Bone-Conducted Vestibular Vibrator With Low-Frequency Electromagnetic Drive
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for treating vestibular conditions, such as motion sickness and vertigo, are inefficient in producing low-frequency vibrations, often produce audible noise and heat, and are bulky, making them impractical for use during travel or with virtual reality devices.
Innovation Solution
A vibratory device that generates vibratory signals via bone conduction, using a magnet and coil configuration to produce low-frequency vibrations (less than 200 Hz) efficiently, reducing noise and heat, and is designed for compact use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If existing devices are used to treat vestibular conditions, then therapeutic effect is achieved, but the devices produce audible noise and heat
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical vibration systems with an electromagnetic actuator system that uses electromagnetic fields to generate vibrations. This substitution eliminates mechanical friction and contact, thereby reducing audible noise and heat generation while maintaining the therapeutic vibratory effect on the vestibular system
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operating parameters of the vibration device by operating at specific low frequencies (below 200 Hz) that are therapeutically effective for vestibular conditions. By optimizing the frequency and amplitude parameters, the device achieves therapeutic effects while minimizing harmful side effects like audible noise and heat
2Object-affected harmful factors
If existing devices are used to treat vestibular conditions, then therapeutic effect is achieved, but the devices are bulky
Solution Approach 1:
The electromagnetic actuator replaces bulky mechanical vibration mechanisms, enabling a compact device design that maintains therapeutic effectiveness. The electromagnetic system requires fewer mechanical components and can be miniaturized more easily than traditional mechanical vibrators
Solution Approach 2:
The patent integrates the electromagnetic actuator, power source, and control circuitry into a nested, compact structure where components are arranged concentrically or in space-efficient configurations, reducing the overall device footprint while maintaining all necessary therapeutic functions
3Productivity
If low-frequency vibrations are produced efficiently, then therapeutic effect is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electromagnetic actuator provides a direct and efficient method for generating low-frequency vibrations without complex mechanical linkages, gears, or amplification mechanisms. The electromagnetic field directly drives the vibratory element, simplifying the overall device structure while improving vibration efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses resonant vibration principles where the actuator is designed to operate at the natural resonant frequency of the vibratory element, maximizing vibration efficiency. This resonance-based approach allows efficient low-frequency vibration generation with minimal energy input and simplified device structure
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
Effectively treats vestibular conditions by delivering therapeutic vibratory signals to the vestibular system without noise or heat, providing relief during travel or virtual reality experiences.
Implementation Method 1
using a magnet and coil configuration to produce low-frequency vibrations
Implementation Method 2
generates vibratory signals via bone conduction
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus and methods are described herein that provide a vibratory device that can apply a vibratory signal to a portion of a head of a user such that the vibratory signal can be conducted via bone to a vestibular system of the user and cause a portion of the vestibular system to move in a manner equivalent to that of a therapeutically effective vibratory signal applied to an area overlaying a mastoid bone of the user. The vibratory device can be associated with frequencies less than 200 Hz. The vibratory device can be effective at treating a physiological condition associated with the vestibular system.