Dual Coil Stimulation Device with Adjustable Bracket
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current electro-magnetic stimulation devices require separate devices for stimulating two separate nerves, which can interfere with each other and are limited by body constraints, such as the neck region, where space is restricted, leading to inefficient stimulation and potential co-stimulation of surrounding tissues.
Innovation Solution
A stimulation device with a bracket structure that adjusts and locks the positions and orientations of two coil units to coordinate the stimulation of two separate nerves, allowing for precise targeting of the nerves while avoiding interference with other tissues, and includes features like articulations, vacuum elements, and a locking mechanism for secure positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If two separate stimulation devices are used to stimulate two separate nerves, then each nerve can be stimulated independently, but the devices can interfere with each other and require more space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two separate stimulation devices into a single integrated device with a common housing and control unit. The first and second coil windings are positioned within the same housing structure, allowing both nerves to be stimulated by one device rather than requiring two separate devices, thereby reducing space requirements while maintaining independent stimulation capability
Solution Approach 2:
The device segments the stimulation function into separate coil windings (first coil winding for first nerve, second coil winding for second nerve) that are positioned at different locations within the housing. This segmentation allows independent control of each nerve stimulation while using a shared housing structure, resolving the contradiction between independent stimulation and space efficiency
2Reliability
If coil windings are positioned in the neck region to stimulate nerves, then nerve stimulation is achieved, but body constraints limit positioning options and may cause co-stimulation of surrounding tissues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates adjustable positioning mechanisms including articulations that allow the coil windings to be dynamically positioned and repositioned. The first and second coil windings can be adjusted to different orientations and locations within the housing, enabling optimal positioning for various nerve targets while avoiding co-stimulation of surrounding tissues
Solution Approach 2:
The device applies stimulation locally to specific nerve locations by positioning the first coil winding at a first location and the second coil winding at a second location. Each coil can be independently oriented to target its specific nerve, providing localized stimulation that avoids affecting surrounding tissues while working within the constrained neck region
3Stability of the object's composition
If the device structure is made rigid for stable positioning, then positioning stability is improved, but adaptability to different body configurations and nerve locations is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The housing incorporates articulations and adjustable mechanisms that allow the coil windings to be dynamically positioned during application. Once positioned, the structure provides stable fixation. This dynamic adjustability enables the device to adapt to different body configurations and nerve locations while maintaining stable positioning during stimulation
Solution Approach 2:
The housing structure is designed with universal adaptability features, including multiple articulation points and adjustable positioning mechanisms that allow the same device to accommodate various body configurations and target different nerve locations. This multi-functional design provides both stability and adaptability without requiring multiple specialized devices
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 enables efficient and precise stimulation of two nerves, such as the Phrenic nerves, without co-stimulating adjacent tissues, providing a convenient and pain-free method for activating target tissues, especially in constrained areas like the neck, by optimizing the positioning and orientation of the coil units.
Implementation Method 1
electro-magnetic stimulators are used to activate a target tissue, which are based on the principle of electro-magnetic induction. A strong current pulse (typically a monophasic or biphasic current pulse) flows through a coil winding, which produces a strong, transient magnetic field. The current pulses cause a changing magnetic field that for example alters according to the phases of the current pulses. The changing magnetic field induces a corresponding electric field
Data Source
AI summary
A stimulation device and a method to coordinately stimulate two separate nerves in a human or animal body for activating a target tissue in the human or animal body comprises a first coil unit (91) configured to be positioned at the human or animal body to stimulate a first nerve of the two separate nerves, a second coil unit (92) configured to be positioned at the human or animal body to stimulate a second nerve of the two separate nerves; and a bracket structure (93) coupled to the first coil unit (91) and the second coil unit (92). The bracket structure (93) is adjustable such that positions and orientations of the first coil unit (91) and of the second coil unit (92) relative to each other are adaptable to a target configuration in which the first coil unit (91) and the second coil unit (92) are distinctly positioned at the human or animal body such that the first nerve can be stimulated by the first coil unit (91) and the second nerve can be stimulated by the second coil unit (93). The bracket structure (93) has a locking mechanism to block the position and orientation of the first coil unit (91) and the second coil unit (92) relative to each other in the target configuration.