Bone Conduction Pillow System for Comfortable Vestibular Stimulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bone conduction devices for stimulating vestibular and somatosensory systems are often uncomfortable and not practical for use in adults, children, infants, and premature infants, particularly for in-utero vestibular stimulation.
Innovation Solution
A bone conduction device configured as a pillow or body support system with flexible covers and integrated bone conduction transducers that transmit sound waves through the skeletal framework, using wireless connectivity and power sources for effective stimulation, with control panels for user management and adjustable frequency ranges.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional bone conduction devices are used, then vestibular and somatosensory stimulation is achieved, but comfort and practicality deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines bone conduction transducers with a pillow or body support system, merging the stimulation device with a comfortable support structure. This allows the transducers to be positioned against the user's body while providing cushioning and support, thereby maintaining stimulation effectiveness while significantly improving comfort and practicality for extended use.
Solution Approach 2:
The pillow or body support system serves multiple functions: it provides physical comfort and support while simultaneously housing and positioning the bone conduction transducers for vestibular and somatosensory stimulation. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by making the device both comfortable and effective.
2Reliability
If bone conduction devices are designed for specific age groups, then stimulation effectiveness is improved, but adaptability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The pillow or body support system is designed to be universally applicable across different age groups including adults, children, infants, and premature infants. The flexible nature of the pillow allows it to adapt to different body sizes and shapes, while the bone conduction transducers maintain their effectiveness for vestibular and somatosensory stimulation regardless of the user's age.
Solution Approach 2:
The pillow or body support system is designed with flexible materials and adjustable positioning capabilities, allowing it to dynamically adapt to different users and age groups. This flexibility enables the device to maintain both stimulation effectiveness and comfort across diverse populations.
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
The device provides comfortable and effective vestibular and somatosensory stimulation across various age groups, including infants, using bone conduction transducers embedded within a supportive structure, enhancing neurological development and relaxation.
Implementation Method 1
bone conduction can also stimulate the vestibular and somatosensory systems as sound vibration is transmitted through the body's skeletal framework
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments described herein provide for a bone conduction system configured as a pillow, bed cushion, seat or similar body support device. The bone conduction system comprises a plurality of transducers positioned about the pillow, bed cushion, seat or similar body support. When ergonomically positioned on the user's skull, the plurality of transducers transmit sound waves to the inner ear.