3D Printed Ear Stimulation Device
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for producing stimulation devices that apply transcutaneous electrical stimulation to the vagus nerve, such as earplugs with surface electrodes, are costly and time-consuming due to the need for custom fitting, often requiring individual casts and otoplastic production to match the ear's surface topography effectively.
Innovation Solution
A method involving 3D printing to create a carrier body and stimulation-generating elements that are tailored to the individual's ear shape, using scanned data to produce a biocompatible carrier body and electrodes that can be electrically conductive, allowing for precise adaptation and reduced production costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If individual casts and otoplastic production are used to match the ear's surface topography, then the contact quality and comfort are improved, but the production time and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies 3D printing technology to manufacture the carrier body directly from digital data records of the ear's surface topography. This additive manufacturing process enables precise reproduction of complex geometric shapes and surface features without requiring time-consuming manual casting and otoplastic production, thus achieving high contact quality while significantly reducing production time
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a digital copy of the ear's surface topography through scanning and stores it as a data record. This digital model is then used to guide the 3D printing process, allowing the carrier body to be produced as an exact replica of the required shape, eliminating the need for physical casts and manual fabrication steps
2Manufacturing precision
If individual casts and otoplastic production are used to match the ear's surface topography, then the contact quality and comfort are improved, but the production cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from traditional subtractive manufacturing (casting and otoplastic) to additive manufacturing (3D printing). This parameter change in the manufacturing process enables precise reproduction of complex geometries directly from digital models, eliminating material waste and reducing labor-intensive steps, thereby lowering production costs while maintaining high contact quality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical processes of manual casting and otoplastic production with an automated 3D printing system controlled by digital data. This substitution eliminates the need for skilled manual labor and reduces production variability, leading to both cost reduction and consistent high-quality results
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
This method enables the production of stimulation devices that provide optimal contact and comfort by matching the ear's surface topography, reducing production costs and improving wearing comfort through individually optimized shapes and improved electrical conductivity.
Implementation Method 1
Production of the carrier body in the production device by layer-by-layer, three-dimensional application of the material of the carrier body using a print head
Implementation Method 2
layer-by-layer, three-dimensional melting and solidification of the material of the carrier body by means of a laser beam
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for manufacturing a stimulation device (1) for applying an electrical, magnetic, optical, acoustic or mechanical impulse to the surface of a section of an ear of the human body, wherein the stimulation device (1) comprises a carrier body (2) and at least one stimulation-generating element (3, 4).In order to optimally adapt a stimulation device to the needs of a wearer and thereby achieve favorable manufacturing costs, the method according to the invention provides the following steps: a) scanning the surface topography of at least a part of the ear of the wearer of the stimulation device (1) and generating a data set for describing the surface topography; b) arranging the at least one stimulation-generating element (3, 4) in a production device (5); c) manufacturing the carrier body (2) in the production device (5) by layer-by-layer, three-dimensional application of the material of the carrier body (2) by means of a print head (6) according to the generated data set, wherein the at least one stimulation-generating element (3, 4) is at least partially encased by the material of the carrier body (2).