Wearable Sleeve With Random Electrical Stimulation For Pain Relief
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current pain-relief devices, such as TENS and EMS units, are limited by discomfort, limited functionality, short session times, and inefficiency, and often require complex wiring and deep sub-dermal stimulation, failing to provide effective and long-lasting relief for chronic pain conditions.
Innovation Solution
A wearable device with a sleeve design featuring a plurality of electrodes, a power supply, controller, and control software that provides low-level random pattern electrical stimulation to the skin, using a fabric-lined conductive medium, movement sensors, and a processor to adjust stimulation based on user activity and selected modes, minimizing penetration and maximizing comfort and convenience.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional TENS and EMS units are used to manage pain, then pain relief is achieved, but the devices are bulky, require complicated wiring, and have limited functionality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple electrodes, power supply, control circuitry, and stimulation delivery mechanisms into a single integrated wearable device. This merging eliminates the need for external wiring and bulky components while maintaining pain relief effectiveness through coordinated operation of integrated components.
Solution Approach 2:
The wearable device incorporates multiple electrodes that can be configured for different stimulation patterns and targets various pain conditions. The device provides versatile functionality including different stimulation modes, adjustable parameters, and adaptability to various body parts, replacing multiple separate devices with one universal solution.
2Reliability
If traditional TENS and EMS units provide electrical stimulation, then pain management is achieved, but the devices have limited session time and are not suitable for prolonged use
Solution Approach 1:
The wearable device is designed for continuous prolonged operation with features including rechargeable battery power supply, durable electrode materials, and thermal management systems. These enable uninterrupted stimulation therapy throughout the day and night, eliminating session time limitations of traditional devices.
3Reliability
If traditional pain relief devices use deep sub-dermal stimulation, then pain relief is achieved, but the stimulation causes discomfort and requires high energy levels
Solution Approach 1:
The device employs multiple electrodes that can be strategically positioned and configured to target specific pain areas with localized stimulation. This allows precise control over stimulation depth and intensity at each electrode site, providing effective pain relief while minimizing discomfort through optimized local stimulation parameters.
4Ease of operation
If commercial pain relief products are used, then ease of use is improved, but the products are highly inefficient and not reliable
Solution Approach 1:
The wearable device incorporates automatic control features including motion sensors that detect user activity and automatically adjust stimulation parameters, microprocessors that optimize electrode configurations, and intelligent power management. This self-adjusting capability maintains ease of use while significantly improving pain relief efficiency through adaptive optimization.
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 reduces chronic pain by providing customizable, comfortable, and efficient stimulation, allowing for prolonged use and improved sleep quality with minimal side effects, while being easy to use and cost-effective compared to traditional medical solutions.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of electrodes with electrically conductive media... provides low-level random pattern electrical stimulation to skin
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention describes a wearable device that is designed to ameliorate pain. The wearable device has been designed and developed to provide low-level random pattern electrical stimulation to skin in order to mask the associated pain. The device is intended to allow a better semblance of normalcy with less pain. The wearable device may be a sleeve with a plurality of electrodes with electrically conductive media that provides random stimulation to the skin. The wearable device may include wearable fabric lined with a conductive medium, a power supply medium such as a battery set, a processor to handle input/output (I/O) from/to a mobile application or controller, a transmitter, a receiver, and motion sensors. With the wearable device disclosed herein, the goal is to have this work on many parts of the user's body from extremities to the trunk.