Deformable Ear Canal Electrode for Specific Vestibular Stimulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vestibular stimulation techniques are invasive, uncomfortable, and non-specific, leading to unpleasant experiences and risks of infection or physical damage, while lacking the ability to deliver varied stimulation frequencies and waveforms effectively for extended periods, such as during sleep.
Innovation Solution
A non-invasive vestibular stimulation electrode assembly with a deformable, porous stimulating electrode that fits within the ear canal, supported by a bio-compatible body member, allowing for specific and comfortable electrical stimulation of the vestibular system, using a conductive material or electrolytic solution to maintain contact and stability during movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If surface electrode stimulation is used, then the stimulation is non-invasive, but it causes non-specific activation of nerves and muscles resulting in unpleasant experiences
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode is designed with non-uniform conductivity distribution, creating regions of high and low conductivity that correspond to different anatomical locations. This allows specific stimulation of the vestibular system while preventing activation of adjacent structures like the auditory nerve and facial muscles, resolving the contradiction between non-invasive approach and stimulation specificity.
Solution Approach 2:
A conductive gel or electrolyte solution is introduced as an intermediary between the electrode and the skin. This intermediary enhances current flow to the vestibular system while distributing the current in a controlled manner, improving specificity without requiring invasive procedures.
2Reliability
If direct electrode stimulation of the semicircular canals is used, then specific stimulation is achieved, but the placement is invasive and causes unpleasant experiences with risk of infection or physical damage
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical insertion of electrodes through the tympanic membrane is replaced by a non-invasive electrical field approach. Current is delivered through the skin and soft tissues to reach the vestibular system, eliminating the need for physical penetration while maintaining stimulation specificity through controlled current pathways.
Solution Approach 2:
The skin and soft tissues serve as intermediaries that allow non-invasive current delivery to the vestibular system. The conductive gel enhances this intermediary pathway, enabling specific stimulation without direct contact with the semicircular canals, thus avoiding infection and physical damage risks.
3Ease of operation
If the patient's head is lying on a pillow with the stimulation system between the head and pillow, then comfort is improved, but the system may not remain firmly in place during movement
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode assembly is designed with flexible, deformable materials that can adapt to head movements and maintain contact. The conductive gel provides a compliant interface that conforms to anatomical surfaces even when pressure is applied, allowing the system to remain stable and comfortable during sleep and normal movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrode uses flexible, thin-film construction that can deform and conform to the contours of the head and ear. This flexibility allows the electrode to maintain intimate contact with the skin during movement while remaining comfortable under the head, resolving the contradiction between comfort and stability.
4Ease of manufacture
If a rigid electrode structure is used, then manufacturing precision is easier to achieve, but the electrode cannot adapt to normal movement and contact forces during sleep
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode employs flexible, thin-film construction that can be manufactured with precise patterns of conductive and insulating materials. The flexibility allows adaptation to movement while the manufacturing precision ensures correct electrode geometry and electrical properties, resolving the contradiction between ease of manufacture and adaptability.
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 solution provides specific and comfortable vestibular stimulation, reducing the risk of infection and physical damage, enabling the delivery of a wide range of frequencies and waveforms, effectively treating disorders like insomnia, vertigo, and sleep apnea by maintaining consistent electrical contact and stability within the ear canal.
Implementation Method 1
The stimulating electrode is formed, at least in part, from a deformable material that is sized and configured such that at least a portion of the deformable material rests against a surface within an ear canal
Implementation Method 2
using a conductive material or electrolytic solution to maintain contact and stability during movement
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus for the non-invasive and specific activation of the vestibular system in a patient. Preferred embodiments of the present invention allow for the placement of a stimulating electrode in the ear canal while providing a firm and comfortable coupling with the patient. The stimulating electrode is a deformable material that contacts the skin in the ear canal. A stimulating device operates in cooperation with the stimulating electrode to generate a stimulation waveform for the stimulation of the vestibular system.