Design of a wearable compact pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) device for orthodontic treatments

This article explains the design and experimental results of a compact, wearable pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) generator for orthodontic treatments. The design schematic features provide for adjustable pulse frequency, adjustable pulse duration, and adjustable magnetic field output. A cascade-connected integrated circuit structure is preferred to adjust both pulse frequency and pulse exposure time. The cascade connection structure provides for a more compact device. The adjustment of pulse frequency and duration is based on the relationship between the resistor and capacitor. Transistor driver circuits and switches are used for the magnetic field generator. The proposed design has dimensions of 14 × 12 × 0.8 mm³ and is fabricated with SMD materials. In the experiments, an adjustable operating frequency between 1 and 100 Hz, and an adjustable pulse duration between 10 and 30 min., and an adjustable magnetic field output between 0.1 and 2 mT are obtained. According to the results, it has been determined that there is a strong harmony and symmetry between the simulation and experimental results. Additionally, electromagnetic and thermal simulation studies have been performed in the CST Microwave Studio Suite program for an intraoral use scenario. A realistic 3D phantom of the upper and lower jaw has been created for the simulations. The H-field, current density, Specific Absorption Rate (SAR), and temperature distributions are presented for the device at 1, 50, and 100 Hz frequency values. The SAR and temperature results have been compatible with the World Health Organization (WHO) limit values. The proposed prototype demonstrates significant potential for shortening treatment time in orthodontic applications due to its adjustable properties and operational stability.