WO2018164563A1

WO2018164563A1 - Portable radiofrequency diathermy device for medical therapy in injury recovery

Info

Publication number: WO2018164563A1
Application number: PCT/MX2017/000030
Authority: WO
Inventors: Antonio Rafael CORRES MATAMOROS; Esteban MARTÍNEZ GUERRERO
Original assignee: Instituto Tecnológico Y De Estudios Superiores De Occidente, A.C.
Priority date: 2017-03-09
Filing date: 2017-03-13
Publication date: 2018-09-13
Also published as: MX2017003153A

Abstract

The invention relates to a portable radiofrequency diathermy device for medical therapy in injury recovery, characterised in that it comprises a chip that is powered by an external rechargeable battery and which comprises a transistor-level design that consists of implementing a low-frequency oscillator which generates a ramp-type signal with a frequency of 1 Hz and voltage levels of 0 V to 5 V, connected to a voltage-controlled oscillator in order to generate an output frequency sweep per second in the range of 0.5 MHz to 1 MHz; the latter being connected to an amplifier which makes it possible to amplify the signal from the voltage-controlled oscillator with an amplitude of 150 Vpp, a maximum output current of 50 mA and a maximum current consumption of 100 mA, necessary for the production of radiofrequency diathermy that is applied to bodily injuries of a patient via two metal electrodes connected to the output of said amplifier.

Description

PORTABLE RADIO FREQUENCY DIATERMIA DEVICE FOR MEDICAL THERAPY IN REHABILITATION OF INJURIES

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to the equipment and devices used to apply therapy in body parts for the treatment of muscle and ligament injuries. More specifically, it refers to a portable radiofrequency diathermy device for medical therapy in rehabilitation of muscle and ligament injuries.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Diathermy can be defined as a physiotherapeutic method of heat production that is applied localized in the tissues or ligaments injured by the passage through them of a high frequency oscillating current, avoiding electrical sensitivity and nervous and muscular excitations. It contributes to the relaxation of the muscles and relieves the sensation of pain. The diathermy, therapeutic used in rehabilitation uses electromagnetic fields of a frequency of 0.5 to 27.12 MHz with a power of a few hundred watts.

In the market some radiofrequency or Tecarterapia diathermy equipment (capacitive heat therapy and resistive) non-portable and high output power from 80 to 400 W for physical rehabilitation. They produce an alternating electric current with voltages ranging between 50 and 400 Vpp "peak to peak voltage" and currents from .005 to 1 A. They are applied to the skin in the area of the patient that is injured by means of 2 metal electrodes (Active and reference). However, commercial equipment is not portable, therefore, they need to be connected to the electric current and generate large output powers (80 to 400 Watts), so they need to be operated by a specialist.

Therefore, it is necessary to have portable diathermy devices that solve problems such as lack of portability, high power consumption, high output power and the need for specialists for operation and operation.

A search was conducted to determine the closest state of the art by locating the following documents: US patent application US20160136462A1 by Lewis Jr. et al. of June 24, 2014 which discloses a portable ultrasonic device (100) consisting of a power controller (170) wired connected to at least one applicator (110) comprising a housing (160) where a sensor is integrated, of temperature (120), coupling detectors (125) and inferiorly comprises a coupling bandage (130) that perimetrically includes an interlocking lip (140) and centrally a hydrogel tank (135) [see fig. one]. The power controller (170) with DC output, includes a power source, such as a battery. The power controller (170) provides user control of the device and delivers electrical power to the applicator (s) (110) with a controlled, stable amplitude, for a defined period of time. In the applicator (110), with the integrated RF control electronics, controllers of at least one transducer, in order to transmit ultrasound through a lens. This applicator is positioned to deliver ultrasound to a site of the user's body and a coupling bandage 130 is used both to lubricate the surface on which the ultrasound is administered, and to fix the applicator (110) to the treatment site in the body. of the carrier. The applicator (110) is connected to the coupling bandage (130) in the interlocking / engaging lip (140) of the housing (160) of the applicator (110). When coupled to the coupling bandage 130, the applicator lens (110) in contact with a hydrogel reservoir in the coupling bandage (130). Therefore, the applicator (110) administers ultrasound through this hydrogel tank (135) in the bandage (130). This coupling prevents the surface of the ultrasound face radiating from the applicator (110) from coming into contact with the skin of the user (eg, patient) receiving ultrasound. The applicator provides closed loop diathermy control by monitoring the heating, current, and output energy and is adjusted accordingly for the user of the device. All electronics and control of the output of Ultrasound are in the applicator itself and it only receives CD power from the power controller.

Said patent application accordingly is a portable ultrasound equipment, which generates heat by means of mechanical vibration provided by the movement of piezoelectric crystals.

James B. Bingham patent application US 20110172752 A1 of January 19, 2011 was also located, which reveals an RF radiofrequency diathermy coil assembly that includes a patient's garment which defines a step for receiving a part of the body therein and a primary coil that includes a number of turns arranged around the passage. The primary coil can be connected to a power source and incorporated into the patient's clothing. The primary coil is sensitive to the RF energy supplied by the power source cable for the establishment of an RF radio frequency field. A secondary coil is provided that includes a number of windings arranged around the passage. The secondary coil is arranged near the primary coil and is incorporated into the patient's garment. A tuner is coupled to the secondary coil to fine tune the RF field at a resonant frequency of the body part disposed within the passage.

Then, said patent application reveals an apparatus that stimulates the body with an electro-magnetic field by means of antennas placed in different parts of the body. Also drives a low frequency (55Hz) muscle electro-stimulator (separately).

US Patent 7,979,139 B2 of Jason A. Beens et al, of July 8, 2005, which discloses a radiofrequency diathermy application device, including a flexible pad and a flexible coil structure coupled to and Supported by the pad. The flexible helical structure, which has a first winding similar to a flexible spiral and a secondary winding similar to a flexible spiral coupled to the primary winding, the primary and secondary windings each substantially arranged in substantially parallel separate planes when the pad is in a state not flexed

Then said patent reveals an RF diathermy device that stimulates body tissues by means of an electromagnetic field since it uses as an applicator coils used as antennas to transmit said field. It is not portable and works at a frequency of 27 MHz.

None of the aforementioned documents disclose or suggest a portable radiofrequency diathermy device for medical therapy in injury rehabilitation such as that of the present invention, which includes a chip which together with a rechargeable battery (5V 2600 mAh) and a pair of electrodes to generate the appropriate signal to provide patients with diathermy therapy of radiofrequency; where the chip comprises four modules, the external part of which has the rechargeable battery that will feed the entire equipment, LEDs indicating the battery charge and where the output has two cables connected to two metal electrodes that will be responsible for deliver the "RFD" radio frequency diathermy signal to the patient. Where the four modules that make up the chip are based on the transistor-level design of the two oscillators of the chip for radiofrequency diathermy (RFD) consisting of a low frequency oscillator (LFO) and a voltage controlled oscillator (VCO) with output frequency sweep in the range of 500 KHz to 1 and MHz, repeating this sweep every second; a flash type A / D converter and an AMP amplifier module (for its acronym in English) to convert the signal from the VCO into a signal with an amplitude of 150 Vpp "peak to peak voltage" and a maximum output current of 50 mA ; wherein said LFO, VCO and AMP modules are implemented with said chip. There is insufficient evidence in the information disclosed in the aforementioned documents to state that they affect the novelty of this invention, because such documents do not reveal, nor suggest a portable radiofrequency diathermy equipment for medical therapy in injury rehabilitation such as present invention and therefore this invention is new. There is also no evidence that a person with average knowledge in the field can infer or deduce, based on the information disclosed in the aforementioned documents, the portable radiofrequency diathermy equipment for medical therapy in injury rehabilitation, which is intended to protect and therefore the invention It has inventive activity on these documents.

Derived from the previous study, it is important to let them know that there is important evidence to understand that the invention that is intended to protect meets novelty and inventive activity, and that the documents cited only establish the state of the art, but are not sufficient to deny a patent to our invention. Thus the invention meets the patentability criteria and can be worthy of a patent.

OBJECTIVES OF THE INVENTION

The present invention has as its main objective to make available a novel device for application of radiofrequency diathermy for medical therapy in rehabilitation of injuries that is completely portable and allows to provide patients with a radiofrequency diathermy therapy that achieves healing in all types of lesions of Muscle and ligament. Another objective of the invention is to provide a novel portable radiofrequency diathermy device for medical therapy in injury rehabilitation, which is also rechargeable, low power consumption and low power output and that can be used by any patient in the comfort of your home.

Another objective of the invention is to provide a novel portable radiofrequency diathermy device for medical therapy in injury rehabilitation, which also allows to generate a field Alternate pulsatile electromagnetic that, in contact with the water molecules of the tissues, polarizes and repolarizes the molecules, increasing the patient's body heat, generating greater vascularization, producing a faster and more efficient healing of the injured area.

Another objective of the invention is to provide a novel portable radiofrequency diathermy device for medical therapy in injury rehabilitation, which is also simple, practical and functional and avoids physical risks for the patient.

And all those qualities and objectives that will become apparent when making a description of the present invention supported by the illustrated modalities.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In general, the portable radiofrequency diathermy device for medical therapy in injury rehabilitation, in accordance with the present invention, consists of a chip which together with a rechargeable battery (5V 2600 mAh) and a pair of electrodes generates the appropriate signal to provide patients with radiofrequency diathermy therapy, which will achieve healing in all types of muscle and ligament injuries. The device has a frequency sweep of the output signal of 0.5 to 1 MHz, a maximum amplitude of 150 Vpp, an output current of 50 mA and a maximum current consumption of 100mA. Having the ability to work continuously for 24 hours. No need to recharge the battery.

The device allows attacking any type of muscle and ligament injury, and can be placed by the same patient for long periods (8 to 72 Hrs.) In order to give treatment during the first hours of the lesion continuously and constantly. To achieve these levels of autonomy and efficiency in the equipment, a chip that integrates almost entirely the electronic functions of the product is necessary.

In the preferred embodiment of the invention, said chip comprises, in its external part, the rechargeable battery that will power all the equipment, LEDs indicating the battery charge and the output that will have two cables connected to two metal electrodes that will be responsible for deliver the RFD radiofrequency diathermy signal to the patient.

This chip is based on the design at the level of two oscillator transistors for radiofrequency diathermy (RFD) consisting of a low frequency oscillator (LFO), a voltage controlled oscillator (VCO) with output frequency sweep in the 500 KHz to 1 MHz range, repeating this sweep every second, an amplifier (AMP) to convert the signal from the VCO into a signal with an amplitude of 150 Vpp and a maximum output current of 50 mA, and an A / A converter D type flash that converts the voltage coming from the battery (2) into a three-level digital thermometer type code and allows sensing the charge levels of the battery and will indicate them by means of the LEOs (preferably three) connected to three outputs of the chip, by means of code type thermometer, lighting only the LED corresponding to the level of sensed charge, and also comprising said chip.

To better understand the characteristics of the invention, the present description is attached, as an integral part thereof, to the drawings with illustrative but not limitative character, which are described below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

Figure 1 shows a block diagram of the chip of the portable radiofrequency diathermy device for medical therapy in injury rehabilitation, which integrates four modules, an external rechargeable battery that will power the entire device, LEDs indicating the charge of the battery and the output where two cables connected to two metal electrodes are connected, which will be responsible for delivering the RFD radio frequency diathermy signal to the patient.

Figure 2 illustrates a top view of the portable radiofrequency diathermy device for medical therapy in injury rehabilitation, in one of the embodiments of the invention.

Figure 3 shows a schematic diagram of the electrode arrangement of the portable radiofrequency diathermy device for medical therapy in injury rehabilitation, on an upper limb

Figure 4 illustrates the electrical diagram of the low frequency oscillator responsible for generating the low frequency ramp signal to control the output frequency of the voltage controlled oscillator (VCO).

Figure 5 shows the electrical diagram of the voltage controlled oscillator (VCO) responsible for generating the signal with frequency of Radio Frequency Diathermy (RFD).

Figure 6 shows the electrical diagram of the flash type A / D converter (8) that converts the voltage from the battery (2) into a three-level digital thermometer type code

Figure 7 shows the electrical diagram of the signal amplifier (AMP) from the voltage controlled oscillator (VCO) to generate the 150 Vpp signal necessary for the production of radiofrequency diathermy (RFD).

For a better understanding of the invention, a detailed description of some of the modalities thereof will be shown, shown in the drawings which, for illustrative but non-limiting purposes, are attached to this description.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The characteristic details of the portable radiofrequency diathermy device for medical therapy in injury rehabilitation are clearly shown in the following description and in the accompanying illustrative drawings, serving the same reference signs to indicate the same parts.

Referring to Figures 1 and 2, the portable radiofrequency diathermy device for medical therapy in injury rehabilitation, consists of a chip (1) which together with an external rechargeable battery (2) (5V 2600 mAh) and a pair of metal electrodes (3, 4, see fig. 2) connected to the output of said chip (1) generate the appropriate signal to provide patients with radiofrequency diathermy therapy, which will achieve healing in all types of muscle injuries and of ligaments. Said chip (1) comprises four modules, its external part having said rechargeable battery (2) that will power the entire device; said four modules are based on the transistor-level design of two oscillators of the chip (1) for radiofrequency diathermy (RFD) consisting of a low frequency oscillator (5) (LFO) connected to a voltage controlled oscillator (6) (VCO) with output frequency sweep in the range of 500 KHz to 1.0 MHz, repeating this sweep every second; the latter being connected an amplifier module (7) (AMP), which allows amplifying the signal from the voltage controlled oscillator (6) in a signal with an amplitude of 150 Vpp and a maximum output current 50 mA, necessary for the production of radiofrequency diathermy (RFO).

Said amplifier module (7) (AMP) is connected to the output of the chip (1). At the same output (1) a coil or inductor is also connected to the positive of the rechargeable battery (2) in order to complement the amplification of the AMP circuit (7). From this outlet (1) a cable (10, see fig. 2) with metallic electrode (3) for therapy is connected and the other cable (11, see fig. 2) with metallic electrode (4) is connected to ground or Negative rechargeable battery (2).

Said low frequency oscillator LFO (5) and said voltage controlled oscillator VCO (6) complemented with said chip (1); further comprising a flash type A / D converter (8) that converts the voltage coming from the battery (2) into a three-level digital thermometer type code and allows sensing the battery charge levels and signals them by means of three Load indicator LEDs (9) connected to three outputs of the chip (1). Turning on only the LED corresponding to the sensed load level.

Said AMP amplifier module (7) is connected to a coil and the other end thereof, to the positive of said rechargeable battery (2) and one of the cables (10, 11) with a metal electrode (3, 4) that goes to the patient. These two metal electrodes (3, 4, see fig. 2) will be responsible for delivering the radiofrequency diathermy (RFD) signal to the patient.

The device has a frequency sweep of the signal from 0.5 to 1.0 MHz output, a maximum amplitude of 150 Vpp "peak to peak voltage", a maximum output current of 50 mA and a maximum current consumption of 100mA. Having the ability to work continuously for 24 hours. without recharging the battery, which allows them to attack any type of muscle and ligament injury, and that have the ability to be placed by the same patient for long periods (8 to 72 Hrs. At home) in order to give treatment during the first hours of the lesion continuously and constantly.

Figure 3 shows a schematic diagram of the arrangement of the electrodes (3, 4) of the portable radiofrequency diathermy device for medical therapy in injury rehabilitation, in a patient's hand (12).

Referring to Figure 4, the electrical diagram of the low frequency oscillator (5) (LFO) comprises an arrangement of a plurality of inverters (13) associated with delay transistors (14) connected in parallel, among which capacitors are arranged. delay (15) and with a common source amplifier (16) arranged at the end that will deliver a voltage (Vo_LFO); said low frequency oscillator circuit (5) (LFO) is powered by an input with a direct polarization voltage (Vf_LFO) responsible for calibrating the oscillation frequency of the circuit and is powered by 5V from the rechargeable battery (2) and comprising a thread of earth.

Said low frequency oscillator (5) (LFO) is responsible for generating a ramp signal of 1 Hz frequency and voltage levels of 0 to 5 V. This signal will be in charge of controlling the oscillation frequency of the voltage controlled oscillator circuit VCO (6, see figure 5). Figure 5 shows the electrical diagram of the voltage controlled oscillator (6) (VCO) comprising an arrangement of a plurality of inverters (17), preferably in number of five, connected in parallel, between which delay capacitors are arranged (18), in the same number of inverters (17) and finally defining a buffer (19) that will deliver a voltage (Vo_VCO); said voltage controller oscillator circuit (6) (VCO) is fed with the voltage (Vo_LFO) generated by the low frequency oscillator (5) (LFO) and comprising a ground wire.

Said voltage controlled oscillator (6) (VCO) generates a signal with a frequency sweep of 500 KHz to 1.0 MHz and amplitude from 0 to 5 V. This signal contains the radiofrequency diathermy frequencies necessary for the device.

Referring to Figure 6, the flash type A / D converter (8) that converts the voltage from the battery (2) into a three-level digital thermometer type code and that is connected to the rechargeable battery (2) using resistors reference (R0, R 1, R2) and that integrates an array of transconductance amplifiers (20) with charge capacitors (21) that supply voltage to the charge indicator LEDs (9): Said flash type A / D converter (8) that converts the voltage from the battery (2) into a digital code Three-level thermometer type allows the battery charge levels to be sensed and will be indicated by three charge indicator LEDs (9) by means of a thermometer type code, only turning on the LED corresponding to the sensed charge level, said LEDs being charge indicators (9) connected to three outputs of the chip

(one).

Figure 7 shows the electrical diagram of the AMP amplifier module (7) that will amplify the signal from the voltage controlled oscillator (6) (VCO) through positive applied voltage (Vcc) and negative (Vss) applied to generate the 150 Vpp signal (peak to peak voltage) required for the production of the radio frequency diathermy (RFD) signal. The invention has been described sufficiently that a person with average knowledge in the field can reproduce and obtain the results mentioned in the present invention. However, any skilled person in the field of the art that is in charge of the present invention may be able to make modifications not described in the present application, however, if for the application of these modifications in a given structure or in the manufacturing process thereof, the matter claimed in the following claims is required, said structures must be included within the scope of the invention.

Claims

CLAIMS Having sufficiently described the invention, it is considered as a novelty and therefore the expressed and contained in the following claims clauses are claimed as property.

1. - A portable radiofrequency diathermy device for medical therapy in injury rehabilitation, characterized by comprising a chip which is powered by an external rechargeable battery and comprising a transistor-level design consisting of the implementation of an oscillator of low frequency that generates a ramp-type signal of 1 Hz frequency and voltage levels from 0 to 5 V., connected to a voltage controlled oscillator to control the frequency with sweep of output frequency per second in the range of 0.5 to 1.0 MHz; the latter being connected to an amplifier which allows amplifying the signal from the voltage controlled oscillator to convert the signal from the chip into a signal with an amplitude of 150 Vpp, a maximum output current of 50 mA and a maximum current consumption 100 mA, necessary for the production of radiofrequency diathermy that is applied to lesions of a patient's body through two metal electrodes connected to the output of said amplifier.

2. - The portable radiofrequency diathermy device for medical therapy in injury rehabilitation, according to claim 1, characterized in that said chip also It includes a flash type A / D converter that converts the voltage coming from the battery into a three-level digital thermometer type code and that allows to detect the battery charge levels that it indicates by means of charge indicator LEDs connected to three outputs of the chip, lighting only the LED corresponding to the sensed load level.

3. - The portable radiofrequency diathermy device for medical therapy in injury rehabilitation, according to claim 1, characterized in that said low frequency oscillator, said voltage controlled oscillator and said amplification circuit are implemented with said chip.

4. - The portable radiofrequency diathermy device for medical therapy in injury rehabilitation, according to claim 1, characterized in that said low frequency oscillator comprises an arrangement of a plurality of inverters associated with delay transistors connected in parallel, between those with delay capacitors and with a common source amplifier arranged at the end that will deliver a voltage.

5. - The portable radiofrequency diathermy device for medical therapy in injury rehabilitation, according to claim 1, characterized in that said voltage controlled oscillator comprises an arrangement of a plurality of inverters, connected in parallel, between which are arranged delay capacitors, in the same number of inventors and finally defining a buffer that will deliver a voltage.

6. The portable radiofrequency diathermy device for medical therapy in injury rehabilitation, according to claim 1, characterized in that said flash type A / D converter (8) that converts the voltage from the battery (2) into A three level thermometer type digital code is connected to the rechargeable battery using reference resistors and integrates an array of transconductance amplifiers with charge capacitors that supply voltage to the charge indicator LEDs that light based on the charge level of said rechargeable battery by means of thermometer type code, lighting only the LED corresponding to the sensed charge level.