Wireless Electrotherapy Device with Integrated Pulse Generation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wireless electrotherapy devices are cumbersome and lack utility, requiring separate mobile devices for functionality and are difficult to use during exercise or in confined spaces due to bulkiness and the need for wired controllers.

Innovation Solution

Development of non-invasive electrotherapy devices with integrated wireless communication circuitry and pulse generation capabilities, allowing control via computing devices like smartphones, with configurable stimulation modes and flexible designs for easy placement on the body.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If wireless electrotherapy devices are made compact and integrated, then ease of operation and portability improve, but device complexity increases due to integrating communication and pulse generation circuitry

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of use during exerciseVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines wireless communication circuitry, pulse generation circuitry, and electrode arrays into a single integrated electrotherapy device. This merging eliminates the need for separate controllers and wired connections, making the device portable and easy to use during exercise while maintaining full functionality through intelligent circuit integration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The electrotherapy device is designed with multi-functionality by integrating wireless communication capabilities (for control and notifications), pulse generation capabilities (for electrotherapy treatment), and electrode arrays (for stimulus delivery). This universal design allows the single device to replace multiple separate devices, improving ease of operation during physical activity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If electrotherapy devices are made flexible and thin, then ease of placement on body improves, but manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of placementVSAvoidmanufacturing precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs flexible printed circuit boards (FPC) for the pulse generation circuitry and thin-film electrode arrays that can conform to body contours. These flexible components are laminated together with adhesive layers to create a thin, adaptable device structure that is easy to place on various body parts while maintaining electrical connectivity and therapeutic functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The device utilizes composite construction combining flexible circuit board materials, conductive electrode materials, adhesive layers, and protective coatings. This composite approach enables the device to be both flexible for easy placement and precisely manufactured through standardized lamination and assembly processes, resolving the contradiction between flexibility and manufacturing precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Adaptability or versatility

If wireless communication circuitry is integrated into electrotherapy device, then versatility and functionality improve, but device bulkiness increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovefunctionalityVSAvoiddevice bulkiness

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional wired mechanical connections with wireless communication circuitry (Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or other wireless protocols). This substitution eliminates bulky cables and connectors, allowing the device to maintain full communication and control functionality while significantly reducing device bulkiness and improving portability for exercise applications.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

Enables convenient, versatile, and functional electrotherapy treatment without the need for multiple devices, allowing users to control and receive notifications while exercising or in various environments, improving user experience and treatment accessibility.

Implementation Method 1

The pulse generation circuitry is configured to deliver electrical waveforms... to a plurality of conductive zones for providing noninvasive electrotherapy

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical stimulation: Electric Field

Implementation Method 2

The wireless communication circuitry is configured to receive pulse generation control signals wirelessly from a computing device

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectWireless communication: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS11872404B2Systems and methods for wireless control of noninvasive electrotherapy

Publication Date: 2024.01.16 DJO LLC

AI summary

Methods and devices for providing noninvasive electrotherapy and electrical stimulation are described herein. In one aspect, a device for noninvasive electrotherapy includes wireless communication circuitry configured to receive pulse generation control signals wirelessly transmitted from a computing device. The device can include pulse generation circuitry configured to deliver electrical waveforms according to instructions encoded in the pulse generation control signals. The computing device can include a cellular telephone device, a portable media player, a personal digital assistant, a tablet computer, or an internet access device.