Bone Conduction Pad for Multi-Sensory Vestibular Stimulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vestibular stimulation therapies are limited by the impracticality of using headphones and bone conduction devices for young children and infants, and they cannot provide effective stimulation to fetuses in-utero, as they are uncomfortable, prone to displacement, and unable to integrate auditory, visual, and movement sensory inputs effectively.
Innovation Solution
A wireless technology system that combines bone-conducted sound with air-conducted music, using lightweight, open-ear fit bone conduction headphones and a flexible pad with embedded transducers for bone conduction, allowing for simultaneous auditory, visual, and movement stimulation, suitable for young children, infants, and even fetuses, and providing a method to address individual developmental phase deficiencies through customized therapeutic regimens.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If headphones and bone conduction devices are used for vestibular stimulation, then effective stimulation of the vestibular system is achieved, but the device becomes uncomfortable and prone to displacement for young children and infants
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the bone conduction transducer from the traditional headphone structure and applies it directly to the skull at specific locations (temples, occipital region, mastoid processes). This separation eliminates the need for ear canal insertion while maintaining effective vestibular stimulation through direct bone conduction to the inner ear.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of delivering sound through the air to the eardrum (traditional approach), the patent inverts the approach by delivering vibrations directly through the skull bones to the inner ear. This bypasses the middle ear and provides more direct stimulation, especially effective for young children and infants whose ear canals are small and sensitive.
2Reliability
If headphones and bone conduction devices are used for vestibular stimulation, then effective stimulation is achieved, but the device cannot be applied to provide stimulation to a fetus in-utero
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal bone conduction stimulation system that can be applied to various subjects including adults, young children, infants, and fetuses. The system uses transducers that can be positioned on the mother's abdomen to deliver vibrations through the fetal skull, making it adaptable across different developmental stages and subjects.
Solution Approach 2:
For fetal stimulation, the patent uses the mother's body as an intermediary medium. The bone conduction transducer is placed on the mother's abdomen, and vibrations are transmitted through her tissues to the fetal skull, enabling indirect but effective stimulation without direct contact with the fetus.
3Reliability
If headphones and bone conduction devices are used for vestibular stimulation, then effective stimulation is achieved, but the device becomes unintentionally displaced through movement of the individual
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses multiple bone conduction transducers positioned at different locations on the skull (both sides of the temples, occipital region, mastoid processes). This segmentation ensures that if one transducer becomes displaced, others remain in contact and continue providing effective stimulation, maintaining system reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs flexible headbands and adjustable positioning mechanisms that can dynamically adapt to head movements. The device structure allows for some movement while maintaining contact between the transducers and the skull, accommodating dynamic conditions during physical activity.
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 system effectively stimulates the vestibular and somatosensory systems, improving motor function, cognitive skills, and reducing anxiety, while being comfortable and practical for use during physical activity and inactivity, including sleep, and enabling stimulation of individuals who receive little intrinsic vestibular input.
Implementation Method 1
Bone conduction delivery of sound occurs when the sound vibration is transmitted to the inner ear through the bones of the skeletal framework. This process stimulates the vestibular/cochlear and somatosensory systems as well as the central nervous system.
Implementation Method 2
hearing occurs through two distinct pathways: air conduction, which stimulates the cochlear system
Data Source
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AI summary
The present disclosure provides a therapeutic method applicable to learning, attention, cognitive and developmental disorders. This method combines auditory, visual and vestibular stimuli into a systematic method which can be customized to address individual learning, attention and processing disorders. This method may be wirelessly implemented in a group setting. A device for providing vestibular and somatosensory stimulation through bone conduction of sound waves to skeletal bones is provided in the form of a pad that is applied to or wrapped around the individual in treatment, which is comfortable in use and may contain particulate filler material capable of providing bone conduction stimulation adjacent to the location of a bone conduction transducer and expand the sound conduction site over a larger area.