TENS Device with Dipole Antennas for Precise Current Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) devices lack precise control over electrical current strength and distribution, leading to inconsistent pain relief due to subjective measurements and variable tissue impedance, resulting in inconclusive evidence for chronic pain treatment.
Innovation Solution
An electromagnetic apparatus with pulsed direct current and dipole antennas for continuous monitoring and adjustment of electrical characteristics, ensuring accurate delivery of analgesia by analyzing and modifying the electric field produced, using dipole antenna signals to set appropriate levels of pulsed direct current, frequency, and waveform.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional TENS devices are used with subjective measurements, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision and reliability of pain relief are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where dipole antennas continuously monitor the electrical characteristics of TENS at the treatment site and transmit this information to a control system. The control system automatically adjusts stimulation parameters based on real-time measurements, creating a closed-loop system that improves measurement precision without requiring complex manual intervention
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces subjective human assessment with objective electromagnetic field measurements using dipole antennas. The mechanical/manual adjustment of TENS parameters is substituted with automated electronic control based on precise electrical field monitoring, thereby improving measurement precision while managing device complexity through automation
2Reliability
If high-frequency percutaneous electrical stimulation is used, then chronic pain relief is obtained in some patients, but the treatment reliability remains inconclusive due to variable tissue impedance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic adjustment of TENS parameters based on real-time feedback from dipole antennas that monitor electrical field characteristics. The system automatically adapts stimulation frequency, amplitude, and pulse width to compensate for variations in tissue impedance, ensuring consistent therapeutic effect across different patients and treatment conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent systematically varies multiple electrical parameters including frequency (1-250 Hz), pulse width (10-1000 microseconds), and amplitude based on measured electrical field characteristics. This multi-parameter adjustment strategy allows the system to optimize treatment efficacy while maintaining reliability despite tissue impedance variability
3Manufacturing precision
If electrical stimulation parameters are not precisely controlled, then the ease of operation is improved, but the consistency and effectiveness of analgesia are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-adjusting system where the TENS device automatically monitors its own electrical field output using dipole antennas and self-corrects parameter deviations. The control system independently manages precision control without requiring continuous user intervention, thereby maintaining ease of operation while achieving precise electrical input control
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses real-time feedback from dipole antenna measurements to automatically adjust stimulation parameters. The control system compares measured electrical field characteristics against target values and makes corrective adjustments, ensuring consistent and effective analgesia while maintaining simple user interaction through automated precision control
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 provides consistent and effective analgesia by ensuring precise control over electrical input, enhancing the reliability of TENS treatment for both acute and chronic pain management.
Implementation Method 1
analyzing electric field produced by the pulsed direct current
Implementation Method 2
the use of magnets to produce a magnetic field to further control chronic and acute pain
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to an apparatus and associated methods to produce analgesia in a mammal by providing an electrical nerve stimulus utilizing a pulsed input of low level electrical current, wherein the level of current is measurable with the measurements utilized to at least adjust the strength of the current according to selected parameters. Additionally, the use of magnets to produce a magnetic field to further control chronic and acute pain. In exemplary implementations, the apparatus maintains continuous monitoring of the electrical characteristics of TENS at the site of input and output, and the electrical input can be modified during treatment to obtain desired electrical input. More particularly the disclosure relates to an electromagnetic apparatus incorporating pulsed direct current, two or more electrodes, and at least two dipole antennae wherein the dipole antenna circuits receive and analyze signal from the dipole antennae, using the information from signal analysis within the methods for producing analgesia in mammals. The strength of the current that the patient is receiving at the targeted site as the actual field is measured by the dipole antennae and adjustment is not dependent on subjective measurements to ascertain whether the proper amplitude, frequency and pulse duration are being applied.