Self-Powered Electroacupuncture Needle With TENG Coating

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current electroacupuncture devices face challenges such as the need for miniaturization of power generation equipment and the development of self-powered devices, with limitations including low output current and concerns about device reliability.

Innovation Solution

A self-powered electroacupuncture system incorporating a conductive needle with a triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) coating, which generates electrical current through triboelectric charging when subjected to external forces, eliminating the need for external power sources.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If traditional electroacupuncture devices are used, then electroacupuncture therapy can be delivered, but the devices require external power sources and have low output current

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoutput currentVSAvoidpower generation equipment

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the acupuncture needle with a triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) coating integrated directly on the needle surface. This merging of the power generation function into the needle itself eliminates the need for separate external power sources and complex wiring, while generating sufficient electrical current for electroacupuncture therapy through mechanical motion during needle insertion and manipulation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The TENG-coated needle is designed to generate its own electrical power through the mechanical motion naturally occurring during acupuncture procedures. The needle harvests mechanical energy from insertion and manipulation movements to produce the electrical current needed for electroacupuncture stimulation, making the device self-powered and eliminating dependence on external power supplies.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Volume of moving object

If miniaturized power generation equipment is used, then device portability is improved, but output current and reliability decrease

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice sizeVSAvoiddevice reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a thin-film TENG coating applied directly to the needle surface, replacing bulky miniaturized power generation components. This thin-film approach maintains extreme compactness while providing reliable electrical output through the triboelectric effect, solving the reliability issue associated with miniaturized devices without sacrificing portability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The needle incorporates a composite structure combining the conductive needle material with the TENG coating layer. This composite design integrates multiple functions (conduction and power generation) into a unified compact structure, enhancing reliability through material synergies while maintaining minimal device volume.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Ease of operation

If self-powered devices are developed, then external power sources are eliminated, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperation simplicityVSAvoidmanufacturing process

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The TENG coating is applied as a thin-film layer nested on the surface of the existing acupuncture needle, rather than requiring complete redesign of the needle structure. This nested approach simplifies manufacturing by building the self-powered functionality onto a proven base component, reducing overall manufacturing complexity while achieving self-powered operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts the power generation function as a separate TENG coating layer that can be independently developed and then applied to the needle. This extraction allows the TENG technology to be optimized separately and simplifies the manufacturing process by enabling modular production and assembly of the self-powered needle system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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 system provides a reliable and efficient means of delivering electroacupuncture therapy, with the TENG generating therapeutic alternating currents in the frequency range of 0.1-10 Hz, enhancing the therapeutic effects of acupuncture while ensuring consistent and self-sustained operation.

Implementation Method 1

a triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) coating on at least a portion of the conductive needle. The TENG includes a triboelectric layer configured to accept electrons and an electron-providing layer configured to donate electrons

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTriboelectric effect: Triboelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentUS20250177247A1Self-powered electroacupuncture needles and applications thereof

Publication Date: 2025.06.05 CITY UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG

AI summary

A self-powered electroacupuncture needle is provided, including a conductive needle and a triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) coating on at least a portion of the needle. The TENG includes a triboelectric layer configured to accept electrons and an electron-providing layer configured to donate electrons. The TENG is positioned with the triboelectric layer in contact with the needle, such that when compressed, electron transfer occurs between the layers, generating a therapeutic alternating current with a frequency range of 0.1-10 Hz in the needle, facilitating the delivery of electroacupuncture treatment.