Adjustable Ear Acupressure Device for Reusable Shenmen Stimulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for applying sustained pressure to the auricular acupuncture point Shenmen are inconvenient, difficult to use without a trained specialist, and not reusable, lacking a comfortable and durable fit for most ears.
Innovation Solution
A reusable acupressure device with a structural curvature that mounts to the helix of the external ear and a stimulating bead that applies pressure to the triangular fossa, allowing for adjustable and comfortable fitting, using materials like metals and polymers to provide sustained stimulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If adhesive methods (medical tape) are used to secure a ball, tack, magnet, or seed to the Shenmen point, then pressure can be applied to the acupuncture point, but the method becomes inconvenient, difficult to use without trained assistance, and non-reusable
Solution Approach 1:
The device enables self-application and self-adjustment without requiring trained specialists. The flexible mounting allows the user to independently wrap it around their own ear helix and adjust the bead position to apply pressure to the Shenmen point, eliminating the need for professional assistance.
Solution Approach 2:
The device is designed to be reusable rather than disposable. The flexible mounting can be removed, cleaned, and rewrapped around the ear helix for repeated use. The bead can be repositioned and the mounting reused multiple times, converting a single-use adhesive method into a recoverable and reusable system.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed structure is used for ear acupressure, then pressure can be applied to the Shenmen point, but it cannot accommodate various ear sizes and shapes
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting is designed as a flexible, dynamic structure that can be wrapped around different ear helix sizes and shapes. Unlike a rigid fixed structure, the flexible mounting adapts its configuration to match the specific geometry of the user's ear while maintaining stable pressure application through friction and conformal contact.
Solution Approach 2:
The device accommodates various ear sizes by changing the geometric parameters of the wrapped mounting - the circumference, tightness, and curvature of the wrap can be adjusted to fit small, medium, or large ears. The bead position along the mounting can also be changed to accommodate different ear geometries while maintaining effective pressure on the Shenmen point.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If adhesive tape is used to secure the acupressure element, then pressure can be maintained, but the method is not durable and cannot be reused
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible mounting replaces disposable adhesive tape with a recoverable structure. After use, the mounting can be removed from the ear, cleaned of skin residues, and reused for subsequent acupressure sessions. The bead and mounting form a durable assembly that maintains pressure application capability across multiple uses unlike single-use adhesive methods.
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure provides a reusable, adjustable acupressure device for stimulating an acupuncture point, or acupoint, on the outer ear of a wearer. In one embodiment, the device includes a structural curvature that is adjustably configured to mount to the helix of the external human ear and a bead protruding from the structural curvature. The bead is configured to apply pressure to a select acupoint located on the ear. The device provides the ability for a wearer to stably and reliably stimulate the select acupoint in a manner that is both comfortable and repeatable.Other embodiments are also disclosed.