Wireless Electrical Stimulation System with RF Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electrical stimulation systems, such as TENS and EMS, are inconvenient due to their tethered control units, limited ability to treat spaced-apart body areas, and lack of user information on therapy delivery.
Innovation Solution
A wireless electrical stimulation system with multiple units controlled by a transmitter that includes a unit selector, mode selector, intensity selector, and time selector, allowing for remote, wireless operation of electrodes on flexible substrates or clothing, with RF communication and automatic shutdown.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a tethered control unit is used, then the electrical stimulation system can be controlled, but the system becomes inconvenient to use and allows only one treatment at a time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical tethered control connection with a wireless communication system. The control unit communicates with electrical stimulation units through wireless signals (e.g., radio frequency), eliminating the need for physical cables and allowing multiple units to be controlled simultaneously without mechanical constraints.
Solution Approach 2:
The wireless control unit is designed to control multiple electrical stimulation units simultaneously through different channels. A single control unit can manage several stimulation units, each targeting different body areas, enabling multi-point treatment in one session and improving operational convenience.
2Adaptability or versatility
If electrodes are connected directly to a single stimulation unit, then the system is simple, but it is very difficult to treat parts of a subject's body spaced apart from the electrical stimulation unit and from each other
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the electrical stimulation functionality into multiple independent stimulation units, each capable of being controlled separately. These units can be distributed to different body areas, allowing simultaneous treatment of spaced-apart regions while maintaining individual control over each unit's parameters.
Solution Approach 2:
The wireless control unit acts as an intermediary that coordinates multiple stimulation units. It transmits control signals to various units through wireless communication, enabling centralized control of distributed electrodes without requiring direct physical connection between the control unit and each stimulation site.
3Loss of information
If conventional electrical stimulation systems are used, then the basic stimulation function is provided, but little information is provided to the user regarding the therapy being delivered
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit incorporates a display that provides real-time feedback to the user about the therapy being delivered. The display shows information such as which channels are active, stimulation intensity levels, and operational status of different stimulation units, enabling users to monitor and understand the therapy parameters.
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, multi-point body area treatment with user-controlled intensity and duration, improving user experience and treatment flexibility while maintaining safety through automatic shutdown.
Implementation Method 1
The transmitter can include a unit selector for selecting one of the at least two electrical stimulation units to control with the transmitter
Implementation Method 2
The system also includes a transmitter or a wireless controller for remotely, wirelessly controlling each of the electrical stimulation units to selectively apply a time-varying electric potential to the electrodes to provide an electrical stimulation to tissue in electrical contact with the electrodes
Data Source
AI summary
A system is provided for a Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve or Electrical Muscle Stimulation. The system generally includes at least two electrodes carried on a single substrate adapted to be disposed in electrical contact with a body surface, and an electrical stimulation unit configured to deliver electrical pulses to muscle groups or nerve endings adjacent a body surface that is in electrical contact with the at least two electrodes. The electrical stimulation unit includes an on-board controller configured for controlling the stimulation unit to deliver electrical pulses for pain relief and/or muscle relaxation.