Functional Electrical Stimulation Boost Module Voltage Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional functional electrical stimulation (FES) systems face limitations in providing high and stable voltage for effective muscle stimulation, particularly during exercises like treadmill use, and pose safety risks due to low security and reliability, leading to potential secondary damage such as abnormal heartbeat and muscle spasms.
Innovation Solution
A functional electrical stimulation system comprising a boost module with a timer, voltage-regulator diode, and DC chopper circuits to increase output voltage, an energy storage module for stable energy delivery, and safety features like automatic discharge, mechanical emergency stop, current detection, and a fuse to ensure secure and reliable operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a conventional boost module is used in FES system, then the device structure is simple, but the output voltage is insufficient and unstable for high-load stimulation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the boost module into multiple independent DC chopper circuits connected in series (first, second, and third circuits). Each circuit contains its own switch, diode, inductor, and capacitor, allowing incremental voltage buildup. This segmentation enables the system to achieve high output voltage (solving the strength problem) while maintaining modular simplicity (addressing the complexity concern).
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-stage voltage boosting approach to a multi-stage series configuration. By stacking multiple DC chopper circuits in series and using a multi-phase switching strategy controlled by the timer, the system achieves voltage multiplication in a dimensional sense (from 1 stage to 3 stages), thereby increasing output voltage strength without proportionally increasing overall structural complexity.
2Strength
If high voltage electrical stimulation is applied to achieve strong muscle contraction, then the stimulation intensity is sufficient, but safety risks increase due to potential abnormal heartbeat and muscle spasm
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates multiple safety mechanisms that are pre-configured and ready to activate before actual harm occurs. The emergency stop button is pre-positioned for immediate user access, the discharge circuit is pre-wired to automatically activate when voltage exceeds safe thresholds, and the current-limiting circuit is pre-configured to prevent excessive current flow. These preliminary safety arrangements ensure that while high stimulation intensity can be delivered, the system automatically protects against safety risks before they materialize.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback control through the discharge circuit that continuously monitors the voltage level in the energy storage module. When the voltage exceeds a predetermined safe threshold, the feedback mechanism automatically triggers the discharge circuit to release excess energy, thereby maintaining voltage within safe operating limits. This closed-loop feedback ensures that high stimulation intensity can be achieved during normal operation while automatically preventing unsafe conditions.
3Duration of action of moving object
If the energy storage module stores high voltage for sustained stimulation, then the duration of stimulation is extended, but the risk of energy discharge causing harm increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent pre-configures an automatic discharge circuit that is always ready to activate when voltage reaches dangerous levels. This discharge circuit includes a discharge switch, discharge resistor, and control circuit that are pre-positioned to automatically release excess energy from the energy storage module. By having this safety mechanism pre-arranged, the system can store energy for extended stimulation duration while automatically preventing harmful energy discharge before it can cause damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the potentially harmful excess voltage energy into a beneficial automatic safety feature. The discharge circuit is designed to automatically activate when voltage exceeds safe thresholds, transforming what would be a harmful energy discharge into a protective mechanism. This allows the energy storage module to maintain high voltage for extended duration while the system automatically dissipates excess energy before it can cause harm, effectively converting a risk into a safety feature.
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 achieves higher and more stable voltage for enhanced muscle stimulation intensity while improving safety and reliability, preventing secondary damage by automatically disconnecting power and limiting current to protect users from adverse effects.
Implementation Method 1
a boost module, connected with the primary power, is configured to raise an output voltage of the primary power to a first preset voltage; the boost module may comprise a timer, a voltage-regulator diode and n DC chopper circuits connected in series
Implementation Method 2
an energy storage module, connected with the boost module, is configured to store electrical energy of the first preset voltage
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention discloses a functional electrical stimulation system comprising a primary power, a boost module, an energy storage section, an output control relay, an automatic discharge circuit, a foot/hand controlled switch, a current detection chip and a current limiting fuse. The boost module comprises n DC chopper circuits connected in series, and outputs a high voltage of 100-200V. According to an enable signal and a current detection signal, the output control relay disables/enables the DC boost module. The automatic discharge circuit discharges capacitance of the energy storage section automatically when the relay turns off the power input. The Foot/hand controlled switch, the current detection chip and the current limiting fuse form a triple accident protection circuit. The functional electrical stimulation system maximizes the intensity of electrical stimulation within the range that the human body can withstand. Meanwhile, it provides multiple security protection mechanisms and enhanced reliability to avoid danger during the use.