One-handed low-frequency stimulator

Abstract

This invention provides a single-handed low-frequency stimulator. According to several embodiments of the invention, the single-handed low-frequency stimulator includes: a housing, which is radially shaped, and a gripping groove for fixing the user's fingers is formed on the side of the housing; a first electrode, which is disposed on a first surface of the housing and contacts a portion of the user's palm; a second electrode, which is disposed on the first surface of the housing and contacts another portion of the user's palm; and a control unit disposed inside the housing, which is connected to the first electrode and the second electrode and controls the application of current to the user's body.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a single-handed low-frequency stimulator, and more specifically to a single-handed low-frequency stimulator capable of stimulating muscles by applying low frequencies to a single hand. Background Technology

[0002] Recently, with the increasing attention to body shape and other physical appearance, the number of users who manage their bodies through personal training has increased, leading to growth in the market for equipment for exercising at home, also known as home workouts. As a result, the development of related technologies is also actively underway.

[0003] In particular, there is an increasing demand for small exercise and massage devices that can be used for exercise and massage without being limited by time and place, and a variety of devices that can be applied to various sizes and body parts are available on the market.

[0004] Among these, electric muscle stimulation (EMS), which delivers electrical stimulation to the user's body to induce muscle contraction and relaxation, thereby maximizing the exercise effect, is particularly favored and used by many people.

[0005] EMS uses low-frequency microcurrents to stimulate muscles to produce massage and exercise effects. Users can use the control box to select several frequency bands or randomly generate microcurrents of various frequency bands to stimulate muscles.

[0006] In response, various low-frequency stimulators have been proposed, with the most common being the two-handed low-frequency stimulators where the electrodes are held by both hands and the body is massaged.

[0007] However, the problem with two-handed low-frequency stimulators is that it is difficult to perform other tasks in parallel during use, and hand fatigue increases during prolonged use, making it difficult to maintain a constant gripping force, which in turn leads to uneven stimulation.

[0008] Therefore, the purpose of this invention is to develop a low-frequency stimulator that can perform other tasks while being used and can deliver stimulation evenly. Summary of the Invention

[0009] The technical problem to be solved

[0010] The purpose of this invention is to develop a single-handed low-frequency stimulator that can be stably held with one hand.

[0011] The technical problems to be solved by this invention are not limited to those mentioned above. Those skilled in the art can clearly understand other technical problems not mentioned from the following description.

[0012] Technical solutions for solving the problem

[0013] To achieve the aforementioned objective, a single-handed low-frequency stimulator according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: a housing formed radially, with a gripping groove for fixing a user's fingers formed on the side of the housing; a first electrode disposed on a first surface of the housing and in contact with a portion of the user's palm; a second electrode disposed on the first surface of the housing and in contact with another portion of the user's palm; and a control unit disposed inside the housing, connected to the first and second electrodes, and controlling the application of an electric current to the user's body.

[0014] Furthermore, the housing may be formed with multiple protrusions that extend radially, and a holding groove may be formed between two adjacent protrusions.

[0015] Furthermore, the single-handed low-frequency stimulator may also include a power button and an intensity adjustment button, configured on a second side of the housing opposite to the first side.

[0016] Furthermore, the intensity adjustment keys may include: a first intensity adjustment key for increasing intensity, and a second intensity adjustment key for decreasing intensity; the power key, the first intensity adjustment key, and the second intensity adjustment key are configured to be adjacent to each other.

[0017] Furthermore, the control unit may also include a display, which is disposed on the outside of the housing and displays at least one of low-frequency intensity and operating mode, with a power button and intensity adjustment button arranged around the periphery of the display.

[0018] Technical effect

[0019] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a single-handed low-frequency stimulator allows the user to massage or strengthen the forearm muscles by holding the low-frequency stimulator with one hand and receiving a low-frequency current. Attached Figure Description

[0020] Figure 1 This is a perspective view schematically illustrating a single-handed low-frequency stimulator according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 2 This is an exploded perspective view of a single-handed low-frequency stimulator according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 3 This is a top view of a single-handed low-frequency stimulator according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] Figure 4 This is a bottom view of a single-handed low-frequency stimulator according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view of a single-handed low-frequency stimulator according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] Figure 6 This is a perspective view of a single-handed low-frequency stimulator according to another embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0026] The embodiments described in this specification and the structures shown in the accompanying drawings are merely preferred examples of the disclosed invention. At the time of filing of this application, there may be various modifications that can replace the embodiments and drawings described in this specification.

[0027] The same reference numerals or symbols used in the various figures of this specification indicate parts or components that perform substantially the same function. They may be exaggerated in the figures to clearly illustrate the shape and size of the components.

[0028] The terminology used in this specification is for illustrative purposes and is not intended to limit or restrict the disclosed invention. Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, singular expressions include plural expressions. In this specification, terms such as "comprising" or "having" are intended to specify the presence of the features, numbers, steps, actions, constituent elements, components, or combinations thereof described in the specification, and are not intended to presuppose the possibility of the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, actions, constituent elements, components, or combinations thereof.

[0029] The terms "first," "second," and other ordinal terms used in this specification can be used to describe various constituent elements, but the constituent elements are not limited to these terms. These terms are used only for the purpose of distinguishing one constituent element from other constituent elements. For example, without departing from the scope of the invention, a first constituent element can be referred to as a second constituent element, and similarly, a second constituent element can be referred to as a first constituent element.

[0030] Hereinafter, a one-handed low-frequency stimulator 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0031] Figure 1 This is a perspective view schematically illustrating a single-handed low-frequency stimulator according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 This is an exploded perspective view of a single-handed low-frequency stimulator according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 This is a top view of a single-handed low-frequency stimulator according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4 This is a bottom view of a single-handed low-frequency stimulator according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view of a single-handed low-frequency stimulator according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] Reference Figures 1 to 5 The one-handed low-frequency stimulator 10 uses low-frequency stimulation to achieve the effects of a massager or exercise device. The one-handed low-frequency stimulator 10 includes a housing 100, an electrode component 200, and a control unit 300.

[0033] The housing 100 is sized for one-handed gripping. The housing 100 has an internal space S to accommodate the control unit 300. The housing 100 may have protrusions 102 extending in the lateral direction. Multiple protrusions 102 may be formed. The multiple protrusions 102 may be radially arranged. The multiple protrusions 102 may be formed at equal intervals. A gripping groove 104 may be formed between two adjacent protrusions 102.

[0034] The grip groove 104 is formed such that when a user grips the housing 100, the user's fingers can be inserted into the grip groove 104 and grip the housing 100. Multiple fingers can be inserted into one grip groove 104, but this is not a limitation; of course, one finger can be inserted into one grip groove 104. Therefore, the protrusion 102 and the grip groove 104 are preferably formed in at least five ways. That is, the user's fingers can grip the housing 100 in such a way that each finger corresponds to one grip groove 104.

[0035] The housing 100 includes a first housing 120 and a second housing 140.

[0036] The first housing 120 can be formed in a radial pattern. For example, the first housing 120 has a first surface 122 for contact with the user's palm. Furthermore, the first housing 120 has a plurality of radially formed protrusions 102 on its sides and a plurality of gripping grooves 104 formed between the protrusions 102. The first housing 120 can be formed of a non-conductive material. For example, the first housing 120 can be formed of a synthetic resin material.

[0037] The second housing 140 is joined to the first housing 120 to enclose the internal space S. The second housing 140 and the first housing 120 are formed opposite to each other. The second housing 140 has a second surface 142 for the user's fingers to contact. The second surface 142 may be formed symmetrically with respect to the first surface 122. Furthermore, the openings on the sides of the second housing 140 are formed in a shape corresponding to the openings of the first housing 120. The second housing 140 may be formed of the same material as the first housing 120. Figure 5As shown, the second housing 140 may have an inwardly recessed inlet groove 144 formed on the second surface 142. As an example, the inlet groove 144 may be formed in the center of the second surface 142. However, the location of the inlet groove 144 is not limited to this, and it should be understood that it may be formed within the range accessible to the thumb when the user holds the housing 100.

[0038] The electrode member 200 receives power from the control unit 300 (described later) and applies a low-frequency current to the user. The electrode member 200 is configured to be coupled to one of the first housing 120 and the second housing 140. As an example, the electrode member 200 may be disposed on the first surface 122 of the first housing 120.

[0039] The surface of the electrode component 200 that contacts the body can be formed as a curved surface. The electrode component 200 can be formed to contact the user's palm. The electrode component 200 is formed of a conductive material. As an example, the surface of the electrode component 200 that contacts the body can be formed by silver plating.

[0040] The electrode component 200 includes a first electrode 220 and a second electrode 240.

[0041] The first electrode 220 can be disposed in one of the first housing 120 and the second housing 140. The second electrode 240 can be disposed in the housing in which the first electrode 220 is disposed. The second electrode 240 can be disposed separately from the first electrode 220. As an example, the first electrode 220 can be configured as a positive electrode (+) and the second electrode 240 can be configured as a negative electrode (-). When the user's palm is in contact with both the first electrode 220 and the second electrode 240, a low-frequency stimulation is generated by causing an electric current to flow.

[0042] like Figure 6 As shown, the electrode component 200 may further include a first sub-electrode 222 and a second sub-electrode 242. The first sub-electrode 222 and the second sub-electrode 242 may be configured to provide auxiliary power when the user's palm has poor contact with the first electrode 220 and the second electrode 240.

[0043] The first sub-electrode 222 is connected to the first electrode 220, and the second sub-electrode 242 is connected to the second electrode 240. The first sub-electrode 222 and the second sub-electrode 242 can be disposed on the side of the housing 100. As an example, the first sub-electrode 222 and the second sub-electrode 242 can be disposed in the holding groove 104. Multiple first sub-electrodes 222 and multiple second sub-electrodes 242 can be disposed. In this case, only one sub-electrode from the first sub-electrode 222 and the second sub-electrode 242 can be disposed in each holding groove 104. Multiple first sub-electrodes 222 and multiple second sub-electrodes 242 can be alternately disposed in each holding groove 104.

[0044] In the above example, although the case in which a sub-electrode is provided in a holding groove 104 is described as an example, the first sub-electrode 222 and the second sub-electrode 242 according to another embodiment of the present invention can be arranged adjacent to each other in a holding groove 104.

[0045] The control unit 300 may also include a processor and a memory for operating the low-frequency stimulator 10. For example, the control unit 300 may include a receiving circuit for receiving user input. The control unit 300 can adjust the frequency, intensity, or application time of the current applied to the low-frequency stimulator 10 by receiving user input.

[0046] Furthermore, the control unit 300 can be electrically connected to a user terminal, thereby enabling control via the user terminal. For example, an application program can be installed on the user terminal, allowing the user to control the control unit 300 through the application program and by means of actions such as touching the screen.

[0047] The control unit 300 may include a printed circuit board (PCB) 310, a power button 320, an intensity adjustment button 340, and a display 360. The control unit 300 can integrate and control all the components.

[0048] PCB 310 is disposed within the internal space S of housing 100. PCB 310 is electrically connected to electrode component 200, power button 320, intensity adjustment button 340, and display 360. PCB 310 supplies power to electrode component 200. PCB 310 may be configured to be charged externally.

[0049] The power button 320 can turn the power of the one-handed low-frequency stimulator 10 on / off. The power button 320 can change the low-frequency mode of the one-handed low-frequency stimulator 10. The power button 320 can be located on the outside of the housing 100. The power button 320 can be configured on one of the first surface 122 and the second surface 142 of the housing 100. As an example, the power button 320 can be configured on the surface of the first housing 120 and the second housing 140 where the electrode member 200 is not provided. That is, when the electrode member 200 is provided in the first housing 120, the power button 320 can be located in the second housing 140. As an example, the power button 320 and the intensity adjustment button 340 can be configured as push-buttons.

[0050] The intensity adjustment key 340 can change the intensity of the low-frequency signal applied to the body. The intensity adjustment key 340 can adjust the low-frequency intensity by increasing or decreasing the amount of current applied to the body. In each low-frequency mode, the minimum and maximum intensity adjustable by the intensity adjustment key 340 can be set differently.

[0051] The intensity adjustment key 340 can be located on the outside of the housing 100. The intensity adjustment key 340 can be configured on one of the first surface 122 and the second surface 142 of the housing 100. For example, the intensity adjustment key 340 can be configured on the same surface of the housing 100 as the power key 320. The intensity adjustment key 340 includes a first intensity adjustment key 342 and a second intensity adjustment key 344. The first intensity adjustment key 342 is configured to increase the low-frequency intensity. The second intensity adjustment key 344 is configured to decrease the low-frequency intensity.

[0052] The display 360 can be mounted on the second side 142 of the second housing 140. The display 360 can display one of the following: remaining battery level, low frequency intensity, and operating mode.

[0053] The power button 320, the first intensity adjustment button 342, and the second intensity adjustment button 344 can be formed inside the inlet groove 144 and arranged adjacent to each other. As an example, the power button 320, the first intensity adjustment button 342, and the second intensity adjustment button 344 can be configured such that their respective sides are in contact with each other. The power button 320, the first intensity adjustment button 342, and the second intensity adjustment button 344 can be formed so as not to overlap with the electrode member 200.

[0054] like Figure 4 As shown, the display 360 can be positioned in the center of the power button 320, the first intensity adjustment button 342, and the second intensity adjustment button 344. That is, the power button 320, the first intensity adjustment button 342, and the second intensity adjustment button 344 can be arranged to surround the display 360.

[0055] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the user contacts the first electrode 220 and the second electrode 240 with his palm, inserts his fingers into a plurality of grip slots 104, and can operate the power button 320 and the intensity adjustment button 340 with his thumb.

[0056] The following describes a method for operating the control unit 300 using a power button 320 and an intensity adjustment button 340 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The power button 320 can turn the low-frequency stimulator 10 on / off or change its operating mode. Depending on the duration the power button 320 is pressed, the power on / off state and the operating mode change of the low-frequency stimulator 10 can be selected and executed.

[0057] Specifically, pressing the power button 320 for a preset time or longer will turn the low-frequency stimulator 10 on / off. Furthermore, pressing the power button 320 for a preset time or less will change the operating mode of the low-frequency stimulator 10. The duration of the press and the corresponding action of the low-frequency stimulator 10 can be adjusted as needed.

[0058] The operating mode of the low-frequency stimulator 10 can be changed when the power button 320 is pressed for a preset time. The operating modes include a first operating mode and a second operating mode.

[0059] In the first operating mode, a massage function can be performed on the user's palms or wrists. In this mode, low-frequency massage techniques are applied to the user's body. For example, in the first operating mode, a frequency band of 10Hz to 30Hz can be used to massage the user's body.

[0060] In the first operating mode, frequency signals 1-1 to 1-n can be provided. The frequency signals 1-1 to 1-n can operate at different low frequencies and can be applied for different durations.

[0061] As an example, in the first operating mode, frequency signals 1-1 to 1-3 can be applied at 10Hz intervals. That is, frequency signal 1-1 can massage the body at a frequency in the range of 10Hz, frequency signal 1-2 at a frequency in the range of 20Hz, and frequency signal 1-3 at a frequency in the range of 30Hz. However, this is only illustrative, and more than two different frequency signals can be provided, and the frequency interval can certainly be changed accordingly.

[0062] Furthermore, although the above example illustrates the case of using one frequency signal, the first-1 frequency signal according to another embodiment of the present invention can be selected from at least two of 10Hz, 20Hz, and 30Hz to massage the body. As an example, the first-1 frequency signal can operate at 10Hz for a first time and then operate at 20Hz for a second time to massage the body.

[0063] In the second working mode, functions that strengthen the user's muscles can be performed. In this mode, low-frequency signals are applied to the body to stimulate the user's forearm muscles and increase muscle strength. In this mode, frequencies in the 40Hz to 80Hz band can be used to stimulate the user's muscles.

[0064] In the second operating mode, frequency signals 2-1 to 2-n can be provided. Frequency signals 2-1 to 2-n can operate at different low frequencies and can be applied for different durations.

[0065] As an example, in the second operating mode, frequency signals 2-1 through 2-5 can be applied at 10Hz intervals. That is, the 2-1 frequency signal can stimulate the muscle at a frequency in the range of 40Hz, the 2-2 frequency signal at a frequency in the range of 50Hz, ..., and the 2-5 frequency signal at a frequency in the range of 80Hz. However, this is only illustrative; two or more different frequency signals can be provided, and the frequency intervals can certainly be changed accordingly.

[0066] Furthermore, although the above example illustrates the case of using one frequency signal with one frequency, according to another embodiment of the present invention, the second-first frequency signal can be selected from at least two of 40Hz to 80Hz to stimulate the muscle. As an example, the second-first frequency signal can operate at 40Hz for a third time, and then operate at 50Hz for a fourth time, thereby stimulating the muscle.

[0067] Based on the above example, the effect is that the user can hold the one-handed low-frequency stimulator 10 with one hand, and the power button 320 and intensity adjustment button 340 are configured in the inlet slot 144, thereby improving the holding stability.

[0068] Furthermore, it has the effect that sub-electrodes are provided in the holding groove 104 of the housing 100, thereby increasing the contact force between the user and the one-handed holding low-frequency stimulator 10.

[0069] Even though all the constituent elements described above as constituting embodiments of the present invention are combined into one or in combination, the present invention is not necessarily limited to such embodiments. That is, all the constituent elements may be selectively combined into more than one and operated as long as they are within the scope of the present invention. Furthermore, unless specifically stated to the contrary, the terms "comprising," "constituting," or "having" used in the above description indicate that the corresponding constituent element may be included, and therefore should be interpreted as including other constituent elements, rather than excluding them. Unless otherwise defined, all terms including technical or scientific terms have the same meaning as understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains. Terms commonly used, such as those defined in dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with the context of the relevant art, and should not be interpreted as having an ideal or overly formal meaning unless explicitly defined in this invention.

[0070] Furthermore, the above description is merely illustrative of the technical concept of the present invention. Those skilled in the art can make various modifications and variations without departing from the essential characteristics of the present invention. Therefore, the embodiments disclosed in this invention are only for illustrating the technical concept of the invention and are not intended to limit it. The scope of the technical concept of the present invention is not limited to such embodiments. The scope of protection of this invention should be interpreted by the appended claims, and all technical concepts within the equivalent scope should be interpreted as falling within the scope of the claims of this invention.

Claims

1. A low-frequency motion device that can be held with one hand, characterized in that, include: The housing is shaped radially, and grip grooves for securing the user's fingers are formed on the side of the housing; The first electrode is disposed on the first surface of the housing and contacts a portion of the user's palm. A second electrode is disposed on the first surface of the housing and contacts another part of the user's palm; and A control unit, located inside the housing, is connected to the first electrode and the second electrode and controls the application of current to the user's body.

2. The single-handed gripping low-frequency motion device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The shell is formed with a plurality of protrusions extending radially. The gripping groove is formed between two adjacent protrusions.

3. The single-handed gripping low-frequency motion device according to claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: The power button and intensity adjustment button are located on a second side of the housing opposite to the first side.

4. The single-handed gripping low-frequency motion device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The intensity adjustment key includes: The first intensity adjustment key is used to increase the intensity, and The second intensity adjustment key is used to reduce the intensity; The power button, the first intensity adjustment button, and the second intensity adjustment button are configured to be adjacent to each other.

5. The single-handed gripping low-frequency motion device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The control unit also includes a display disposed on the outside of the housing, which displays at least one of low-frequency intensity and operating mode. The power button and the intensity adjustment button are arranged around the periphery of the display.

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