Biofeedback Stimulation Device Using Zero-Crossing Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing biofeedback electronic stimulation devices primarily mask pain rather than actively assist the body in healing from injuries using electrical energy, lacking the capability to physically aid recovery.

Innovation Solution

A biofeedback electronic stimulation device with a user interface, processor, transformer circuitry, pulse circuitry, and detector circuitry that generates customizable stimulation signals applied through electrodes, allowing for real-time feedback and adjustment of pulse configurations based on body response, thereby actively assisting in the healing process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If TENS devices utilize electronic stimulation to mask pain, then pain relief is achieved, but the body's natural healing process is not actively assisted

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepain reliefVSAvoidhealing effectiveness
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The device incorporates detector circuitry that continuously monitors physiological signals (such as muscle response or skin conductance) and feeds this information back to the processor. The processor adjusts stimulation parameters in real-time based on the detected body response, creating a closed-loop system that adapts to the user's healing needs rather than using fixed masking patterns

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The device dynamically changes stimulation parameters including pulse width, amplitude, frequency, and packet configuration based on detected physiological states. This allows the stimulation to evolve from initial pain masking to active healing promotion as the body responds, with parameters being adjusted to match the healing stage and tissue recovery needs

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Device complexity

If stimulation signals use fixed packet configurations, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to different body responses is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal generation simplicityVSAvoidresponse to body feedback
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The device transitions from static, pre-programmed stimulation packets to dynamic packets whose configuration changes in real-time based on detector circuitry feedback. The processor modifies packet parameters such as number of pulses per packet, inter-packet intervals, and pulse amplitudes dynamically, allowing the system to adapt to varying physiological conditions during treatment

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The stimulation signal is divided into discrete packets of pulses, where each packet can be independently configured and adjusted. This segmentation allows the device to apply different stimulation patterns to different physiological conditions by modifying individual packet parameters while maintaining overall signal structure, balancing complexity with adaptability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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

The device provides targeted electronic stimulation that actively aids in the recovery of injuries by adjusting pulse configurations based on real-time body feedback, enhancing the healing process beyond mere pain masking.

Implementation Method 1

Transformer circuitry generates a stimulation signal including packets containing at least one pulse responsive to the first control signal from the processor

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

Detector circuitry detects zero crossings of the at least one pulse in the packet of the stimulation signal

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectZero crossing detection:

Data Source

PatentUS7904150B2Biofeedback electronic stimulation device
Publication Date: 2011.03.08 AVAZZIA
  • US7904150B2 patent drawing
  • US7904150B2 patent drawing
  • US7904150B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A biofeedback electronic stimulation device includes a processor for generating a first control signal and a plurality of second control signals responsive to at least one input signal. Transformer circuitry generates a stimulation signal including packets of at least one pulse responsive to the first control signal. Pulse circuitry configures the at least one pulse in the packet to a selected one of a plurality of configurations responsive to the plurality of second control signals. Output electrodes apply the at least one pulse in the packet to a user and detector circuitry detects zero crossings of the at least one pulse in the packet. The processor further causes generation of an indicator responsive to the detected zero crossings.