Acupuncture Probe Detection of Strategic Points via Pulsed Current

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing acupuncture techniques rely on time-consuming and error-prone manual methods to locate precise strategic points on a patient's body for needle insertion, which affects treatment effectiveness and efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus using a pulsed electric current applied through a handheld probe to sense changes in current characteristics, allowing clinicians to iteratively locate strategic points by sensing smoother and less irritating current when the probe is correctly positioned.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If manual skin palpitation methods are used to identify acupuncture strategic points, then the treatment can be performed with simple equipment, but the process is time-consuming and subject to error

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprecision of strategic point locationVSAvoidtime to locate strategic point

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the manual mechanical palpitation method with an electrical detection system. A probe applies pulsed electric current to the skin while a sensor detects the current characteristics, substituting the acupuncturist's tactile sensing with electronic measurement to achieve faster and more precise strategic point identification

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an electrical current as an intermediary between the probe and the strategic point. The pulsed electric current serves as a mediator that interacts with the tissue at the strategic point, allowing indirect detection through changes in current characteristics sensed by the sensor

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If manual skin palpitation is used to locate strategic points, then the equipment remains simple, but the treatment effectiveness is reduced due to imprecise location

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccuracy of needle placementVSAvoidcomplexity of detection apparatus

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the simple mechanical palpitation approach with an electrical detection system using a probe, current source, and sensor. This substitution increases device complexity but significantly improves the reliability and accuracy of strategic point location, ensuring precise needle placement

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes changes in electrical current parameters (magnitude, frequency, or waveform) as the probe moves across the skin. By monitoring these parameter changes, the system identifies strategic points based on distinct electrical characteristics, improving location accuracy without requiring overly complex equipment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If traditional palpitation methods are used, then the setup is quick and simple, but the productivity and treatment speed are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespeed of treatment deliveryVSAvoidcomplexity of probe and detection system

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces time-consuming manual palpitation with rapid electrical detection. The probe can quickly scan across the skin surface, and the sensor provides immediate feedback on current characteristics, enabling fast identification of strategic points and increasing overall treatment productivity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs preliminary electrical detection and mapping of the skin surface before actual needle insertion. By pre-identifying and marking strategic points using the electrical probe method, the treatment process is streamlined, allowing faster execution of the acupuncture procedure itself

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Enables precise and efficient identification of acupuncture strategic points, improving treatment effectiveness and speed by ensuring accurate needle placement.

Implementation Method 1

establishing electrical continuity between a clinician and the patient's skin so that the clinician can detect a sensed electric current portion of the applied electric current flowing from the patient to the clinician

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentUS20250325444A1System and method for acupuncture treatment

Publication Date: 2025.10.23 ACUPUNCTURE MOXA PRO INC

AI summary

A method and apparatus for correctly identifying an acupuncture strategic point comprises a clinician using a probe connected to an electrical driver to apply a pulsed electric current to a patient's skin, establishing electrical continuity between the patient and the clinician so that both the patient and the clinician can sense the pulsed electric current, moving the probe over the patient's skin and monitoring changes in the sensed pulsed electric current, and determining the strategic point to be a point at which irritation from the pulsed electric current as sensed by the clinician is minimized.