Bi-Channel Electrotherapy Circuit With Isolated Series-Parallel Modes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrotherapy devices lack the capability to provide optimized, less risky, and more effective treatments for users while simplifying the treatment administration process for practitioners.
Innovation Solution
The electrotherapy device features N electrodes, with two or three active electrodes, and two isolated sinusoidal-voltage generators. The device can operate in series or parallel configurations, allowing for different treatment modalities, including diathermy and conductivity, without a return electrode in some configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single high-frequency voltage generator is used to connect multiple electrodes, then the device structure is simple, but the treatment versatility and optimized treatment capability are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single voltage generator into multiple independent voltage generators (at least two), with each generator connected to different electrodes. This segmentation allows each generator to be independently controlled and configured for specific treatment parameters, enabling versatile treatment protocols while maintaining manageable system complexity through modular architecture
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a multi-functional system where multiple voltage generators can be configured in different connection modes (series, parallel, or independent) to provide various treatment protocols. The system can simultaneously or alternately apply different frequencies and intensities to different electrode pairs, making the device universally applicable for diverse electrotherapy needs
2Reliability
If electrodes are connected to a single voltage generator, then the electrical circuit is simple, but user safety is compromised due to lack of electrical isolation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements electrical isolation by segmenting the electrical circuit into separate isolated circuits for each voltage generator. Each generator operates in its own isolated electrical domain, preventing current leakage between channels and ensuring user safety while maintaining clear circuit boundaries
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces isolation transformers or optocouplers as intermediary devices between the voltage generators and the electrode connections. These intermediaries provide galvanic isolation, blocking harmful current paths while allowing signal and power transmission, thus ensuring user safety without significantly complicating the overall circuit architecture
3Area of stationary object
If a single voltage generator is used for multiple electrodes, then the device is easy to operate, but the treated surface area is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the treatment areas into multiple independent zones, each served by a dedicated voltage generator and electrode pair. This segmentation allows simultaneous treatment of multiple body regions with different parameters, expanding the effective treated surface area while maintaining simple operation through independent control of each segment
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-channel sequential treatment approach to a multi-channel parallel treatment approach. By adding the dimension of multiple independent voltage generators operating simultaneously or alternately, the system expands the treated surface area without significantly increasing operational complexity through automated control
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
This configuration allows for bi-channel treatment delivery, increasing the treated surface area and offering multiple treatment options, while ensuring user safety through electrical isolation and flexible treatment configurations.
Implementation Method 1
the electric current circulates through the tissue and causes a rise in temperature of the tissue by Joule effect
Implementation Method 2
the device comprises a transformer for each voltage generator so that the two voltage generators are isolated by a transformer
Data Source
AI summary
An electrotherapy device comprising: N electrodes, N being equal to 2 or 3, two sinusoidal-voltage generators, characterized in that the two voltage generators are isolated by a transformer and the device comprises a control unit configured so that the device takes in alternation: a first so-called series configuration wherein the N equal to 2 electrodes being active electrodes and the two voltage generators are put in series, the device does not comprise a return electrode, a second so-called parallel configuration wherein N equal to 3, two electrodes of which are active electrodes each respectively connected to a voltage generator and one electrode is a return electrode to form the ground and is connected to each voltage generator, the two voltage generators are put in parallel.