Waterproof FES Foot Drop Device with Embedded Stainless Steel Electrodes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing functional electrical stimulation therapeutic apparatuses for foot drop suffer from poor waterproofness, short service life, and limited applicability due to differences in neuromuscular groups among individuals, with separate straps and electrode pads requiring frequent replacement and complex placement determination.
Innovation Solution
An integrated functional electrical stimulation therapeutic apparatus featuring stainless steel metal electrodes embedded in a waterproof design with a soft rubber strap, a magnetic connector for charging, and a sequence of small and large electrodes that form an electrical stimulation loop, suitable for various neuromuscular groups, ensuring durability and long-term use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If hydrogel electrode pads are used, then the apparatus can be carried conveniently, but the electrode pads have short lifetime and must be frequently replaced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces disposable hydrogel electrode pads with reusable stainless steel metal electrodes that are embedded in the lower casing and support structure. This eliminates the need for frequent replacement while maintaining therapeutic effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses stainless steel metal electrodes embedded in a waterproof rubber or silicone material structure. This composite design provides both durability and flexibility, allowing the electrodes to be reused while conforming to the user's body.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the strap and main unit are separated, then the apparatus can be adjusted for different users, but the strap is not durable and requires cumbersome replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the strap with the main unit through a waterproof rubber or silicone material structure that is molded as a single piece. This eliminates the separation between strap and main unit, providing both durability and ease of adjustment through the integrated design.
3Reliability
If the apparatus is designed with integrated structure, then durability is improved, but the structure becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple components (electrodes, strap, main unit, waterproofing) into a single integrated waterproof rubber or silicone material structure. This reduces the number of separate parts while improving durability through the unified construction.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated waterproof rubber or silicone material structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides waterproofing, structural support, electrode embedding, and flexible attachment. This multi-functionality simplifies the overall design while maintaining durability.
4Ease of operation
If hydrogel electrode pads are used, then the apparatus can be made portable, but the electrode pads have poor waterproofness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses stainless steel metal electrodes embedded in a waterproof rubber or silicone material. This composite structure inherently provides waterproofness while maintaining flexibility and portability, eliminating the waterproofness issues of hydrogel pads.
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 apparatus achieves high durability, simple operation, and extended service life with stainless steel electrodes and a waterproof design, accommodating different neuromuscular groups, while the integrated structure and soft rubber strap enhance durability and ease of use.
Implementation Method 1
functional electrical stimulation (FES) walking assistance apparatuses are often used clinically to partially restore functional movement capabilities of the patients
Implementation Method 2
The control circuit is connected with a magnetic connector, the magnetic connector is disposed in the lower casing and connected with a charging cable via a charging port of the lower casing
Data Source
AI summary
An integrated functional electrical stimulation therapeutic apparatus for foot drop based on a sequence of electrodes is provided, including an upper casing, a waterproof ring, a control circuit, a lower casing, a support molded integrally with the lower casing, a sequence of small electrodes, and a large electrode; wherein the sequence of small electrodes and the large electrode are embedded in surfaces of the lower casing and the support by using an in-mold injection process, and the sequence of small electrodes and the large electrode are stainless steel metal electrodes. An integrated waterproof design is used in the above therapeutic apparatus.