Electrical Stimulation Unit for Onychomycosis Treatment

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current treatments for onychomycosis, a common fungal infection of the nail system, are often ineffective due to drug toxicity, adverse interactions, and prolonged treatment courses, necessitating a new, safer alternative.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus using direct current electrical stimulation, with an aqueous solution containing hydrogen peroxide, applied to the infected area to inhibit fungal growth, comprising stainless steel electrodes and a wearable device for convenient treatment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If pharmaceutical agents are used to treat onychomycosis, then fungal infection is treated, but drug toxicity and adverse interactions occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveeffectiveness of fungal treatmentVSAvoiddrug toxicity and adverse interactions

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces chemical/pharmaceutical treatment systems with an electrical stimulation system. Electrical current is applied through electrodes to the infected nail area to kill or inhibit fungal growth, substituting the chemical action of drugs with a physical electrical field that disrupts fungal cell membranes and metabolic processes without systemic toxicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the treatment parameter from chemical concentration to electrical current parameters (voltage, current intensity, pulse duration, frequency). By adjusting these electrical parameters, effective fungal destruction is achieved while avoiding the toxic side effects associated with pharmaceutical agents.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If systemic antifungal drugs are administered, then fungal infection is treated, but treatment duration is prolonged

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefungal infection treatmentVSAvoidtreatment course duration

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs periodic electrical stimulation through pulsed current delivery to the infected area. The electrical stimulus is applied in controlled pulses or cycles, which enhances fungal cell membrane disruption and metabolic inhibition while allowing for shorter overall treatment duration compared to continuous pharmaceutical administration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The electrical stimulation method accelerates the treatment process by directly destroying fungal cells through electrical field effects, bypassing the slow process of pharmaceutical absorption, distribution, and gradual fungal inhibition that characterizes conventional drug therapy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #21Skipping (Rushing through)

3Reliability

If expensive pharmaceutical agents are used, then fungal infection is treated, but treatment cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefungal infection treatmentVSAvoidtreatment cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent utilizes disposable or reusable electrodes and a relatively simple electrical stimulation device, replacing expensive proprietary pharmaceutical agents. The electrical stimulation system consists of basic electrical components and electrodes that can be used repeatedly or replaced at low cost, making treatment more affordable.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The electrical stimulation device can be operated with minimal professional intervention, allowing patients to perform treatments at home. This reduces the need for expensive clinical visits and professional administration that often accompany pharmaceutical treatments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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

Demonstrated fungicidal/fungistatic effects against Trichophyton species, effectively reducing fungal infection and promoting nail growth, with potential for use in various fungal infections and veterinary applications.

Implementation Method 1

electrical stimulation unit and waterbath system... direct current electrical stimulation... monophasic pulsed current from a high voltage pulsed source (HVPC) augments wound healing

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical stimulation: Electric Field

Implementation Method 2

providing electrical current to the aqueous solution... electrical currents exist in living organisms... galvanotaxic effect

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrochemical effect: Electrolysis

Implementation Method 3

aqueous solution containing hydrogen peroxide... The aqueous solution includes hydrogen peroxide... Strong oxidants (Accelerated oxidation)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOxidation: Oxidation

Implementation Method 4

stainless steel electrodes... comprising stainless steel electrodes and a wearable device... first electrode means and a second electrode means

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentUS7740650B2Electrical stimulation unit and waterbath system

Publication Date: 2010.06.22 DAEMEN COLLEGE

AI summary

A method for treating an infected area on a subject, comprising the steps of: exposing the infected area to an aqueous solution; and providing direct current to the aqueous solution to treat the infected area.