Motion Detector Feedback for Electrical Stimulation Sufficiency

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electrical stimulation devices for improving circulation do not effectively indicate to users when the magnitude of stimulation is sufficient to achieve maximum benefit, leading to inconsistent user responses.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a motion detector, such as an accelerometer, to monitor the device's motion and generate signals indicative of the amount of detected motion, with a processor controlling electrical stimulation based on these signals to ensure sufficient muscle contraction and contraction-induced device movement, and providing feedback to users.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If electrical stimulation devices apply variable intensity stimulation without motion feedback, then users can adjust stimulation magnitude, but users cannot determine when sufficient stimulation is achieved for maximum benefit

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser ability to adjust stimulationVSAvoidfeedback on stimulation sufficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where a motion detector monitors device motion caused by muscle contraction, and a processor uses this information to provide feedback to the user about whether sufficient stimulation is being achieved. This closes the information loop that was previously open, allowing users to adjust stimulation based on actual physiological response rather than guesswork.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Reliability

If electrical stimulation is applied without monitoring muscle contraction effectiveness, then the device structure remains simple, but the effectiveness of circulation improvement is inconsistent

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveeffectiveness of circulation improvementVSAvoidstructure of stimulation device

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces direct mechanical monitoring of muscle contraction with an indirect sensing approach. Instead of mechanically measuring contraction force, the system uses motion detectors to sense device motion caused by contraction, and electrical sensors to detect changes in electrical properties. This substitution maintains reliability while avoiding complex mechanical measurement systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Measurement precision

If motion detection is added to monitor muscle contraction, then sufficient muscle contraction can be ensured, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection of muscle contractionVSAvoidaddition of motion detector and processor

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the motion detector serve multiple functions: it detects muscle contraction effectiveness, provides feedback to users about stimulation sufficiency, and enables automatic adjustment of stimulation parameters. By making this single component multi-functional, the patent achieves precise measurement capabilities without proportionally increasing overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

Ensures that users receive adequate electrical stimulation by adjusting the stimulation magnitude based on detected motion, thereby optimizing the effectiveness of muscle contraction and circulation improvement.

Implementation Method 1

a motion detector to detect the motion of the device and generating a motion output signal in response to the detected motion

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAccelerometer: Accelerometer

Implementation Method 2

continuous electrical stimulation-induced contractions could improve lower leg circulation in subjects by eliciting the physiologic muscle pump

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical stimulation-induced contraction:

Data Source

PatentUS12440674B2Apparatus for detecting motion

Publication Date: 2025.10.14 ACTEGY

AI summary

Apparatus (30) for detecting motion of a device (1) for electrical stimulation of a subject is described. The apparatus (30) comprises a motion detector (2) to detect the motion of the device (1) and generate a motion output signal in response to the detected motion. The motion output signal is indicative of the amount of detected motion. A processor (21) is coupled to the motion detector (20). The processor (21) receives (72) the motion output signal from the motion detector (20) and generates a first processor output signal in response to the received motion output signal. An output device (14, 26) is coupled to the processor (21). The output device (14, 26) receives the first processor output signal from the processor (21) and generates a first output signal in response to the received first processor output signal. The processor (21) generates the first processor output signal if either: (i) the received motion output signal is greater than a threshold; or (ii) the received motion output signal is less than a threshold.