Facial Electrotherapy System with Dual-Mode Mapping and Stimulation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrotherapy systems for facial muscle stimulation are ineffective due to anatomical variations among individuals, often causing pain and unintended muscle contractions, as they fail to accurately target specific muscle groups without stimulating adjacent nerves and muscles.
Innovation Solution
A customized electrotherapy system using burst mode oscillating current and biphasic current to map and stimulate specific facial muscles, employing two sets of electrodes to achieve concentric and eccentric contractions, thereby avoiding pain and enhancing targeted muscle tone without affecting untargeted muscles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If electrodes are placed indiscreetly on the skin to stimulate facial muscles, then muscle contraction is achieved, but unintended stimulation of adjacent nerves and muscles occurs causing pain and injury
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by using different electrode types (stimulation electrodes vs. mapping electrodes) with distinct functions placed in specific locations. The stimulation electrodes are positioned to target only the intended muscle group, while mapping electrodes are placed on adjacent nerves to map their pathways and prevent unintended stimulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the electrotherapy system into multiple electrode pairs: one pair for stimulating the target muscle and another pair for mapping adjacent nerves. This segmentation allows independent control and monitoring of stimulation effects, enabling precise differentiation between desired muscle contraction and potential harmful nerve stimulation.
2Productivity
If standardized electrotherapy devices are used on the face, then some muscle groups can be stimulated, but anatomical variations among individuals cause the devices to work properly on only a small subset of people
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamics by making the electrode placement adaptive rather than fixed. The mapping electrodes are moved to different locations on the face to map the unique nerve pathways of each individual. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to adapt to anatomical variations and identify the optimal stimulation parameters for each person's specific muscle and nerve configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses feedback through the mapping process where electrical stimulation is applied via mapping electrodes and the resulting sensations are recorded. This feedback information about nerve locations and responses is used to adjust the placement and parameters of the stimulation electrodes, ensuring effective and safe muscle stimulation tailored to each individual's anatomy.
3Reliability
If electrotherapy is applied to stimulate facial muscles for rejuvenation, then muscle tone can be improved, but accurate targeting of specific muscle groups without stimulating adjacent structures is difficult to achieve
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces mapping electrodes as intermediaries between the practitioner and the target muscle group. These mapping electrodes are placed on adjacent nerves and used to map nerve pathways before applying stimulation electrodes. This intermediary step provides precise anatomical information that guides accurate placement of the stimulation electrodes, ensuring they target the intended muscle without stimulating adjacent structures.
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 system effectively strengthens and hypertrophies specific facial muscles, increasing resting tone and restoring volume to targeted areas, providing a more youthful appearance without the risks associated with surgery or fillers.
Implementation Method 1
A customized electrotherapy system using burst mode oscillating current and biphasic current to map and stimulate specific facial muscles
Implementation Method 2
A Russian electric current is then passed between the electrodes. The electric current causes the muscle to contract.
Implementation Method 3
Following application of the Russian current to the specific component of the muscle the facial nerve to the region is mapped and stimulated resulting in secondary stimulation of the entire muscle via the nerve
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method of exercising targeted muscles of the face using electrotherapy. An electrotherapy machine is provided that produces both burst mode oscillating current and biphasic current. Burst mode oscillating current is used to map positions for electrodes that cause contractions in specific regions of the targeted muscles. Biphasic current is used to map positions for electrodes that stimulate the buccal nerve branch and cause simultaneous contractions of the entire targeted muscles. After mapping burst mode oscillating current is directed from the electrotherapy machine to the first set of electrodes during a first period of time. Biphasic current is directed from the electrotherapy machine to a second set of electrodes during a second period of time that is subsequent to the first period of time. The cycles are repeated to cause concentric and eccentric contractions in the targeted muscles. The contractions exercise and tone the targeted muscles.