Portable Electroacupuncture Probe With Force Sensor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electroacupuncture devices are bulky, awkward to use, and struggle with accurate galvanic skin resistance measurements due to inconsistent pressure, which affects the reliability of readings.
Innovation Solution
A portable electroacupuncture system with a probe that measures and applies force to the skin using a plunger and force sensor, allowing for precise control of pressure and real-time resistance measurement, along with a processing apparatus that calculates and balances energy levels across acupuncture meridians.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a self-contained electroacupuncture device is used, then the device is portable, but it becomes bulky and awkward to work with
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into separate components: a handheld probe for measurement and application, and a separate processing apparatus. This segmentation allows the probe to be compact and portable while the processing unit can be more substantial, resolving the contradiction between portability and functionality.
2Reliability
If pressure is increased during skin contact, then electrical contact is ensured, but resistance measurement accuracy decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The device incorporates a force sensor that provides real-time feedback on the pressure applied to the skin. The processing apparatus uses this feedback to adjust the measurement process, ensuring accurate resistance readings while maintaining reliable electrical contact. This feedback mechanism resolves the contradiction by allowing dynamic adjustment of pressure based on measurement requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The device replaces manual pressure control with an automated force sensor and processing apparatus that electronically controls and monitors pressure application. This substitution of mechanical control with electronic sensing and control systems enables precise pressure management that maintains both contact reliability and measurement accuracy.
3Reliability
If a spring-loaded probe is used, then minimum pressure is ensured, but pressure range cannot be adjusted and no feedback is provided
Solution Approach 1:
The device transitions from a static spring-loaded mechanism to a dynamic system with electronic force sensing and control. The force sensor continuously monitors pressure, and the processing apparatus can adjust pressure levels dynamically based on measurement requirements, providing both minimum pressure assurance and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The force sensor provides real-time feedback on applied pressure to the processing apparatus, enabling closed-loop control. This feedback mechanism allows the system to maintain minimum pressure when needed while also providing the capability to adjust pressure ranges and provide feedback to the user, resolving the limitations of spring-loaded probes.
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
Enables accurate, non-invasive, and efficient measurement and balancing of skin resistance, providing a balanced energy reading and guiding treatment through a user-friendly, portable device.
Implementation Method 1
a sensor for measuring the force received by the plunger and providing a signal indicative of the force measured
Implementation Method 2
a probe electrically connected to an electrical potential source and constructed for selectively contacting skin and applying electrical potential to the skin
Implementation Method 3
The processing apparatus is adapted to periodically calculate the electrical resistance of the skin while an electrical potential is being applied to the skin
Data Source
AI summary
An electroacupuncture system for measuring and treating meridian energy balance in a patient. The system can include a pressure sensitive probe and return path contact, both of which are connected to an electrical potential source. The probe and contact are meant to be applied to a patient to diagnose and treat meridian energy imbalances. The system also includes a processing apparatus connected to the electrical potential source capable of interpreting the readings taken by the electrical potential source and probe and affecting operation of the system based on the readings. The processing apparatus may also use measurements to calculate an overall meridian energy balance number.