Movable Electrode Biasing for Stable Low-Frequency Treatment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing low-frequency treatment devices experience unstable current application due to slack in the engagement between the holder and the main body portion, leading to potential connection failures.
Innovation Solution
The device incorporates a configuration with a pad-side electrode portion and a main body portion-side electrode portion that can move and be biased in an approaching direction, ensuring stable electrical conduction even with slack, and includes a non-conductor holder to prevent current flow to the spine, with the main body portion being removable only when correctly attached.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the holder and main body portion are engaged with a recess and protrusion fitting structure, then the assembly is simple and easy to manufacture, but connection failure occurs when slack is generated, leading to unstable current application
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the electrode portion movable rather than fixed, allowing it to dynamically adjust its position. The electrode can move in the direction of approaching and separating from the other electrode, enabling it to accommodate slack in the engagement while maintaining continuous electrical contact. This dynamic capability resolves the contradiction by allowing the simple recess-protrusion assembly structure to remain while ensuring reliable electrical connection even when slack occurs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state of the electrode from a rigid, fixed component to a movable component with elastic properties. By enabling the electrode to move and deform elastically, the system can absorb the slack generated in the engagement between holder and main body portion, maintaining stable electrical connection without compromising the simplicity of the assembly structure.
2Device complexity
If the electrode portions merely come into contact to establish electrical connection, then the structure is simple, but connection failure occurs leading to unstable current application
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces movement capability to the electrode portion, transforming it from a static contact structure to a dynamic one. The electrode can move in the approaching and separating direction, allowing it to maintain reliable electrical contact even when the engagement between holder and main body portion has slack. This adds minimal complexity while dramatically improving reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable electrode portion essentially services itself by automatically adjusting its position to maintain contact. When slack occurs, the electrode moves to compensate, and the elastic biasing force ensures continuous contact without requiring external adjustment mechanisms or complex control systems.
3Reliability
If a movable and biased electrode portion is implemented, then stable electrical conduction is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a movable electrode with elastic biasing, which adds some complexity but maintains simplicity through elegant mechanical design. The electrode's ability to move and the elastic force working together create a self-regulating system that ensures stable electrical contact. The complexity is justified by the significant improvement in reliability and is kept minimal through the straightforward mechanical implementation.
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 stabilizes current application to the pad, preventing conduction failures and ensuring safe operation by ensuring correct attachment and preventing current flow to the spine.
Implementation Method 1
an electrode biasing portion that biases the electrode body in a direction of protruding from the case
Data Source
AI summary
A low-frequency treatment device includes: a pad configured to be attached to a body of a user; a holder configured to hold the pad; and a main body portion configured to be attached to the holder. The holder and the main body portion are engaged, with a clearance of a predetermined distance for arranging the pad being formed therebetween. Electrical conduction established between a pad-side electrode portion included on the pad and a main body portion-side electrode portion included on the main body portion by coming into contact with each other in the clearance of the predetermined distance. At least one electrode portion among the pad-side electrode portion and the main body portion-side electrode portion can perform movement in a direction of approaching and separating from the other electrode portion and is biased in the approaching direction.