Compact Muscle Stimulator with Segmented Body and Programmable Pulse Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electrical stimulation devices are limited by their bulkiness, difficulty of operation, and limited functionalities, making them unsuitable for everyday use and lacking in portability and versatility in stimulation sessions.
Innovation Solution
A portable electrical stimulation device with a central body equipped with sensors, a processing unit, and pulse generators, allowing for attachment to the user, simultaneous or sequential stimulation programs, and inter-device connectivity for varied and expansive stimulation sessions, managed through a mobile device platform.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If EMS devices have full functionality to perform various stimulation sessions, then the functionality is improved, but the main body becomes bulky and unwieldy
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into a main body unit and separate electrode pads that can be used independently or together. The main body contains the control electronics and power source, while the electrodes are separate contact elements that can be applied to different body locations, enabling versatile stimulation sessions without requiring a large integrated unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The main body unit is designed to support multiple stimulation modes and programs through software control, allowing a single compact device to perform various stimulation sessions (e.g., muscle building, fat burning, relaxation) by changing operational parameters rather than requiring separate hardware for each function.
2Volume of moving object
If EMS devices are made portable with a smaller main body, then portability is improved, but the ability to perform various stimulation sessions is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The device incorporates a programmable microcontroller that allows dynamic reconfiguration of stimulation parameters including pulse width, frequency, amplitude, and duty cycle. This enables a compact main body to adapt its electrical output characteristics in real-time to support diverse stimulation protocols without requiring additional hardware components.
Solution Approach 2:
The system varies multiple electrical parameters simultaneously (voltage amplitude, pulse duration, frequency, and waveform shape) to achieve different stimulation effects from a single compact device, allowing full functionality to be achieved through parameter modulation rather than hardware multiplication.
3Adaptability or versatility
If EMS devices include multiple controls for user adjustment, then functionality is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The device incorporates automated programs that self-adjust stimulation parameters based on pre-programmed protocols, eliminating the need for users to manually configure multiple controls. The system automatically adapts settings during operation based on sensor feedback or predetermined sequences, making operation as simple as pressing a start button while maintaining full functional capability.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple stimulation programs and parameter sets are pre-configured in the device memory, allowing users to select from ready-made protocols rather than manually adjusting controls. The device comes pre-loaded with optimized settings for different applications, enabling full functionality access through simple selection rather than complex configuration.
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 a sleek, portable, and user-friendly solution for everyday use, enabling extended wearability under clothes, multitasking, and varied stimulation programs, enhancing usability and functionality for diverse applications.
Implementation Method 1
the electrical stimulation device may transmit impulses to the user to stimulate and engage muscle(s) of the user
Implementation Method 2
a sensor configured to sense one or more signals from the user
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, methods, and devices are provided herein providing electrical muscle stimulation (EMS). In some instances, an EMS device may be provided. The EMS device may be compact, light, and unobtrusive such that it can be used by a person going about his or her daily activities. In some instances, the EMS device may comprise additional sensors for increased functionality and may be capable of interacting with additional devices or platforms to provide a full-fledged EMS device capability.