Electrical Stimulator Annulus for Deep Tissue Penetration

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional electrical stimulation methods for treating osteoarthritis and other joint-related disorders are limited by their inability to effectively target deep layers of tissue due to skin and subcutaneous fat interference, often causing shocking contractions and reduced treatment efficacy.

Innovation Solution

A method utilizing a vector potential generation device with a base wire configuration that forms an annulus, generating an alternating current with specific frequency and intensity to apply non-contact electrical stimulation to the affected area, particularly the articular cartilage, without causing shocking contractions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If percutaneous electrical stimulation is used to treat deep tissue, then electrical current can reach deeper layers, but skin and subcutaneous fat interfere with current penetration and reduce treatment effectiveness

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedepth of current penetrationVSAvoidskin and subcutaneous fat interference

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a specialized electrode configuration acting as an intermediary between the power source and deep tissue. The electrode includes a conductive element surrounded by an insulating layer, which focuses and directs electrical current penetration through skin and subcutaneous fat barriers while maintaining effective current delivery to deep tissue targets.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The electrode structure implements local quality by having different functional layers: a conductive core for current delivery and an insulating surrounding layer for directional control. This localized differentiation allows the electrode to penetrate skin and fat barriers effectively while concentrating current at the intended deep tissue target, overcoming the interference from intermediate tissue layers.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Volume of moving object

If high intensity electrical stimulation is applied to overcome skin and fat barriers, then current can reach deep tissue, but shocking contractions occur causing muscle contraction and reducing treatment effect

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedepth of current penetrationVSAvoidshocking contractions and muscle contraction

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs periodic or pulsed electrical stimulation rather than continuous high-intensity current. This periodic application allows current to penetrate skin and fat barriers effectively while the intermittent nature prevents sustained muscle contraction and shocking sensations, thereby delivering deep tissue stimulation without harmful side effects.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

3Ease of operation

If surgery or acupuncture needle insertion is performed to apply electrical stimulation, then electrical current can be delivered to affected area, but extreme shocking stimulation is applied causing skin and muscle contraction

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to deliver electrical stimulation to affected areaVSAvoidshocking stimulation and tissue contraction

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical insertion methods (surgery or needle puncture) with a non-invasive electrode application system. The electrode can be applied externally to the skin surface, eliminating the need for mechanical penetration through skin and tissue, thereby avoiding shocking sensations and unwanted muscle contractions while still delivering effective electrical stimulation to the affected area.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 allows for targeted electrical stimulation of deep tissue layers, maintaining normal structure and function of articular cartilage, and is effective in treating osteoarthritis and other joint-related disorders with reduced side effects.

Implementation Method 1

an electrical stimulation caused by the generation of a vector potential can improve various functions of the living body

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVector potential generation: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

generating an alternating current in the external circuit for a therapeutically effective time period to apply an electrical stimulation to the living body

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectric field generation: Electric Field

Data Source

PatentUS20230271006A1Method For Treating Living Body Using Electrical Stimulator

Publication Date: 2023.08.31 SUMIDA CORP

AI summary

Provided is a method for treating a living body using an electrical stimulator including a base wire having a core wire and an outer winding wire wound around the core wire. An annulus is formed by winding the base wire in a loop shape. A first end of the core wire is electrically connected to a first end of the outer winding wire. A second end of the core wire is connected to a first terminal of an external circuit. A second end of the outer winding wire is connected to a second terminal of the external circuit. The method includes holding the living body or a part of the living body of a subject in the annulus and generating an alternating current in the external circuit for a therapeutically effective time period to apply an electrical stimulation to the living body or the part of the living body.