Conductive Hydrogel Ear Tips for Vagus Nerve Stimulation

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional vagus nerve stimulation devices can cause localized skin damage due to uneven current distribution when metal electrodes come into direct contact with the skin, leading to potential burns or damage.

Innovation Solution

The use of hydrogel ear tips and coatings that are electrically conductive and hygroscopic, such as Poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) or ionomers like sulfonated tetrafluoroethylene-based fluoropolymers, which distribute electrical charge and provide a compliant interface between the electrodes and the skin, reducing the risk of localized current buildup.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If metal electrodes come into direct contact with the skin, then electrical conductivity is improved, but localized skin damage occurs due to uneven current distribution

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical conductivityVSAvoidlocalized skin damage

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A hydrogel layer is introduced as an intermediary between the metal electrode and the skin. This hydrogel contains conductive ions that enable electrical current to pass through while distributing the current evenly across the contact area, preventing localized skin damage. The hydrogel maintains compliance with the skin surface while providing a conductive pathway.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the physical and chemical parameters of the interface between electrode and skin by using a hydrogel with specific properties: high water content for compliance, ionic composition for conductivity, and viscoelasticity for even pressure distribution. These parameter changes enable both good electrical contact and safe current distribution.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Object-affected harmful factors

If a compliant interface material is used between electrode and skin, then skin damage is reduced, but electrical conductivity may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveskin damage preventionVSAvoidelectrical conductivity

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The hydrogel is formulated as a composite material combining water (for compliance), ionic compounds (for conductivity), and polymer network (for structural integrity). This composite structure simultaneously provides the compliance needed to prevent skin damage and the ionic pathways needed to maintain electrical conductivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The hydrogel's porous, gel-like structure allows it to maintain compliance with skin contours while the interconnected water channels provide pathways for ionic conduction. The porosity enables both mechanical compliance and electrical conductivity to coexist.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #31Porous materials

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 hydrogel and ionomer solutions ensure a distributed electrical contact, preventing localized current application and minimizing the risk of skin damage while maintaining effective vagus nerve stimulation.

Implementation Method 1

the hydrogel is hydrated with an electrically conductive liquid... distribute electrical charge

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Implementation Method 2

coatings that are electrically conductive and hygroscopic... ionomers like sulfonated tetrafluoroethylene-based fluoropolymers

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHygroscopy: Absorption (physical)

Data Source

PatentUS11571563B2Electrically conductive ear tips

Publication Date: 2023.02.07 BOSE CORP

AI summary

An earpiece includes an earbud that supports at least one electrode, and an ear tip that includes a hydrogel. The ear tip is configured to be coupled to the earbud such that the hydrogel overlies the at least one electrode and such that the hydrogel is disposed between the at least one electrode and the user's skin when the earpiece is worn.