Electrical Treatment Apparatus Voltage Switching for Mode Notification

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Solution Overview

Problem

Users of electrical treatment apparatuses that provide low-frequency pulses under clothing face difficulties in determining the treatment mode due to the location of display, LED, or audio outputs being hidden, leading to poor usability.

Innovation Solution

An electrical treatment apparatus with a controller that switches the voltage applied to the electrode between two values to provide a notification of the treatment mode, using a terminal to communicate and output information, allowing users to confirm the mode through intensity of electrical stimulation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a display, LED, or audio output is integrally attached to the electrical treatment apparatus worn under clothing, then the apparatus can be worn during daily activities, but the user cannot check the treatment mode information because it is hidden under clothing

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewearability during daily activitiesVSAvoidvisibility of treatment mode information

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a terminal device (such as a smartphone) as an intermediary to display treatment mode information. The electrical treatment apparatus communicates with the terminal device, which then presents the information through its display screen, audio output, or vibration mechanisms. This mediator approach allows the treatment apparatus to remain wearable under clothing while providing accessible information through the terminal device that the user carries with them.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If mode information is shown on a display separate from the electrical treatment apparatus, then the information is visible to the user, but the user has to be present at a specific location to view the display

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevisibility of treatment mode informationVSAvoidmobility during daily activities

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The terminal device serves as a mobile intermediary that the user carries throughout their daily activities. Treatment mode information is transmitted to this portable device, allowing the user to view or hear the information at any location without being constrained to a fixed display position. The terminal device's portability ensures both information visibility and user mobility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical display system (physical display attached to the apparatus) with an electronic communication system. Information is transmitted electronically to the terminal device, which then presents it through its own display, audio, or vibration mechanisms. This substitution eliminates the need for a fixed mechanical display while maintaining information accessibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the electrical treatment apparatus provides electrical stimulation under clothing, then it enables treatment during daily activities, but the user cannot feel or recognize the treatment mode

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetreatment during daily activitiesVSAvoidperception of treatment mode

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The terminal device acts as an intermediary to communicate treatment mode information to the user through display, audio, or vibration feedback. Since the electrical stimulation occurs under clothing where the user cannot visually or tactilely observe the electrodes, the terminal device provides an alternative communication channel to inform the user of the active treatment mode and its characteristics.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

Enhances usability by allowing users to confirm the treatment mode through felt intensity changes, even when the apparatus is worn under clothing, ensuring effective notification of the treatment mode in operation.

Implementation Method 1

a voltage regulator to regulate a voltage applied to the electrode to provide electrical stimulation to the body part

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical stimulation:

Data Source

PatentUS11110267B2Electrical treatment apparatus, system, and computer-readable medium storing program

Publication Date: 2021.09.07 OMRON HEALTHCARE CO LTD

AI summary

An electrical treatment apparatus includes an electrode contactable with a body part, a voltage regulator to regulate a voltage applied to the electrode to provide electrical stimulation to the body part, and a control circuit to control the electrical treatment apparatus. While the control circuit is performing the treatment mode in which the voltage regulator is controlled to apply a voltage at a first voltage value corresponding to the treatment mode to the electrode, the control circuit controls the voltage regulator to switch a value of the voltage applied to the electrode from the first voltage value to a second voltage value and to thereafter switch the voltage value from the second voltage value to the first voltage value.