Ear Neuromodulation for Real-Time Motion Sickness Relief
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current pharmacological interventions for motion sickness, such as antihistamines, anticholinergics, and sympathomimetics, are inadequate for real-time treatment and often cause undesirable side effects like sedation, and there is a need for a non-invasive, effective, and side-effect-free alternative.
Innovation Solution
Non-invasive neuromodulation of cranial nerves, specifically through vagal and trigeminal stimulation, to modulate neurotransmitter levels and autonomic responses, mimicking the effects of pharmacological interventions like increasing norepinephrine, serotonin, and endorphin availability, thereby reducing motion sickness symptoms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If pharmacological interventions (antihistamines, anticholinergics, sympathomimetics) are used to treat motion sickness, then motion sickness symptoms are reduced, but undesirable side effects such as sedation occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces pharmacological interventions (chemical system) with non-invasive neuromodulation using electrical stimulation of cranial nerves (physical/electrical system). The device applies electrical current through electrodes to stimulate the vagus and trigeminal nerves, modulating neurotransmitter release and autonomic responses to treat motion sickness without the sedative side effects of traditional medications
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the mechanism of action from pharmacological receptor binding to electrical stimulation-induced neurotransmitter modulation. By controlling parameters such as stimulation frequency, intensity, and duration, the system achieves real-time modulation of norepinephrine, serotonin, and endorphin availability, providing effective motion sickness treatment without sedation
2Reliability
If pharmacological interventions are used for motion sickness treatment, then symptoms are alleviated, but real-time treatment capability is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The device enables preliminary action by allowing users to apply electrical stimulation before motion sickness symptoms fully develop or during the early stages of motion exposure. The system can be activated in advance or immediately upon symptom onset, providing rapid intervention that traditional pharmacological interventions cannot match due to their slower absorption and onset times
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes the slow pharmacological absorption and action mechanism with immediate electrical stimulation. The non-invasive device delivers electrical current directly to cranial nerves, achieving rapid neurotransmitter modulation and symptom relief in real-time, eliminating the delay inherent in oral medication absorption and distribution
3Object-affected harmful factors
If non-invasive neuromodulation is used to treat motion sickness, then side effects are eliminated, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the neuromodulation system into separate functional components: a pulse generator unit, electrode components, and control circuitry. This modular design allows the complex electrical stimulation system to be broken down into manageable parts, with the pulse generator containing the necessary timing and intensity control functions while the electrodes provide simple contact points for nerve stimulation
Solution Approach 2:
The device incorporates self-service features including automatic detection of motion sickness conditions, self-adjustment of stimulation parameters based on user feedback, and portable battery-powered operation. The system monitors physiological signals and autonomously modulates electrical output to maintain optimal treatment levels without requiring constant manual intervention, reducing the operational complexity burden on users
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 neuromodulation therapy effectively reduces motion sickness symptoms without side effects, providing real-time relief and can be used in various environments and conditions, including high G-forces, water, and space environments, and is applicable for both acute treatment and prevention.
Implementation Method 1
Non-invasive neuromodulation of cranial nerves, specifically through vagal and trigeminal stimulation, to modulate neurotransmitter levels and autonomic responses
Data Source
AI summary
In an illustrative embodiment, systems and methods for providing antiemetic therapy through neuromodulation include positioning a first electrode against or at least partially into a first tissue region on or surrounding a subject's ear such that the first electrode is on, over, or adjacent to one or more first neural structures, positioning a second electrode against or at least partially into a second tissue region on or surrounding the ear such that the second electrode is on, over, or adjacent to one or more second neural structures, delivering a first series of stimulation pulses to the first electrode for modulating peripheral activity via modulating central neural autonomic structures, and delivering a second series of stimulation pulses to the second electrode for increasing availability of central norepinephrine.