Stepwise Voltage Control for Electrical Stimulation Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical stimulation treatment devices often apply maximum voltage from the start, leading to discomfort for patients due to individual variations in body condition and skin state, such as moisture levels.
Innovation Solution
An electrical stimulation treatment device with a control unit that calculates and increases the stimulation voltage stepwise based on elapsed time or stimulation frequency, allowing patients to adjust the sensation by inputting when the stimulation feels strong, and switching to a lower maximum voltage if necessary.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If maximum stimulation voltage is applied from the start of treatment, then treatment effectiveness is improved, but patient discomfort increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit performs preliminary action by gradually increasing the stimulation voltage from a low initial level to the target maximum voltage over a predetermined time period before the full treatment begins. This gradual ramp-up allows the patient's body to adapt to the stimulation, reducing initial discomfort while ensuring the treatment reaches the effective maximum voltage level.
Solution Approach 2:
The stimulation voltage is made dynamic rather than static, with the control unit automatically adjusting the voltage level based on elapsed time during the treatment session. The voltage transitions from a low starting point through intermediate levels to the maximum voltage, creating a time-dependent voltage profile that balances comfort and effectiveness.
2Adaptability or versatility
If fixed maximum stimulation voltage is set in advance, then treatment protocol is standardized, but adaptability to individual patient conditions on treatment days is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit incorporates feedback mechanisms by monitoring treatment progression and automatically adjusting voltage based on elapsed time. This automated feedback loop allows the system to adapt to individual patient conditions on treatment days without requiring complex manual adjustments, as the gradual voltage increase profile automatically accommodates variations in patient sensitivity and skin state.
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
This approach alleviates discomfort by gradually increasing voltage and allows patients to adjust the stimulation sensation according to their skin condition, ensuring a more comfortable treatment experience.
Implementation Method 1
a pair of application electrodes which are disposed at a site of the skin of a person to be treated where an electrical stimulation is to be given and which supply the electrical stimulation to the skin
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical stimulation treatment device includes a pair of application electrodes which are disposed at a site of the skin of a person to be treated where an electrical stimulation is to be given and which supply the electrical stimulation to the skin and a control unit which is connected electrically to the application electrodes to control a magnitude of a stimulation voltage which is supplied to the application electrodes, in which the control unit includes a calculation means for calculating a magnitude of the stimulation voltage which is to be output, depending on a first maximum stimulation voltage set for each person to be treated and an elapsed time or a stimulation frequency from the start of a stimulation session of a predetermined time, and an output means for outputting the stimulation voltage while increasing the voltage in a stepwise manner based on the calculation results of the calculation means.