Bone Conduction Pad for 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 vestibular 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 method that combines auditory, visual, and vestibular stimuli using a wireless technology system with bone-conducted sound and air-conducted music, incorporating a bone conduction device that can be worn without headphones, suitable for young children, infants, and even fetuses, and remains effective during movement and physical activity, integrating sensory inputs through a systematic approach tailored to individual needs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If headphones and bone conduction devices are used for vestibular stimulation, then auditory and vestibular stimulation can be provided, 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, allowing it to be used as a standalone device that can be integrated into various forms (headband, head harness, or other configurations). This separation eliminates the discomfort and displacement issues associated with traditional headphones while maintaining the vestibular stimulation effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The bone conduction transducer is designed to be universally applicable across different age groups and usage scenarios. It can be configured in multiple ways (headband, head harness, or other configurations) and integrated with various audio sources, making it suitable for infants, children, and adults while providing both auditory and vestibular stimulation.
2Reliability
If headphones and bone conduction devices are used, then vestibular stimulation can be provided, but the device cannot be applied to fetuses in-utero
Solution Approach 1:
The bone conduction transducer design enables universal application across different subjects including fetuses, infants, children, and adults. The device can be configured for in-utero use and remains effective for vestibular stimulation across all age groups and developmental stages.
3Loss of information
If traditional vestibular stimulation devices are used, then auditory stimulation can be provided, but they cannot integrate visual and movement sensory inputs effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges auditory stimulation (through bone conduction transducers), visual stimulation (through video displays), and movement sensory inputs (through coordinated physical activities) into a unified therapeutic system. This integration allows simultaneous engagement of multiple sensory systems to enhance overall therapeutic effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is designed to provide multi-sensory stimulation through a single integrated approach that can address various therapeutic needs including auditory processing, visual tracking, vestibular function, and motor coordination within one comprehensive framework.
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 enhances motor function, cognitive skills, and sensory processing by providing a comfortable and effective vestibular and somatosensory stimulation, improving balance, reducing anxiety, and promoting overall well-being across various age groups, including seniors and individuals with limited movement.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing a wireless technology system, this method combines the calming effects of bone-conducted sound with the energizing effect of air-conducted music
Implementation Method 2
hearing occurs through two distinct pathways: air conduction, which stimulates the cochlear system, and bone conduction
Data Source
AI summary
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. The device may be located beneath a pillow or mattress.