Activity-Sensing Therapy Mode Control for Stable Electrode Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional therapy devices with electrically conductive adhesives have low bond/peel strengths, leading to misalignment and reduced effectiveness, and mechanical devices are prone to incorrect positioning, causing discomfort and reduced efficacy during use.
Innovation Solution
Therapy devices configured to operate in multiple modes, including normal, activity, and reduced power modes, with sensors and analyzers to adjust therapy based on user activity and environmental conditions, ensuring proper alignment and comfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional electrically conductive adhesives are used to adhere the therapy device to the patient, then the device can be easily removed and repositioned, but the bond strength is low causing shifting and misalignment during use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements multiple operating modes (normal power mode, inactive mode, activity mode) that dynamically adjust therapy delivery based on user activity level. The controller transitions between modes based on detected activity, allowing the device to adapt its operation rather than requiring physical repositioning or removal.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes operational parameters by switching between different therapy modes. In normal power mode, full therapy is delivered; in activity mode, therapy is reduced or suspended based on activity detection. This parameter adjustment resolves the contradiction by adapting therapy delivery to user needs without compromising device stability.
2Ease of operation
If the therapy device is designed to be easily removable, then the patient can remove it when desired, but the device may become misaligned during use or from impact
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates activity sensing that provides feedback to the controller. The controller monitors user activity and automatically adjusts therapy delivery accordingly, creating a closed-loop system that maintains therapeutic effectiveness without requiring precise manual repositioning after movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The device performs self-adjustment by automatically transitioning between operating modes based on detected activity levels. This eliminates the need for user intervention to maintain proper alignment and therapy effectiveness, as the system adapts autonomously to user movement and activity state.
3Reliability
If the device operates in a single normal power mode, then therapy is consistently delivered, but the device lacks flexibility for different activity levels and user preferences
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a multi-functional therapy device capable of operating in multiple modes: normal power mode for standard therapy, inactive mode for when the patient is stationary, and activity mode for when the patient is moving or exercising. This universal design allows a single device to serve multiple therapeutic needs across different activity levels and user preferences.
Solution Approach 2:
The therapy delivery is made dynamic through automatic mode transitions based on activity detection. The controller continuously monitors activity levels and adjusts therapy parameters accordingly, enabling the device to adapt its function to match user needs in real-time while maintaining consistent and reliable therapy delivery appropriate to the current activity state.
4Reliability
If the device provides full power therapy continuously, then treatment effectiveness is maximized, but power consumption increases and user comfort during activity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic therapy delivery adjusted to activity levels. In activity mode, the controller reduces or suspends therapy delivery during periods of user activity, then resumes in normal power mode when activity ceases. This periodic adjustment optimizes power consumption while maintaining treatment effectiveness by delivering therapy when it is most beneficial.
Solution Approach 2:
The device changes therapy parameters based on activity state. In normal power mode, full therapy parameters are applied for maximum effectiveness. In activity mode, parameters are adjusted to reduce or suspend therapy, optimizing power consumption and user comfort. This dynamic parameter adjustment resolves the contradiction between continuous effective therapy and power efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure describes devices, systems, and methods related to therapy devices that are operable in multiple operating modes. An exemplary therapy device is configured to be coupled to a patient and includes a stimulation generator and a controller coupled to the stimulation generator. The controller is configured to transition the stimulation generator from operating in a first operating mode to operating in a second operating mode responsive to determining activity of the patient.