Ear-Worn Coil Device for Non-Contact Nerve Stimulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wearable devices for monitoring and regulating autonomic nervous systems face challenges such as discomfort due to long-term contact with skin, skin allergies, electrode displacement, and limited functionality as they are designed for single functions like monitoring or stimulation.
Innovation Solution
A sensing and stimulation device is proposed, which is arranged on the ear of a subject, incorporating a coil structure, a setting structure to fix the coil on the ear, and a control module to perform eddy current induction measurements and electromagnetic stimulation. This device avoids the use of contact electrodes and allows for feedback-based adjustment of stimulation parameters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If contact electrodes and gel are used for long-term monitoring or regulation of autonomic nerves, then sensing and stimulation functions can be achieved, but skin allergies and discomfort occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical contact electrode system with an electromagnetic induction system using a coil structure. The coil generates electromagnetic fields that induce eddy currents in the skin for sensing and electromagnetic stimulation for nerve regulation, eliminating the need for physical contact between electrodes and skin while maintaining the therapeutic and monitoring functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an electromagnetic field as an intermediary medium between the device and the skin. Instead of direct contact, the coil structure transmits energy and information through electromagnetic induction, with the skin's electrical properties serving as the interface for sensing and the nervous system as the target for stimulation without requiring gel or electrode contact.
2Reliability
If contact electrodes are used for monitoring or regulation, then autonomic nerve sensing and stimulation can be performed, but electrode displacement and falling off occur due to movement, sweating, or accidental touching
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical electrode-skin contact system with an electromagnetic induction system. The coil structure can be positioned on the skin without requiring firm mechanical attachment, as the electromagnetic field penetrates through tissue to reach the target nerves. This eliminates displacement issues caused by movement, sweating, or accidental touching while maintaining sensing and stimulation effectiveness.
3Device complexity
If wearable devices are designed for single functions (monitoring or stimulation), then device simplicity is maintained, but integrated sensing and stimulation capability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the coil structure to perform multiple functions: it can operate in sensing mode to detect electrical properties of skin and tissues through eddy current induction, and in stimulation mode to deliver electromagnetic stimulation to autonomic nerves. The control module switches between these modes based on monitoring data, enabling the single device to provide both continuous monitoring and therapeutic stimulation capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the sensing function and stimulation function into a single integrated device. The coil structure serves dual purposes as both the sensing element for detecting electrical properties and the stimulation element for nerve regulation. The control module integrates the control logic for both sensing and stimulation, creating a unified system that can autonomously monitor and respond to physiological conditions.
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 ear-worn device effectively monitors and regulates autonomic nervous systems without causing discomfort, reduces the impact of wearer actions on measurement accuracy, and allows for simultaneous monitoring of cardiovascular and glucose information, enhancing long-term usability and comfort.
Implementation Method 1
drive the coil structure for an eddy current induction measurement to an ear measurement area
Implementation Method 2
drive the coil structure for an electromagnetic stimulation to an ear stimulation area
Data Source
AI summary
A sensing and stimulation device arranged on an ear of a subject is disclosed. The device includes a coil structure, a setting structure combined with the coil structure, and a control module coupled to the coil structure. The setting structure is configured to position the coil structure on the ear. The control module is configured to drive the coil structure for an eddy current induction measurement to an ear measurement area, and to drive the coil structure for an electromagnetic stimulation to an ear stimulation area. The control module controls at least one parameter of the electromagnetic stimulation based on at least one measurement result of the eddy current induction measurement.