Auricular Stimulation Device With Electrode-Based Impedance Feedback
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current auricular stimulation devices lack physiological feedback mechanisms, leading to overstimulation or understimulation due to fixed or poorly adjusted parameters, which can cause discomfort and inefficiency in therapeutic outcomes.
Innovation Solution
The device integrates impedance plethysmography using existing electrodes for measuring tissue impedance, allowing for adaptive adjustment of stimulation parameters based on physiological feedback without additional sensors, using alternating current for subthreshold measurement and stimulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If fixed or manually adjusted stimulation parameters are used, then device complexity is reduced, but therapeutic effectiveness deteriorates due to inability to adapt to changing physiological states
Solution Approach 1:
The device incorporates impedance measurement to continuously monitor physiological changes in the ear tissue and automatically adjusts stimulation parameters accordingly. This feedback mechanism ensures optimal therapeutic effectiveness without requiring complex manual adjustment procedures, as the system self-regulates based on real-time physiological data.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-adjustment of stimulation parameters based on impedance measurements, eliminating the need for continuous manual intervention. The device monitors its own performance through impedance sensing and autonomously optimizes stimulation settings to maintain therapeutic effectiveness throughout the treatment period.
2Adaptability or versatility
If additional sensors are added for physiological feedback, then adaptability improves, but device complexity and patient burden increase
Solution Approach 1:
The electrodes serve dual purposes: delivering electrical stimulation for therapy and simultaneously measuring tissue impedance for physiological feedback. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate sensors, maintaining adaptability while minimizing device complexity and patient burden.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the stimulation and measurement functions into a single integrated system. The same electrodes used for stimulation also function as impedance sensors, merging two previously separate functions into one unified device that reduces complexity and improves patient comfort.
3Measurement precision
If additional external sensors are used, then measurement precision improves, but ease of operation deteriorates due to increased training requirements and patient burden
Solution Approach 1:
The device performs self-measurement of physiological parameters through impedance sensing via the existing electrodes, eliminating the need for external sensors and associated training requirements. The system automatically monitors and reports physiological changes without requiring patient cooperation beyond the initial electrode placement.
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 personalized and efficient auricular stimulation by dynamically adjusting parameters to the patient's physiological state, improving therapeutic efficacy and reducing discomfort and resource expenditure.
Implementation Method 1
the measurement means are configured to determine the at least one physiological measured value by means of impedance plethysmography via the electrodes
Implementation Method 2
an electrical current generator for generating electrical stimulation pulses and electrical lines emanating from the electrical current generator for connecting to one electrode each to be positioned on the ear
Data Source
AI summary
A device for auricular punctual stimulation of a patient, including an electrical current generator for generating electrical stimulation pulses and electrical lines for connecting to one electrode each to be positioned on the ear, at least two of which electrodes can be acted on by the stimulation pulses, and further including measurement means for determining at least one physiological measured value of the patient. The measurement means are designed to determine the at least one physiological measured value by means of impedance plethysmography via the electrodes.