Wearable Electrical Dermal Patch for Appetite Modulation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current weight loss solutions require frequent medical interventions, are cumbersome, and lack real-time feedback and flexibility, making them inconvenient for long-term use and reducing patient compliance.

Innovation Solution

A low-profile, wearable electrical dermal patch that provides transcutaneous electrical stimulation, allowing for self-administration and real-time monitoring of appetite and hunger, integrated with mobile devices for customizable therapy and long-term wearability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional weight loss solutions are used, then medical intervention effectiveness is maintained, but patient compliance deteriorates due to frequent medical interventions and cumbersome procedures

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemedical intervention effectivenessVSAvoidpatient compliance

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The electrical dermal patch enables patients to self-administer transcutaneous electrical stimulation therapy at home without requiring frequent medical professional interventions. The device is designed for easy self-application and self-adjustment of stimulation parameters, allowing patients to independently manage their weight loss treatment while maintaining therapeutic effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates real-time feedback mechanisms through mobile device integration, providing patients with immediate information about their stimulation therapy, appetite levels, and progress. This feedback loop enables patients to adjust their dietary intake based on real-time data, improving both compliance and treatment effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Productivity

If traditional weight loss devices are used, then therapy delivery is achieved, but convenience deteriorates due to lack of real-time feedback and flexibility

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetherapy deliveryVSAvoidconvenience

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The electrical dermal patch system integrates multiple functions into a single device: transcutaneous electrical stimulation delivery, real-time data monitoring, mobile device communication, and customizable therapy programming. This multi-functional integration eliminates the need for separate medical visits, monitoring devices, and manual tracking, significantly improving patient convenience while maintaining therapeutic productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of operation

If electrical dermal patch is used for long-term wearability, then patient independence is improved, but skin adverse reactions worsen

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepatient independenceVSAvoidskin adverse reactions

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts stimulation parameters (current intensity, pulse duration, frequency) based on real-time feedback from mobile devices and patient responses. By varying these electrical parameters and implementing stimulation intervals, the device maintains therapeutic effectiveness while reducing cumulative skin exposure and minimizing adverse reactions during long-term wear.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The electrical dermal patch implements periodic stimulation protocols with scheduled intervals between stimulation sessions. This periodic action allows skin recovery periods, reducing the risk of adverse reactions while maintaining long-term treatment effectiveness. The device can be worn continuously but delivers stimulation in controlled, intermittent bursts.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

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 patient independence and compliance by providing effective, long-term appetite modulation and weight management through real-time feedback and customizable stimulation, improving dietary compliance and reducing the need for frequent medical interventions.

Implementation Method 1

provides transcutaneous electrical stimulation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTranscutaneous electrical stimulation: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentUS10864367B2Methods for using an electrical dermal patch in a manner that reduces adverse patient reactions

Publication Date: 2020.12.15 ELIRA INC

AI summary

The disclosed electrical stimulation system generates interventions to assist patients in complying with a diet. The wearable device includes a microprocessor, electrical stimulator and at least one electrode configured to deliver electrical stimulation to the epidermis, through a range of 0.1 mm to 10 mm or a range of 0.1 mm to 20 mm of the dermis, of a T2 dermatome to a T12 dermatome or meridian of the patient, a C5 to a T1 dermatome across the hand and/or arm, and/or the upper chest regions. The device is adapted to provide electrical stimulation as per stimulation protocols and to communicate wirelessly with a companion control device configured to monitor and record appetite patterns of the patient and generate interventions. The control device is also configured to monitor, record, and modify stimulation parameters of the stimulation protocols.