Ear Canal Electrode Coupler Magnetic Retention

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current transcutaneous neuromodulation devices face challenges in maintaining consistent signal transmission, electrode placement, and user comfort due to poor retention mechanisms, leading to ineffective therapy and limited scalability across different anatomies.

Innovation Solution

The development of user couplers with form-fitting and force-fitting connectors, including magnetic components, that securely attach to the ear anatomy, maintaining constant contact and impedance, allowing for universal application across varying ear geometries and enabling easy modification for different therapeutic targets.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If transcutaneous electrostimulation devices are used, then non-invasive nerve stimulation is achieved, but inconsistent signal transmission and poor electrode retention occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinvasive measuresVSAvoidsignal transmission consistency

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical retention systems with magnetic retention, where magnets in the coupler interact with ferromagnetic material in the electrode to maintain consistent contact and impedance during transcutaneous electrostimulation, eliminating the need for invasive measures while ensuring reliable signal transmission

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes changes in magnetic field strength and polarity to control electrode retention and contact pressure, allowing dynamic adjustment of the magnetic interaction between the coupler and electrode to maintain optimal signal transmission parameters throughout therapy

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Device complexity

If generic electrode couplers are used, then device simplicity is maintained, but adaptability to different anatomies is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecoupler designVSAvoidanatomy compatibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent designs the coupler as a universal platform that can accommodate different electrode types and configurations through standardized interfaces, allowing the same basic coupler design to adapt to various anatomies and therapeutic targets by simply changing the electrode or insert

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If strong retention forces are applied, then electrode contact is maintained, but user comfort and tolerance decrease

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrode contact maintenanceVSAvoiduser comfort

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces strong mechanical retention forces with magnetic attraction forces, providing sufficient electrode contact pressure to maintain consistent impedance and signal transmission while being more comfortable and tolerable for the user during daily activities

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Measurement precision

If fixed electrode placement is used, then therapy precision is improved, but scalability across different users is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrode placement accuracyVSAvoiduser scalability

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs dynamic adjustment mechanisms including adjustable coupler positioning, flexible retention systems, and user-customizable settings that allow precise electrode placement to be adapted to different user anatomies and therapeutic needs while maintaining placement accuracy

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 ensures consistent and effective neuromodulation by maintaining electrode contact and impedance, improving user tolerance and adaptability to different anatomies, while allowing for precise and reproducible placement of electrodes, even during daily activities and environmental exposure.

Implementation Method 1

The user coupler includes a magnetic component and the electrode includes a ferromagnetic material

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic attraction: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentUS10828461B2Transcutaneous electrostimulator and methods for electric stimulation

Publication Date: 2020.11.10 NEUVANA LLC

AI summary

An electrostimulation device includes a computer generating an electrostimulation generator control signal and outputting a music signal, a transcutaneous electrostimulation generator, an electronic signal conduit, and an electrode coupler. The generator wirelessly receives the generator control signal and the music signal, generates a nerve electrostimulation signal dependent upon the generator control signal, and wirelessly outputs the nerve electrostimulation signal at the stimulation output and the music signal at an audio output. The coupler fits in an ear canal, has a speaker connected to the audio output to output the music signal into the ear canal when worn, and has electrostimulation electrodes wirelessly connected to the stimulation output through the electronic signal conduit to receive the nerve electrostimulation signal and positioned to contact tissue within the canal to transcutaneously apply the nerve electrostimulation signal thereto. The coupler supplies the nerve electrostimulation signal while music outputs from the speaker.