Semiconductor Electroacupuncture Needles for Deeper Current Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current electroacupuncture needles made of stainless steel and other metallic materials have limited electron and current flow due to surface imperfections and the incorporation of chromium, which reduces current flow and leads to minimal pain relief and shorter duration of relief.
Innovation Solution
The use of semiconductor material for electroacupuncture needles, which provides greater electron and current flow between needles due to exponential increase in current flow with voltage, and have fewer surface imperfections for more comfortable insertion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If stainless steel needles are used for electroacupuncture, then the needles have mechanical strength and durability, but the current flow is reduced by 30-40% due to chromium incorporation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from stainless steel to semiconductor material (such as silicon carbide), which fundamentally alters the electrical properties while maintaining mechanical strength. This parameter change enables exponential current flow increase without sacrificing needle durability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses semiconductor materials that combine the mechanical properties needed for needle strength with superior electrical conductivity. This composite approach allows the needle to simultaneously achieve both mechanical reliability and electrical effectiveness.
2Strength
If stainless steel needles are used, then the needles are durable, but surface imperfections cause discomfort during insertion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the surface property parameter by using semiconductor materials that can be manufactured with smoother surfaces, reducing the harmful effect of insertion discomfort while maintaining needle strength.
3Device complexity
If conventional metallic needles are used, then the device is simple, but electron flow follows skin surface path rather than penetrating to nerve junctions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the electrical conductivity parameter by using semiconductor materials with exponential current-voltage characteristics. This enables the current to overcome skin resistance and penetrate deeper into tissue to reach nerve junctions, improving signal blockage effectiveness.
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
Semiconductor electroacupuncture needles achieve significant increases in electron flow at nerve conduction points, effectively depolarizing nerve junctions to block pain signals and provide longer-lasting pain relief with reduced discomfort during insertion.
Implementation Method 1
Electroacupuncture involves the insertion of a multiple conventional acupuncture needles into the body and a varying voltage is supplied to each needle as anode and cathode. This creates a flow of electrons from the body of one acupuncture needle to another.
Implementation Method 2
These electroacupuncture needles provide greater electron and current flow between two or more acupuncture needles inserted into humans or non-humans than those made of the current metallic materials. The semiconductor electroacupuncture needles provide greater electron and current flow between two or more acupuncture needles inserted into humans or non-humans than those made of the current metallic materials.
Implementation Method 3
The objective is for the flow of electrons at nerve junctions to be high enough to block signals coming from that junction to the brain. Semiconductor electroacupuncture needles achieve significant increases in electron flow at nerve conduction points, effectively depolarizing nerve junctions to block pain signals
Data Source
AI summary
Semiconductor electroacupuncture needles are disclosed, as well methods of making and using the semiconductor electroacupuncture needles. A controller for controlling the characteristics of the voltage applied to the needles and/or the current flowing through the needles is described. In some embodiments, a portion of the electro acupuncture needle is insulated to control the position below the skin at which the current enters the patient. In some embodiments, an LED on the needle lights when current above a threshold value is passing through the needle and into the patient.