Cutaneous Pulse Generator with Rigid Component Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional flexible pulse generators for electrical stimulation lack mechanical protection against impacts, piercing, and stresses, compromising their reliability and robustness.
Innovation Solution
A cutaneous device with a planar, flexible design featuring electric connection means that provide mechanical protection, comprising rigid areas aligned with components to cover and protect them, and a magnetic function to facilitate connections, ensuring reliability and compactness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If fine and flexible encapsulation layers are used to make the pulse generator compact and wearable, then the device thickness is reduced and portability is improved, but mechanical protection against impacts, piercing, and stresses is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical connection means are designed to perform dual functions: establishing electrical connections and providing mechanical protection. By merging these two functions into a single structural element, the patent eliminates the need for separate protective layers while maintaining both connectivity and robustness.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrical connection means serve multiple purposes: they connect the device to external electrical conductors, provide structural support, and act as a protective barrier against mechanical damage. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by making the connection structure itself protective rather than requiring additional protective layers.
2Reliability
If the electrical connection means cover the components, then mechanical protection is improved, but the device area increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical connection means provide mechanical protection specifically at the locations where components are mounted, rather than requiring a continuous protective layer across the entire device surface. This localized approach maintains protection where needed while minimizing the overall device area.
Solution Approach 2:
By combining the electrical connection structure with the protective function, the patent eliminates the need for separate protective layers that would increase device area. The connection means themselves become the protective element, achieving protection without area penalty.
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 solution enhances the robustness and reliability of the device while reducing its thickness and improving compactness, ensuring effective mechanical protection against impacts and stresses.
Implementation Method 1
the electrical connection means having, in the plane of the device, a surface corresponding to at least one component and being positioned so as to cover said at least one component for ensuring its mechanical protection
Implementation Method 2
Said electrical connection means advantageously also fulfill a magnetic function, so as to facilitate the connection between the electrical connection means of the device and electrical connection means of another element
Data Source
AI summary
A substantially planar device intended to be secured to the skin of a user is disclosed. The device includes components and electrical connection means defining at least one rigid zone of the device. The electrical connection means have, in the plane of the device, a surface corresponding to at least one component and the means are disposed such as to cover the at least one component in order to protect the component mechanically.