Wireless EMS Electrode Coupling for Portable Muscle Stimulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electrical muscle stimulation (EMS) systems are large, unwieldy, and complicated to use, limiting their mainstream adoption beyond medical and specialized applications, and they do not integrate well with modern consumer technology like mobile phones and wearable devices.
Innovation Solution
A portable EMS system with a stimulator, flexible electrodes, and a connector that uses inductive coupling for wireless power transfer, allowing for easy attachment to the body and control via external electronic devices, enabling efficient and user-friendly electrical muscle stimulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional EMS systems use wired connections and bulky generators, then reliable electrical stimulation delivery is achieved, but device portability and ease of use deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces wired mechanical connections with wireless inductive coupling between the stimulator and electrode pads. This eliminates the need for physical wire connections, reducing device complexity and improving portability while maintaining reliable electrical stimulation delivery through electromagnetic field coupling.
Solution Approach 2:
The EMS system is divided into separate components: a portable stimulator unit and detachable electrode pads with integrated connectors. This segmentation allows the stimulator to be small and portable while the electrode pads can be customized for different applications, improving both ease of use and reducing overall system complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If EMS systems are made portable with wireless connections, then ease of use and accessibility improve, but connection reliability and power transfer efficiency worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a connector component with magnetic coupling as an intermediary between the stimulator and electrode pads. This magnetic connector provides a reliable automatic connection mechanism that ensures stable electrical contact while maintaining portability and wireless operation, resolving the conflict between ease of use and connection reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses adjustable inductive coupling parameters and magnetic field strength to optimize both wireless power transfer efficiency and connection stability. By dynamically adjusting these parameters, the system maintains reliable connections while preserving portability and adaptability for integration with modern devices.
3Adaptability or versatility
If traditional EMS systems use fixed control interfaces, then operational reliability is maintained, but adaptability to modern consumer technology deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The stimulator is designed with multi-functional capabilities including wireless connectivity to mobile devices, wearable technology integration, and traditional control modes. This universality allows the system to adapt to various modern consumer technologies while maintaining operational reliability through multiple control pathways and communication protocols.
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 system provides a compact, user-friendly, and versatile solution for delivering electrical muscle stimulation, enhancing its usability beyond medical applications and enabling integration with modern technology for improved accessibility and convenience.
Implementation Method 1
a connector configured to extend through the flexible body and electrically couple with the stimulator by inductive coupling
Implementation Method 2
The stimulator includes one or more magnets and the connector includes one or more corresponding magnets that are configured to mate with the one or more magnets of the stimulator, thereby magnetically coupling the stimulator to the connector
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical stimulation system that includes a stimulator including a generator and a controller, the generator is configured to generate an electrical current and the controller is configured to receive a user input for activating the generator, an electrode including a flexible body and one or more electrode pads positioned along the flexible body, and a connector configured to extend through the flexible body and electrically couple with the stimulator by inductive coupling, wherein the connector is configured to electrically couple the generator to the one or more electrode pads in response to the stimulator being positioned within a predefined distance to the connector, such that the controller is configured to wirelessly transmit the electrical current from the generator to the one or more electrode pads via the connector in response to the user input.