Gesture-Controlled TENS Device with Power-Saving Modes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) devices require mechanical actuators like push-buttons for user control, which complicates wearability, increases size, and consumes battery power due to continuous communication with smartphones for remote control, limiting battery life and comfort.
Innovation Solution
A TENS device controlled through intentional gestures and near-field communication methods, such as a three-axis accelerometer for detecting taps, flicks, and shakes, and wireless connections like RFID tags, eliminating the need for mechanical actuators and optimizing power usage by transitioning between active and power-saving modes based on user interactions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If mechanical actuators like push-buttons are used for user control, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical actuators (push-buttons) with a motion detection system using a three-axis accelerometer. The accelerometer detects transient motion patterns (taps, flicks, shakes) to identify user gestures, eliminating the need for mechanical buttons. This substitution reduces device complexity and size while maintaining ease of operation through intuitive gesture-based control.
2Adaptability or versatility
If continuous communication with smartphone is maintained for remote control, then adaptability is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by transitioning the TENS device between active and power-saving modes based on user activity. During active use, the device communicates with the smartphone for remote control. When not in use, it enters power-saving mode with minimal communication, significantly reducing energy consumption while maintaining adaptability when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The device uses the accelerometer to detect user presence and intent, automatically determining when to switch between communication modes. This self-service approach optimizes power usage by eliminating continuous smartphone communication, allowing the device to serve itself by managing its own power state based on detected gestures.
3Ease of operation
If mechanical actuators are included, then ease of operation is improved, but wearability and comfort deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates mechanical actuators and replaces them with an electronic gesture recognition system using a three-axis accelerometer. This substitution removes the physical buttons and associated mechanical structures, significantly reducing device weight and improving wearability while maintaining operational ease through contactless gesture control.
4Ease of operation
If mechanical actuators are included, then ease of operation is improved, but device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes mechanical actuators (push-buttons) from the device. By eliminating these mechanical components entirely and replacing them with an electronic accelerometer-based gesture recognition system, the device volume is reduced while maintaining ease of operation through gesture-based control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes mechanical actuators with an electronic motion detection system. The three-axis accelerometer detects gestures without requiring physical buttons, eliminating the space needed for mechanical components and reducing overall device volume while preserving operational ease.
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
Enhances wearability and comfort by eliminating mechanical actuators, reduces battery consumption, and allows intuitive control through gestures, extending battery life while maintaining effective pain relief.
Implementation Method 1
a three-axis accelerometer for detecting taps, flicks, and shakes
Implementation Method 2
near-field communication methods, such as a three-axis accelerometer for detecting taps, flicks, and shakes, and wireless connections like RFID tags
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus for transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation in a user, the apparatus comprising: a stimulator for electrically stimulating at least one nerve, a stimulator housing, a monitor for monitoring transient motion of the stimulator housing, an analyzer for analyzing transient motion monitored by the monitor for determining whether transient motion of the stimulator housing has occurred, and a controller for automatically transitioning at least one of the stimulator, the monitor, and the analyzer between a standby mode and a power save mode, wherein the power save mode supports a subset of the functionality of the stimulator and the monitor which is available in the standby mode so as to conserve battery power in the power save mode.