Auricular Vagus Nerve Stimulation Device Using Segmented Electrodes

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current treatments for psychiatric disorders, neurological disorders, and chronic inflammatory disorders lack effective noninvasive options, particularly in activating the noradrenergic system for therapeutic benefits.

Innovation Solution

Applying electrical pulses to the ear to acutely activate the noradrenergic system, utilizing an apparatus with electrodes configured to provide stimulation through or between electrodes positioned in the ear canal and on the outer ear, and a stimulation generator to deliver electrical currents.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If electrical pulses are applied to the ear to activate the noradrenergic system, then therapeutic benefits for psychiatric and neurological disorders are achieved, but the device complexity and precision of electrode placement increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetherapeutic efficacyVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The device is divided into separate functional components: a stimulation generator that delivers electrical pulses and an external stimulation apparatus with electrodes that contacts the ear. This segmentation allows the complex stimulation function to be separated from the placement device, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining therapeutic efficacy through the auricular vagus nerve pathway.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The external stimulation apparatus acts as an intermediary between the stimulation generator and the vagus nerve. It includes electrodes positioned on the ear (such as in the ear canal or on the concha) that transmit electrical stimulation to the auricular branch of the vagus nerve, thereby mediating the therapeutic effect without requiring direct invasive access to the nerve.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If electrical pulses are applied to the ear to activate the noradrenergic system, then noninvasive treatment is achieved, but the manufacturing precision and ease of manufacture decrease

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveinvasivenessVSAvoidease of manufacture

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of invasively accessing the vagus nerve through surgical procedures, the invention inverts the approach by stimulating the auricular branch of the vagus nerve through external contact with the ear. This noninvasive route achieves the same therapeutic effect of activating the noradrenergic system without requiring invasive manufacturing or implantation procedures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention replaces complex invasive mechanical implantation systems with a simpler external stimulation apparatus. The electrodes can be positioned on the ear using adhesive or夹持 structures, eliminating the need for surgical implantation while maintaining the ability to deliver therapeutic electrical stimulation to the vagus nerve.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If electrodes are positioned in the ear canal and on the outer ear, then effective noradrenergic system activation is achieved, but measurement precision and detection difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem activation effectivenessVSAvoidelectrode placement precision

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The external stimulation apparatus includes visual indicators such as colored markers or illuminated elements that show the correct positioning of electrodes on the ear. These visual cues help ensure accurate placement on specific anatomical landmarks (such as the concha or ear canal entrance) without requiring complex measurement tools, thereby maintaining activation effectiveness while simplifying placement verification.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #32Color changes

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 method effectively activates the noradrenergic system, enhancing learning and therapeutic outcomes for various disorders by promoting neural plasticity and memory consolidation without the need for invasive procedures.

Implementation Method 1

A first conductor can be in electrical communication with the first electrode, and a second conductor can be in electrical communication with the second electrode

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentUS20220016425A1Devices, Systems, And Methods For Auricular Vagus Nerve Stimulation

Publication Date: 2022.01.20 THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA AS REPRESENTED BY THE DEPT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS

AI summary

A method of acutely activating the noradrenergic systems in a subject can comprise applying one or more electrical pulses to an ear canal (e.g., the left ear canal) of the subject, wherein the one or more electrical pulses are sufficient to acutely activate the noradrenergic system of the subject. Apparatuses and systems for applying one or more electrical pulses to an ear canal are also disclosed.