Distance-Triggered Muscle Stimulation in Mobility Support Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Support devices such as wheelchairs do not effectively prevent muscle atrophy in users with limited leg use due to lack of muscle contraction.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of electrical stimulation electrodes that activate based on distance traveled by the support device, simulating muscle contraction similar to walking, using a controller to engage electrodes with a power source and distance sensor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional support devices are used without electrical stimulation, then the device structure remains simple, but muscle atrophy occurs due to lack of muscle contraction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into the support device: mobility support, distance tracking via sensors, and electrical muscle stimulation. The controller integrates these subsystems to coordinate movement detection with appropriate muscle stimulation patterns, thereby preventing muscle atrophy while maintaining device functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller acts as an intermediary between the distance sensor and electrical stimulation electrodes. It processes distance traveled information and translates it into appropriate stimulation patterns, mediating between the mechanical movement of the device and the physiological response required to prevent muscle atrophy.
2Reliability
If electrical stimulation electrodes are engaged continuously, then muscle contraction is maximized, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic electrical stimulation based on the distance traveled by the support device. Rather than continuous stimulation, the system engages electrodes in periodic intervals correlated with movement distance, providing sufficient muscle activation to prevent atrophy while significantly reducing overall energy consumption compared to continuous operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The distance sensor provides feedback about the support device's movement, which the controller uses to determine when and how long to engage the electrical stimulation electrodes. This feedback mechanism ensures stimulation is provided in proportion to actual usage, optimizing the balance between muscle health benefits and energy consumption.
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
Reduces muscle atrophy by mimicking walking contractions, enhancing muscle health in users.
Implementation Method 1
electrical stimulation electrodes may be engaged, thereby triggering contraction of the muscles of a user sitting within the support device
Implementation Method 2
a distance sensor, a power source electrically coupled to one or more electrical stimulation electrodes
Data Source
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AI summary
A support device includes a base portion structurally configured to support a user, one or more engagement members coupled to the base portion and engagable with a surface, a distance sensor, a power source electrically coupled to one or more electrical stimulation electrodes, and a controller communicatively coupled to the distance sensor and the power source, the controller including a processor and a non-transitory, processor-readable storage medium including a computer readable and executable instruction set, which, when executed, causes the processor to receive a signal from the distance sensor indicative of a detected distance traveled by the support device, and send a signal to the power source to engage the one or more electrical stimulation electrodes based at least in part on the detected distance traveled by the support device.