Multi-Electrode TENS Device for Simultaneous Muscle Stimulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current TENS devices often require sequential stimulation of muscle regions, which can be time-consuming and may lead to loss of benefits as one region is stimulated while others are not, especially in dental treatments where achieving a neutral head and neck position is challenging, leading to issues like pain and occlusal problems.
Innovation Solution
A TENS device with three sets of electrodes, including input electrodes for trapezius, posterior cervical, and preauricular areas, allowing for simultaneous electrical stimulation with independent control of intensity, frequency, and balance to relax muscles and promote occlusal adjustments, using a power source and current generating mechanism to deliver synchronized electrical currents.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If sequential stimulation of muscle regions is used, then device complexity is reduced, but treatment time increases and therapeutic effectiveness decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The device divides the stimulation function into three independent electrode sets (first, second, and third sets), each capable of simultaneous operation with independent control. This segmentation allows parallel stimulation of multiple muscle regions without increasing overall device complexity, as each set operates autonomously under unified control.
Solution Approach 2:
The TENS device is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously by enabling three sets of electrodes to stimulate different muscle regions at the same time. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by allowing the single device to handle complex multi-region stimulation needs without requiring separate devices for each region.
2Device complexity
If sequential stimulation of muscle regions is used, then device complexity is reduced, but therapeutic effectiveness decreases due to loss of benefits
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the stimulation into three independently controllable electrode sets, the device ensures that each muscle region receives optimal stimulation simultaneously. This maintains therapeutic effectiveness for all regions (neck, jaw, shoulder) without requiring complex coordination mechanisms, as each set operates with independent amplitude control.
Solution Approach 2:
The device enables continuous and simultaneous useful action across all three electrode sets, ensuring that therapeutic benefits are maintained continuously across all muscle regions. This eliminates the interruptions and gaps inherent in sequential stimulation, thereby improving reliability of therapeutic outcomes.
3Loss of time
If simultaneous stimulation of multiple muscle groups is implemented, then treatment time is reduced and therapeutic effectiveness is enhanced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device achieves simultaneous stimulation by segmenting the electrode system into three independent sets, each with its own amplitude control. This segmentation allows parallel operation without requiring a single complex control mechanism, as each set can be adjusted independently while operating simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The device provides excessive action by enabling three sets of electrodes to operate simultaneously rather than sequentially. This partial redundancy in control mechanisms (three independent amplitude controls) simplifies the overall control architecture compared to coordinating sequential activation, thereby reducing device complexity while achieving the goal.
4Adaptability or versatility
If independent control of intensity for each electrode set is provided, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device segments the control system into three independent amplitude control mechanisms, one for each electrode set. This segmentation provides high adaptability by allowing independent adjustment of each region's stimulation intensity, while avoiding the complexity of a unified control system that would need to coordinate all regions simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
Each electrode set is equipped with its own amplitude control mechanism, allowing local quality adjustment for each muscle region. This local control approach enhances adaptability by enabling customized stimulation for each region's specific needs without requiring complex global coordination, thereby managing device complexity effectively.
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 reduces treatment time, enhances muscle relaxation, and provides effective pain relief by simultaneously stimulating multiple muscle groups, promoting a neutral head and neck position, thereby improving dental treatments and reducing muscle fatigue and pain.
Implementation Method 1
Transcutaneous Electrical Neural Stimulation (TENS) involves the application of electrical stimulation to a (usually human) subject through leads attached to electrodes in contact with the subject's skin. By electrically stimulating the nerves proximate to the placement of the electrodes, the muscles associated with the nerves may be stimulated
Implementation Method 2
The current generating mechanism is electrically connected to the power source for generating an electrical current between each of the input electrodes and the output electrode of each of the sets of electrodes
Data Source
AI summary
In an inventive method of performing transcutaneous electrical neural stimulation on a human patient, first and second input electrodes are secured over left and right trapezius muscle regions of the patient. Third and fourth input electrodes are secured over left and right posterior cervical and suboccipital muscle regions of the patient. Fifth and sixth input electrodes are secured over left and right preauricular areas of the patient. A first electrical current is supplied to each of the first and second electrodes. A second electrical current is supplied to each of the third and fourth electrodes. A third electrical current is supplied to each of the fifth and sixth electrodes.