Leg Blood Flow Stimulation Using Dual-Frequency Acoustic Vibration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for blood flow stimulation, such as those using piezoelectric transducers and acoustic vibrators, are ineffective in stimulating capillary tissues in the feet, particularly for diabetic patients, and lack systemic blood circulation enhancement.
Innovation Solution
A leg blood flow stimulation system utilizing a closed chamber with bimorph piezoelectric transducers and in-chamber speakers that generate low-frequency acoustic vibrations and high-frequency ultrasonic vibrations, respectively, to stimulate blood flow in both large and small blood vessels and capillaries simultaneously.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If only high-frequency piezoelectric transducers are used, then ultrasonic frequency oscillations can be generated, but capillary tissues in feet cannot be effectively stimulated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two different vibration sources: low-frequency acoustic vibrators (20-1000 Hz) for stimulating large blood vessels in the lower legs, and high-frequency piezoelectric transducers (20-100 kHz) for stimulating capillary tissues in the feet. This merging of different frequency ranges allows simultaneous stimulation of both large and small blood vessels, resolving the contradiction between targeting specific tissue types and achieving comprehensive blood flow stimulation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If acoustic vibrators are used for lower legs, then large blood vessels can be stimulated, but capillary tissues in feet are not affected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different vibration characteristics to different body regions: low-frequency acoustic vibrations (20-1000 Hz) are applied to the lower legs to stimulate large blood vessels, while high-frequency ultrasonic vibrations (20-100 kHz) are applied locally to the feet to stimulate capillary tissues. This local differentiation of vibration properties ensures effective stimulation of both large vessels and capillaries in their respective target areas.
3Reliability
If multiple piezoelectric transducers are used, then ultrasonic frequency oscillations can be generated, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary device - a closed chamber containing acoustic vibrators - that converts electrical signals into low-frequency acoustic vibrations. This intermediary approach allows the system to generate low-frequency vibrations without requiring multiple complex piezoelectric transducers, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining the ability to stimulate large blood vessels effectively.
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 system effectively enhances blood circulation in both superficial and deep tissues, including capillaries, by combining low-frequency acoustic and high-frequency ultrasonic vibrations, improving microcirculation and systemic blood perfusion, especially beneficial for diabetic patients with microcirculatory dysfunction.
Implementation Method 1
bimorph type piezoelectric transducers connected to a controller... Feet are affected by bimorph-type piezoelectric transducers
Implementation Method 2
in-chamber speakers built into side walls of the chamber... lower legs are affected by acoustic vibrations due to the speakers installed in the side walls
Implementation Method 3
The modality could be therapeutic ultrasound (TUS), and be configured to promote angiogenesis within a patient via stimulation of cavitation and shear stress
Implementation Method 4
promote angiogenesis within a patient via stimulation of cavitation and shear stress
Data Source
Figure 1~2b
AI summary
A leg blood flow stimulation system comprising a closed chamber, a low-frequency acoustic vibration-exciting speakers located on sides of the chamber, an array of high-frequency vibration-exciting piezoelectric bimorph transducers located in the chamber, in the plane of the chamber corresponding to the plane of the foot, corresponding to the sole support zone below the toes and the heel support zone, where each zone includes one to three piezoelectric bimorph transducers. The leg stimulation system is designed so that a person's legs up to the knees can be placed in a closed chamber and encased in a standard type of elastic splint type system. The feet are affected by bimorph type piezoelectric transducers connected to the controller, and the lower legs are affected by acoustic vibrations thanks to the speakers installed in the side walls of the closed chamber. In this way, the pulses sent from the controller control the synchronous operation of bimorph piezoelectric transducers and acoustic speakers, which activates blood flow in the tissues of human legs and increases the efficiency of blood flow stimulation.