Electrostimulation Apparatus with Synchronized Bipolar Pulse Timing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrostimulation methods are passive and do not generate electrical signals recognizable by the nervous system, leading to discordances between muscle receptors and proprioceptive joint sensors, exhausting biochemical reserves, and violating activation processes of muscular fibers.
Innovation Solution
An electrostimulation apparatus that generates synchronized electrical stimulation signals during muscle contraction, based on physiological models of human movement, using adjustable pulses to activate muscles at precise moments, synchronized with actual muscle activity, and adaptable to individual rhythms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If passive electrostimulation is used, then muscle contraction can be achieved, but the electrical signals are not recognizable by the nervous system, causing information mismatch and exhausting biochemical reserves
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the electrical stimulus parameters (frequency, amplitude, pulse width, pattern) to match the natural physiological characteristics of motor nerve signals. The system adjusts these parameters dynamically to create stimulation patterns that the nervous system recognizes as natural motor commands, thereby avoiding biochemical exhaustion while maintaining effective muscle contraction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms that monitor muscle response and adjust the electrical stimulation parameters in real-time. This feedback loop ensures that the stimulation remains within physiological limits, preventing biochemical reserve exhaustion while maintaining signal recognizability by the nervous system. The system adapts to individual muscle responses and adjusts parameters accordingly.
2Reliability
If passive electrostimulation is used, then muscle contraction can be achieved, but discordances are created between muscle receptors and proprioceptive joint sensors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses feedback from muscle receptors and proprioceptive joints to guide the electrostimulation parameters. By monitoring the actual muscle contraction and joint position, the system adjusts the stimulation to maintain consistency with sensory feedback, thereby eliminating information mismatches between different sensory systems and improving physiological compatibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies dynamics by making the electrostimulation parameters adaptive and time-variable rather than static. The stimulation pattern changes dynamically to match the natural timing and rhythm of muscle contraction cycles, ensuring that electrical signals remain compatible with the dynamic sensory information flow from muscle receptors and proprioceptors throughout the movement cycle.
3Productivity
If inadequate electrical stimuli are used, then muscle activation can be achieved, but the biochemical reserves of acetylcholine are exhausted and activation processes of muscular fibers are violated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes electrical stimulus parameters (frequency, amplitude, pulse duration) to match the natural characteristics of motor nerve signals. This parameter optimization ensures efficient muscle activation that does not exceed the capacity of biochemical reserves, specifically acetylcholine, thereby maintaining productivity while preventing reserve exhaustion.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic action by using rhythmic, cyclic electrical stimulation patterns that mirror natural muscle contraction cycles. This periodic stimulation pattern allows for more efficient neurotransmitter utilization compared to continuous or random stimulation, as it synchronizes with the natural release patterns of acetylcholine and other neurotransmitters, reducing overall biochemical consumption while maintaining activation efficiency.
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
Optimizes motor tasks with maximum speed and precision, promoting functional recovery and athletic performance by recreating synaptic connections and activating the sensory system, reducing energy consumption and muscle fatigue.
Implementation Method 1
an electrostimulation apparatus which generates electrical stimulation signals recognizable by the nervous system as similar to the signals normally used by our body to produce movement
Data Source
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AI summary
An electrostimulation method of at least one muscle group responsible for performing a complex movement, comprising the steps of: - associating to each of the muscles of the at least one muscle group an electrostimulation channel provided with at least one respective electrode, each electrostimulation channel being suitable to transmit to the respective muscle bipolar electrical pulses in sequence; - determining, for all the electrostimulation channels, a same cycle time defining a repeatable period of stimulation, in which, within said stimulation period, each channel performs its own stimulation sequence; sub-dividing each stimulation period into two half- periods of equal duration; - sub-dividing each half-period into a plurality of sub- intervals of the same duration. At least one of the sub-intervals is a stimulation sub- interval wherein a basic sequence of pulses comprising one or more pulse packets is performed, each pulse packet being given by a predetermined sequence of individual bipolar electric pulses.