Flexible Wireless Stimulation Patch for Wound Therapy
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current electrical stimulation devices for wound and pain management are cumbersome, costly, and require technological expertise for use, limiting their application in home settings and failing to account for varied wound types and pain modalities, with no optimal protocol identified for problematic wounds like pressure ulcers.
Innovation Solution
A wearable, flexible, wireless adhesive electrical stimulation patch with a miniaturized ASIC and customizable treatment protocols, incorporating a self-contained power source and controller, designed for simple user-friendly operation and adaptable to different wound types and pain management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If stationary electrical stimulation devices are used for wound and pain therapy, then treatment effectiveness is improved, but device portability and ease of home use deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The device is segmented into a flexible substrate layer with embedded electrodes and a separate wireless power/communication module that can be attached independently. This allows the stimulation function to be portable while maintaining treatment effectiveness through customizable electrode patterns and wireless power delivery.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical wire connections with wireless power and data transmission using electromagnetic fields. This eliminates the need for physical cables connecting the stimulation device to external power sources, enabling portability while maintaining reliable electrical stimulation for wound and pain therapy.
2Power
If external wires and cables are used for powering surface electrical stimulation devices, then power delivery is ensured, but patient mobility is limited and device reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical wire connections with wireless power transmission using electromagnetic induction. The power module contains a coil that wirelessly transfers power to a corresponding coil in the substrate, enabling continuous power delivery without physical cables that restrict patient movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The device uses a flexible thin-film substrate that can conform to body surfaces while maintaining electrical conductivity and wireless power reception. This flexible design allows the device to move with the patient without the constraints of rigid wiring systems.
3Ease of operation
If simple electrical stimulation devices are used, then ease of operation is improved, but adaptability to different wound types and pain modalities deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The device features dynamically adjustable stimulation parameters including variable current intensity, pulse duration, frequency, and pattern through a user-friendly interface. This allows simple operation while providing extensive adaptability to different wound types and pain conditions through programmable treatment protocols.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements customizable electrical stimulation parameters that can be adjusted according to specific wound types and patient needs. The system allows modification of current magnitude, pulse width, frequency, and duty cycle to optimize treatment effectiveness for different applications while maintaining ease of use through intuitive controls.
4Stability of the object's composition
If stationary stimulation devices are used, then treatment protocol consistency is maintained, but loss of time for patient mobility and daily activities increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device is pre-programmed with treatment protocols that can be customized for different wound types and pain conditions. Treatment parameters are set in advance, allowing consistent protocol execution without requiring repeated setup or reconfiguration during patient mobility, thereby eliminating time loss associated with device connection and disconnection.
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 patch provides effective pain management and enhanced wound healing through customizable electrical stimulation, improving patient mobility and reducing device failures, while being suitable for various care settings from intensive care to home use.
Implementation Method 1
galvanic treatment has been known for many years as a means to deliver drugs and cosmetic active agents into the skin for therapeutic purposes. Such approaches are based on mechanisms such as iontophoresis and electro-osmosis.
Implementation Method 2
Such approaches are based on mechanisms such as iontophoresis and electro-osmosis.
Implementation Method 3
Such approaches are based on mechanisms such as iontophoresis and electro-osmosis.
Implementation Method 4
In yet another example, clinical studies have used direct current (DC) electrical stimulation for electrotherapy.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a thin and flexible device and method of use thereof for wound treatment and infection control. The integrated surface stimulation device may comprise wireless stimulation system in a disposable and/or reusable flexible device for widespread use in multiple therapeutic applications. The invention would be situated on the skin surface of a patient and would be activated so as to reduce the overall occurrence of infections and/or increase wound healing rates. As provided, the device will comprise an integrated power supply and pre-programmable stimulator/control system on a flexible polymeric substrate layer with areas of stimulating electrodes, applied using techniques such as those found in additive manufacturing processes. The device is especially valuable in treating biofilm-based infections.