Muscle Relaxation Device Using Sub-Threshold Electrical Stimulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for reducing muscle tension, such as manual massage and pharmaceuticals, are not site-specific and often result in muscle fatigue, while electrical stimulation techniques can cause contractions and are not effective below the threshold for relaxation.
Innovation Solution
A device applying low-level alternating current to muscles using a controller to vary frequency and intensity, with electrodes completing a circuit to relax muscles without causing contraction, and a method for diagnosing ailments by comparing muscle voltage to normal ranges.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If electrical stimulation is applied to reduce muscle tension, then muscle relaxation is achieved, but muscle contraction and fatigue occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by varying the frequency and intensity of electrical stimulation over time. The controller delivers electrical signals at different frequencies (e.g., starting at higher frequencies then decreasing) and intensities to achieve muscle relaxation without causing contraction and fatigue. This dynamic parameter adjustment allows the system to maintain therapeutic effectiveness while avoiding the harmful effects of sustained high-intensity stimulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic action through time-varying stimulation protocols where the electrical signal parameters are modulated in cycles. The controller applies stimulation in periodic patterns with varying frequencies and durations, allowing muscle tissue to respond therapeutically during certain phases while avoiding continuous contraction during other phases, thereby preventing fatigue accumulation.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If high intensity current is applied to relax muscles, then muscle tension is reduced, but muscle contraction occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts current intensity parameters to remain below the threshold that triggers muscle contraction. By carefully controlling and varying the intensity parameter over time, the device achieves relaxation effects through sub-threshold stimulation, preventing unwanted muscle contractions while still reducing muscle tension through cumulative physiological effects.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by delivering electrical stimulation at intensities that are sufficient to produce therapeutic relaxation effects but deliberately kept below the level required to cause full muscle contraction. This partial stimulation approach achieves the desired therapeutic outcome without triggering the harmful contraction response.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If manual massage is used to reduce muscle tension, then relaxation is achieved, but the treatment is not site-specific and requires many sessions
Solution Approach 1:
The device enables self-service treatment by allowing patients to apply electrical stimulation to specific muscle groups independently. The programmable controller provides automated treatment protocols that can be easily selected and adjusted by the user, eliminating the need for repeated manual massage sessions by a practitioner and enabling patients to perform treatments at home according to prescribed programs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements local quality through site-specific electrode placement and targeted electrical stimulation delivery. The system allows precise positioning of electrodes on specific muscles or muscle groups, delivering current only to the intended target area. This localized approach contrasts with manual massage which affects broader areas, enabling focused treatment of specific problem areas with greater precision and efficiency.
4Productivity
If electrical stimulation frequency is increased to improve effectiveness, then muscle work output increases, but muscle fatigue increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by modulating the frequency of electrical stimulation over time rather than maintaining a constant high frequency. The controller varies frequency in cycles, allowing muscle tissue to perform work during high-frequency phases while recovering during lower-frequency intervals, thereby maintaining productivity while preventing energy depletion and fatigue.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements dynamics by continuously adjusting stimulation frequency and intensity parameters during treatment based on therapeutic goals. Rather than applying static high-frequency stimulation that leads to fatigue, the device dynamically varies parameters to optimize muscle work output at different time points, adapting the stimulation profile to maintain effectiveness while preserving muscle energy reserves.
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 effectively relaxes muscles without causing fatigue and can diagnose muscle-related ailments by determining voltage levels, providing a non-invasive and site-specific treatment for various conditions including low back pain and repetitive strain injuries.
Implementation Method 1
A device for reducing muscle tension through electrical stimulation by applying a low level current to at least one muscle of a user
Data Source
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AI summary
A method and device for reducing muscle tension through electrical manipulation applies a low level current to muscles of a user. Each muscle has two electrodes applied thereto, one for passing the current from the device to the muscle, and the other for receiving the current from the muscle to complete the circuit. The device has several channels, one for each pair of electrodes, and current is passed through a muscle at a level below the threshold required to cause the muscle to contract. The device is programmed to automatically apply an alternating current at predetermined frequencies for predetermined time periods to each muscle of the user that is being treated. A method of diagnosing an ailment using the device is provided.