Shape Memory Alloy Vibrating Motor for Phantom Limb Pain
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vibrating devices for treating phantom limb pain are inadequate due to unreliable vibration outputs and limited ranges of frequencies and amplitudes, making them unsuitable for clinical practice and failing to provide personalized therapy.
Innovation Solution
A smart vibrating motor using a linear resonance actuator with a shape memory alloy spring, allowing separate control of frequency and amplitude, and a wearable therapeutic apparel system that includes inflatable bladders for thermal stimulation and visual distraction, along with detachable vibrating devices for customizable treatment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional vibrating devices are used for treating phantom limb pain, then the device structure is simple, but the vibration output is unreliable and the frequency/amplitude range is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs parameter changes by utilizing a shape memory alloy spring that can change its physical properties (stiffness, resonance frequency) in response to temperature changes. This allows the vibrating device to achieve variable frequency and amplitude outputs while maintaining a relatively simple motor structure, thereby improving vibration reliability and range without proportionally increasing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by making the spring stiffness adjustable through temperature control of the shape memory alloy. This dynamic adjustment capability allows the system to adapt vibration parameters in real-time, improving reliability and range of vibration outputs while keeping the mechanical structure compact.
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional vibrating devices with fixed parameters are used, then the device complexity is low, but the ability to provide personalized therapy is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables personalized therapy by allowing independent control of vibration frequency and amplitude through temperature adjustment of the shape memory alloy spring. Users can customize therapy parameters to match individual pain patterns and treatment requirements, achieving high adaptability while maintaining manageable control system complexity through a single temperature control mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent achieves multi-functionality by using the temperature-controlled shape memory alloy spring to simultaneously control both frequency and amplitude parameters. This single control mechanism provides multiple adjustment capabilities, enabling personalized therapy for different pain conditions without requiring a complex multi-component control system.
3Reliability
If medication is used to treat phantom limb pain, then the treatment effectiveness is improved, but undesirable side effects occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces pharmacological treatment with a mechanical vibration therapy system. By using controlled mechanical vibrations delivered through wearable apparel, the system achieves pain relief effectiveness without introducing the harmful side effects associated with medications such as opioids, antidepressants, and anticonvulsants.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If non-medication treatments like TENS or acupuncture are used, then side effects are reduced, but the treatment requires stopping activities and plugging in devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by integrating the vibration motor and control system directly into wearable apparel that the user can don and wear continuously. The system operates autonomously once activated, allowing users to maintain their activities without needing to stop or plug in external devices, thereby improving convenience while maintaining the side-effect-free benefit of non-pharmacological treatment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the treatment device with wearable apparel, merging the therapeutic function into clothing that users already wear. This integration eliminates the need for separate treatment sessions or plugging in external devices, allowing continuous therapy during daily activities and significantly improving ease of operation.
5Reliability
If desensitization procedures with abrasive materials are used, then contact sensitivity is reduced, but the procedure is time-consuming and uncomfortable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical abrasion process with controlled vibration therapy. By using vibration to stimulate and desensitize the amputation site, the system achieves comparable effectiveness without the time-consuming progressive exposure to abrasive materials and the associated discomfort, thereby reducing treatment time while maintaining desensitization 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
The smart vibrating motor provides a wider range of vibration frequencies and amplitudes, enabling personalized and effective pain relief for phantom limb pain, while the wearable system offers a portable, quick, and comfortable treatment option for amputees.
Implementation Method 1
a smart vibrating motor using a linear resonance actuator with a shape memory alloy spring, allowing separate control of frequency and amplitude
Implementation Method 2
linear resonance actuator with a shape memory alloy spring
Implementation Method 3
thermal stimulation, wherein the wearable article comprises an inflatable bladder that can be filed with a heated or cooled fluid
Data Source
AI summary
A therapeutic apparel article is configured with a supple wearable fabric article that can be configured over limb or nub of an amputated limb. The therapeutic apparel article is configured with a plurality of nodes for detachably attaching vibrating devices thereto. In addition, a control unit having a power source may be detachably attached to the wearable fabric article. A conductive network may extend from the control unit and/or the power source to provide electrical power to the nodes and the vibrating devices attached. A user may attach vibrating devices to various nodes of the wearable fabric article as desired. In addition, the vibrating devices and the control unit can be detached from the wearable fabric article to enable the wearable fabric article to be washed.