Electro-acupuncture Diode Circuit for Retinal Stimulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current treatments are inadequate for effectively addressing vision degradation caused by conditions such as macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, and retinitis pigmentosa, which lead to significant visual impairment.
Innovation Solution
An electro-acupuncture system using a stimulator with positive and negative leads, where needles are inserted into the orbital and sternum areas, connected through a diode to provide electrical stimulation at specific frequencies, utilizing bone conduction to target the retina while preventing current return to the sternum.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If electrical stimulation is applied directly to the eye area, then retinal stimulation is achieved, but current may return to the sternum area reducing effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
A diode is introduced as an intermediary component in the electrical circuit between the eye area electrode and the sternum area electrode. The diode allows current to flow in only one direction, preventing current backflow to the sternum area while maintaining effective stimulation of the retinal area, thus resolving the contradiction between current containment and energy loss
2Reliability
If acupuncture needles are inserted into the orbital area, then direct retinal stimulation is achieved, but risk of harm to the eye increases
Solution Approach 1:
The orbital bone serves as a natural intermediary structure. Electrodes are placed on the bony orbital area rather than directly on the eye, using the bone as a mediator to conduct electrical stimulation to the retinal area while physically protecting the eye from direct needle insertion trauma
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces direct mechanical needle insertion into the eye area with electrical stimulation through the bony orbital structure. This substitution reduces mechanical harm while achieving the same therapeutic effect through electrical conduction via the bone
3Ease of manufacture
If standard acupuncture is used, then traditional treatment approach is maintained, but effectiveness for severe vision loss is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges traditional acupuncture methodology with modern electrical stimulation technology. Acupuncture needles are used for insertion but are enhanced with electrical conductivity, combining the positioning precision of traditional acupuncture with the therapeutic power of electrical stimulation to treat severe vision loss effectively
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 system provides indirect stimulation to the retina, potentially improving vision in patients with severe retinopathy-related vision loss by maintaining current in the retinal area and preventing backflow, as demonstrated by the use of a diode and specific needle placements.
Implementation Method 1
The diode prevents the stimulating current from returning to the sternum area
Implementation Method 2
utilizing bone conduction to target the retina
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for eye treatment. The system and method utilize an electro acupuncture stimulator. The electro acupuncture stimulator includes a positive lead and a negative lead. The system further includes a pair of first needles, a second needle and a diode. The pair of first needles are electrically connected to one of the positive lead and the negative lead. The diode is electrically connected to the other of the positive lead and the negative lead. The second needle is electrically connected to the diode.