Structure for therapeutic applications

Abstract

Disclosed is a structure for therapeutic applications comprising at least one layer with sensor elements and heating elements. A first force affects the layer from one side and a second force affects the layer from the other side. The forces are detectable. The sensor elements can comprise, for example, position sensors, pressure sensors, and temperature sensors.

Claims

1. A structure for external hydromassage therapeutic applications with at least one moveable jet comprising: at least one layer comprising: a fabric into which different fibers are woven together, and a plurality of sensor elements integrated within the different fibers of the fabric and distributed throughout the at least one layer, wherein the pressure sensor elements are arranged to detect and measure a plurality of first pressure forces applied to a plurality of positions on the at least one layer from one side and a plurality of second pressure forces applied to a plurality of positions on the at least one layer from an opposite side, an upper layer comprising the fabric into which different fibers are woven together, a lower layer comprising the fabric into which different fibers are woven together, wherein the structure is arranged as an area of support for receiving at least one body part of a user on the one side and for receiving impact forces from the at least one moveable jet from the opposite side, and wherein the at least one layer is sandwiched between and abuts against the upper layer and the lower layer.

2. The structure of claim 1, wherein the at least one layer further comprises heating elements.

3. The structure according to claim 1, wherein the sensor elements comprise position sensors for detecting user features.

4. The structure according to claim 1, wherein the sensor elements comprise pressure sensors for detecting impact forces.

5. The structure according to claim 1, wherein the sensor elements comprise temperature sensors for determining a temperature.

6. The structure according to claim 1, wherein the at least one layer comprises a plurality of layers and the sensor elements are arranged in the plurality of layers.

7. The structure according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the upper layer, the lower layer and the at least one layer comprises light emitting diodes configured to provide a plurality of different instructions to the user.

8. The structure according to claim 7, wherein the plurality of different instructions to the user are indicative of at least one of: movement or change of position of the at least one body part on the area of support of the structure; guiding the at least one body part into an exact position on the area of support of the structure; certain progress of a therapeutic application; and an end of a therapeutic application.

9. The structure according to claim 1, further comprising electrical connections for electrical signals.

10. The structure according to claim 1, wherein the area of support on one the side of the structure is arranged to receive at least a body part of a user and the opposite side of the structure is arranged to be subjected to the second force being a jet pressure force provided by the at least one moveable jet.

11. The structure according to claim 1, wherein the lower layer comprises an elastic waterproof film.

12. A mat comprising a structure according to claim 1.

13. The structure of claim 1, wherein: the plurality of first pressure forces are created by the at least one body part on the area of support of the structure; and the plurality of pressure sensors are configured to enable a determination of a size and contour of the at least one body part from measurements of the plurality of first pressure forces.

14. A hydromassage-device with a movable jet comprising a frame and the structure according to claim 1, the structure being configured to be arranged substantially horizontally such that the area of support on one side of the structure comprises a reclining surface for a patient.

15. A method for operating a hydromassage device comprising a structure according to claim 14, comprising the steps of: a. providing a processing unit with sensor data indicative of a first force affecting a layer from one side that provides an area of support and with sensor data indicative of a second force affecting the layer from the opposite side; b. providing at least one means for applying the second force to the layer, the at least one means being at least one moveable jet; and c. adapting the second force reflective of the sensor data indicative of the first force affecting the layer from the one side and the sensor data indicative of the second force affecting the layer from the opposite side.

16. The method according to claim 15, wherein the second force is a jet-pressure force created by the at least one moveable jet, in particular by at least one water jet with a treatment pressure.

17. The method according to claim 15, whereby the first force is created through a physical contact between a patient and the structure.

18. The method according to claim 15, whereby a body shape or size of a patient is identified by means of sensor data indicative of the first force, and, based on a predetermined therapy scheme, a respective program is applied, in particular whereby the adapting the second force comprises targeting at least one nozzle, from which the at least one moveable jet is pumped, to parts of a body of the patient based on the body shape or size identified.

19. The method according to claim 15, whereby the adapting comprises an adjusting and controlling of an intensity of the second force dependent on the sensor data indicative of the first force affecting the layer from the one side and the sensor data indicative of the second force affecting the layer from the opposite side.

20. The method according to claim 15, whereby the structure comprises temperature sensors for determining a temperature, the method comprising: a. sensing a temperature by means of at least one of the temperature sensors in the structure, and b. controlling the temperature by means of heating elements controlled by the central processing unit.

21. The hydromassage device of claim 14 comprising a processing unit configured to receive sensor data from at least one of the sensor elements indicative of the first force affecting the at least one layer, the first force being as a result of a patient reclining on the reclining surface, and configured to receive sensor data from at least one of the sensor elements indicative of the second force affecting the at least one layer, the second force being a jet pressure force created by the at least one movable jet.

22. The hydromassage device of claim 21, wherein the processing unit is configured to identify a body shape or size of the patient by means of the sensor data indicative of the first force, and, based on a predetermined therapy scheme, adapt the second force by changing an intensity of the jet pressure force and/or by targeting at least one nozzle, from which the at least one moveable jet is pumped, to parts of a body of the patient, based on the identified body shape or size.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) In order to facilitate better understanding of the present invention, reference is made below to the drawings. These show only exemplary embodiments of the subject matter of the invention.

(2) In the figures and the associated description, identical or functionally analogous parts or elements are provided with the same reference numerals. The same or identical signs or symbols denote the same or identical elements.

(3) FIG. 1 Shows a schematic representation of a structure.

(4) FIG. 2 Shows a further schematic representation of the structure with impacting forces.

(5) FIG. 3 Shows a further schematic representation of the structure with LEDs.

(6) FIG. 4 Shows a schematic representation of another structure with multiple layers.

(7) FIG. 5 Shows a schematic representation of a further structure with multiple layers.

(8) FIG. 6 Shows a schematic representation of a hydromassage device.

(9) FIG. 7 Shows a schematic representation of a hydromassage device impacting forces from both sides.

(10) FIG. 8 Shows a schematic representation of a structure with electrical connections and a central control or processing unit.

(11) FIG. 9 Shows a schematic representation of a hydromassage device with a patient on the structure.

(12) FIG. 10 Shows a schematic representation of a massage device with a patient on the structure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

(13) FIG. 1 shows a cross section of a structure 10 for therapeutic applications. The structure 10 comprises an upper layer 1, a middle layer 2, and a lower layer 3. The structure 10 is formed as a mat 4 that has certain characteristics. The three-layer woven mat 4 contains various fibres in different layers. The upper layer 1 is a resist or protective coating. The middle layer 2 comprises various sensor elements 5, 6, 7. In the same layer are arranged position sensors 5, pressure sensors 6, temperature sensors 7, and heating elements 8. All sensors and elements have electrical or other connections (not shown). The lower layer 3 comprises an insulating coating. As illustrate in the figure the middle layer 2 is sandwiched between the upper layer 1 and the lower layer 3.

(14) In an embodiment of the present invention different fibres, also referred to as threads, are woven together in the several layers 1, 2, 3 in order to achieve respective properties, e.g. to achieve tightness, tensile strength, or a respective structure or colour. Advantageously, the position sensors 5, the pressure sensors 6, and the heating elements 8 are integrated into the fabric that results in the mat 4 with the appropriate connections in order to create a kind of smart mat. Each layer 1, 2, 3 may have a certain thickness, preferably in the range of millimetres to some centimetres.

(15) FIG. 2 shows a further embodiment of structure 10 with the upper layer 1, the middle layer 2, and the lower layer 3, but with a modified arrangement of the elements, i.e. sensor elements 5, 6, 7 and heating elements 8. The structure 10 forms the mat 4. The middle layer 2 comprises the various sensor elements 5, 6, 7 and the heating elements 8.

(16) Forces 11, 12 may act from both sides on the mat 4 and thus particularly on the middle layer 2. From the top first forces 11 act on the middle layer 2. From the bottom second forces 12 act on the middle layer 2. It is noted that the forces 11, 12 influence and act on all layers of the mat 4, but the detection of the forces takes place by the sensor elements 5, 6 in the middle layer 2. The sensor elements 5, 6 are arranged such that the first and second forces 11, 12 are detectable. The arrangement of the sensor elements 5, 6, 7 and heating elements 8 may follow a certain pattern. It is particularly favourable to arrange more position sensors 5 in areas where a patient is potentially reclined, whereas areas, e.g. at the edges or corners can be omitted or the density of the position sensors 5 can be reduced. Electrical signals are sent or transmitted via electrical connections to and from a control unit or central processing unit (not shown in FIG. 2).

(17) The first force 11 is created through gravity by a patient or person laying or sitting on the mat 4. In general, a user on the mat 4 creates a certain pressure from the top. This pressure is created by weight of the user.

(18) By measuring the pressure of the first forces 11 the exact position of a user can be determined. That means, that user features like the size or body contour of the user can be determined, and an application to the user can be applied and adapted accordingly. Individual user adapted therapeutic applications can be offered which are tailor made for specific needs or desires of a user.

(19) The second force 12 results from a massage instrument or device with a moving drum or a jet. Such impact forces are detected by the pressure sensors 6. Electrical signals from the pressure sensors 6 are sent via the electrical connections to the control unit or central processing unit (shown in FIG. 8). In general, the second force 12 is a force that acts from the outside on the mat 4 and consequently to a patient on the mat 4. The second force or forces 12 are created and applied for the therapeutic effect, e.g. massage effect.

(20) The temperature sensors 7 help to determine and measure the temperature at the middle layer 2. The temperature sensors 7 send electrical signals via the electrical connections to the control unit or central processing unit for processing. The heating elements 8 are heated accordingly, i.e., based on the detected and measured temperature the heating elements 8 are activated to heat up the mat 4.

(21) FIG. 3 shows a further embodiment of structure 10 with the upper layer 1, the middle layer 2, and the lower layer 3. The structure 10 forms the mat 4. The middle layer 2 comprises the various sensor elements 5, 6, 7, the heating elements 8, and light emitting diodes 9. The LEDs 9 are arranged within the middle layer 2 but could also be arranged separately on or within another layer. All elements have connections to the outside (not shown).

(22) The LEDs 9 create light effects which guide a patient on the mat 4 for exact positioning. The LEDs 9 can also make an application or the device more attractive. The LEDs 9 can for example guide a user on the first lay down or the correct positioning of an arm or leg. By indications of LED signals, the users can be given instructions, e.g. where to move an arm or when an application has finished.

(23) FIG. 4 shows a further embodiment of structure 10 with multiple layers. The structure 10 forms the mat 4 with at least five layers. The structure 10 comprises a top layer 1a with a protective coating, the upper layer 1, a third layer 2a, a fourth layer 2b, a fifth layer 2c and the lower layer 3. The LEDs 9 are here arranged at the upper layer 1 in order to allow a direct light emission towards the reclining surface though the top layer 1 with the protective coating. The third layer 2a comprises the heating elements 8. The fourth layer 2b comprises two sensor elements 5, 7, namely the position sensors 5 and the temperature sensors 7. Underneath, the pressure sensors 6 are arranged within the fifth layer 2c. Finally, the lower layer 3 is located at the bottom of the stack. In general, any kind of combination of the various elements and layers is possible. It might be advantageous to have certain sensors and/or elements in one layer whereas other sensors and/or elements are in a separate layer. An advanced manufacturing process may even allow to arrange all elements in one layer such that a thin, but robust mat 4 can be provided.

(24) FIG. 5 shows yet a further embodiment of structure 10 with multiple layers. The structure 10 with five layers forming the mat 4. The structure 10 comprises the upper layer 1, a second layer 2a, a third layer 2b, a fourth layer 2c and the lower layer 3 as the fifth layer. No LEDs are integrated. The upper layer 1 is a protection layer to the surface on which a patient will be positioned. The second layer 2a comprises the position sensors 5 for precise detection of the patient. The third layer 2b comprises two components 7, 8; the temperature sensors 7 and the heating elements 8 are arranged within the same layer. It might be advantageous for the manufacturing process to have the temperature sensor 7 and the heating elements 8 in the same layer. Below the third layer 2b, the pressure sensors 6 are arranged within the fourth layer 2c. The lower layer 3 consists of a water-resistant film that is explained in more detail below.

(25) FIG. 6 shows a cross-section of a hydromassage device 20. In this embodiment the structure 10 comprises the upper layer 1, the middle layer 2, and the lower layer 3. Impacting first forces 11 are created from the top by a patient (not shown) on the mat 4. The lower layer 3 of the mat 4 is in direct contact with water 13 that is contained in a frame 14. The structure 10 is substantially horizontal as the mat 4 is on top of the water 13. The lower layer 3 has an insulating coating. This material is waterproof in order to not allow the other layers to become wet or effected by the water 13. The water 13 is arranged in a tank that is located within the frame 14. It is particularly advantageous that the water 13 in the tank does not need to be heated for comfort. This reduces energy. The heating is enabled directly within the mat 4 through the heating elements 8 to about 20 to 40 degrees Celsius.

(26) The tank is filled with over 300 litres of water. The pressure strength, massage type and areas can be individually controlled for each treatment by the patient, but also controlled fully automatically through a control unit as described with reference to FIG. 8 below. The hydromassage device 20 provides various massage types such as parallel massage, mirror image massage, circle massage, or parallel stroke massage. Further, massage areas are selectable or applied through detection such as shoulder and/or neck massage, whole body, back, lumbar area, legs, etc. The duration of an application is usually in a range up to 45 minutes. The intensities of the pressure can be individually selected, but with the help of the pressure sensor 6 the pressure can be controlled in an optimized way.

(27) FIG. 7 shows the hydromassage device 20 of FIG. 6 with two massage jets from the bottom exerting the second forces 12. Generally, from movable nozzles (not shown), the water jets 21 are pumped from below against the mat 4 on which a patient 21 is lying. The second forces 12 are detected by the pressure sensors 6. Electrical signals from the sensors 5, 6 are sent via electrical connections to the control unit or central processing unit. A treatment with defined pressure against areas is performed in response to the determined position of the patient through the position sensors 5.

(28) FIG. 8 illustrates the structure 10 with the middle layer 2 and electrical connections 16, 17 to a control unit or central processing unit 15. First electrical connections 16 connect the sensor elements 5, 6, 7 to the central processing unit 15. The LEDs 9 are also connected through the first electrical connections 16 to the central processing unit 15. Second electrical connections 17 connect from the control unit 15 to the heating elements 8. The second electrical connections 16 are adapted to the current or power needs of the heating elements 8. That means in practice that the second electrical connections 17 are thicker than the first electrical connections 16.

(29) The sensor elements 5, 6, 7 communicate with the central processing unit 15. The central processing unit 15 which can be connected to a network and further to the Internet enables various applications and treatments. As indicated above different massage types can be provided and various massage areas be addressed.

(30) The position sensors 5 detect the position of user or certain parts of the body which require a treatment. The position sensors 5 might be adapted to detect the hardness of tissue or muscles. In response to that specific applications to certain areas or muscles with defined types and pressure are applied, all processed and controlled through the central processing unit 15. Software programs with specific code can be applied. The use of self-learning or adapting programs will result in more optimized applications for the benefit of the patient who receives a treatment that is individually most suitable and not a standard program.

(31) The pressure sensors 6 detect the jet pressure from below. The jet pressure, i.e. the intensity, and the movement of the jet are controlled by the control or central processing unit 15. Based on the detected body contour of the patient a treatment program is applied that is most effective to the patient. With the help of the pressure sensors 6 the pressure intensity can be controlled in an optimized way.

(32) The position sensors 5 and pressure sensors 6 can be realized by piezoelectric sensors. Such piezoelectric sensors use the piezoelectric effect to measure changes in pressure, acceleration, strain, or force by converting them to an electrical charge. Piezoelectric sensors do not require any power to continuously monitor an environment. They offer stable and repeatable accurate electrical output. With such sensors also the weight of a patient can be determined. Based on that, the jet pressure might be adapted.

(33) The temperature sensors 7 help to determine and measure the temperature at the middle layer 2. The temperature sensors 7 deliver an electrical signal as a measure of the temperature and could be arranged within any other layer but are arranged where the temperature is detectable in an optimal way. The temperature sensors 7 send electrical signals via the first electrical connections 16 to the control or central processing unit 15 for processing. The heating elements 8 are heated through respective power applied to the second electrical connections 17. The heating and cooling process is controlled and adapted by the control or central processing unit 15. That means based on the detected and measured temperature the heating elements 8 are activated to heat up the structure 10.

(34) FIG. 9 shows a schematic representation of a hydromassage or jet device 20 with a user 21 on the structure 10. As illustrated in the figure the user or patient 21 reclines on the mat 4 and enjoys a therapeutic application in the form of a water jet massage through impacting forces, the second forces 12, created through nozzles 22. The patient 21 himself creates certain pressure from the top whereby the resulting first forces 11 are detected and measured by the position sensors 5. The structure 10 is arranged between the body of the patient or user 21 and the impacting force 12. The pressure sensors 6 detect the jet pressure as the second forces 12 from below. The jet pressure, the movement of the jet, and the temperature are controlled by the control or central processing unit 15 (not shown in the figure). Based on a program and the detected body contour of the patient a treatment is applied that is most effective for the patient.

(35) As indicated above the structure 10 can be a fabric into which different fibres are woven. The structure 10 for therapeutic applications is produced by weaving a plurality of fibres into the fabric, adding sensor elements 5, 6, 7 and heating elements 8 between the fibres to form at least one layer 2. The layer 2 is affectable with the first force 11 from one side, usually form the top, and the second force 12 from the other side, usually from the bottom. The mat 4 can be realized as an e-textile combining electronic devices such as the sensor elements 5, 6, 7 and heating elements 8 with textiles. The electronics with active and passive elements are integrated directly into the textile substrates. The conducting textile weaves are connected to the control or central processing unit 15. Printing techniques could be applied to create the sensor elements 5, 6, 7 and heating elements 8.

(36) FIG. 10 shows a schematic representation of a massage device 24 with a patient 21 on the structure 10. The massage device 24 comprises moving drums 25. As illustrated in the figure the patient 21 in positioned on the mat 4 horizontally and enjoys a therapeutic application in the form of a massage through impacting forces, the second forces 12, created through the moving drums 25. The patient 21 himself creates certain pressure from the top whereby the resulting first forces 11 are detected and measured by the position sensors 5. The structure 10 is arranged between the body of the patient or user 21 and the impacting force 12. The pressure sensors 6 detect the pressure as the second forces 12 from the moving drums 25. The pressure, the movement of the drums 25, and the temperature are controlled by the control or central processing unit 15 (not shown in the figure). Based on a program and the detected body contour of the patient a treatment is applied that is most effective for the patient. The arrangement of the mat 4 is flexible, depending form where the second forces 12 are applied. The means the mat 4 can also be applied if the patient 21 is sitting, standing, or in an inclined position.

(37) The embodiments described and shown can be combined with each other and are intended to illustrate one or more ways to practice and implement the present disclosure. It is further noted that the foregoing description of the specific embodiments of the subject matter disclosed herein has been presented for purposes of illustration and description and is not intended to limit the scope of the subject matter set forth herein. It is fully contemplated that other various embodiments, modifications and applications will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art from the foregoing description and accompanying drawings. Thus, such other embodiments, modifications, and applications are intended to fall within the scope of the following appended claims. Further, those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the embodiments, modifications, and applications that have been described herein are in the context of particular environment, and the subject matter set forth herein is not limited thereto, but can be beneficially applied in any number of other manners, environments and purposes. Accordingly, the claims set forth below should be construed in view of the full breadth of the novel features and techniques as disclosed herein.

LIST OF REFERENCES

(38) 1 upper layer 2 middle layer 3 lower layer 4 mat 5, 6, 7 sensor elements 5 position sensors 6 pressure sensors 7 temperature sensors 8 heating elements 9 light emitting diodes (LEDs) 10 structure 11 first force 12 second force 13 water 14 frame 15 control or central processing unit 16 first electrical connections 17 second electrical connections 20 hydromassage device 21 patient or user 22 nozzles 23 water jet 24 massage device 25 moving drum