Wearable Muscle Tendon Vibration Device with Closed-Loop Frequency Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current muscle tendon vibration (MTV) devices lack a portable and standardized method for measuring and adjusting vibration frequency and amplitude, which are crucial for therapeutic effectiveness, especially in rehabilitation therapies for proprioception deficiency and muscular spasticity.
Innovation Solution
A wearable rehabilitation device with adjustable vibration frequency and amplitude, featuring eccentric rotating mass (ERM) vibration motors and accelerometers to ensure precise targeting and maintenance of therapeutic frequency ranges (70-120 Hz) through a microcontroller and user interface, allowing for customizable treatment settings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a portable and wearable vibration device is designed, then ease of operation and portability are improved, but measurement precision and control accuracy of vibration parameters may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the vibration motor, accelerometer, microcontroller, and power supply into a single integrated wearable device that can be worn on the patient's body. This merging of components enables portability while maintaining the ability to accurately measure and control vibration parameters through the embedded accelerometer and microcontroller system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical measurement systems with an electronic accelerometer-based system. The accelerometer electronically measures vibration amplitude and frequency, eliminating the need for complex mechanical measurement apparatus while maintaining high measurement precision in a portable format.
2Adaptability or versatility
If vibration frequency and amplitude are made adjustable for different patients, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adjustability of vibration frequency and amplitude through a microcontroller that can modify motor parameters in real-time. The system transitions from static fixed-frequency vibration to dynamic adjustable vibration, allowing adaptation to different patient needs while using software control to manage complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operating parameters of the vibration motor through electronic control, allowing adjustment of frequency and amplitude. The microcontroller modifies electrical parameters supplied to the motor, enabling flexible adaptation to different therapeutic requirements without mechanical reconfiguration.
3Measurement precision
If standardized measurement methods are implemented, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The device performs self-measurement of vibration characteristics using an integrated accelerometer. The system monitors its own vibration output and provides real-time feedback on amplitude and frequency, eliminating the need for external measurement equipment while maintaining standardized measurement capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes complex mechanical measurement systems with a simple electronic accelerometer-based system. This electronic approach provides standardized, precise measurement of vibration characteristics while keeping the device structure simple and cost-effective.
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 accurate and adjustable vibration therapy, ensuring therapeutic efficacy by maintaining targeted vibration frequencies within a suitable range, enhancing proprioception and motor rehabilitation, particularly for conditions like stroke and aging-related muscle deficiencies.
Implementation Method 1
one or more accelerometers configured to generate output signals responsive to vibration of said one or more vibratory stimulators
Implementation Method 2
A wearable rehabilitation device with adjustable vibration frequency and amplitude, featuring eccentric rotating mass (ERM) vibration motors
Data Source
AI summary
A wearable rehabilitation device features a wearable support sized and shaped for worn fitting thereof over a body part of a patient, one or more vibratory stimulators on the wearable support that are positioned and operable to stimulate muscle tendon tissue of said body part of the patient, and one or more accelerometers on the wearable support configured to generate output signals responsive to vibration of said one or more vibratory stimulators. A controller compares output signals from the accelerometer against a targeted vibrational frequency, and adjusts operating conditions of the stimulator based on detected disagreement to achieve the targeted frequency for optimal therapeutic effect.