Bow-Shaped Ear Electrode Assembly for Stable Vagus Nerve Stimulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional ear electrodes for transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation are uncomfortable to wear, prevent simultaneous use of earphones, and tend to fall out of the ear, leading to inadequate contact and stability during movement.
Innovation Solution
An electrode assembly with a bow-shaped holding portion and an inclined connecting portion, made from materials of similar or varying hardness, ensures secure anchoring and comfortable wear, allowing for simultaneous earphone use and maintaining contact during movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional ear electrodes are used for transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation, then the electrode can be positioned at the ear, but the electrode assembly is uncomfortable to wear, prevents simultaneous use of earphones, and easily falls out of the ear
Solution Approach 1:
The holding portion is designed with a bow-shaped curved structure that conforms to the natural curvature of the ear anatomy. This curved geometry allows the electrode assembly to be securely anchored behind the ear while distributing pressure evenly, providing both stable anchoring and wearing comfort simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrode assembly is divided into functionally distinct segments: a holding portion for anchoring, a connecting portion for electrical connection, and an electrode portion for stimulation. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - the holding portion for comfort and stability, the connecting portion with specific inclination for contact pressure, and the electrode for effective stimulation.
2Reliability
If the connecting portion is inclined relative to the holding portion by an angle of 5° to 30°, then safe contact and sufficient contact pressure are ensured during movement, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting portion is designed with a specific inclination angle parameter (5° to 30° relative to the holding portion) that optimizes contact pressure and stability during patient movement. This angular parameter change ensures the electrode maintains safe contact with the skin while accommodating natural ear movements during sleeping, sport, or daily activities.
Solution Approach 2:
The holding portion and connecting portion are manufactured from materials of similar hardness (Shore hardness 30D to 65D), particularly preferably 40D to 60D, and particularly preferably 45D to 55D. This material selection provides both structural stability and rigidity while enabling integration in a single injection molding step, reducing manufacturing complexity despite the inclined geometry.
3Strength
If the holding portion and connecting portion are manufactured from materials of similar hardness, then structural stability and rigidity are ensured, but wearing comfort may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The Shore hardness parameter of the materials is carefully selected within the range of 30D to 65D (particularly preferably 40D to 60D, and particularly preferably 45D to 55D). This intermediate hardness range provides an optimal balance: hard enough to ensure structural stability and rigidity of the electrode assembly, but soft enough to provide wearing comfort and avoid irritation of the ear tissue.
4Reliability
If the electrode assembly is designed to be tucked behind the ear like an earpiece, then secure anchoring is achieved, but access to the auditory canal may be blocked
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode assembly is designed to be extracted or removed from the ear canal space and positioned entirely behind the ear. The bow-shaped holding portion anchors behind the ear, and the connecting portion with inclined electrode contacts the skin above the auditory canal. This extraction of the electrode assembly from the ear canal region ensures secure anchoring while leaving the auditory canal completely unobstructed, allowing simultaneous use of earphones.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a an electrode assembly for nerve stimulation, in particular for the transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation, comprising at least one electrode and a bow-shaped holding portion which is designed to hold the electrode assembly at the ear of a patient.