Inverse Frequency-Voltage Electrical Stimulation Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing portable electrical stimulation devices, such as TENS devices, provide only temporary pain relief and often cause discomfort due to their inefficiency in treating inflamed muscles and joints.
Innovation Solution
A portable electrical stimulation device with a wave generator that produces electrical signals at various levels defined by frequency, peak voltage, and peak current, with a generally inverse relationship between frequency and peak voltage, and includes features like current limiting and sensor-activated intensity adjustments for user comfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional TENS devices are used to provide pain relief, then temporary relief may be achieved, but discomfort is caused to patients and users
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by implementing an inverse relationship between frequency and peak voltage across multiple stimulation levels. As frequency increases, peak voltage decreases, and vice versa. This parameter optimization allows the device to deliver effective pain relief while staying within comfortable current ranges, resolving the contradiction between effectiveness and discomfort.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms through current sensing circuits that monitor the actual current flowing through the electrodes and adjust the stimulation parameters accordingly. This feedback loop ensures that pain relief is achieved while preventing discomfort by adapting to the user's physiological response in real-time.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If electrical stimulation is applied to treat muscle and joint issues, then pain relief may be achieved, but the treatment duration is temporary
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuity of useful action through multiple stimulation levels that can be sequentially applied or combined. The device can maintain effective stimulation parameters for extended periods, providing sustained pain relief rather than temporary effects. The inverse frequency-voltage relationship allows for prolonged treatment at optimized parameters.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies dynamics by enabling real-time adjustment of stimulation parameters through multiple levels with varying frequency and voltage combinations. The device can dynamically adapt to treatment progress and user response, extending the effective treatment duration while maintaining productivity through flexible parameter modification.
3Productivity
If high frequency electrical signals are used, then stimulation effect is improved, but peak voltage must be reduced to avoid discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The patent directly applies parameter changes by establishing an inverse relationship between frequency and peak voltage. When frequency is increased to improve stimulation effectiveness, peak voltage is simultaneously decreased to maintain comfort. This coordinated parameter adjustment allows the device to optimize both productivity and reduce harmful effects.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by tailoring specific frequency and voltage combinations to different stimulation levels and treatment requirements. Each level can be optimized for specific tissue types and treatment goals, allowing high frequency for certain areas while using lower frequency for others, with corresponding voltage adjustments to maintain comfort across all applications.
Data Source
AI summary
A portable electrical stimulation device is disclosed. In one aspect, the device includes a pair of electrodes configured to be electrically coupled to a user and a wave generator configured to provide an electrical signal to the user via the pair of electrodes. The wave generator is further configured to generate the electrical signal at one of a plurality of levels. Each of the plurality of levels is defined by at least a frequency, a peak voltage, and a peak current. For each of the levels the frequency is in a range of about 50 Hz-about 500 Hz, the peak voltage is in a range of about 40 V-about 250 V, the peak current is in a range of about 25 mA-about 150 mA, and the frequency and the peak voltage have a generally inverse relationship.