Elastic Headband with Conductive Gel for Occipital Nerve Stimulation
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing external neurostimulation devices face challenges in effectively targeting the occipital nerve due to hair interference and technical complexity, limiting their ability to treat occipital neuralgia and replicating the functionality of implantable neurostimulators.
Innovation Solution
A headband made of elastic material with a hole for the occipital protuberance, featuring electrodes with a conductive gel reservoir and metallic grid for direct skin contact, and adjustable snap fasteners for secure and symmetrical positioning, allowing easy and comfortable external neurostimulation of the occipital nerve without the need for shaving.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If external neurostimulation is applied to the occipital region, then the ability to treat occipital neuralgia is improved, but the effectiveness is reduced due to hair interference with electrode-skin contact
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces conductive gel as an intermediary substance between the electrode and the skin. The gel penetrates through the hair layer to establish reliable electrical contact with the skin, thereby maintaining treatment effectiveness without requiring hair removal. This mediator resolves the conflict between needing direct skin contact for effective stimulation and the presence of hair in the occipital region.
2Reliability
If implantable neurostimulators are used for occipital nerve stimulation, then treatment reliability is improved, but the invasiveness and surgical requirements worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the surgical implantation mechanism with a non-invasive external headband system. Instead of mechanically implanting electrodes through surgery into the occipital nerve, the invention uses external electrodes with conductive gel that can be applied superficially to the occipital region, eliminating surgical intervention while maintaining treatment reliability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If external occipital neurostimulation devices are developed, then the ability to treat migraines and headaches is improved, but the technical complexity increases due to hair management requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the electrode interface by introducing conductive gel with specific electrical conductivity properties. This parameter change allows the electrode to function effectively through the hair layer, simplifying the device design by eliminating the need for complex hair management mechanisms while maintaining treatment capability.
4Ease of operation
If supra-orbital electrodes are used for external cranial neurostimulation, then ease of application is improved due to smooth skin, but the ability to treat occipital neuralgia is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the same conductive gel intermediary principle to the occipital region that would normally be needed for difficult electrode placement. This allows the device to achieve both ease of application (like supra-orbital placement) and treatment of occipital neuralgia by using the gel to penetrate hair and ensure reliable contact in the occipital region.
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
Enables effective and comfortable external neurostimulation of the occipital nerve by ensuring proper electrode placement and electrical contact, overcoming hair-related issues and technical complexities, and facilitating the use of wearable neurostimulators like Cefaly.
Implementation Method 1
each electrode comprises a flexible reservoir for containing electrically conductive gel, said reservoir being terminated with a metallic grid intended to come directly in contact with the scalp and to provide wet electrical contact
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5(A)~6(B)
AI summary
The present application relates to a headband for use in neurostimulation made at least partly of elastic or stretch material comprising : - a hole (2) to be located directly on the rear part of the scalp (8) of a user at the location of the inion or occipital protuberantia; - at least two electodes (1) symmetric about said hole (2) and designed so that to be applied on the right and left branch of the occipital nerve (7) respectively, once the inion is put in correspondence with said hole (2) by the user; - a connector for connecting a wearable neurostimulator to the headband, said connector being located opposite to said hole (2), once the headband is worn by the user and - means coupled to the elastic or stretch material for electrically connecting said connector and each of said electrodes (1).