Muscle And Nerve Stimulation With Reconfigurable Reference Electrodes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing muscle and nerve stimulation devices are inflexible, requiring different devices for optimal electrode configurations, leading to high costs and inconvenience due to the inability to change electrode positions, and lack of mobility.
Innovation Solution
A device with an electrical control unit that uses multiple electrodes as reference electrodes, allowing adjustable current flow and density, and a docking station system that enables a single stimulation unit to work with multiple garments by using configuration data to select appropriate stimulation programs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single reference electrode is used for each target electrode, then the device configuration is simple, but the current density cannot be reduced and the device lacks flexibility
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit dynamically selects and configures reference electrodes based on the target electrode being stimulated. Instead of a fixed one-to-one mapping, the system adapts the reference electrode configuration in real-time according to which target electrode is active, enabling flexible current flow paths without requiring multiple dedicated reference electrodes for each target
Solution Approach 2:
A single reference electrode serves multiple functions by being able to work with different target electrodes. The reference electrode is not dedicated to a specific target but can be shared across multiple targets, reducing the total number of electrodes needed while maintaining stimulation flexibility
2Object-affected harmful factors
If multiple reference electrodes are used to reduce current density, then comfort and effectiveness improve, but the control unit complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit dynamically determines which reference electrodes to activate based on which target electrode is being stimulated. This dynamic configuration allows the system to distribute current flow across multiple reference electrodes when needed, reducing current density at any single point on the skin while maintaining a manageable control structure
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the electrical configuration parameters (which electrodes are active as references) based on the stimulation requirements. By adjusting which reference electrodes are engaged, the system can control the current density distribution across the skin surface without adding physical complexity to the electrode array
3Reliability
If different devices are used for different electrode configurations, then optimal stimulation is achieved, but cost and inconvenience increase
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit dynamically reconfigures the stimulation pattern based on which target electrode is active. This allows a single device to adapt to different stimulation scenarios by changing its internal control logic rather than requiring different physical devices, maintaining optimal stimulation effectiveness across multiple uses
Solution Approach 2:
The stimulation device is designed to be universal and multi-functional, capable of working with any target electrode on the garment. The control unit can be programmed to recognize and stimulate different muscle groups corresponding to different electrode positions, making the device reusable across multiple garments and applications
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
Enables comfortable and effective muscle and nerve stimulation with reduced current density, allowing a single stimulation unit to be used across different garments, enhancing user mobility and reducing the need for multiple devices.
Implementation Method 1
The electrical control unit is set up to generate a current flow between exactly one electrode arranged above the target and a plurality of other electrodes which act as reference electrodes
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a device for stimulating at least one muscle, a muscle group, nerves and/or nerve fibers the device comprising a plurality of electrodes (4) and/or sensors for placement on the skin of a user of the device and an electrical control unit, wherein the device includes a power source or is connectable to one, wherein at least one electrode (4) is positioned over each muscle, muscle group, nerve and/or nerve fiber, that is to be stimulated when the device is worn, wherein the electrical control unit is arranged to activate the electrodes (4) for stimulating a target muscle, a muscle group, a nerve and/or a nerve fiber in such a way that a current flow is caused between exactly one electrode (38) arranged over the target muscle, muscle group, nerve and/or nerve fiber and a plurality of other electrodes (4) acting as reference electrodes.