Electrical Muscle Stimulation Waveform Control via Impedance Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical muscle stimulation devices, such as those described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 9,302,102 and 7,499,746, fail to produce a desirable waveform throughout their frequency and duty cycle range and can deliver currents exceeding desired thresholds, particularly upon initial application.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that generate a first series of pulses with frequencies from 1 Hz to 5 kHz and a second series of pulses with frequencies from 5 kHz to 50 kHz, both with adjustable voltage and duty cycles, to create a combined waveform, while monitoring and adjusting voltage to control output current levels below a maximum threshold based on measured impedance values.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing electrical muscle stimulation devices deliver electrical pulses to treat patients, then therapeutic effects are achieved, but excessive current levels exceeding desired thresholds are delivered particularly upon initial application
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing an impedance measurement before delivering therapeutic pulses. The system measures the patient's tissue impedance first, then uses this measurement to calculate and set appropriate voltage levels that will deliver safe current levels. This preliminary assessment prevents excessive current delivery from the outset while still achieving therapeutic effects.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by continuously monitoring the actual current delivered during therapy and comparing it to the desired maximum threshold. The system measures current in real-time and adjusts the output voltage dynamically to maintain current levels within safe limits, preventing both excessive and insufficient current delivery throughout the treatment session.
2Device complexity
If existing electrical muscle stimulation devices use fixed waveform parameters, then device complexity is reduced, but the waveform is not desirable throughout the full range of frequency and duty cycle
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by implementing a microprocessor-controlled system that can dynamically adjust waveform parameters including frequency, duty cycle, and voltage levels. The system transitions from fixed parameters to variable parameters that can be modified in real-time based on patient response and treatment requirements, enabling desirable waveforms across the full parameter range while maintaining manageable device complexity through integrated control circuitry.
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 ensures a stable and controlled delivery of electrical pulses, optimizing therapeutic effects while preventing excessive current delivery, thereby enhancing the efficacy and safety of electrical muscle stimulation therapy.
Implementation Method 1
electrical energy, specifically pulses of electricity at various voltage levels and frequencies, can be used to heal and repair human tissue
Implementation Method 2
calculating an expected impedance value; determining whether the measured impedance value is within a predetermined range of the expected impedance value
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for treating a patient by generating a first series of pulses having a frequency in a range from about 1 Hz to about 5 kHz, a voltage range from about 0 (zero) volts to about 100 (one hundred) volts, and a duty cycle of about 1% to about 90%; generating a second series of pulses having a frequency in a range from about 5 kHz to about 50 kHz, a voltage range from about 0 (zero) volts to about 100 (one hundred) volts, and a duty cycle of about 1% to about 90%; modulating the first series of pulses and the second series of pulses into a combined waveform of pulses; and delivering the combined waveform of pulses to the skin of the patient via an electrical circuit.