Neck-Worn Low-Frequency Stimulator for TMJ Muscle Pain
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing headache and pain relief devices for temporomandibular joint disorders are bulky, require cumbersome contact methods, and fail to effectively treat deep muscle tension, while conventional therapies are inconvenient and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A compact device with low frequency electrostimulators and conductive silicone rubber members that apply micro vibrations and frequencies to temporalis and masseter muscles through a neck-worn body with adjustable connectors and Bluetooth-controlled operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional headache and pain relief devices are used, then pain relief effectiveness is achieved, but the device size becomes bulky and contact parts require sharp metal structures
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into a headband portion and separate contact portions that can be positioned independently. The contact portions are segmented from the main body, allowing each to be optimized for its specific function while reducing overall device bulk.
Solution Approach 2:
The contact portions use soft conductive material with specific electrical conductivity properties localized at the contact points, while the headband portion uses different material properties for comfort and support. This local differentiation allows effective pain relief without requiring the entire device to be bulky.
2Reliability
If sharp metal contact parts are used for silver spike point stimulation, then microcurrent stimulation effectiveness is achieved, but comfort and ease of contact with skin and hair is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The contact material properties are changed from sharp metal to soft conductive material with appropriate electrical conductivity. This parameter change maintains the electrical stimulation effectiveness while dramatically improving comfort and ease of contact with skin and hair.
Solution Approach 2:
The contact portions use composite material structure combining softness for comfort with electrical conductivity for stimulation effectiveness. This composite approach resolves the contradiction between sharp metal effectiveness and soft contact comfort.
3Reliability
If conventional therapies such as high frequency electrode therapy or low-level laser therapy are used, then pain relief is achieved, but treatment time becomes prolonged requiring 30 minutes to one hour
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces conventional mechanical therapy methods (high frequency electrode therapy, low-level laser therapy) with a microcurrent-based electrical stimulation system. This substitution enables effective pain relief with significantly reduced treatment time compared to conventional therapies.
4Reliability
If conventional light-based therapies such as ultraviolet ray or low-level laser are used, then treatment is provided, but the treatment cannot reach deep portions of the temporomandibular joint
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces light-based therapies (ultraviolet ray, low-level laser) with electrical microcurrent stimulation that can penetrate to deep portions of the temporomandibular joint. Electrical current penetrates tissue more effectively than light, achieving proper treatment results in deep structures.
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 relieves tension-type headaches and pain by improving conductivity and comfort, allowing convenient use for white-collar workers and students with intuitive control and soft contact compatibility.
Implementation Method 1
first low frequency electrostimulators (200) disposed on the second connectors (130) and coming into close contact with the temporalis muscles, when the body (100) is worn on the user's head, to apply low frequencies to the temporalis muscles
Implementation Method 2
second low frequency electrostimulators (300) disposed on the connected portions between the first connectors (120) and the second connectors (130) and coming into close contact with the masseter muscles, when the body (100) is worn on the user's head, to apply low frequencies to the masseter muscles
Implementation Method 3
A compact device with low frequency electrostimulators and conductive silicone rubber members that apply micro vibrations and frequencies
Data Source
AI summary
A device for relieving headache and pain caused by temporomandibular joint disorders, the device including a body having a neck band worn on a user's neck, first connectors extending forwardly from both ends of the neck band by first set lengths, and second connectors extending upwardly from front ends of the first connectors by second set lengths; first low frequency electrostimulators disposed on the second connectors and coming into close contact with the temporalis muscles, when the body is worn on the user's head, to apply low frequencies to the temporalis muscles; and second low frequency electrostimulators disposed on the connected portions between the first connectors and the second connectors and coming into close contact with the masseter muscles, when the body is worn on the user's head, to apply low frequencies to the masseter muscles.