Therapeutic Electrical Stimulation Device with Electro-Mechanical Connector
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current TENS devices are bulky, complex, and lack user-friendly designs, making them difficult to integrate into everyday life due to tangled wires and cumbersome housings, which impede seamless electrical stimulation therapy.
Innovation Solution
A therapeutic electrical stimulation device with a user-friendly design featuring a rechargeable battery-powered controller and an electro-mechanical connector system, including a patch with electrodes and an adhesive layer, that simplifies the connection process and provides a more discreet and efficient delivery of electrical signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If traditional TENS devices use wired connections and bulky housings, then electrical signal delivery is reliable, but device portability and user comfort deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into separate functional modules: a reusable controller unit and disposable electrode patches. This segmentation allows the controller to be compact and portable while the patches provide reliable electrical contact without requiring complex wiring.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs disposable electrode patches that are discarded after use. These patches contain pre-attached electrodes and adhesive, eliminating the need for durable wired connections and reducing the overall device complexity and weight.
2Ease of operation
If TENS devices include multiple wires and connectors, then electrical signal transmission is stable, but ease of operation and user-friendliness deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode patches combine multiple functions into a single integrated unit: electrodes, adhesive layer, and protective backing are merged into one component that attaches directly to the skin and connects to the controller, eliminating separate wires and connectors.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrode patch acts as an intermediary between the controller and the patient's skin, providing both mechanical attachment and electrical connection in a single component, thereby simplifying the interface while maintaining signal stability.
3Volume of moving object
If TENS devices have complex wiring and bulky housings, then power delivery capability is sufficient, but device discreteness and wearability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode patches utilize thin, flexible adhesive films that conform to the patient's skin contour. These thin films deliver electrical signals effectively while maintaining a discreet, low-profile design that does not require bulky housings.
4Ease of manufacture
If traditional TENS devices require complex connection mechanisms, then electrical contact precision is high, but ease of manufacture and assembly deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The electrodes are pre-attached to the adhesive patch during manufacturing, establishing precise electrical contacts before the product reaches the user. This preliminary assembly ensures connection precision while simplifying the final application process for the patient.
Data Source
AI summary
In various embodiments, the invention disclosed herein provides systems, devices and methods for providing electrical stimulation to a patient. An electrical mechanical interconnection is provided to facilitate user friendly systems and devices. Exemplary therapeutic electrical stimulation devices include a shoe connected mechanically and electrically to a conductor that provides signals for electrical stimulation.