KR102630521B1 - Infrared irradiation system - Google Patents

Abstract

The infrared irradiation system of the present invention includes a body portion supported by the user's ear, a generator provided on one side of the body portion and irradiating infrared rays, the generator portion, a case portion, and a plurality of devices provided on one side of the case portion. An infrared irradiation system is provided, comprising two LED units, wherein the plurality of LED units irradiate infrared rays of different wavelengths.

Description

Infrared irradiation system {INFRARED IRRADIATION SYSTEM}

The present invention relates to an infrared irradiation system, and more specifically, to an infrared irradiation system that inserts a generator that irradiates infrared rays into the ear to prevent noise-induced hearing loss and alleviate otitis media and otitis externa, and to visually confirm the irradiation process. will be.

According to the National Health Service, the number of people with hearing loss in Korea in 2018 is estimated to be about 8.09 million, and it is reported that noise-induced hearing loss accounts for 38%, especially in teenagers and young people in their 30s or younger. This figure is more than double the 17% of people in their 60s or older.

The number of patients suffering from noise-induced hearing loss, otitis media, and otitis externa has recently been rapidly increasing among young people, and infrared irradiation devices are being used for this purpose.

These infrared irradiation devices are designed to intensively radiate heat and infrared rays to a part of the body, and are widely used due to the low risk of side effects.

In general, infrared rays are also called heat rays and are originally invisible rays. The infrared rays emitted from the sun can only be felt warm by the senses and are not visible to the eyes.

Infrared lamps that artificially generate infrared rays use long-wave infrared rays and short-wave infrared rays. Long-wave infrared rays do not emit light and only generate heat by using ceramic or iron cores.

At this time, most infrared lamps are short-wave infrared lamps. Infrared lamps not only have a thermal effect within the organism, but also have an excellent subcutaneous penetration effect, activating cells and organs exposed to radiant heat, expanding blood vessels, promoting blood circulation, and improving metabolism. It has the effect of quickly removing waste products and enabling antibody action in the human body.

These infrared irradiation devices can be classified into various sizes and shapes depending on the purpose of use, and a representative example is a portable infrared irradiation device equipped with a handle that allows the user to irradiate infrared rays to a desired body part.

However, in the case of a conventional infrared irradiation device, the process of irradiating infrared rays cannot be directly visually confirmed, and there are limitations in confirming whether the infrared rays are being irradiated appropriately.

Accordingly, various research and development efforts are being conducted on infrared irradiation systems that are effective in treating otitis media and otitis externa, including noise-induced hearing loss.

Korea Registered Utility Model No. 20-0320034 (2003.07.03)

The technical problem of the present invention to solve the above problems is to provide an infrared irradiation system that prevents noise-induced hearing loss and alleviates otitis media and otitis externa by inserting a generator that irradiates infrared rays into the ear, and allows the irradiation process to be visually confirmed. It is provided.

The problems to be solved by the present invention are not limited to the problems mentioned above, and other problems to be solved by the present invention that are not mentioned herein can be explained to those skilled in the art from the description below. You will be able to understand it clearly.

In order to achieve the above technical problem, an embodiment of the present invention includes a body supported by the user's ear, a generator provided on one side of the body, a generator that irradiates infrared rays, and a management unit provided on one side of the body, , the generator unit includes a plurality of LED units, and the plurality of LED units include a main LED that irradiates far infrared rays and a plurality of sub LEDs that irradiate near infrared rays.

In addition, in the infrared irradiation system according to an embodiment of the present invention, the management unit is electrically connected to a communication unit capable of communicating with an external device, a battery unit that supplies power to the generator, and the communication unit, It is characterized by comprising a control unit that controls the operation of the generator and a temperature sensor unit that measures the surface temperature of the generator.

Additionally, in the infrared irradiation system according to an embodiment of the present invention, the control unit controls the main LED or sub LED to irradiate infrared rays according to the temperature measured from the temperature sensor unit.

In addition, in the infrared irradiation system according to an embodiment of the present invention, it further includes a display unit provided to be spaced apart from the body unit, and the display unit monitors the operating status of the control unit, temperature sensor unit, and generator unit through the communication unit. It is characterized by receiving and displaying.

In addition, in the infrared irradiation system according to an embodiment of the present invention, the control unit controls the main LED and the sub LED to irradiate far infrared rays and near infrared rays, respectively, when power is supplied from the battery unit to the generator unit. When the temperature measured from the temperature sensor unit is higher than a preset temperature, the main LED is controlled to stop irradiating far-infrared rays.

The effects of the infrared irradiation system according to the present invention described above are explained as follows.

According to the present invention, the infrared irradiation system operates with the generator that irradiates infrared rays inserted into the ear canal, so infrared waves can be effectively transmitted to the inside of the ear. Therefore, it is effective in alleviating noise-induced hearing loss, otitis media, and otitis externa.

According to the present invention, a display unit is provided to check the irradiation process, and there is an advantage of being able to guide the appropriate irradiation time according to information such as the user's age and condition.

According to the present invention, by irradiating appropriate infrared rays according to the temperature measured from the temperature sensor unit, there is an advantage in that infrared irradiation is automatically performed and damage and burns due to heating can be prevented.

According to the present invention, by irradiating far infrared rays through the main LED and irradiating near infrared rays through a plurality of sub LEDs, there is an advantage that infrared rays can be irradiated to the user's ears in a balanced overall manner.

The effects of the present invention are not limited to the effects mentioned above, and the effects of the present invention not mentioned herein will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description below. .

1 is a diagram showing the configuration of an infrared irradiation system according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 2 is an enlarged view of the body of an infrared irradiation system according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 3 is a diagram showing the configuration of a generator of an infrared irradiation system according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 4 is an overall configuration diagram of an infrared irradiation system according to another embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 5 is a diagram showing the control configuration of an infrared irradiation system according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 6 is a control flowchart of an infrared irradiation system according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 7 is a diagram showing the configuration of an infrared irradiation system according to another embodiment of the present invention.
Figures 8 and 9 are enlarged views of the body of an infrared irradiation system according to another embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 10 is a diagram showing the configuration of a generator of an infrared irradiation system according to another embodiment of the present invention.

The terms used in this specification will be briefly explained, and the present invention will be described in detail.

The terms used in the present invention are general terms that are currently widely used as much as possible while considering the function in the present invention, but this may vary depending on the intention or precedent of a person working in the art, the emergence of new technology, etc. Therefore, the terms used in the present invention should be defined based on the meaning of the term and the overall content of the present invention, rather than simply the name of the term.

When a part in the entire specification is said to “include” a certain element, this means that it does not exclude other elements but may further include other elements, unless specifically stated to the contrary.

Below, with reference to the attached drawings, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail so that those skilled in the art can easily implement the present invention. However, the present invention may be implemented in many different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein.

Specific details, including the problem to be solved by the present invention, the means for solving the problem, and the effect of the invention, are included in the examples and drawings described below. The advantages and features of the present invention and methods for achieving them will become clear by referring to the embodiments described in detail below along with the accompanying drawings.

Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to the attached drawings.

Referring to Figures 1 and 2, the infrared irradiation system 1000 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a body portion 100 supported on the user's ear, and a body portion 100 provided on one side of the body portion 100, It includes a generator 300 that emits infrared rays, and the generator 300 includes a plurality of LED portions 320, and the plurality of LED portions 320 include a main LED 324 that emits far-infrared rays. ) and a plurality of sub-LEDs 325 that irradiate near-infrared rays.

First, the body portion 100 has the external shape of the infrared irradiation system 1000 of the present invention. When irradiating infrared rays, the body portion 100 is supported on the user's auricles that require irradiation. For example, the body portion 100 may be shaped like an earphone that is generally used when listening to music. That is, the body portion 100 is formed to be round as a whole.

In more detail, the body portion 100 is supported and at least a portion of the body portion 100 is inserted into the user's auricle. At this time, the body portion 100 further includes a body portion 120 that extends from the body portion 100 and is formed in a round shape. That is, the body portion 100 and the body portion 120 are parts that come into contact with the outer peripheral surface of the user's ear, and the body portion 100 and the body portion 120 are formed in a round shape to reduce pain caused by long-term wearing. This has the advantage of minimizing separation of the body portion 100 from the user's ear pinna and improving wearing comfort. That is, the body portion 120 and the body portion 100 may be formed overall in a hook shape.

Additionally, the generator 300 is configured to emit infrared rays. Infrared rays may be emitted from the generator 300 in various wavelength ranges. For example, the generator 300 may generate an infrared wavelength of 405 to 660 nm, which is effective in improving skin diseases such as acne and treating inflammation, and may generate an infrared wavelength of 660 to 870 nm, which is effective in alleviating pain. The intensity of the infrared waves generated from the generator 300 can be controlled through the power supply 110, which will be described later.

Here, the infrared wavelength generated from the generator 300 is not necessarily limited to the wavelength range mentioned above.

In more detail, referring to FIG. 3, the plurality of LED units 320 may include a main LED 324 that emits far-infrared rays and a plurality of sub-LEDs 325 that emit near-infrared rays. In more detail, the main LED 324 is provided at the center of the case part 310 and irradiates far-infrared rays under the control of the control unit 430. In addition, the plurality of sub-LEDs 325 are arranged radially around the main LED 324 and emit near-infrared rays under the control of the control unit 430. At this time, the plurality of sub-LEDs 325 may irradiate near-infrared rays of different wavelengths. As a result, by irradiating far infrared rays through the main LED 324 and irradiating near infrared rays through the plurality of sub LEDs 325, there is an advantage that infrared rays can be irradiated to the user's ears in an overall balanced manner. Here, the main LED 324 may be provided in plural numbers, and a plurality of sub-LEDs 325 may be arranged based on the center of each main LED 324.

Next, the infrared irradiation system 1000 of the present invention displays the operating state of the generator 300 to confirm the infrared irradiation process and allows the user to manipulate the operation of the generator 300. It may further include a display unit 500. That is, the display unit 500 can be connected to the body unit 100 through a wire 130 and a port 131, and the operating state of the generator 300 and the temperature sensor unit 440, which will be described later, Measurement values, etc. are displayed so that the user can easily check the operating state of the generator 300. Additionally, it is possible to check the remaining battery capacity of the battery unit 420, which will be described later. In addition, the display unit 500 may display a guide app (not shown) that guides the appropriate wavelength or irradiation time according to information such as the user's age and condition.

In addition, the display unit 500 includes a plurality of button units 510 that allow the user to operate the generator 300. For example, the first button is a timer: 3 minutes for 1 press, 5 minutes for 2 presses, 8 minutes for 3 presses, 10 minutes for 4 presses, 20 minutes for 5 presses, 20 minutes for 6 presses. When pressurized 7 times for 30 minutes, the generator 300 can be set to operate for 3 minutes again. In addition, the second button can be set for use so that near-infrared rays and red wavelengths are irradiated simultaneously when pressed once, and far-infrared rays can be irradiated when pressed twice. In addition, the third button is a start and force type button that can start irradiation of infrared rays according to the set time and wavelength, and can stop irradiation of infrared rays when pressed again.

In addition, the control unit 430, which will be described later, can execute either an automatic mode or an operation mode. In the automatic mode, the generator 300 is controlled by the control unit 430, which will be described later, and in the operation mode, the user The generator 300 can be operated by .

Meanwhile, referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, the infrared irradiation system 1000 of the present invention further includes a management unit 400 provided on one side of the body portion. The management unit 400 is provided inside the body unit 100 and controls the operation of the infrared irradiation system 1000 of the present invention.

The management unit 400 may include a communication unit 410, a battery unit 420, a control unit 430, and a temperature sensor unit 440.

Here, the communication unit 410 is configured to communicate with external devices. At this time, the external device may be the display unit 500 or the user terminal 10. Accordingly, the user terminal 10 or the display unit 500 may be connected to communication with the infrared irradiation system 1000 of the present invention.

Here, the user terminal 10 may be any device equipped with, for example, an input device capable of inputting text and an output device capable of displaying text on a screen.

The user terminal 10 includes all types of handheld wireless communication devices equipped with a touch screen panel, such as mobile phones, smartphones, Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs), Portable Multimedia Players (PMPs), and tablet PCs. It may be a device or a device with a built-in platform for installing and running applications, such as a desktop PC, tablet PC, laptop PC, or IPTV including set-top box.

Here, the communication unit 410 capable of making a communication connection with the user terminal 10 can make a communication connection using various wired and wireless communication technologies such as an Internet network, an intranet network, a mobile communication network, and a satellite communication network.

Here, the communication network includes not only closed networks such as LAN (Local Area Network) and WAN (Wide Area Network) and open networks such as the Internet, but also CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access), WCDMA (Wideband Code Division Multiple Access), It can be a concept that collectively refers to networks such as GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications), LTE (Long Term Evolution), and EPC (Evolved Packet Core), as well as next-generation networks and computing networks that will be implemented in the future.

And the battery unit 420 is configured to supply power to various components provided in the infrared irradiation system 1000 of the present invention.

For example, the battery unit 420 may be provided with a charging terminal (not shown) in the infrared irradiation system 1000 of the present invention, and charging may be performed through the charging terminal, or a charging supply device (not shown). When the battery unit 420 is placed around , charging may be performed automatically in the form of wireless charging.

The battery unit 420 charged in this way supplies power to various components, including the generator unit 300.

And the control unit 430 is electrically connected to the communication unit 410. Accordingly, operation information transmitted from the user terminal 10 may be transmitted to the control unit 430 through the communication unit 410.

Accordingly, the user can control the operation of the control unit 430 through the user terminal 10. That is, the user may selectively control the operating time, wavelength range, etc. of the generator 300 through the user terminal 10.

Here, when operating the generator 300 through the user terminal 10, the user may control the operation of the generator 300 in predetermined time units. For example, the operation of the generator 300 may be controlled to operate for 5 minutes, then stop for 30 seconds, and then operate again for 5 minutes. In this way, of course, the user can selectively adjust the operating time and operating state of the generator 300 to suit the user's body.

Meanwhile, the temperature sensor unit 440 is configured to measure the surface temperature of the generator 300 or the ear canal insertion unit 200. The surface temperature information measured by the temperature sensor unit 440 may also be provided to the user terminal 10 through the communication unit 410.

Accordingly, the user may control the operation of the generator 300 to match the temperature requested by the user through the user terminal 10.

In addition, the control unit 430 is configured to automatically stop the operation of the generator 300 when the temperature measured by the temperature sensor unit 440 is higher than a predetermined temperature. This is to prevent the temperature of the generator 300 from rapidly increasing during the infrared irradiation process and causing burns on the skin of the user's ear canal.

The infrared irradiation system (1000) of the present invention prepares a cap to prevent cross-infection, and the cradle that can charge the product is also equipped with an ultraviolet sterilizing LED. Of course, it can be done to prevent infections that may occur if the device is not disinfected frequently or is used repeatedly.

In addition, the control unit 430 may control at least one LED unit 320 of the plurality of LED units 320 to emit infrared rays according to the temperature measured by the temperature sensor unit 440. For example, when the temperature measured by the temperature sensor unit 440 exceeds a preset temperature value, irradiation of far-infrared rays with a relatively high temperature can be stopped and control is performed so that only near-infrared rays are irradiated. In addition, when power is initially supplied, the control unit 430 irradiates only far-infrared rays with a relatively high temperature. When the temperature measured by the temperature sensor unit 440 reaches a set temperature value, the control unit 430 stops irradiating the far-infrared rays and emits near-infrared rays. You can also control this to be investigated. In other words, by ensuring that appropriate infrared rays are irradiated according to the temperature measured from the temperature sensor unit 440, infrared irradiation is automatically performed, but there is an advantage in preventing damage and burns due to heating.

Also, referring to FIG. 6, when power is supplied from the battery unit 420 to the generator 300, the control unit 430 causes the main LED 324 and the sub LED 325 to emit far-infrared rays and rays, respectively. It is controlled to irradiate near-infrared rays, but when the temperature measured by the temperature sensor unit 440 is higher than a preset temperature, the main LED 324 can be controlled to stop irradiating far-infrared rays.

In more detail, when the button unit 510 is pressed in automatic mode and power is supplied to the generator 300, the main LED 324 and the sub LED 325 radiate far-infrared rays and near-infrared rays, respectively, and The temperature sensor unit 440 measures the temperature of the surface and transmits the measured value to the control unit 430. Thereafter, the control unit 430 determines whether the measured value of the temperature sensor unit 440 is higher than a preset temperature. At this time, when the measured value of the temperature sensor unit 440 is lower than the preset temperature, the control unit 430 causes the main LED 324 and the sub LED 325 to continuously irradiate far-infrared rays and near-infrared rays, respectively. Additionally, when the measured value of the temperature sensor unit 440 is higher than a preset temperature, the control unit 430 controls the main LED 324 to stop irradiating far-infrared rays. Through this, there is an advantage in preventing damage and burns from occurring due to heating.

Meanwhile, referring to FIGS. 7 to 9, it is coupled to the entire body portion 100 and may further include an ear canal insertion portion 200 inserted into the ear canal.

This ear canal insertion part 200 is made to be detachable from the body part 100. Therefore, for example, when damage or malfunction of the generator 300 provided inside the body 100 occurs, the ear canal insertion part 200 is separated from the body 100. Repair and replacement of the generator 300 can be conveniently performed.

As such, the ear canal insertion unit 200 is configured to be insertable into the user's ear canal.

By irradiating the inside of the user's ear while the infrared rays generated from the generator 300 pass through the ear canal insertion unit 200, noise-induced hearing loss, otitis media, and otitis externa can be effectively alleviated.

In this way, the infrared rays emitted from the generator 300 relieve the fatigue felt by the ears by relaxing the muscles holding the eardrum. For example, workers who work in fields exposed to noise for long periods of time, people who listen to music for long periods of time, and people who feel easily tired can use the infrared irradiation system (1000) of the present invention to relax their tired ear muscles, It can relieve fatigue.

Additionally, it is possible to prevent otitis externa or otitis media by suppressing the growth of bacteria that may be present in the ear by removing moisture in the ear.

In this way, the generator 300 emits infrared rays while inserted into the user's ear together with the ear canal insertion unit 200, thereby dilating blood vessels in the ear canal area and activating immune cells by improving blood circulation, It is done to sterilize germs that cause various diseases.

Here, the ear canal insertion unit 200 is configured to prevent heat generated from the generator 300 from being directly transferred to the skin inside the user's ear. This is to prevent burns from occurring in the area of the ear canal where the ear canal insertion part 200 comes into contact, for example, during the infrared irradiation process.

Therefore, the ear canal insertion portion 200 may be made of a heat-resistant material, for example, ABS material. Here, the ear canal insertion part 200 does not necessarily have to be made of ABS material, and of course, any material can be used as long as it has excellent heat resistance. Additionally, the ear canal insertion portion 200 may be formed in a tapered shape. That is, the ear canal insertion portion 200 is formed in a tapered cone shape whose diameter becomes smaller as it moves toward the user's ear, thereby minimizing separation from the user's ear and improving fit. There is an advantage.

In addition, the body part 100 may be provided with the power supply unit 110 that controls the operation of the generator 300. The power supply unit 110 is configured to adjust the intensity of infrared waves generated from the generator 300. That is, the user can control the intensity of the wavelength of infrared rays generated from the generator 300 by touching the power unit 110 with his or her finger and moving it up or down.

The power unit 110 can control ON/OFF of the generator 300. That is, when the user presses the power unit 110 once, the generator 300 operates, and when the user presses it again, the operation of the generator 300 is stopped so that the generator 300 in operation is stopped. It can be manipulated.

Here, for example, when the user first presses the power button 110, the infrared irradiation system 1000 of the present invention is turned on, and automatically turns off after a certain period of time (2 to 3 minutes) to prevent ear burns. It can be programmed to not turn on again for one minute to prevent the product from overheating.

Next, referring to FIG. 10, the case portion 310 is formed to have a circular cross-section and serves to fix the plurality of LED portions 320. At this time, the plurality of LED parts 320 are each formed to be detachable from the case part 310, so that when damage or malfunction occurs in one or more of the plurality of LED parts 320, the LED part ( The LED part 320 can be conveniently repaired and replaced while the 320 is separated from the case part 310. The case portion 310 may also be formed to be separable from the generator 300 .

Meanwhile, the plurality of LED units 320 may include, for example, a first LED 321, a second LED 322, and a third LED 323. At this time, the first LED 321 may irradiate red wavelengths of 652 nm to 660 nm, the second LED 322 may irradiate near infrared rays of 940 nm, and the third LED 323 may irradiate far infrared rays.

First, the far-infrared rays irradiated by the third LED 323 have a long wavelength and penetrate deeply into the object, and have the property of easily vibrating the molecules of the material to generate heat on their own. When irradiated to the user's ears, the cells The moisture and protein molecules that make up the body are subtly vibrated about 2,000 times per minute, helping with cell activity and raising body temperature. Through this, it has a warming effect that maintains the body's body temperature at an appropriate temperature, a ripening effect that promotes cell growth, a self-cleaning effect that ensures a balanced supply of nutrients, a drying effect that maintains appropriate moisture in the human body, and a promotion of waste excretion. It has a neutralizing effect that neutralizes bad odors, breaks down various nutrients to achieve nutritional balance, and has a resonance effect that promotes metabolic functions.

In addition, in the case of near-infrared rays irradiated through the first LED 321 and the second LED 322, the short-wavelength infrared rays activate mitochondria that generate bioenergy in cells, allowing healthier cells to be created. Skin beauty effects such as metabolism activation, skin lifting, fine wrinkle prevention, elasticity, and skin regeneration, recovery from chronic fatigue through muscle relaxation and discharge of toxic waste, brain function development that improves learning and cognitive abilities and helps prevent dementia There are effects such as:

Here, the plurality of LED parts 320 may be provided to be spaced apart from each other by a preset distance. Additionally, the plurality of LED parts 320 may be provided in a row. That is, the first LED 321, the second LED 322, and the third LED 323 are spaced apart from each other by a preset distance and are arranged along an imaginary straight line passing through the center of the case portion 310. It can be. Accordingly, even if the plurality of LED units 320 emit infrared rays at the same time, there is an advantage in that interference between the infrared rays irradiated by the LED unit 320 and the adjacent LED units 320 can be minimized.

As such, a person skilled in the art will understand that the technical configuration of the present invention described above can be implemented in other specific forms without changing the technical idea or essential features of the present invention.

Therefore, the embodiments described above should be understood in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, and the scope of the present invention is indicated by the claims described later rather than the detailed description above, and the meaning and scope of the claims and their All changes or modified forms derived from the equivalent concept should be construed as falling within the scope of the present invention.

10: user terminal
100: body part
110: power unit
120: body part
130: wired
131: port
200: ear canal insertion part
300: Generation unit
310: Case part
320: LED
321: 1st LED
322: 2nd LED
323: 3rd LED
324: Main LED
325: Sub LED
400: Management Department
410: Department of Communications
420: Battery unit
430: control unit
440: Temperature sensor unit
500: Display unit
510: Button part
1000: Infrared irradiation system

Claims (5)

A body portion supported by the user's auricle;
An ear canal insertion portion coupled to one side of the body portion and inserted into the ear canal;
A generator provided at the base of the ear canal insertion portion and irradiating infrared rays;
It includes a management unit provided on one side of the body part,
The generating unit includes a plurality of LED units,
The plurality of LED units,
A first LED that irradiates a red wavelength of 652nm to 660nm;
A second LED that irradiates near-infrared rays with a wavelength of 940 nm; and
It consists of a third LED that irradiates far-infrared rays,
The first LED, second LED, and third LED are arranged in a row and spaced apart from each other by a preset distance,
The ear canal insertion part,
It is made of heat-resistant material and is formed in a tapered shape whose diameter becomes increasingly smaller as it approaches the user's ears.
The management department,
A communication unit capable of communicating with external devices;
a battery unit that supplies power to the generator;
a control unit electrically connected to the communication unit and controlling the operation of the generator; and
It includes a temperature sensor unit that measures the surface temperature of the generator,
The control unit is configured to control the generator to stop irradiating infrared rays when the measured value of the temperature sensor unit is greater than or equal to a preset value. According to paragraph 1,
It further includes a display unit provided to be spaced apart from the body unit,
The display unit,
An infrared irradiation system, characterized in that the operating status of the control unit, temperature sensor unit, and generator unit is transmitted and displayed through the communication unit.
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