Wearable TENS Heating Patch for Discreet Menstrual Pain Relief

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current menstrual pain management devices, such as TENS machines, are not convenient for use outside the home due to their bulkiness and the need to carry a control module, making them difficult to use discreetly and portably during daily activities.

Innovation Solution

A menstrual pain management device comprising a base layer for skin adhesion, an electrode layer for TENS, a heating layer for warmth, and an electronic layer with a control module that includes manual controls, rechargeable battery, and wireless communication, all integrated into a water-resistant design that can be easily operated and recharged.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a TENS machine with control module and wires is used, then menstrual pain relief is achieved, but portability and ease of use during daily activities deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepain relief effectivenessVSAvoidportability and convenience

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the TENS electrode, heating element, and control module into a single integrated adhesive patch device. The control module is embedded within the patch itself rather than being a separate handheld unit, eliminating the need for external wires and making the device portable enough to wear during daily activities while maintaining pain relief effectiveness through coordinated TENS and heating functions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The device performs multiple functions simultaneously: TENS electrical stimulation for pain blocking, thermal heating for muscle relaxation and blood flow improvement, and integrated control for both functions. This multi-functionality in a single wearable patch addresses both pain relief requirements and portability needs without requiring separate devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If a TENS machine with control module is used, then pain management function is achieved, but device complexity and discretion deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepain management functionVSAvoidstructure and operation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control module integrates TENS control, heating control, power management, and wireless communication into a single embedded unit within the patch. This consolidation reduces structural complexity compared to separate TENS machine and heater devices, while maintaining full pain management functionality through coordinated operation of both TENS and heating elements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The device replaces mechanical wire connections and manual control operations with wireless communication for data transfer and control. The adhesive base layer provides mechanical attachment without complex fastening mechanisms, and the integrated control module eliminates the need for external power adapters and manual electrode placement, simplifying both structure and operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Ease of operation

If heating layer and electrode layer are integrated, then device portability is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveportabilityVSAvoidlayer integration process

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The device is constructed as a segmented multi-layer structure with distinct functional layers (adhesive base layer, electrode layer, heating layer, electronic layer, cover layer) that can be manufactured separately and then assembled through lamination. This segmentation allows each layer to be optimized for its specific function while simplifying manufacturing compared to creating a fully integrated monolithic structure, and the layered approach enables portability through compact stacking.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 device provides effective, discreet, and portable relief for menstrual pain by allowing easy operation and recharging, enhancing user convenience and comfort during daily activities.

Implementation Method 1

a heating layer (130) adapted for generating heat

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectJoule heating: Joule Heating

Implementation Method 2

an electrode layer (120) covering at least two areas longitudinally located along the base layer (110)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTranscutaneous Electrical Nerve Simulation:

Data Source

PatentUS20250018186A1Menstrual pain management device

Publication Date: 2025.01.16 JUNO TECHNOLOGIES INC

AI summary

The present menstrual pain management device comprises a base layer, an electrode layer, a heating layer, and an electronic layer. The base layer is adapted for being removable affixed to skin. The electrode layer covers at least two areas longitudinally located along the base layer. The electronic layer comprising a control module in electric connection with the electrode layer and the heating layer. The control module controls operation of the electrode layer and the heating layer. The electronic layer covers the electrode layer and the heating layer.