Electrical Stimulation Device Clip Fastening Mechanism
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical stimulation devices face challenges with long-term attachment to the skin, particularly during showering, as adhesive-based fastening methods require frequent renewal.
Innovation Solution
The device incorporates a fastening element with a clip and support element for secure, tool-free attachment, allowing multiple fastening options like adhesive tape or Velcro, and includes a releasable connection mechanism with a plug for easy electrode detachment, ensuring secure and convenient use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If adhesive-based fastening is used to attach the stimulator to the skin, then the stimulator can be securely attached, but the attachment must be renewed after showering and cannot maintain long-term attachment
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening system is divided into separate components: a reusable stimulator unit and disposable adhesive fastening elements. This allows the stimulator to be detached and reattached with fresh adhesive elements, maintaining secure attachment without requiring the stimulator itself to be replaced. The segmentation enables the adhesive element to bear the burden of water exposure while the stimulator remains intact.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs disposable adhesive fastening elements that are inexpensive and intended for single-use or limited-use cycles. These elements are replaced after showering or when adhesive effectiveness diminishes, while the expensive stimulator unit is retained and reused. This approach economically resolves the contradiction by sacrificing low-cost adhesive elements to preserve the high-cost stimulator and maintain long-term attachment capability.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If the stimulator is permanently attached to the skin, then continuous stimulation is maintained, but skin irritation occurs and showering becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening system transitions from a static permanent attachment to a dynamic removable attachment. The stimulator can be detached for showering and reattached afterward, allowing the system to adapt to different user needs and environmental conditions. This dynamic capability eliminates continuous skin exposure to adhesive and device pressure, reducing irritation while maintaining stimulation continuity through periodic reattachment.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple fastening elements are provided in one set, then the stimulator can be fastened multiple times during treatment, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The stimulator unit is designed as a universal interface that can accommodate multiple types of fastening elements (adhesive strips, adhesive foils, elastic tapes with quick fasteners). This multi-functionality allows users to choose from various fastening options without requiring different stimulator units, achieving versatility through a single standardized interface rather than increasing overall system complexity.
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 design provides a secure, easy, and economical fastening solution that allows multiple attachments during treatment, preventing skin irritation and facilitating shower use without compromising device functionality.
Implementation Method 1
fastening may be accomplished by means of double-sided adhesive tape, adhesive foil or an elastic tape having a quick fastener, in particular a velcro fastener
Implementation Method 2
the clip of the fastening element has latching elements for snapping into at least one groove in the stimulator housing
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to an electrical stimulation device (1) having a stimulator (2), containing a generator (3) for generating electrical stimulation pulses having specific stimulation parameters, a voltage supply (4) for supplying the generator (3) with electrical energy and a stimulator housing (13), and having at least two needle electrodes (5) for piercing the surface of the skin of an area to be stimulated, which needle electrodes (5) are connected to the stimulator (2) via a line (7), wherein the stimulator (2) can be releasably connected to a fastening element (14) for fastening the stimulator (2) to the surface of the skin. In order to fasten the stimulator (2) to the surface of the skin of a patient in an easier and better manner, the fastening element (14) has a clip (15) for releasably receiving the stimulator housing (13) and a support element (16) for supporting and fastening the stimulator (2) to the surface of the skin.