Coupled Acoustic and Electrical Neuromodulation for Neurological Disorders

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current treatments for neurodegenerative diseases and neurological disorders, such as tinnitus and depression, using deep brain and shallow brain electrical stimulation are effective but lack improvement in diagnosis and treatment efficacy.

Innovation Solution

A system and method that couples acoustic and electrical stimulation through an automatic adjustable deep brain electrical stimulation and shallow brain electrical stimulation, utilizing an acoustic signal generator, electrical pulse generator, and signal-coupling module to synchronize and adjust acoustic and electrical signals for neuromodulation, targeting neurological pathways to desynchronize abnormal signals.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If deep brain electrical stimulation and shallow brain electrical stimulation are used separately, then treatment effectiveness is achieved, but diagnosis and treatment efficacy can be further improved

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvediagnosis and treatment efficacyVSAvoidstimulation method integration

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines deep brain electrical stimulation and shallow brain electrical stimulation into a single integrated system that can deliver both stimulation types simultaneously or sequentially through coordinated control of multiple electrical pulse generators, thereby improving diagnosis and treatment efficacy while maintaining treatment effectiveness

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated system is designed to perform multiple functions including both deep brain stimulation and shallow brain stimulation through a unified platform that can adaptively adjust stimulation parameters and modes based on diagnostic needs and treatment requirements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If acoustic signals are delivered to the ear canal via headphone or speaker and converted to electrical signals by the cochlea, then deep brain electrical stimulation is achieved, but the system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenerve noise signal filter functionVSAvoidacoustic and electrical stimulation system

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses the cochlea as a natural intermediary device that converts acoustic signals into electrical signals, thereby achieving deep brain electrical stimulation without requiring direct electrical access to deep brain structures, which simplifies the overall system design while maintaining therapeutic effectiveness

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system replaces direct mechanical/electrical stimulation of deep brain structures with acoustic stimulation that is transduced by the cochlea into electrical signals, thereby achieving the same therapeutic effect through a less invasive pathway

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If acoustic and electrical stimulation are coupled and automatically adjusted, then neuromodulation effectiveness is improved, but the control system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveneuromodulation effectivenessVSAvoidsignal-coupling module and control system

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms where the system monitors the effects of coupled acoustic and electrical stimulation and automatically adjusts stimulation parameters in real-time to optimize neuromodulation effectiveness while maintaining safety and comfort

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

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

Enhances nerve noise signal filtering and neuron firing, effectively reducing or eliminating neurological disorder symptoms by synchronizing acoustic and electrical stimuli, providing improved diagnosis and treatment outcomes.

Implementation Method 1

acoustic signals are delivered to the ear canal via the headphone or speaker, and then are converted to the electrical signals by means of the cochlea

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAcoustic to electrical signal conversion:

Data Source

PatentUS11583656B2System and method of coupling acoustic and electrical stimulation of noninvasive neuromodulation for diagnosis and/or treatment

Publication Date: 2023.02.21 ZHAO YONG D

AI summary

A system and method of coupling acoustic and electrical stimulation of noninvasive neuromodulation is a therapeutic system and method preferably designed for the diagnosis and/or treatment of neurodegenerative diseases and neurological disorders including, but not limited to, tinnitus, hyperacusis, sleep disorder, depression, anxiety, dizziness, migraine, or ear suffocation. The system includes acoustic signal devices for deep brain electrical stimulation and electrical pulse devices for shallow brain electrical stimulation. Further, the system includes a signal-coupling module that includes an algorithm for coupling acoustic signals to electrical pulses. Parameters of each the acoustic signals and the electrical pulses are adjusted in order for the acoustic signals to be coupled to the electrical pulses. These parameters can also be adjusted based on patient feedback. Furthermore, the system can synchronously output the coupled acoustic signals and the coupled electrical pulses, asynchronously output the acoustic signals, or the electrical pulses based on patient feedback.