Motion Training Stimulator with Pre-Charged Capacitor Feedback

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing motion training aids fail to provide instantaneous and distinct feedback for quickly occurring, technically complex movements in sports and other activities, leading to inefficient or deviating user motions.

Innovation Solution

A stimulator device with a charging and discharge module that utilizes body capacitance to deliver an electric shock or similar sensation within very short delays (less than 10 ms) when deviations from a reference motion are detected, ensuring immediate and noticeable feedback.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If conventional feedback systems (graphical display or audible feedback) are used, then feedback can be provided to the user, but the feedback delay is too long to provide instantaneous feedback for quickly occurring sports motions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefeedback speedVSAvoidfeedback delay
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system pre-charges capacitors during periods when no correction is needed, so that when a correction is needed, the feedback can be delivered immediately without waiting for charge accumulation. This preliminary charging action resolves the contradiction by preparing the feedback mechanism in advance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses periodic sensing and evaluation of body position against reference positions, with feedback delivered only when corrections are needed. This periodic evaluation combined with on-demand feedback delivery allows for rapid response to motion deviations while maintaining system efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

2Ease of manufacture

If graphical display devices or speakers are used for feedback, then feedback can be provided, but the feedback is not distinct enough to effectively discourage undesirable motions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefeedback distinctivenessVSAvoidfeedback mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces conventional feedback mechanisms (graphical displays, speakers) with an electrical stimulation system that uses capacitive discharge through the user's body. This substitution provides distinct, immediate tactile feedback that is more effective for correcting rapid sports motions without requiring complex display or audio processing systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 device provides immediate and distinct feedback to users, effectively discouraging undesirable motions by triggering a sensory sensation when deviations occur, thereby improving motion accuracy and efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

utilizes body capacitance to deliver an electric shock or similar sensation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCapacitance: Capacitance

Data Source

PatentEP3804823B1Improved motion training aid with stimulator
Publication Date: 2023.04.26 WEST & BERGH HLDG AB
  • EP3804823B1 patent drawingFigure 1a
  • EP3804823B1 patent drawingFigure 1b
  • EP3804823B1 patent drawingFigure 1c

AI summary

A training aid stimulator (100) for providing fast perceptive feedback, the training aid stimulator comprising - a first skin electrode (135) for making electrical contact to the body of a user, and - a second skin electrode (137) for making electrical contact to the body of a user, - a charging module (125), - a discharge module (160) connected to one or more of the skin electrodes (135, 137) for a feedback discharging, and - a processor (110) connected to the charging module (125) for controlling the charging of a capacitor equivalent (135, CBODY, 139), to a predetermined first voltage level, wherein the processor further being connected to the discharge module (160, 161) for controlling a feedback discharge of the capacitor equivalent, wherein the stimulator further comprises a voltage measurement module (150) for measuring the level of charge of the capacitor equivalent, and wherein the processor (110) is configured for keeping the stimulator ready to discharge by repeatedly measuring the level of charge and by providing a maintenance charging when the voltage over said capacitance equivalent, is at or below a predetermined second voltage level.