Low Intensity Vibration Device with Closed-Loop Feedback Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current technologies lack an effective, non-invasive method to stimulate cell proliferation and tissue regeneration, particularly in conditions like osteoporosis and sarcopenia, where mechanical signals are diminished with aging, leading to musculoskeletal decline.
Innovation Solution
A low intensity vibration device with a closed-loop feedback system that delivers controlled oscillatory vibrations at specific frequencies and intensities, using an actuator and accelerometer to maintain a predetermined acceleration, mimicking natural mechanical stimuli to promote bone and muscle health.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If low intensity vibration is applied to stimulate cell proliferation and tissue regeneration, then bone and connective tissue recovery is accelerated, but the mechanical signal intensity must be precisely controlled to avoid harmful effects
Solution Approach 1:
The device incorporates a closed-loop feedback control system that uses accelerometers to continuously monitor the actual vibration acceleration delivered to the subject. The controller compares the measured acceleration against the prescribed acceleration and dynamically adjusts the actuator output to maintain the desired vibration intensity, ensuring reliable and safe tissue regeneration stimulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical control mechanisms with electronic control systems. Instead of using mechanical linkages and physical adjustments to control vibration intensity, the system uses electronic actuators (voice coil or linear resonant actuator) controlled by electronic circuits that process feedback from accelerometers, simplifying the overall device architecture while improving precision.
2Productivity
If the actuator is positioned to align with the center of pressure for optimal vibration delivery, then mechanical signal transmission is maximized, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The device applies vibration locally at the center of pressure point on the base plate, rather than distributing it uniformly across the entire plate. This localized vibration application maximizes the mechanical signal transmission efficiency to the subject's feet and skeletal system, while keeping the actuator positioning simple and direct.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the vibration generation function to a single localized actuator positioned at the center of pressure, rather than using multiple actuators distributed across the plate. This simplifies the structural design while maintaining optimal vibration delivery to the subject.
3Measurement precision
If closed-loop feedback control is implemented to maintain predetermined acceleration, then vibration delivery precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements closed-loop feedback control where accelerometers mounted on the base plate continuously measure the actual vibration acceleration. The controller receives this feedback, compares it with the prescribed acceleration target, and dynamically adjusts the actuator drive signal to maintain precise acceleration control, improving measurement precision through real-time monitoring and adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The device performs self-regulation of vibration intensity through the feedback loop. The system automatically detects deviations from the target acceleration and corrects them without external intervention, maintaining precise control while using minimal additional hardware beyond the accelerometers and controller.
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 effectively enhances bone mineral density, suppresses fat formation, and promotes tissue regeneration without pharmaceutical intervention, offering a safe and effective drug-free solution for musculoskeletal issues.
Implementation Method 1
An actuator is housed within the actuator support housing and is configured for transmitting a vibration signal represented by an oscillatory vibratory force to the top plate assembly via the actuator plate. The actuator converts an electrical input signal to the oscillating vibratory force.
Implementation Method 2
an accelerometer having three degrees of freedom at an origin and is in operative communication with the controller for detecting movement of the top plate assembly and determining whether the top plate assembly is level with respect to the base plate assembly. The accelerometer further detects acceleration of the top plate assembly and transmits acceleration data to the controller.
Implementation Method 3
At least one energy recovery member, e. g., a spring, is mounted to the top plate assembly and the base plate assembly.
Data Source
AI summary
A vibration device 10 includes top plate assembly 12 defining cavity 27 therein that is configured and dimensioned to receive actuator plate 19 such that the actuator plate 19 is in direct contact with the top plate assembly 12. The actuator plate 19 transmits thereby a vibration signal represented by an oscillating vibratory force to the top plate assembly 12 to operate the oscillating vibration device. Vibration device 10 further includes base plate assembly 14 for the vibration device 10. The top plate assembly 12 is configured and dimensioned to be mounted on the base plate assembly 14. The base plate assembly 14 includes actuator mounting assembly 20 that is configured to receive actuator 50 generating a vibration signal represented by an oscillating vibratory force. A method of operating the oscillating vibration device 10 includes transmitting a vibration signal represented by an oscillating vibratory force to foot plate assembly 12.