Integrated Electrostimulation and Heating Carrier Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electrostimulation apparatuses, such as TENS and EMS, lack the ability to provide simultaneous electrical impulses and heat, leading to reduced therapeutic or training efficiency, as they require separate heating accessories that are often heavy and inconvenient to use.
Innovation Solution
An electrostimulation apparatus with a control unit, power supply, and carrier that integrates a heating piece and electrode layer, allowing for simultaneous electrical current and heat application, with optional remote operation and temperature measurement, and featuring a design that includes insulating layers and conductive connectors for improved stability and convenience.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate heating accessory is used with electrostimulation apparatus, then heating function is achieved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate due to multiple wires and buttons
Solution Approach 1:
The heating element and electrode are merged into a single integrated structure where the heating element is disposed between two electrodes. This eliminates the need for separate heating accessories and multiple connection wires, reducing device complexity while maintaining both electrostimulation and heating functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously - electrostimulation and heating - through a single device structure. The control unit can independently control both the electrode for electrical impulses and the heating element for thermal therapy, making the device versatile without requiring separate accessories.
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate heating accessory is used with electrostimulation apparatus, then heating function is achieved, but ease of operation worsens due to heavy weight and separate components
Solution Approach 1:
The heating element and electrode are merged into a single integrated structure where the heating element is disposed between two electrodes. This eliminates the need for separate heating accessories and multiple connection wires, reducing device complexity while maintaining both electrostimulation and heating functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously - electrostimulation and heating - through a single device structure. The control unit can independently control both the electrode for electrical impulses and the heating element for thermal therapy, making the device versatile without requiring separate accessories.
3Productivity
If heating element and electrode are integrated, then simultaneous application is achieved, but electrical current conduction between heating element and electrode may occur
Solution Approach 1:
An insulating layer is introduced as an intermediary between the heating element and the electrodes. This insulating layer prevents direct electrical contact and unwanted current conduction while allowing thermal energy to pass through, enabling safe simultaneous operation of heating and electrostimulation functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The insulating layer is selectively applied only in areas where electrical isolation is needed between the heating element and electrodes, while maintaining thermal conductivity for heating functionality. This localized differentiation of material properties solves the contradiction between electrical isolation and thermal transfer.
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 convenient and enhanced therapeutic or training effects by providing electrical current and heat simultaneously to a designated area, improving user experience and treatment outcomes.
Implementation Method 1
The control unit is configured to provide the electrical current to an electrode layer on or inside the carrier
Implementation Method 2
the power supply is configured to heat a heating piece settled on or inside the carrier
Implementation Method 3
an insulating layer is settled between the heating piece and the electrode layer thus preventing the electrical current from conducting therebetween
Data Source
AI summary
An electrostimulation apparatus may comprise a control unit, a power supply and a carrier separated or combined. The control unit is configured to provide the electrical current to an electrode layer settled on or inside the carrier, and the power supply is configured to heat a heating piece settled on or inside the carrier. The carrier has a plurality of connecting portions which are configured to electrically connect to the control unit, the power supply, the heating piece and the electrode layer. Furthermore, the electrode layer is electrically connected to the control unit through the connecting portions, and also the heating piece is electrically connected to the power supply through the connecting portions. Also, the heating piece and the electrode layer are attached on the carrier, and the carrier can be used to serve both training and treatment purposes for a user.