Auricular Neurostimulation Device with Adaptive Electrodes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing auricular neurostimulation devices are inefficient due to poor anatomical adaptation, suboptimal electrode placement, and lack of personalization, leading to ineffective stimulation of the auricular branch of the vagus nerve, which can impact recovery, cognitive and motor skills, stress control, and body weight management in athletes and individuals.
Innovation Solution
A connected auricular neurostimulation device with customizable electrodes made of biocompatible materials, integrated photoplethysmographic sensors for real-time breathing phase detection, and synchronized stimulation protocols (BEAT, BFS, EVANS) that adapt to individual user profiles, ensuring efficient and comfortable stimulation of the auricular branch of the vagus nerve.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If standard electrode placement is used in auricular neurostimulation devices, then device simplicity is maintained, but stimulation efficiency and anatomical adaptation are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by customizing electrode geometry and placement to match the specific anatomical contours of each user's ear. The electrodes are designed with varying shapes, sizes, and positions optimized for different ear types, ensuring maximum contact with the auricular branch of the vagus nerve while maintaining device functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The device incorporates dynamic adjustment capabilities through breathable silicone bands that can be tightened or loosened to accommodate different ear sizes and shapes. This dynamic adaptation allows the same device to maintain optimal electrode contact across diverse anatomical structures without requiring multiple specialized devices.
2Reliability
If non-personalized stimulation protocols are used, then device operation is simplified, but therapeutic effectiveness is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The device incorporates automated protocols that execute stimulation sequences without requiring manual intervention. The system automatically adjusts stimulation parameters, monitors user response through integrated sensors, and modifies protocols based on real-time feedback, eliminating the need for users to manually configure settings while maintaining personalized therapeutic effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements multiple stimulation protocols (BEAT, BFS, EVANS) that dynamically adjust electrical parameters such as pulse width, frequency, and intensity based on user-specific characteristics and therapeutic goals. These parameter modifications are automatically applied through microprocessor control, providing personalized therapy without requiring manual parameter adjustment by the user.
3Productivity
If electrodes do not synchronize with breathing patterns, then device complexity is reduced, but vagal activation efficiency is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The device incorporates photoplethysmographic sensors that continuously monitor breathing patterns and provide real-time feedback to the stimulation controller. The system uses this feedback to automatically synchronize stimulation pulses with the user's respiratory cycle, optimizing vagal nerve activation. The feedback loop continuously adjusts timing parameters to maintain synchronization despite variations in breathing rate or pattern.
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 device provides enhanced vagal activation, improved recovery, cognitive and motor skills, stress control, and body weight management by optimizing electrode placement and synchronization with breathing patterns, resulting in increased effectiveness and comfort compared to existing devices.
Implementation Method 1
a photoplethysmographic or biosensor estimating the amount of hemoglobin and oxyhemoglobin circulating through the most superficial capillary vessels of the ear
Implementation Method 2
The cymba electrode uses the entire area of the cymba to stimulate the ABVN present in the zone when a voltage difference is applied to it with respect to the cavum conchae electrode
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
The present invention relates to an auricular neurostimulation device (1) wearable by a user and configured to stimulate the Auricular Branch of Vagus Nerve (ABVN) on the user's ear: the device (1) comprises at least two electrodes (2, 3) designed to be located in the cymba and in the cavity of the cavum conchae respectively; the electrodes (2, 3) stimulate the nerve ramifications of the cymba and the cavum conchae, respectively, when an electrical voltage difference is applied between them. The invention further refers to an auricular neurostimulation system comprising an auricular neurostimulation device (1) as described and a charging case (13) where the device (1) can charge an internal battery (10) and where the device (1) discharges into this case (13) the data captured by the photoplethysmographic or biosensor (5) during stimulation and sends them to a dedicated platform in the cloud. The invention also refers to a method of operation of an auricular neurostimulation system as described.