Vibration Device With Segmented Motor Array and Thermoelectric Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vibration devices are limited in their ability to provide flexible, portable, and multi-purpose therapeutic solutions for treating various ailments such as pain management, hair growth, headaches, and weight loss, as they often rely on mechanical vibrations that lack the capability to differentiate mechanical pressure from pain modulation and fail to provide both kinesthetic and sensory forms of vibration therapy.
Innovation Solution
A vibration device featuring an array of electro-mechanically driven vibration motors mounted on a flexible medium, with a primary diffuser and thermoelectric modules, capable of generating spatiotemporal waves and providing both mechanical and sub-mechanical vibrations, along with heating and cooling options, to stimulate cells and modulate pain perception.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional mechanical vibration devices are used, then vibration therapy can be provided, but the ability to differentiate mechanical pressure from pain modulation is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The device segments the vibration delivery system into multiple independent vibration motors arranged in an array, allowing different regions to deliver different vibration patterns. This segmentation enables differentiation between mechanical pressure (through controlled vibration patterns) and pain modulation (through specific frequency and amplitude combinations), as each motor can be independently controlled to deliver therapeutic vibrations that target specific sensory receptors.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts vibration parameters including frequency, amplitude, and temporal patterns through a controller that can modify the operation of individual vibration motors. This dynamic control allows the device to transition between different therapeutic modes, providing both mechanical pressure relief and pain modulation by varying the vibration characteristics in real-time based on treatment requirements.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a flexible medium is used to conform to body parts, then portability and comfort are improved, but structural stability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The device employs a flexible medium in the form of a thin film or sheet that can conform to various body contours. This flexible substrate maintains structural integrity through its material properties while allowing the vibration motors and other components to be mounted on it. The flexible medium provides both the adaptability to fit different body parts and the structural stability needed to support the electronic components and transmit vibrations effectively.
3Adaptability or versatility
If an array of vibration motors is used, then spatiotemporal wave patterns can be generated, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the vibration delivery function into multiple discrete vibration motors arranged in an array, with each motor capable of independent control. This segmentation enables the generation of complex spatiotemporal wave patterns by coordinating the activation and vibration parameters of individual motors, creating traveling waves, standing waves, and other therapeutic patterns that would be impossible with a single motor.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical mechanisms for generating wave patterns with electronically controlled vibration motors. Instead of using mechanical linkages, levers, or rotating components to create spatiotemporal patterns, the system uses electronic control signals to independently activate and modulate each vibration motor, thereby generating complex vibration patterns through software control rather than mechanical design.
4Adaptability or versatility
If thermoelectric modules are integrated for heating and cooling, then multi-purpose therapy is enabled, but device complexity and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The device integrates thermoelectric modules that can provide both heating and cooling functions using the same component. These modules operate on the Peltier effect, where applying electrical current in one direction generates heat on one side and cold on the other, and reversing the current direction swaps the hot and cold sides. This multi-functionality allows the device to provide thermal therapy in addition to vibration therapy, enabling treatment of different conditions (muscle relaxation, inflammation reduction, pain management) without requiring separate heating and cooling systems.
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 masks pain, promotes hair growth, treats headaches and weight loss, and stimulates brain cells, offering a flexible and portable solution that can be programmed to deliver various wave patterns and temperatures, reducing tissue tolerance and enhancing therapeutic benefits.
Implementation Method 1
an array of vibration motors mounted on the medium, the vibration motors configured to generate temporal vibrations
Implementation Method 2
a plurality of thermoelectric modules to provide active heating and/or cooling to the body part of the user
Implementation Method 3
a primary diffuser, wherein the primary diffuser overlays the medium and the array of vibration motors
Data Source
Figure 1A~1E
Figure 1F~1F-D
Figure 2A
AI summary
Methods and systems for providing distributed vibration therapy. The vibration device includes a plurality of vibration motors that are located along a grid. The vibration motors are embedded on a basal pad. A primary diffuser overlays the embedded the vibration motors. The device is portable and can be adaptable to a target body part.