Wearable Fall Stabilization via Center of Gravity Electrical Stimulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices are inadequate for preventing falls in elderly and vulnerable individuals by failing to monitor real-time body positioning, movement, and center of gravity, and unable to intervene effectively to stabilize the user before a fall occurs.
Innovation Solution
A wearable device with integrated sensors and electrodes that detect changes in center of gravity and deliver electrical pulses to specific muscle groups to stabilize the user, using a baseline center of gravity profile and pulse stimulation protocols to prevent falls.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If existing fall prevention devices are used, then basic fall detection is provided, but real-time body positioning and center of gravity monitoring is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical fall detection systems with an electrical pulse stimulation system controlled by a processor. The system uses sensors to detect center of gravity position and automatically applies electrical pulses to specific muscle groups to prevent falls, substituting mechanical intervention with an electronically controlled physiological stimulation approach.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables the user's own muscle groups to perform the stabilization function through electrical pulse stimulation. Rather than requiring external physical assistance, the device activates the user's intrinsic muscle capabilities to counteract失衡 and maintain balance, allowing the body to serve itself in fall prevention.
2Reliability
If electrical pulse stimulation is applied to stabilize the user, then fall prevention effectiveness is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the stimulation system into multiple independent electrode groups, each targeting specific muscle groups (first, second, third, and fourth electrode groups). This segmentation allows the complex stimulation task to be distributed across multiple simpler, specialized components, making the overall system more manageable and controllable despite its complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The wearable device integrates multiple functions into a single system: center of gravity sensing, processor-based control, and electrical pulse generation for fall prevention. The device serves as both a monitoring system and an active intervention system, combining detection and stabilization functions in one multi-functional unit to reduce overall system complexity.
3Measurement precision
If multiple electrode groups are used to stimulate different muscle groups, then stabilization precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors the user's center of gravity position through sensors and uses this feedback to automatically determine which muscle groups require stimulation and what pulse parameters to apply. This closed-loop feedback control eliminates the need for manual operation, allowing the device to adapt to real-time balance conditions without requiring user intervention or complex manual configuration.
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 wearable device effectively detects potential falls and intervenes by stimulating target muscles to prevent falls, enhancing user stability and safety by accounting for individual user characteristics and adapting pulse stimulation protocols in real-time.
Implementation Method 1
generate COG data in real-time via one or more sensors of the wearable device
Implementation Method 2
generating COG data in real-time via one or more sensors of the wearable device
Implementation Method 3
causing (a) the first plurality of electrodes to provide a first electrical pulse corresponding to the first pulse stimulation protocol, and (b) the second plurality of electrodes to provide a second electrical pulse corresponding to the second pulse stimulation protocol
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatuses, systems, and methods for more accurate remote monitoring of a user's body to stabilize the user during fall events and to thereby prevent the user from falling. In some embodiments, a wearable device comprising a power source, one or more sensors configured to monitor a user's COG (COG), at least one plurality of electrodes, a communications interface and a control device is provided. The wearable device is configured to apply electrical pulses according to defined electrical pulse stimulation protocols via the electrodes to target muscle groups of the user's body, causing those target muscle groups to contract and thereby stabilize the user's body during a fall event.