Piezoelectric Shoe Insert for Self-Powered TENS Therapy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current TENS devices are cumbersome, require external power sources, and are costly, limiting mobility and ease of use for patients undergoing electrical therapy for neuropathic pain.
Innovation Solution
A shoe insert incorporating piezoelectric material that generates electrical energy through foot movement, powering a transcutaneous nerve stimulator without the need for batteries or adhesive electrodes, providing a self-contained and portable therapy solution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If TENS devices use external power sources and adhesive electrodes, then electrical therapy can be delivered effectively, but device complexity and cost increase, and user mobility is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The shoe insert generates its own electrical energy through piezoelectric materials that convert mechanical stress from walking into electrical current, eliminating the need for external power sources. The system serves itself by using the user's natural movement to power the TENS therapy delivery.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent removes batteries and external power sources from the TENS device, extracting only the essential therapeutic function. The adhesive electrodes are replaced with integrated conductive surfaces that are built into the shoe insert structure, simplifying the overall device architecture.
2Duration of action of moving object
If TENS devices use external power sources, then continuous electrical stimulation can be provided, but portability and ease of use are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The piezoelectric shoe insert generates electrical energy continuously during walking, providing uninterrupted power for TENS therapy throughout the day. The system converts ongoing mechanical movement into continuous electrical stimulation without requiring periodic recharging or battery replacement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical battery-powered system with a piezoelectric energy harvesting system that converts mechanical walking motion directly into electrical energy, eliminating the need for separate power source components and simplifying device operation.
3Reliability
If TENS devices use adhesive electrodes, then electrical contact with skin is achieved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the electrode function with the shoe insert structure itself, integrating conductive surfaces directly into the insole. This merging eliminates separate adhesive electrode components and their associated application/removal procedures, reducing device complexity while maintaining skin contact reliability.
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 offers a more efficient, cost-effective, and mobile means of administering electrical therapy for neuropathic pain, enhancing user mobility and reducing the need for external power sources while providing continuous renewable energy for pain management.
Implementation Method 1
Piezoelectricity is the ability of crystals to generate a voltage in response to applied mechanical stress. As such, a mechanical stress applied on a piezoelectric material creates an electric charge.
Implementation Method 2
The elastomer electrode may include a metal integral conductive silicon rubber conductive surface.
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical generating device for use with a shoe worn by a user may include a shoe insert to be positioned within the shoe, and the shoe insert may include an elastomer electrode to apply an electrical signal to the user. The elastomer electrode may include a metal integral conductive silicon rubber conductive surface. The elastomer electrode may include silver, silver plated copper, or conductive metal plated material filled silicon filled silicon sheet or a conductive adhesive gel layer. The elastomer electrode may include a conductive carbon film or a conductive metal sheet. The elastomer electrode may include a conductive silver sheet or may include a conductive metal sheet.