Electric Stimulator With Integrated Electrode Plates
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electric stimulators face issues with exposed wires, limited application to small areas, adhesion loss, and fixed stimulation sites, leading to inconvenience and waste.
Innovation Solution
The design includes a housing with electrode plate retention slots, a control circuit board for intensity and frequency control, and electrode plates with large and small contact surfaces at an inclined angle, allowing for wire-free operation, versatile application, and easy maneuverability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If an electrotherapeutic patch is used to connect the stimulator to the skin, then electrical connection is achieved, but wires are exposed and cannot be easily stored or organized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the electrode plates directly into the housing body, merging the connection interface with the device structure. The electrode plates are embedded in slots on the housing surface, eliminating the need for separate wires and patches, thus resolving the wire management issue while maintaining electrical connection capability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If an electrotherapeutic patch is used, then stimulation can be provided, but it can only be attached to sites with sufficient surface area and cannot fit small-area portions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the electrode system into multiple separate electrode plates of different sizes and shapes. Each electrode plate can be independently selected and positioned on the housing, allowing adaptation to various body surface areas including small areas like the periphery of the eye, corner of the mouth, and forehead, thus resolving the limitation of fixed-size patches.
3Reliability
If an electrotherapeutic patch is used on skin with grease or moisture, then electrical connection is established, but the patch is readily susceptible to detachment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the adhesive-based mechanical attachment system of electrotherapeutic patches with a direct electrical contact system where electrode plates are embedded in conductive material within the housing. This eliminates the need for adhesion to skin surface, making the connection immune to the detrimental effects of skin grease and moisture.
4Duration of action of moving object
If an electrotherapeutic patch is used for long-term or repeated use, then stimulation can be provided, but the patch loses adhesion and must be substituted causing waste
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the electrode plates as permanent, reusable components embedded in the housing structure. The conductive material and electrode plates are integrated into the device itself, eliminating the need for disposable patches. This self-service design allows long-term repeated use without adhesion loss or material waste.
5Ease of operation
If an electrotherapeutic patch is used, then stimulation can be provided to a fixed site, but it is not slidable on the skin surface making use inconvenient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables dynamic repositioning by allowing the electrode plates to be selectively engaged or disengaged from the housing slots. Users can easily move the electrode plates to different positions on the housing surface or remove them entirely, providing maneuverability and flexibility without compromising the electrical connection stability when positioned.
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
This solution eliminates exposed wires, enables easy storage and use on both large and small areas, reduces material waste, and enhances user convenience and maneuverability.
Implementation Method 1
The control circuit board is mounted in the internal space of the housing to control intensity and frequency of a current output
Implementation Method 2
The electrode plates are electrically conductive and are received and retained in the electrode plate retention slot of the housing and are in electric connection with the control circuit board
Data Source
AI summary
An electric stimulator includes a housing, a control circuit board, and at least two electrode plates. The housing includes an internal space formed therein and an outside surface in which at least one electrode plate retention slot is formed. The control circuit board is mounted in the internal space of the housing to control intensity and frequency of a current output. The electrode plates are electrically conductive and are received in the electrode plate retention slot of the housing and are in electric connection with the control circuit board. The electrode plates have an outside surface including a large-area contact surface and a small-area contact surface connected to the large-area contact surface. The large-area contact surface has a surface area greater than that of the small-area contact surface. The large-area contact surface and the small-area contact surface define therebetween an inclined angle that is not equal to 180 degrees.