Transcutaneous Electrostimulation Programming with Preconfigured Pain Programs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) devices are complex to adjust for individual use due to the vast number of electrical current parameter combinations, with only a limited subset providing optimal therapeutic effectiveness, and require specific settings based on pain type and location, making it difficult for users to effectively manage pain without professional intervention.
Innovation Solution
A transcutaneous electrostimulation device equipped with a memory that stores pre-programmed settings for electrical current parameters, allowing users to adjust the device autonomously through simple user interactions, such as button presses and visual or auditory cues, to deliver tailored pain relief without manual configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual configuration of electrical current parameters is used, then therapeutic effectiveness can be optimized for specific pain conditions, but device complexity and difficulty of operation increase significantly for general users
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring multiple programs in the device memory, each containing optimized sets of electrical current parameters (pulse duration, frequency, intensity) tailored for specific pain conditions and body locations. Users simply select from these pre-programmed options rather than manually adjusting individual parameters, thereby maintaining therapeutic effectiveness while dramatically simplifying operation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple electrical current parameter combinations are provided, then adaptability to different pain situations improves, but device complexity increases due to the large number of possible configurations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the vast space of possible electrical current parameter combinations into discrete, manageable programs. Each program represents a segmented configuration optimized for specific pain types (e.g., muscular, joint, stomach, head) and locations. This segmentation reduces the complexity from theoretically infinite combinations to a finite set of predefined options that maintain adaptability while being easier to manage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies universality by designing a single device capable of delivering multiple different electrical current configurations through its memory-stored programs. The device universally handles various pain situations (different types, locations, and intensities) by selecting from its programmed options, eliminating the need for multiple specialized devices while maintaining comprehensive adaptability.
3Ease of operation
If pre-programmed settings are stored in memory, then ease of operation improves for users, but device complexity increases due to additional memory and program management components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by enabling the device to automatically select and execute appropriate electrical current programs based on user input (e.g., pain type, location, intensity). The memory-stored programs self-configure the device parameters without requiring user expertise in electrical stimulation settings, granting users autonomous control while the device handles the complex parameter management internally.
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
Enables users to effectively manage pain by automatically selecting optimal electrical current parameters, providing immediate and/or long-lasting relief for various pain types and locations, even in hard-to-reach areas, enhancing user safety and convenience.
Implementation Method 1
The electrical current is transmitted through electrodes placed on the surface of the skin
Implementation Method 2
emitting, by a light-emitting device, a light signal for each new selection
Implementation Method 3
emitting, by a sound-emitting device, a sound that uniquely identifies the selected program
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosed is a method for adjusting a transcutaneous electrostimulation device, the device comprising at least one electrode, a rechargeable battery connected to the electrode, a control unit coupled to a memory, the control unit being capable of configuring an electric current supplied by the battery and delivered by the electrode. The method comprises the operations consisting in selecting, in the memory, a program associated with several parameters of the electric current delivered by the electrode, each parameter being associated with a value, the program comprising at least as parameters: a voltage of the pulses of the electric current; a duration of the pulses of the electric current; a frequency of the pulses of the electric current, configuring the control unit such that the electric current delivered by the electrode corresponds to the values of the parameters of the selected program. The method also allows the selection of a default program and the provision of a default value, stored in the memory, associated with each parameter of the selected default program.