Wearable Acustimulation Device with Adaptive Electrical Discharge
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current acustimulation devices are primitive in their application of electrical discharges, causing discomfort and involuntary muscle contractions, and lack advanced nerve stimulation technology to effectively target acupuncture points for stress management.
Innovation Solution
A wearable device with an array of spring-loaded electrical contacts coupled to a multiplexer and programmable power supply, using a processor to measure relative resistance and apply tailored electrical discharges to the skin near acupoints, allowing for automatic detection and self-compensating stimulation to minimize discomfort and maximize effectiveness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If primitive acustimulation devices are used to apply electrical discharges on the skin, then the device structure is simple, but it causes discomfort and involuntary muscle contractions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies advanced nerve stimulation technology that changes the parameters of electrical discharge (waveform, frequency, pulse width, amplitude) to match the specific electrical properties of acupoints. This resolves the contradiction by using optimized electrical parameters to deliver effective stimulation without causing discomfort or muscle contractions, unlike primitive devices that use simple unoptimized discharges
Solution Approach 2:
The patent targets specific acupoints (such as H7) with customized electrical stimulation parameters based on their distinct local electrical properties (increased conductance, reduced impedance, increased capacitance). This localized approach ensures effective stimulation at the acupoint while avoiding surrounding areas, preventing discomfort and involuntary muscle contractions that occur with non-specific stimulation
2Reliability
If advanced nerve stimulation technology is applied to acupoints, then effectiveness and user acceptance are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device automatically detects acupoint locations and measures their electrical properties (conductance, impedance, capacitance) without requiring manual positioning or user adjustment. The system self-adjusts stimulation parameters based on real-time measurements, eliminating the need for complex manual calibration while maintaining high effectiveness and user acceptance
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates real-time measurement of electrical properties at acupoints to provide feedback for automatic adjustment of stimulation parameters. This closed-loop control ensures optimal effectiveness while simplifying operation, as the device autonomously adapts to individual variations in acupoint characteristics without requiring complex user intervention
3Ease of operation
If fixed electrical discharge parameters are used, then device operation is simple, but stimulation consistency changes with skin resistance and user movement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic adjustment of electrical discharge parameters based on real-time measurements of skin resistance and acupoint electrical properties. The system continuously adapts stimulation intensity, frequency, and waveform to maintain consistent therapeutic effect despite changes in skin resistance or user movement, while requiring minimal user input beyond initial placement
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 comfortable and effective acustimulation by automatically detecting acupoints and adjusting discharge intensity, reducing muscle contractions and enhancing user acceptance, while maintaining consistent stimulation despite changes in skin resistance and user movement.
Implementation Method 1
measuring relative resistance between each pair of said electrical contacts
Implementation Method 2
applying a pre-determined electrical discharge to a pair of the electrical contacts
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical discharge device including an array of spring-load electrical contacts, said contacts electrically coupled to a multiplexer and a programmable power supply; a processor, said processor coupled to the power supply and the multiplexer; a memory, coupled to said processor, said memory including non-transitory, processor instructions operable to direct the processor to perform a method including measuring relative resistance between each pair of said electrical contacts, and applying a pre-determined electrical discharge to a pair of the electrical contacts in response to said measuring. Embodiment includes applying at least a portion of the electrical contacts to human skin substantially near an acupoint wherein said pair of electrical contacts is the pair having the least resistance between them.