Lead-Free TENS Calf Device with Accelerometer for Sleep Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional TENS devices are not designed for nighttime use due to cumbersome leads and potential skin peeling issues, which can lead to discomfort or burns, and lack the ability to quantify sleep quality effectively.
Innovation Solution
A novel TENS device placed on the upper calf with a three-axis accelerometer for continuous motion tracking, detecting sleep-wake states, leg orientation, and motion patterns to provide personalized stimulation and improve sleep analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional TENS devices use leads for current delivery, then TENS therapy can be provided, but the device becomes cumbersome and unsuitable for nighttime use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the leads from the TENS device, extracting the problematic component that caused cumbersome operation. The electrode pads are integrated directly into the device housing, eliminating the need for external leads while maintaining the core TENS therapy function.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrode pads are merged with the device housing, creating an integrated unit that eliminates the separate lead components. This combination simplifies the overall device structure and removes the source of operational complexity during nighttime use.
2Reliability
If electrode pads are used for TENS stimulation, then pain relief can be achieved, but skin peeling and potential burns may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The device incorporates sensors that continuously monitor skin-electrode contact impedance and detect peeling or improper contact. This feedback mechanism allows the device to identify potential skin irritation issues in real-time and alert the user or adjust operation to prevent burns and further skin damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The device provides early warning through feedback detection before skin damage occurs. By monitoring contact impedance changes that precede peeling or burn events, the system enables preventive action to be taken before harmful effects manifest.
3Reliability
If TENS device is worn during sleep, then pain relief during nighttime can be provided, but the ability to quantify sleep quality is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The TENS device is enhanced with additional sensors (accelerometer, ambient light sensor, touch sensor) that enable it to perform multiple functions: providing pain relief through TENS therapy while simultaneously monitoring sleep parameters such as movement, light exposure, and touch events to quantify sleep quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The device automatically collects and processes sleep quality data using its integrated sensors, eliminating the need for separate monitoring equipment. The accelerometer tracks leg movements and body position, the light sensor monitors ambient lighting conditions, and the touch sensor detects user interactions, all contributing to comprehensive sleep analysis.
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
Enables safe and effective TENS therapy during sleep, enhances pain relief, and provides insights into sleep quality and disorders like restless leg syndrome, improving user experience and therapeutic outcomes.
Implementation Method 1
A three-axis (x, y, z) accelerometer incorporated in the TENS device continuously measures the projection of static gravity onto each axis (i.e., x, y, z), which depends on the device orientation, and time-varying acceleration on each axis due to user motion along that axis.
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus for providing transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) therapy to a user, the apparatus comprising: a housing; an application unit for providing mechanical coupling between the housing and the user's body; a stimulation unit for electrically stimulating at least one nerve of the user; a sensing unit for sensing the user's body movement and body orientation; and a reporting unit for providing the user with feedback based on the user's sensed body movement and body orientation.