Self-Powered Electrical Stimulation Using Triboelectric Fields
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional micro-electrical stimulation apparatuses require external power sources or energy harvesters, limiting their portability, miniaturization, and energy efficiency due to dielectric losses, and are unable to provide continuous electrical stimulation.
Innovation Solution
A stimulation apparatus that utilizes triboelectrification to generate an alternating electric field within the subject, eliminating the need for external power sources by leveraging the natural electrical energy produced through dielectric polarization of moisture in the subject, allowing for continuous micro-electrical stimulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional micro-electrical stimulation apparatuses use external power sources or energy harvesters, then they can provide electrical stimulation, but they have complicated configuration and poor portability
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates the external power source component from the system. Instead of using batteries or energy harvesters, the apparatus utilizes the body's own bioelectricity as the power source, thereby removing the complicated power supply configuration and improving portability while maintaining electrical stimulation capability
Solution Approach 2:
The invention makes the system self-powered by utilizing the body's inherent bioelectricity. The stimulation apparatus harvests energy from the body's natural electrical signals rather than requiring external power sources, enabling the device to be self-sufficient and highly portable
2Duration of action of stationary object
If conventional micro-electrical stimulation apparatuses use external power sources, then they can operate continuously, but they have limited portability and are difficult to wear in everyday life
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus continuously operates by harvesting energy from the body's ongoing bioelectricity production. Since the body continuously generates electrical signals, the device can continuously provide stimulation without needing rechargeable batteries or external power connections, thereby achieving both continuous operation and high portability
3Power
If conventional micro-electrical stimulation apparatuses use external power sources, then they can provide sufficient energy, but they have low energy efficiency due to dielectric loss
Solution Approach 1:
The invention converts the previously wasted dielectric loss into useful energy. By using the body's own bioelectricity as the power source, the system eliminates dielectric losses that occur in external power source connections and instead harnesses the body's natural electrical energy, thereby improving overall energy efficiency while maintaining sufficient power for stimulation
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 apparatus achieves high energy efficiency and continuous electrical stimulation with minimal energy loss, effectively addressing the limitations of conventional systems by harnessing naturally occurring triboelectrification for bio-compatible applications such as wound healing and muscle fatigue reduction.
Implementation Method 1
A stimulation apparatus that utilizes triboelectrification to generate an alternating electric field within the subject
Implementation Method 2
leveraging the natural electrical energy produced through dielectric polarization of moisture in the subject
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a stimulation apparatus for applying electrical stimulation to a subject for stimulation application. Specifically, a stimulation apparatus according to the present invention comprises: a stimulation part comprising a first conductive member and a first surface which comes into contact with a subject for stimulation application and to which an alternating electric field transmitted from the subject for stimulation application upon contact is input; a conductive part comprising a second conductive member and positioned away from the stimulation part; and a connecting member for electrically connecting the stimulation part and conductive part.