EMS Electrode Pad with Segmented Sinusoidal Paths

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing EMS electrode pads suffer from edge current effects, leading to uneven current distribution and unintended skin heating during electrical muscle stimulation.

Innovation Solution

The EMS electrode pad features a design with electrodes arranged in virtual sections divided by sinusoidal and annular paths, increasing in size towards the edge, and a conductive layer, which minimizes edge current and ensures uniform current distribution through capacitive coupling with the skin.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a conventional electrode pad is used for EMS, then the electrode structure is simple, but edge current effect occurs and current distribution becomes uneven

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrode structureVSAvoidcurrent distribution uniformity
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The electrode pad divides the electrode into multiple sections (first electrode section, second electrode section, third electrode section) with different widths. This segmentation allows each section to control current distribution independently, preventing edge current concentration and achieving more uniform current distribution across the electrode surface.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different sections of the electrode have different widths to create local variations in current distribution. The first electrode section has a larger width to reduce current density at edges, while the second and third sections have smaller widths. This local quality adjustment ensures uniform current distribution without requiring complex overall structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Device complexity

If conventional electrode pad is used, then the design is simple, but skin heating occurs due to current concentration

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrode designVSAvoidskin heating
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The electrode is segmented into multiple sections with varying widths, which distributes the current more evenly across the skin surface. This prevents localized current concentration that causes skin heating, while maintaining a relatively simple overall electrode design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The electrode width parameter is varied across different sections (first section wider, second and third sections narrower) to control current density distribution. This parameter change prevents excessive current density at edges that would cause skin heating, without requiring complex design modifications.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Manufacturing precision

If uniform current distribution is achieved through electrode segmentation, then current distribution improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecurrent distribution uniformityVSAvoidelectrode configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The electrode uses local quality variations (different widths in different sections) to achieve uniform current distribution. This approach is simpler than complete segmentation because it only modifies the width parameter in specific sections rather than dividing the entire electrode into multiple complex components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The invention achieves improved current distribution by changing only the width parameter of different electrode sections, rather than introducing complex structural elements. This parameter-based approach maintains device simplicity while achieving the desired current distribution uniformity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 design effectively reduces edge current and heat concentration, providing a more uniform muscle stimulation and minimizing tissue damage, while improving energy transfer efficiency and user comfort.

Implementation Method 1

capacitive coupling may be formed between the plurality of electrodes in contact with an upper surface of the dielectric layer and the contacted skin

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCapacitive coupling: Capacitance

Implementation Method 2

the plurality of electrodes are provided in virtual sections divided by a plurality of first virtual lines and a plurality of second virtual lines on the lower surface of the base, the first line forms a path directing toward an edge from a center portion of the lower surface of the base, and the second line is configured as a annular path

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical current distribution: Conduction (electrical)

Implementation Method 3

transferring RF energy to simulate muscle according to a preset sequence

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRF energy transfer: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 4

current is applied through the skin. However, a skin is unintentionally heated when current is applied through the skin

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectJoule heating: Joule Heating

Data Source

PatentUS12102819B2Electrical muscle stimulation method using the electrical muscle simulation electrode pad
Publication Date: 2024.10.01 LUTRONIC
  • US12102819B2 patent drawing
  • US12102819B2 patent drawing
  • US12102819B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to an EMS method using EMS electrode pads. Each electrode may be provided to correspond to the shape and size of the divided area according to the virtual line. The EMS method using the same according to the present invention may minimize the edge current effect by the shape of the electrode to which electric energy is applied. In addition, energy transfer efficiency may be improved by capacitive coupling between the electrode and the skin. In addition, due to the coating of the electrode, a rate of contact with an affected part may be increased so that current may be applied evenly to each part.