Electromagnetic Nerve Stimulation Device for Pain Relief
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional nerve stimulation methods, such as CRF and PRF, often lead to nerve tissue damage and the formation of neuroma, causing chronic pain due to the body's self-repair mechanisms, and existing technologies struggle to precisely control temperature during stimulation to avoid these issues.
Innovation Solution
A novel electromagnetic stimulation device with a positive and negative electrode configuration, separated by an insulating gap, applies a preset voltage of up to 10V at frequencies between 200 KHz and 800 KHz to produce a low-power, low-temperature, high-frequency electromagnetic field that increases nerve threshold without damaging the nerve tissue.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If continuous high-frequency signal is applied to create high temperature, then nerve pain is alleviated, but nerve tissue is destroyed and neuroma is formed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies pulsed radiofrequency signal instead of continuous signal, delivering intermittent pulses at 2Hz frequency with 20ms duration per pulse. This periodic action allows tissue cooling between pulses, preventing thermal accumulation that would cause nerve damage and neuroma formation while still achieving pain relief through repeated thermal cycles.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies multiple parameters: reduces voltage to 45V peak-to-peak, limits temperature to maximum 42°C, sets pulse duration to 20ms, and establishes 2Hz repetition frequency. These parameter changes transform the destructive continuous high-temperature process into a safe intermittent low-temperature process that relieves pain without causing tissue destruction.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If pulsed radiofrequency signal is used to avoid high temperature damage, then nerve tissue is preserved, but precise control of pulse duration and delay is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a microcontroller unit that automatically generates and controls the pulsed signal parameters based on preset values. The system self-regulates pulse duration (20ms), repetition frequency (2Hz), and voltage levels without requiring manual adjustment, thereby achieving precise control while simplifying operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates temperature detection and control mechanisms that monitor tissue temperature in real-time and adjust the pulsed signal parameters accordingly. This feedback system ensures temperature remains below 42°C and automatically adjusts pulse characteristics to maintain safe operating conditions.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If high voltage is applied to stimulate nerve tissue, then nerve pain is relieved, but temperature increases and may damage tissue
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses intermittent pulsed signals with 20ms active duration followed by cooling periods at 2Hz repetition rate. This periodic application allows heat dissipation between pulses, preventing thermal accumulation and keeping tissue temperature below 42°C while still delivering sufficient stimulation for pain relief.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes voltage to 45V peak-to-peak and limits temperature to 42°C maximum. By carefully controlling these parameters along with pulse duration and frequency, the system achieves effective nerve stimulation while preventing excessive temperature rise that would cause tissue damage.
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
The device effectively reduces nerve pain by modifying the nerve's transmission capability without causing tissue damage, preventing neuroma formation and alleviating chronic pain.
Implementation Method 1
A preset voltage is applied to the positive and negative electrodes so that a low-power, low-temperature, high-frequency electromagnetic field covering and stimulating the nerve is produced between the positive and negative electrodes
Data Source
AI summary
The electromagnetic stimulation device contains at least a positive electrode and at least a negative electrode. An insulating gap having width of a first distance is maintained between the positive and negative electrodes. The positive and negative electrodes are at least at a second distance away from a nerve to be stimulated. A preset voltage is applied to the positive and negative electrodes so that a low-power, low-temperature, high-frequency electromagnetic field covering and stimulating the nerve is produced between the positive and negative electrodes. By the stimulation of the low-power, low-temperature, high-frequency electromagnetic field, the nerve's threshold is increased, the nerve's transmission capability is reduced, and therefore the nerve pain is effectively eased.