Electrode Module Switching for Simultaneous Stimulation and Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current medical devices lack the capability to simultaneously provide electrical stimulation and bio-potential measurement using a single device, requiring separate setups for each function and lacking real-time control and user convenience.
Innovation Solution
An electrical stimulation and bio-potential measurement device with multiple electrode modules, a current supply unit, and a signal processing unit that can switch between stimulation and measurement modes, allowing for simultaneous or consecutive electrical stimulation and bio-potential measurement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate devices are used for electrical stimulation and bio-potential measurement, then each device can be optimized for its specific function, but the overall system complexity increases and user convenience decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines electrical stimulation and bio-potential measurement functions into a single integrated device. The electrode module serves dual purposes: delivering electrical stimulation current and detecting bio-potential signals. This merging eliminates the need for separate devices while maintaining functional optimization through dedicated circuit paths and switching mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrode module is designed as a universal component that performs multiple functions. It can operate in stimulation mode by receiving current from the current supply unit, and in measurement mode by transmitting bio-potential signals to the signal processing unit. The switch enables the electrode module to adaptively perform different functions based on operational requirements.
2Ease of operation
If a single device performs both electrical stimulation and bio-potential measurement, then user convenience increases and device portability improves, but the risk of signal interference and measurement accuracy decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The device is segmented into functionally independent units: a current supply unit for stimulation, a signal processing unit for measurement, and a switch that separates their operational paths. This segmentation allows the stimulation and measurement functions to operate independently without mutual interference, maintaining measurement precision while providing integrated convenience.
Solution Approach 2:
The switch acts as an intermediary element that mediates between the current supply unit and the electrode module, and between the signal processing unit and the electrode module. It ensures that during stimulation mode, the measurement path is disconnected, and during measurement mode, the stimulation current is disconnected, thereby preventing signal interference and maintaining measurement accuracy.
3Device complexity
If electrical stimulation current is supplied through the same electrode module used for measurement, then device simplicity increases, but the ability to control stimulation timing and prevent signal contamination decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The device incorporates dynamic switching capability through the switch element that can change the operational mode of the electrode module in real-time. The switch dynamically connects or disconnects the electrode module from either the current supply unit or the signal processing unit, enabling precise control over stimulation timing and preventing signal contamination while maintaining a simple integrated structure.
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
Facilitates both electrical stimulation and bio-potential measurement using a single device, enabling real-time control and enhancing user convenience by integrating electrical stimulation and bio-potential measurement functions.
Implementation Method 1
a current supply unit configured to be connected with the at least one electrode module and supply current to the at least one electrode module such that the at least one electrode module provides electrical stimulation to the user
Implementation Method 2
a signal processing unit configured to be connected with the at least one electrode module and process a bio-potential signal detected by the at least one electrode module
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical stimulation and bio-potential measurement device is provided. The electrical stimulation and bio-potential measurement device comprises at least one electrode module which comes into contact with the scalp of a user, a current supply unit, connected to the at least one electrode module, for supplying a current to the at least one electrode module so that the at least one electrode module can apply electrical stimulation to the user, and a signal processing unit, connected to the at least one electrode module, for processing bio-potential signals detected by the at least one electrode module, wherein the current supply unit comprises at least one switch which is arranged between the at least one electrode module and a voltage source for supplying the current.