WO2023199101A1 - Portable ultrasound wave emitter device - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a portable ultrasound wave emitter device comprising a box formed by two complementary half-casings wherein it includes an electronic circuit linked to a piezoelectric device to eliminate the appendages or peduncles of virus and bacteria strains, including several virus strains that cause COVID and also any other virus or bacteria that has aliphatic terminals prone to being eliminated by ultrasound.

Description

PORTABLE DEVICE EMITTER OF ULTRASOUND WAVES

Field of application of the present invention:

[0001] The present invention finds its field of application in a portable device that emits ultrasound waves, capable of eliminating the appendages or peduncles of strains of viruses and bacteria, including the various strains of viruses that cause COVID and also of any other virus or bacteria that has aliphatic terminals that can be eliminated by ultrasound.

[0002] As is known, viruses that have said appendages use them for anchoring to host cells and subsequent contamination. The virus begins to invade the body's cells, hijacking them to fuse their fatty membrane with that of the cell and inject its ribonucleic acid (RNA).

[0003] For the particular case of SARS-CoV-2 or SARS-2, this virus has a diameter of 50-200 nm. Of its surface proteins, the Spike or “S” glycoprotein is the one that binds to the host cell through the receptors for angiotensin-converting enzyme II (ACE II) 3. Once the virus binds to the cell membrane by a mechanism of endocytosis, the viral RNA genome is released into the cytoplasm for replication.

[0004] It has been found that ultrasound has the ability to eliminate the Spike glycoprotein, that is, the reduction of the aforementioned appendages that allow viruses, in particular SARS-2, without implying any limitation, to "anchor" to the host cell, which, although they do not kill the virus, reduces and in the best of cases eliminates the possibility of binding to the host cell. Is In other words, ultrasound acts as a true disinfectant regarding the contagion capacity of viruses.

[0005] Ultrasound is defined as a series of electromechanical waves, generally longitudinal, originated by the vibration of an elastic body (piezoelectric crystal) and propagated through a material medium (tissues and body organs) with a frequency that exceeds that of audible sound by the human, greater than 20kHz. The frequency determined by the sound source and the medium passed through consists of the number of cycles or pressure changes that occur per second, which is quantified in cycles per second or hertz. Ultrasounds stimulate the molecules of the matter on which they affect, transmitting energy between them when they interact.

[0006] The structure of viruses and in particular the coronavirus is an image all too familiar to the public, with its densely packed surface receptors that resemble a thorny crown (appendages or spikes). These spike-shaped proteins attach to healthy cells and trigger viral RNA invasion. While the geometry and infection strategy of the virus is generally understood, little is known about its physical integrity.

[0007] A new study by researchers from the MIT Department of Mechanical Engineering suggests that coronaviruses are vulnerable to ultrasound vibrations, within the frequencies used in medical diagnostic images, that is, greater than 15 to 20 MHz They discovered that Vibrations between 25 and 100 MHz cause the virus's protein shell and spikes to collapse and begin to break down in a fraction of a millisecond. This effect was observed in simulations of the virus in air and water.

[0008] Through computer simulations, the team has modeled the mechanical response of the virus to vibrations in a range of ultrasound frequencies, determining that vibrations between 25 and 100 megahertz caused the virus's shell and spikes to collapse and They will begin to break down in a fraction of a milli-second.

[0009] Consequently, the use of ultrasound emitters to disable the appendages of viruses and especially the SARS-2 virus is known. However, to date, these emitters are only known when they are installed in large fixed or stationary devices, which, due to their volume and weight, are difficult if not impossible to carry or move continuously, much less, it is possible for a user to move next to them.

[0010] Consequently, it would be very useful to have a device of very small dimensions, and light, with energy autonomy, capable of being carried at all times by a user who moves in his various movements and occupations, without implying any discomfort and that goes unnoticed due to its dimensions, way of carrying and location.

[0011] Other drawbacks to be overcome by such a portable ultrasound device lies in the fact that this portable device, of low weight, of very low cost, autonomous, of shape and dimensions that make it go unnoticed, It needs to have a suitable propagation medium that allows the propagation of ultrasound and at the same time is completely waterproof and relatively immune to shock, that is, with a high insulation capacity against water, humidity and shock.

Objectives of the present invention:

[0012] The objective of the invention is a device which, once activated, is capable of emitting, preferably continuously, ultrasounds, providing an ultrasound envelope that completely or at least partially surrounds the user in their movements.

[0013] It is the objective of the invention that this device emits ultrasound in a range that allows its energy to damage and/or eliminate the terminals, also called "peaks" or "spikes" of viruses and especially of the SARS-2 virus, this being portable device, with small dimensions and so light that it can be carried by a user of any age.

[0014] It is the objective of the invention that the portable device has a waterproof container, without holes and/or perforations, with the capacity to recharge its internal battery which has adequate autonomy.

[0015] The objective of the invention is that it constitutes a small air chamber capable of allowing the propagation of ultrasound waves.

[0016] It is the objective of the invention that said device is capable of going unnoticed by a circumstantial observer. [0017] It is the objective of the invention that the casing that contains the device is made of a flexible and waterproof material, offering good protection against the environment, inclement weather and shocks.

Invention review:

[0018] PORTABLE ULTRASOUND EMITTING DEVICE characterized by consisting of a box formed by two complementary half-shells, of which at least a first half-shell is formed by a central portion of which projects a perimeter skirt, both being first and second half-shells mutually assembled around the perimeter of the skirt defining a hollow interior; In the first half-shell, a first seat is made projecting into the hollow interior from the internal face of its skirt, at a distance between 0.5 mm to 4 mm measured from the inside of its central portion, followed by a second seat arranged coaxial to the first, at a height of said interior face with a range from 0.5mm to 8mm measured from the interior itself, with the particularity that the first seat is inscribed within the second seat; against the first seat it supports a flattened piezoelectric, determining between its surface that faces the internal face of the aforementioned semi-shell and the piezoelectric an air chamber, while against the second seat it supports a plate carrying an electronic circuit, the area being of the piezoelectric of smaller magnitude than the area of said plate, determining a free edge of the plate with respect to said piezoelectric; in turn, the opposite face of the piezoelectric It is separated from the plate by a plurality of elastic and electrically conductive supports that are linked to the face of the plate that faces the piezoelectric, establishing a separation between both with a range between 3mm to 8 mm; The electronic circuit emits a sequence of pulses determined by the elastic supports and the piezoelectric pulse conductive means; The opposite face of the plate carries a battery to which it is integral and the means for recharging it, determining the second half-shell when the immobilization means of the assembly formed by the plate and the piezoelectric are closed on the first. ; said box having means for holding and/or carrying it by the user, the pulses of the electrical circuit establishing a series of excitation pulses of the piezoelectric which develops an ultrasound envelope that at least partially surrounds the carrier of the device, an envelope that moves together with said carrier.

List of the attached figures of the present invention:

[0019] Figure 1 shows an exploded perspective of the box in its two components and the plate with the piezoelectric;

[0020] Figure 2 shows the diametrical section of the first half-shell;

[0021] Figure 3 shows Fig. 2 with the piezoelectric assembly and plate assembled in said half-shell;

[0022] Figure 4 shows the plate and piezoelectric assembly isolated and in lateral elevation, in an enlarged view; [0023] Figure 5 illustrates a more enlarged detail of an elastic conductive and supporting means of the piezoelectric to the plate with the electronic circuit and battery;

[0024] Figure 6 shows another conducting and supporting means of the piezoelectric to the plate;

[0025] Figure 7 illustrates in close-up on the top plan the piezoelectric mounted on the plate with the electronic circuit;

[0026] Figure 8 shows the piezoelectric and plate assembly in perspective, already isolated;

[0027] Figure 9 shows in perspective the exploded view of Figure 1 projected from the opposite end;

[0028] Figure 10 illustrates the assembly seen in a hanging version, in an upper floor projection;

[0029] Figures 11 and 12 show the device of the invention in the form of a bracelet.

Detailed description of the present invention:

[0030] In order to exemplify the preferred constructions of the present invention, the following drawings are attached that illustrate them, with the support of the description thereof given below, and these embodiment examples should be interpreted as one of the many possible constructions of the invention, so it is not appropriate to assign any limiting value to it, including possible means equivalent to those illustrated within the scope of protection of the invention; the breadth of the present invention being determined by the first claim attached in the corresponding claims chapter. Likewise, in these figures, the same references identify equal and/or equivalent means.

[0031] Figure 1 shows schematically and in detail the basic structure of the present invention, consisting of a box formed by two halves or semi-shells. The first half-shell (1) or front part consists of a central portion (2) on the periphery of which a skirt (3) that is substantially perpendicular or slightly oblique with respect to (2) is integral or monolithic.

[0032] In a complementary manner, a second half-shell (4) is coupled with a hermetic seal relationship to the first, forming a hollow interior (5) (See Figure 3). This second half-shell (4) has a skirt (6) (see Fig. 1) or a projection or cord for the same purpose, with a rear central portion (7). Both first (1) and second (4) half-shells are mutually assembled around the perimeter of the skirt (3) defining the hollow interior (5), and preferably, both half-shells (1, 4) have their respective skirts (3, 6) as shown in Figure 1.

[0033] Inside the perimeter skirt (3) of the first half-shell (1), a first seat (8) is made projecting into the hollow interior (5) from the inner face of the skirt, at a distance between 0.5mm at 4 mm measured from the inner face of its central portion (2), This first seat may consist of a continuous annular cord such as the one illustrated in Figure 1, or it may consist of a series of discrete seats annularly distributed to the same height (not illustrated version). Against this first seat (8) a flattened piezoelectric piece (9) rests, determining between the internal face (2a) of (2) and the surface (9) of the piezoelectric that faces it, an air chamber (10).

[0034] This first seat (8) is followed by a second seat (1 1) arranged coaxial to the first, at a height from said inner face (2a) with a range from 0.5mm to 8mm with the particularity that the The first seat (8) is inscribed within the second seat (11), that is, the diameter or diametral distance of the second seat is greater than that of the first seat. The periphery of a plate (12) carrying the integrated electronic circuit (13), the battery (14) and the recharging means (15) thereof is pressed against said second seat (11).

[0035] Projected plan view (See Fig. 7) the area of the piezoelectric (9) is smaller in magnitude than the area of said plate (12), determining a free edge (16) of the plate with respect to said piezoelectric, free edge (16) is the one who supports pressed against the second seat (1 1).

[0036] In turn, the opposite face (9a) of the piezoelectric (9) (see Fig. 4, 5 and 6) is separated from the plate (12) by a plurality of elastic and electrically conductive supports that are linked to the face of the plate that faces the piezoelectric, establishing a separation (17) between both with a range between 3mm to 8 mm;

[0037] These elastic and electrically conductive supports according to the construction of Figs. 1, 3 and 6 are constituted by springs (18), of which the upper end (18a) rests against the internal face (9a) of the piezoelectric (9), while the opposite end (18b) is welded to the plate (12). These elastic and conductive supports can be replaced by lamellae (19), of which the upper end (19a) rests against (9a) and the lower end (19b) is welded to the plate (12) (See Fig. 5). The condition of the invention is that these supports allow the free vibration of the piezoelectric.

[0038] The electronic circuit, which is generically indicated with (13) can be fully integrated capable of emitting, among other functions, a chain or series of pulses at a frequency compatible with the excitation frequency of the piezoelectric. The electrical pulses are transmitted by the elastic and electrically conductive supports (18, 19) through their welded ends (18b, 19b) to the plate, and the piezoelectric vibrates at the same frequency emitting the ultrasounds. This vibration is allowed by the distance between the face (9a) of the piezoelectric and the face (12) of the plate that faces it. As an example, the frequency adopted for the device of the invention is 40 KHz, without this be limiting in any way. That is why it is a fundamental condition of the invention that the piezoelectric (9) rests on the supports (18, 19) which gently press it against the first seat (8) allowing its vibration as its axial movement is not restricted while at the same time The vibrations affect the small air chamber (10), allowing it to spread to the outside.

[0039] In a preferred construction of the invention, the opposite face (12b) of the plate carries the battery (14) to which it is integral and the recharging means (15) thereof, determining the second half. shell (4) when closed on the first (1) the immobilization means of the assembly formed by the plate and the piezoelectric. Said means consist of a recess (20) made on the internal face (7a). This recess houses the battery and takes away all degree of freedom from the assembly, once the half-shells are assembled.

[0040] As already expressed, one of the attributes of the present invention is its portability. To this end (See Figs. 11 and 12) in one version thereof, the box (1) is linked to a pair of straps (21, 22) configuring a bracelet. In another construction, (See Fig. 10) the box (1) has an eyelet (23) that allows the box to be suspended from a cord or chain, acting as a necklace ornament or a charm for a keychain, or as similar. In yet another construction not illustrated, the box (1) may have a ribbon or the like, to be threaded onto a belt or strap of a purse, etc.

[0041] As already noted, the pulses of the electrical circuit determine the excitation of the piezoelectric which develops an ultrasound envelope that at least partially surrounds, and ideally in the form of a complete envelope, the carrier of the device, an envelope that moves together. with said carrier. The shape of the envelope is determined by the type of piezoelectric, but in all cases the other attribute of the invention is that through its portability it allows the ultrasounds to accompany the movement of the user, eliminating the effectiveness of viruses and bacteria achieved by said emission, providing the user with continuous protection that moves with them as long as they carry the device of the invention with them. [0042] Another attribute of the invention is its particular ability to go unobserved, or condition of going unnoticed, and for this the ideal dimensions thereof, without constituting any limitation, are: a) width of the box; 40 to 42mm; b) strap width: 20 to 12mm c) case height: 10 to 12mm.

[0043] Still another attribute is its low weight and a waterproof sealed box (1), ideally in a flexible plastic capable of absorbing impacts. The set is completed with a connector for recharging the battery. Ideally, said connector, without constituting any limitation, is a magnetic connector. The box has an LED indicator of battery charge, a start and/or shutdown button. The magnetic connector is of a type known in the art and allows, through magnetic absorption, the coupling between the battery and a source of recharging potential. The battery can be 3.7V, 250mA Lithium polymer.

Claims

CLAIMS - PORTABLE DEVICE EMITTING ULTRASOUND WAVES, characterized in that it comprises a box formed by two complementary half-shells, of which at least a first half-shell is formed by a central portion of which projects a perimeter skirt, both being first and second half-shells mutually assembled around the perimeter of the skirt defining a hollow interior; In the first half-shell, a first seat is made projecting into the hollow interior from the internal face of its skirt, establishing a distance from said central portion, followed by a second seat arranged coaxial to the first, at a greater height with respect to the first seat, with the particularity that the first seat is registered within the second seat; against the first seat it supports a flattened piezoelectric, determining between its surface that faces the internal face of the aforementioned semi-shell and the piezoelectric an air chamber, while against the second seat it supports a plate carrying an electronic circuit, the area being of the piezoelectric of smaller magnitude than the area of said plate, determining a free edge of the plate with respect to said piezoelectric; In turn, the opposite face of the piezoelectric is separated from the plate by a plurality of elastic and electrically conductive supports that are linked to the face of the plate that faces the piezoelectric, establishing a separation between both with a range between 3mm to 8mm; the electronic circuit is the emitter of a specific sequence of pulses, the elastic supports, the means that conduct the pulse to the piezoelectric; The opposite face of the plate carries a battery to which it is integral and the means for recharging it, determining the second half-shell when the immobilization means of the assembly formed by the plate and the piezoelectric are closed on the first. ; said box having means for holding and/or carrying it by the user, the pulses of the electrical circuit establishing a series of excitation pulses of the piezoelectric which develops an ultrasound envelope that at least partially surrounds the carrier of the device, an envelope that It is moved along with said carrier. - PORTABLE DEVICE FOR EMITTING ULTRASOUND WAVES according to claim 1, characterized by having both respective half-shells with mutually coupled annular skirts. - PORTABLE ULTRASOUND WAVE EMITTER DEVICE according to claim 1, characterized in that the distance between the internal face of the central portion of the first half-shell and said first seat is from 0.5 mm to 4 mm measured from the inside. of its central portion, followed by the second seat arranged coaxial to the first, at a height of said interior face with a range from 0.5mm to 8mm measured from the same interior. - PORTABLE DEVICE EMITTER OF ULTRASOUND WAVES according to what is claimed in 1 and 3, characterized in that the first seat is an annular perimeter cord, while the second seat are discrete steps arranged as a crown coaxial to the first seat. - PORTABLE DEVICE FOR EMITTING ULTRASOUND WAVES according to what is claimed in 1 to 4, characterized in that the elastic and electrically conductive supports are at least three, regularly spaced and chosen from elastic springs, springs, and flexible metal lamellae.- PORTABLE DEVICE EMITTER OF ULTRASOUND WAVES according to what is claimed in 1 to 5, characterized in that the means of fastening and/or carrying the device are chosen between straps linked to the case that define a bracelet; an eyelet integral with the box through which a cord or chain passes, and a ribbon integral with the box through which a belt, strap, loop or strap passes. - PORTABLE DEVICE EMITTING ULTRASOUND WAVES according to what is claimed in 1 to 6, characterized in that the box is a flattened body made of flexible plastic material.