Abdominal Transducer for Pacinian Corpuscle Stimulation

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current pain relief systems using sound waves are inefficient as they primarily stimulate mechanoreceptors in the skin, failing to effectively target the Pacinian corpuscles in the mesenterium and abdominal cavity, which are more responsive to low-frequency vibrations and offer greater pain relief.

Innovation Solution

A system utilizing a powerful electromechanical transducer to generate high-amplitude low-frequency tactile sound waves (5-200 Hz) that target Pacinian corpuscles in the abdominal cavity, combined with a holder to maintain the transducer in position and an optional audio playback unit for music synchronization, to enhance pain relief.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If sound wave stimulation targets mechanoreceptors in the skin, then pain relief is provided, but the effectiveness is limited compared to targeting Pacinian corpuscles in the abdominal cavity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepain relief effectivenessVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A gel medium is introduced as an intermediary between the transducer and the body to improve coupling and transmission of low-frequency vibrations to the Pacinian corpuscles in the abdominal cavity, thereby enhancing pain relief effectiveness without significantly increasing system complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system transitions from stimulating only skin surface mechanoreceptors to targeting deeper abdominal Pacinian corpuscles by placing the transducer on the abdominal cavity, adding a dimensional depth component to the stimulation approach and significantly improving pain relief effectiveness

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Reliability

If high amplitude low frequency sound waves are used to stimulate abdominal Pacinian corpuscles, then pain relief is improved, but the device requirements become more demanding

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepain relief effectivenessVSAvoidtransducer power requirements

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The system specifically targets low-frequency vibrations (5-200 Hz) which match the sensitivity range of Pacinian corpuscles, changing the frequency parameter to achieve efficient stimulation with lower power requirements while maintaining high pain relief effectiveness

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The transducer generates mechanical vibrations at frequencies specifically tuned to Pacinian corpuscle sensitivity (5-200 Hz), utilizing resonant frequency matching to achieve effective stimulation with optimized power consumption

Inventive Principle:

Principle #18Mechanical vibration

3Reliability

If the transducer is placed on the abdominal cavity to target internal Pacinian corpuscles, then stimulation effectiveness increases, but positioning and stability become more challenging

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestimulation effectivenessVSAvoidpositioning ease

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

A flexible belt or strap is used to secure the transducer to the abdominal cavity, providing stable positioning while accommodating body contours and movement, thereby maintaining high stimulation effectiveness without compromising ease of operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses a gel medium applied partially between the transducer and body to optimize coupling at the critical interface, providing sufficient stabilization and coupling enhancement without requiring complete coverage or complex positioning mechanisms

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

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

This approach provides more effective pain relief by stimulating a larger number of Pacinian corpuscles in the abdominal cavity, achieving a better signal-to-noise ratio and maximizing pain reduction through targeted low-frequency vibrations.

Implementation Method 1

The presently disclosed system has means for electrical-acoustical/electrical-mechanical transduction/tactile transduction

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromechanical transduction:

Implementation Method 2

generate high amplitude low frequency tactile sound waves (5-200 Hz) with a powerful transducer targeting the Pacinian corpuscles

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical vibration: Vibration

Implementation Method 3

The Pacinian corpuscles (mechanoreceptors capable of detecting pressure/vibration) send afferent impulses through thick, well myelinated nerve fibres

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanoreception:

Data Source

PatentUS10500129B2Device for the treating of pain with high amplitude low frequency sound impulse stimulation

Publication Date: 2019.12.10 PACINIMEDICO APS

AI summary

A system for relieving pain of a user includes an electromechanical transducer configured to generate generate tactile sound waves (vibrations) with a frequency between 5 Hz and 200 Hz, a holder configured to keep the transducer in a fixed position adjacent to the mesenterial and internal organs' Pacinian corpuscles located in the abdominal cavity of the user, and a controller configured to control the amplitude and frequency of the transducer.