Therapeutic Patch Shoe Sliding Insertion Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current therapeutic electrical stimulation devices, such as TENS, lack efficient and user-friendly designs for connecting and operating, with limited options for adjusting therapy modes and recharging, which can hinder effective pain management and convenience.
Innovation Solution
A therapeutic electrical stimulation device comprising a controller with a rechargeable battery, a signal generator, and a patch system featuring a shoe and electrodes, allowing for easy connection and adjustment of therapy modes, along with a docking station for recharging and data communication, enhancing user interaction and device functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If TENS devices use simple electrode connections, then ease of operation is improved, but adaptability for different therapy modes deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into a reusable controller unit and disposable pre-wired patches. The controller contains the signal generator and power source, while patches are pre-configured with electrodes and wiring for specific therapy applications. This segmentation allows the controller to support multiple therapy modes while patches provide simple plug-and-play connectivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller unit is designed with a universal interface that can accommodate multiple types of patches for different therapy modes (TENS, NMES, interferential therapy). The single controller can generate various electrical signal patterns to work with different patch configurations, providing versatility without complicating the user interface.
2Adaptability or versatility
If TENS devices include multiple therapy mode options, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The complex signal generation and control circuitry is extracted into a separate reusable controller unit, while the disposable patches contain only the essential electrode connections and pre-wired configuration. This extraction eliminates the need for users to manage complex wiring or switch settings for different therapies - they simply select the appropriate pre-configured patch.
Solution Approach 2:
Patches are pre-wired and pre-configured during manufacturing with specific electrode arrangements and connections optimized for particular therapy modes. This preliminary action transfers the complexity of wiring and configuration from the user side to the manufacturing side, allowing users to simply attach the pre-configured patch without dealing with complex device settings.
3Ease of operation
If TENS devices use disposable patches, then ease of operation is improved, but loss of substance worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs disposable patches with electrodes that are discarded after limited use. While this increases consumption of electrode material, it compensates by using inexpensive materials and simple construction that reduces manufacturing costs. The disposable nature eliminates complex recharging mechanisms and maintains hygienic standards for skin contact.
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 solution provides a user-friendly and efficient means of delivering therapeutic electrical signals, allowing for adjustable therapy modes and convenient recharging, thereby improving pain management and user experience.
Implementation Method 1
a power source including a rechargeable battery
Implementation Method 2
an electrical signal generator powered by the power source and generating an electrical signal
Data Source
AI summary
A patch for a therapeutic electrical stimulation device includes a shoe connected to the first side of the patch, the shoe including a body extending in a longitudinal direction from a first end to a second end, and having first and second surfaces, the first end of the shoe defining at least two ports, and the first surface of the shoe defining a connection member. The patch also includes at least one conductor positioned in the ports of the first end of the shoe. The shoe is configured for sliding insertion into a receptacle defined by a controller so that the conductor is connected to the controller to deliver electrical current from the controller, through the conductor, and to the electrodes, and the connection member is at least partially captured by a detent defined by the controller in the receptacle to retain the shoe within the receptacle.