Electrotherapeutic Device Asymmetric Frequency Modulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrotherapeutic devices face challenges in providing uninterrupted treatment across the preferred frequency bands due to limited time periods at higher modulation frequencies, leading to gaps in frequency coverage during ascending and descending phases.
Innovation Solution
The device adjusts the phase of increasing frequency to lengthen the phase of decreasing frequency, allowing for uninterrupted treatment by eliminating the ascending modulation phase and allocating time windows for quarter-tone steps in the descending phase, ensuring all frequencies are covered without gaps.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the modulation frequency is increased to reduce treatment time, then productivity is improved, but the time available to cover all frequency steps is reduced, leading to gaps in frequency coverage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic modulation of the carrier frequency through ascending and descending phases. By organizing the frequency sweep into periodic cycles with multiple passes through the frequency band, the system ensures complete coverage of all therapeutic frequencies while maintaining high modulation rates for efficient treatment delivery.
Solution Approach 2:
The signal transmitter pre-plans and structures the frequency modulation pattern before treatment begins, organizing all 73 carrier frequencies into a systematic ascending-descending sequence. This preliminary structuring ensures that no frequency gaps occur during treatment, even at high modulation speeds.
2Measurement precision
If both ascending and descending phases are given equal time, then measurement precision is maintained, but productivity decreases due to insufficient time for complete frequency coverage at higher modulation frequencies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs asymmetric time allocation between ascending and descending phases, allowing the descending phase to extend longer than the ascending phase. This asymmetric design ensures that all frequency steps receive adequate time for precise delivery, while the overall treatment remains efficient by optimizing the distribution of time across phases rather than equal division.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the ascending phase is extended to provide gradual muscle relaxation, then object-affected harmful factors are reduced, but the time available for descending phase and complete frequency coverage is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the relative durations of ascending and descending phases based on therapeutic requirements. The ascending phase provides gradual frequency increase for comfortable muscle relaxation, while the descending phase is extended to ensure complete frequency coverage. This dynamic time management allows both patient comfort and treatment completeness to be achieved simultaneously.
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
This approach enables continuous muscle relaxation and gradual muscle contraction, maintaining sensory acceptability and ensuring complete coverage of the frequency band, with the option to program different stimulus thresholds and intensity levels for tailored treatments.
Implementation Method 1
a signal transmitter for generating alternating current of a defined frequency and amplitude and at least two electrodes for applying this alternating current to the muscle and nerve tissue
Implementation Method 2
Device for electrotherapeutic treatment of muscle and nerve tissue
Data Source
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AI summary
An electrotherapeutic device for simultaneously modulating frequency and amplitude running through periodic frequency responses that can be predetermined in a rising and falling phase is known. The desired exists thereby to provide each of 73 discrete quarter-tone steps twice within a period. Said desire, however, is not mathematically possible at the preferable modulation frequency of 20 Hz. The device according to the invention solves said problem in that it shortens or completely eliminates the rising phase, in order to work primarily or entirely with the falling phase.