. Of note, while the present invention is illustrated with reference to a wearable device worn to cover the torso, arms and limbs of a body 14, the wearable device 10 may also be configured to be a wearable device in the form of a wearable accessory such as a head covering, hand coverings or ' 6 gloves, or foot covering, as well as socks, pants, shirts, vests, belts, hats and shoes (all not shown), and the like.
Now referring to FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, in addition to FIG. 1, the wearable device includes a plurality of electrodes 28 having physiological measurement capabilities and which are integrated to the wearable device 10 at positions above or aligned with the wearer's 18 acupuncture regions 12 when the wearable device 10 is worn. The electrodes 28 function to monitor the physiological signals at the acupuncture regions 12, for example each electrode 28 is capable of collecting, processing, and communicating physiological data about the body 14 specifically at the acupuncture regions 12. Such physiological data may include, but is not limited to, autonomic nervous system activity, muscle activity, and electrical energy. Each electrode 28 may also deliver electrical energy to the body 14 such as the delivery of electroshocks as part of electroshock therapy.
Still additionally, each electrode 28 may also be configured capture or harness electrical energy from the body 14 at the acupuncture regions 12. To maintain the proper positioning of the electrodes 28 relative to the acupuncture regions 12, the electrodes 28 can be incorporated into the material of wearable device 10 so that they enter into direct or indirect (for example through capacitive coupling) electrical connection with the body 14 when the wearable device 10 is worn by the user 18.
Now referring to FIG. 4, in addition to FIG. 1 and FIG. 3, the electrodes 28 may illustratively be embodied as patches or devices incorporated into the material of wearable device 10 to be positioned and maintained in position adjacent to the body's 14 approximate acupuncture regions 12. For example, the electrodes 28 may be incorporated between an inner surface 30 of the wearable device 10 the facing the body 14 and an outer surface 32 of the wearable device 10 as illustrated in FIG. 4. Optionally, the electrodes 28 may be incorporated on the inner surface 30 of the wearable device 10 (not shown) to enter into direct contact with the body 14.
Now referring to FIG. 5, in addition to FIGs. 1, 3 and 4, the wearable device includes a network 34 integrated in the material of the wearable device 10 which electrically interconnects each electrode 28 to one another. For example, the electrical network 34 may carrying low voltage sensing signals collected by the electrodes 28 representative of physiological measurements at the acupuncture regions 12, or may serve to deliver higher voltage electrical energy to the body 14 at the acupuncture regions 12 below an electrode 28 for electrical shock treatment or for the transfer of energy to the acupuncture regions 12.
Illustratively, the electrical network 34 could be made from conductive wiring integrated within a layer the material between the inner surface 30 and the outer surface 32 of the wearable device 10 in the form of a grid. Optionally, the electrical network 34 could also include a wireless network which may transmit sensed signals by the electrodes 28 wirelessly.
Now referring to FIG. 7, in addition to FIGs. 1 and 2, the wearable device 10 includes an energy transfer unit 38 that controls and delivers electrical energy to the electrodes 28. The energy transfer unit 38 can be directly "worn" by the user 18, for example as a side accessory, or can be integrated directly into the wearable device 10, similar to the integration of the electrodes 28. The energy transfer unit 38 is connected to each of the electrodes 28 via the network 34 and includes generally a capacitor or capacitor bank 40, a capacitor charger 42 and a switch 44 for switching the capacitor bank 40 to the appropriate electrode 28.
The switch 44 may also connect one or more electrodes 28 together for transferring energy from an acupuncture point 12 experiencing a high energy level to an acupuncture point 12 experiencing a low energy level for energy rebalancing of the body 14, as will be described herein below.
Still referring to FIGs. 1, 2, and 7, the energy transfer unit 38 includes a controller 46. The controller 46 processes sensed electrical signals captured by the electrodes 28 at the acupressure regions 12 and for controlling the distribution of electrical energy to the electrodes 28 via the electrical network 34.
Illustratively, the controller 46 includes a processor unit 48, a memory 50, and a wireless , transceiver 52. The processor unit 48 may be a microprocessor, a gate array, an ASIC, or any other control logic architecture for executing instructions for software that may be loaded into memory 50 for controlling the distribution of electrical energy to the electrodes 28. The memory 50 may be, for example, a random access memory or any other suitable volatile or non-volatile storage device. The controller 46 may execute various control functions and features such as instructions for monitoring and collecting physiological data by the electrodes 28, the initiation of key protocols for secure communication by the wireless transceiver 52, or undertake the mapping of sensed energy and delivery of energy to, and/or between the acupuncture points 12.
Still referring to FIGs. 1, 2, and 7, in operation, the controller 46 monitors the physiological measurements at the acupuncture regions 12 as sensed by the electrodes 28. Based upon these sensed signals, the controller 46 may determine which acupuncture regions 12 require stimulation by the delivery of electrical energy to the electrodes 28. Electrical energy, either consisting of positive potential or negative potential in the form of electrical shocks or pulses for example, may thus be delivered to the acupuncture region 12 via the electrode 28. For example, the controller 46 may determine to deliver low voltage electrical dischargers to the body 14 to re-establish the equilibrium for the well-being of its user 18 having sensed a certain electrical energy level at these electrodes 28 indicative of a low energy equilibrium in the body 14. To do so, the controller 46 controls the switch 44 to connect the capacitor 40 to the appropriate electrode 28 or to the appropriate multiple electrodes 28 if required. For example, if the controller 46 senses an acupuncture region 12 of low energy level, the switch 44 may be set to interconnect the capacitor 40 with the appropriate electrode 28 for delivering electrical energy to the required acupuncture points 12.
Still referring to FIGs. 1, 2, and 7, the energy transfer unit 38 may also include a power source 54, such as a battery, which provides an energy source for operation of the electrodes 28 and the electronics of the energy transfer unit 38.
s As illustrated in Figure 8, the power source 54 may be integrated in the material of the wearable device 10 for example, between the inner surface 30 the outer surface 32. Optionally, one or more external electrical inputs 56 including the necessary power electronics circuitry (not shown) may be provided for connecting and powering the energy transfer unit 38 with an external power source 58. Such external electrical inputs 56 would provide the necessary voltages with the proper current supply to power the energy transfer unit 38.
Still referring to FIGs. 2 and 7, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, electrical energy may be captured from a plurality of solar cells 58 provided on the outer surface 32 of the wearable device 10 as the energy source for delivering electrical energy to the power source 54, for example a rechargeable battery which may be recharged by the solar energy captured by the solar cells 58.
Still referring to FIGs. 1 and 7, optionally, the wearable device 10 is apt for harnessing energy which it needs to function from the body 14 itself. For example, the electrodes 28 may collect or harness energy from acupuncture points 12 having a high potential energy, detected by the controller 46 and the electrodes 28 positioned over these acupuncture points 12. Such a high potential energy may be collected and stored in capacitor 40 and released to a targeted lower energy acupuncture section 12 as determined by the controller 46.
In operation, the wearable device 10 is capable of monitoring physiological signals of the body 14 at the acupuncture points 12 via the electrodes 28 and identify those acupuncture points 12 having low energy, for example as a result of detected physiological signals due to intra muscular and pains experienced within different organs. The wearable device 10 can then direct electrical energy as stored or collected in the capacitor 40 to one or more of acupuncture points 12 via the electrical network 34 and the electrodes 28 thereby transmitting strategically targeted electrical energy, for example in the form of pulses, to different points on the body 14 simultaneously to re-establish the energy equilibrium of the body 14 to obtain the results of traditional acupuncture.
As a result, the wearable device 10 can be worn as a second skin of the user 18 during the day and to continuously treat the acupuncture points 12 of the body with electrical energy. The wearable device 10 is able to continuously detect the 5 symptoms related to the user's 18 discomforts and treat them as soon as they appear which results in an immediate benefit to the user 18.
Although the above describes particular embodiments of the invention, many other variations and modifications and other uses may become apparent to those skilled in the art. It is preferred, that the present invention not be limited by this 10 specific disclosure herein, but only by the appended claims.
Claims (15)
1. A wearable device for transferring electrical energy to acupuncture regions of a body, the wearable device comprising:
an article of clothing configured to cover portions of the body;
a plurality of electrodes integrated to the article of clothing at positions above the acupuncture regions of the body when the article of clothing is worn, each electrode configured to deliver electrical energy to the body;
an electrical network integrated to the article of clothing configured to electrically connect the plurality of electrodes;
a power source connected to the electrical network for storing electrical energy; and a controller for controlling the distribution electrical energy between the power source and the electrodes via the electrical network.
an article of clothing configured to cover portions of the body;
a plurality of electrodes integrated to the article of clothing at positions above the acupuncture regions of the body when the article of clothing is worn, each electrode configured to deliver electrical energy to the body;
an electrical network integrated to the article of clothing configured to electrically connect the plurality of electrodes;
a power source connected to the electrical network for storing electrical energy; and a controller for controlling the distribution electrical energy between the power source and the electrodes via the electrical network.
2. The wearable device of claim 1, wherein the electrodes and controller are configured to monitor the electrical energy at the acupuncture regions.
3. The wearable device of claims 1 or 2, wherein the electrodes are configured to harness the electrical energy at the acupuncture regions for recharging the power source.
4. The wearable device of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the controller controls the distribution of positive electrical energy from the power source to an electrode at an acupuncture point comprising a low electrical energy potential and the distribution of negative electrical energy from the power source to an electrode at an acupuncture point comprising a high electrical energy potential.
5. The wearable device of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the article of clothing is a body suit.
6. The wearable device of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the article of clothing is selected from the group consisting of: a hat, a glove, a sock, a shirt, and pants.
7. The wearable device of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the article of clothing is manufactured from a thin material.
8. The wearable device of any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the power source is integrated within the article of clothing.
9. The wearable device of any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the electrodes are integrated to an inner surface of the article of clothing to face the body.
10. The wearable device of claim any one of claims 1 to 9, further comprising solar panels provided on an exterior surface of the wearable device for capturing energy from the sun to recharge the power source.
11.The wearable device of claim any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the electrical network is a grid of electrical wiring.
12. A method of transferring electrical energy to the acupuncture regions of a body comprising:
wearing an article of clothing configured to cover portions of the body;
providing a plurality of electrodes integrated to the article of clothing at positions above the acupuncture regions of the body when the article of clothing is worn, each electrode configured to deliver electrical energy to the body;
providing an electrical network integrated to the article of clothing configured to electrically connect the plurality of electrodes;
providing a power source connected to the electrical network for storing electrical energy; and controlling the distribution electrical energy between the power source and the electrodes via the electrical network.
wearing an article of clothing configured to cover portions of the body;
providing a plurality of electrodes integrated to the article of clothing at positions above the acupuncture regions of the body when the article of clothing is worn, each electrode configured to deliver electrical energy to the body;
providing an electrical network integrated to the article of clothing configured to electrically connect the plurality of electrodes;
providing a power source connected to the electrical network for storing electrical energy; and controlling the distribution electrical energy between the power source and the electrodes via the electrical network.
13.The method of claim 12, further comprising monitoring the electrical energy at the acupuncture regions for providing physiological data to the controller.
14. The wearable device of claims 11 or 13, further comprising harnessing the electrical energy at the acupuncture regions by the electrodes for recharging the power source.
15. The wearable device of any one of claims 11 to 14, further comprising distributing positive electrical energy from the power source to an electrode at an acupuncture point comprising a low electrical energy potential and distributing negative electrical energy from the power source to an electrode at an acupuncture point comprising a high electrical energy potential.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US201562128702P | 2015-03-05 | 2015-03-05 | |
| US62/128,702 | 2015-03-05 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2923119A1 true CA2923119A1 (en) | 2016-09-05 |
Family
ID=56855866
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA2923119A Abandoned CA2923119A1 (en) | 2015-03-05 | 2016-03-07 | Therapeutic energy transfer apparel and method |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2923119A1 (en) |
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| CN106551786A (en) * | 2017-02-14 | 2017-04-05 | 包磊 | A kind of acupuncture analog signal output method and device |
| WO2018149202A1 (en) * | 2017-02-14 | 2018-08-23 | 深圳市善行医疗科技有限公司 | Acupuncture simulation method and device |
| WO2018149201A1 (en) * | 2017-02-14 | 2018-08-23 | 深圳市善行医疗科技有限公司 | Acupuncture simulation signal output method and device |
| WO2018149197A1 (en) * | 2017-02-14 | 2018-08-23 | 深圳市善行医疗科技有限公司 | Acupuncture simulation signal output method and device |
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| WO2018149196A1 (en) * | 2017-02-14 | 2018-08-23 | 深圳市善行医疗科技有限公司 | Acupuncture simulation signal output method and device |
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| CN106551786A (en) * | 2017-02-14 | 2017-04-05 | 包磊 | A kind of acupuncture analog signal output method and device |
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