Muscle Electrostimulation Apparatus with Conditioning Pulse
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing muscle electrostimulation methods often cause discomfort and pain due to high intensity electrical pulses, and there is a need for a system that can reduce or alleviate these issues while still effectively stimulating muscle contractions.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that apply a conditioning electrical pulse with an intensity below the motor threshold to provide an analgesic effect, followed by stimulating pulses above the motor threshold to induce muscle contraction, using a generator to control pulse duration and intensity, with specific parameters such as pulse width, rest periods, and modulation to optimize muscle contraction and comfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If high intensity electrical pulses are applied to stimulate muscle contraction, then muscle contraction effectiveness is improved, but discomfort and pain increase
Solution Approach 1:
A conditioning pulse is applied before the stimulating pulse to prepare the nerve fibers. This preliminary action modifies the state of the nerve fibers so that subsequent stimulating pulses at lower intensities can effectively trigger muscle contraction while reducing discomfort and pain.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the intensity parameter of electrical pulses by introducing a conditioning pulse at a specific intensity level that is sufficient to modify nerve fiber state but below the threshold that causes significant discomfort. This parameter optimization allows effective muscle stimulation with reduced harmful effects.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If electrical pulse intensity is reduced to minimize discomfort, then comfort level is improved, but muscle contraction effectiveness decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The conditioning pulse performed before the stimulating pulse creates a primed state in the nerve fibers, enabling subsequent low-intensity stimulating pulses to effectively trigger muscle contraction. This preliminary modification of nerve fiber state allows the system to maintain muscle contraction effectiveness even when stimulating pulse intensity is reduced for comfort.
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 approach reduces discomfort and pain during electrostimulation, allows for more effective muscle contraction, and improves the efficiency of blood flow by mimicking natural muscle contractions, reducing fatigue and requiring lower current levels.
Implementation Method 1
Electrical pulses are applied to the subject through the electrodes, which in turn stimulate the muscles to contract
Implementation Method 2
applying to the subject an electrical pulse having a duration of at least 0.5 milliseconds and an intensity below that effective in stimulating contraction of the target muscles of the subject to provide an analgesic effect
Data Source
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AI summary
A method of electrostimulation of a group of one or more target muscles of a subject is provided, the method comprising in a first step applying to the subject an electrical pulse having a duration of at least 0.5 milliseconds and an intensity below that effective in stimulating contraction of the target muscles of the subject; and in a second step applying one or more electrical pulses at an intensity sufficient to stimulate contraction of the target muscles of the subject. An apparatus for the electrostimulation of the muscles of a subject is also provided, the apparatus comprising a generator for generating a plurality of electrical pulses; means for applying the electrical pulses to the subject to induce contraction of at least one muscle of the subject; wherein the generator is operable in a first step to apply to the subject a conditioning electrical pulse having a duration of at least 0.5 milliseconds and an intensity below that effective in stimulating contraction of the target muscles of the subject; and in a second step to apply to the subject one or more stimulating electrical pulses at an intensity sufficient to stimulate contraction of the target muscles of the subject.