Vibration Device for Abdominal Muscle Contraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Individuals face challenges in reducing caloric intake for weight loss due to hunger, as the stomach's ability to expand limits food reduction.
Innovation Solution
A vibration device is used to tighten abdominal muscles prior to eating, restricting stomach expansion by applying vibrations along an axis orthogonal to the muscles, which activates satiation signals in the brain, leading to feeling fuller sooner and eating less.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If the stomach is allowed to expand freely, then caloric intake can be increased, but weight loss cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The vibration device is applied to the abdominal region before eating to pre-activate abdominal muscles and create resistance against stomach expansion. This preliminary action opposes the natural tendency of the stomach to expand during meal consumption, thereby reducing caloric intake before the eating process begins.
Solution Approach 2:
The device performs muscle activation and tightening of the abdominal region prior to the eating event. By pre-positioning the abdominal muscles in a tightened state through vibration therapy, the stomach's expansion capacity is limited from the outset, enabling reduced food consumption while supporting weight loss goals.
2Quantity of substance
If abdominal muscles are tightened to restrict stomach expansion, then caloric intake is reduced, but the ability to eat sufficient food is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The vibration device operates in periodic cycles, applying vibration therapy to tighten abdominal muscles temporarily before meals. This periodic activation allows the muscles to be tightened only when needed (before eating) while remaining relaxed during normal digestion and other activities, thus maintaining the ability to eat sufficiently at appropriate times.
Solution Approach 2:
The device dynamically adjusts the state of abdominal muscles through controlled vibration, transitioning them between relaxed and tightened states as needed. This dynamic control allows the abdominal region to be restrictive during pre-meal periods while remaining compliant during normal eating and digestion processes.
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 helps in weight loss by restricting stomach capacity, causing the person to eat less, as the tightened abdominal muscles send satiation signals to the brain, leading to reduced caloric intake over time.
Implementation Method 1
A motor is configured to produce vibrations substantially along the axis. The vibrations are of sufficient magnitude to cause corresponding vibrations in the base.
Data Source
AI summary
Described herein is a device for tightening the abdominal muscles (e.g., rectus abdominus) at any time, including prior to eating. In more detail, for a duration prior to eating, the vibration device may be held forcefully against the abdomen to impart vibrations to the abdominal muscles. While the vibrations are being imparted, the abdominal muscles may also be contracted. The vibration device may include a base having a first surface and second surface, with the second surface facing the abdominal muscles, and a shaft movable relative to the base along an axis, with the shaft extending outwardly from the first surface. A motor may be configured to produce vibrations substantially along to the axis. The vibrations may be of sufficient magnitude to cause corresponding vibrations in the base and thus the abdominal muscles. A mechanism may be used to control the motor.