Auricular Vagus Stimulation Baseline Sensing for Symptom-Matched Output
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for electrical stimulation of the pneumogastric nerve, particularly those targeting the cervical branches, require invasive procedures and lack the ability to accurately reflect the user's current state, leading to insufficient therapeutic effects.
Innovation Solution
An electrical stimulation method and apparatus that applies stimulation through a skin-contacting electrode, utilizing biosignal measurement to set reference values, adjust stimulation guidelines based on brain wave or heart rate variability, and account for user sensitivity through demographic and environmental markers to optimize electrical parameters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If electrical stimulation is applied to cervical branches of pneumogastric nerve, then therapeutic effect is achieved, but invasive procedure and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses auricular branches of pneumogastric nerve as an intermediary access point. Instead of directly stimulating cervical branches through invasive surgery, the device stimulates peripheral auricular branches that connect to the same nervous system pathway, achieving therapeutic effect through a less invasive route
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical surgical procedure (incision, exposure, coil winding, implantation) with a non-invasive or minimally invasive electrical stimulation approach applied through skin-contacting electrodes on the ear, substituting complex mechanical intervention with simpler electrical signaling
2Reliability
If fixed electrical stimulation guideline is applied, then device operation is simple, but therapeutic effect is insufficient due to inability to reflect user state
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where biosignals (brain waves or heart rate variability) are continuously measured, compared against reference values, and used to automatically adjust stimulation parameters. This closed-loop system maintains simple operation for the user while dynamically optimizing therapeutic effect based on real-time physiological state
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-adjustment of stimulation parameters by automatically measuring biosignals, calculating deviations from reference values, and modifying stimulation intensity accordingly. This eliminates the need for manual adjustment by the user or practitioner while maintaining optimal therapeutic effect
3Ease of operation
If electrical stimulation is applied without considering user sensitivity, then application procedure is simple, but discomfort and pain increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary measurement of biosignals and calculation of reference values before applying electrical stimulation. By establishing baseline physiological data and sensitivity characteristics in advance, the system can pre-adjust stimulation parameters to appropriate levels, preventing discomfort and pain before they occur
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically adjusts stimulation parameters (intensity, duration, frequency) based on measured biosignals and calculated sensitivity indices. By changing electrical parameters in real-time according to individual user characteristics and current physiological state, the system maintains effective stimulation while minimizing discomfort and pain
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
Enhances the effectiveness of electrical stimulation by accurately reflecting the user's current state and sensitivity, reducing discomfort and pain, thereby improving therapeutic outcomes.
Implementation Method 1
an electrode that applies electrical stimulation in contact with the skin
Implementation Method 2
measuring the biosignal a plurality of times over predetermined intervals without electrical stimulation applied
Data Source
AI summary
A method for applying electrical stimulation to the pneumogastric nerves through electrodes in contact with the skin of a human body includes a reference value stetting step of measuring a biosignal from a user while electrical stimulation is not applied, and measuring the biosignal a plurality of times at a certain time interval or more to set a reference value for the biosignal; an electrical stimulation guideline input step of inputting an electrical stimulation guideline including a numerical value for the electrical stimulation; a stimulation value adjustment step of adjusting the electrical stimulation guideline by comparing, with the reference value, a value calculated by measuring the biosignal from the user before the electrical stimulation is applied; and an electrical stimulation step of applying the electrical stimulation at the adjusted value.