Transcutaneous Electrical Stimulation Device for Constipation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing treatments for constipation and waste evacuation dysfunctions, such as constipation and slow-transit constipation, are often invasive, uncomfortable, and do not address the underlying causes, with limited long-term effectiveness, and there is a need for non-invasive, non-drug-based alternatives that can effectively manage these conditions.
Innovation Solution
A transcutaneous electrical stimulation device that generates interferential current stimulation signals, delivered through a system of electrodes on the abdomen and back, controlled by a microcontroller and user interface, allowing for adjustable stimulation parameters and monitoring of impedance to ensure safe and effective treatment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If subcutaneously implanted electrodes are used to provide electrical stimulus, then bowel evacuation effect is improved, but invasiveness increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses transcutaneous electrodes as an intermediary medium to deliver electrical stimulation through the skin without requiring subcutaneous implantation. The electrodes are placed on the abdominal surface and use conductive gel to ensure good electrical contact, thereby achieving bowel evacuation effect while avoiding the invasiveness of surgical implantation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/surgical implantation process with a non-invasive electrical field-based approach. Instead of physically inserting electrodes into the body, the system uses external electrical fields to stimulate bowel movement, substituting a mechanical invasive procedure with a field-based non-invasive method.
2Speed
If subcutaneously implanted electrodes are used, then immediate bowel evacuation effect is achieved, but long-term effectiveness is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies electrical stimulation before bowel evacuation is needed, training the bowel to respond to electrical cues in advance. This preliminary action helps establish a conditioned response pattern that can promote more reliable long-term bowel evacuation, rather than relying solely on immediate stimulus-response effects.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where treatment responses are monitored and used to adjust subsequent stimulation parameters. This feedback loop allows the treatment to adapt to individual patient responses over time, improving long-term effectiveness by optimizing stimulation based on actual bowel evacuation outcomes.
3Productivity
If chemical laxative therapies are used, then bowel stimulation is achieved, but side effects and drug interactions increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes chemical pharmacological action with physical electrical field stimulation. Instead of using chemical substances that interact with bowel receptors and potentially cause side effects, the system uses controlled electrical fields to directly stimulate bowel muscle contraction, eliminating drug-related harmful effects while maintaining bowel stimulation effectiveness.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple electrode connections are provided, then stimulation versatility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a universal multi-pole connector design that can accommodate various electrode configurations through a single connector type. The multi-pole connector serves multiple functions: establishing electrical connections, providing mechanical attachment, and enabling different stimulation patterns without requiring separate connectors for each configuration, thereby reducing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrode system is segmented into multiple independent electrodes that can be selectively connected through the multi-pole connector. This segmentation allows flexible configuration of stimulation patterns by connecting different combinations of electrodes, while the modular connector design keeps the overall system complexity manageable by standardizing the connection interface.
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 a non-invasive, comfortable, and potentially long-term solution for constipation and waste evacuation dysfunctions by improving bowel motility and reducing symptoms like soiling incidents and laxative use, with adjustable settings for individual patient comfort and treatment efficacy.
Implementation Method 1
A transcutaneous electrical stimulation device that generates interferential current stimulation signals, delivered through a system of electrodes on the abdomen and back
Data Source
AI summary
A device for transcutaneous electrical stimulation is provided. The device comprises circuitry configured to generate transcutaneous stimulation signals. The device also comprises a first signal output component for electrically connecting to a first electrode connector to deliver generated transcutaneous stimulation signals. The first signal output component comprises a first four-pole electrical connector part. The device further comprises a second signal output component for electrically connecting to a second electrode connector to deliver generated transcutaneous stimulation signals. The second signal output component comprises a second four-pole electrical connector part. The device further comprises a controller to selectively control output of the stimulation signals to selected pairs of poles across the first and second four-pole electrical connector parts. Each selected pair of poles comprises one pole from the first four-pole electrical connector part and one pole from the second four-pole electrical connector part.