Electromagnetic Field Generator Positioning for Diaphragm Stimulation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for stimulating the diaphragm, such as electrode-based and electromagnetic field stimulation, are not robust to patient movements, can be painful, and require complex structures, leading to discomfort and irregular breathing patterns.

Innovation Solution

A stimulation arrangement with a field generator and control unit that generates a spatial field with increasing intensity, allowing for efficient and comfortable positioning to activate muscular structures like the diaphragm, using a ramp-shaped positioning field to minimize impact on breathing patterns and quickly identify an optimal position.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If electrode-based stimulation is used to activate the diaphragm, then the muscular structure can be activated, but the stimulation is painful and limited by bones or fatty tissue

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestimulation effectivenessVSAvoidpatient discomfort

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces electrode-based mechanical contact stimulation with electromagnetic field stimulation. The electromagnetic field generator produces a spatial electromagnetic field that penetrates through tissues without requiring direct contact with bones or fatty tissue, thereby eliminating the limitations and discomfort associated with electrode placement while maintaining reliable diaphragm activation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Measurement precision

If complex automatic positioning systems are used to find the optimal field generator position, then positioning accuracy is improved, but the device complexity increases and may affect the patient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefield generator position accuracyVSAvoidpositioning system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a calibration unit that performs preliminary automatic positioning of the electromagnetic field generator before actual stimulation begins. The calibration unit varies the position of the electromagnetic field to identify the optimal location for phrenic nerve stimulation, storing this position information for subsequent use. This preliminary action simplifies the overall system by separating the complex positioning task from the stimulation function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The calibration unit automatically identifies and stores the optimal position of the electromagnetic field generator without requiring manual intervention or complex continuous adjustment mechanisms during operation. The system self-calibrates by varying the field position and detecting activation feedback, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining positioning accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Speed

If the electromagnetic field intensity is increased quickly to activate the diaphragm, then the activation speed is improved, but the patient discomfort and impact on breathing patterns increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvediaphragm activation speedVSAvoidbreathing pattern disruption

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs periodic or pulsed electromagnetic field stimulation rather than continuous high-intensity fields. The stimulation is delivered in controlled pulses that activate the diaphragm effectively while allowing breathing patterns to maintain their natural rhythm between pulses, thereby reducing patient discomfort and avoiding breathing disruptions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

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 solution enables gentle and efficient activation of muscular structures, reducing patient discomfort and simplifying the workflow while maintaining lung protection and synchronizing with ventilator modes, allowing for precise identification of the field generator's optimal position.

Implementation Method 1

a field generator (21) configured to generate a spatial field

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic field generation: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS20250001193A1Stimulation arrangement and method of identifying a position of a field generator

Publication Date: 2025.01.02 STIMIT AG

AI summary

A stimulation arrangement (10) comprises a field generator (21) configured to generate a spatial field, and a control unit (3) in communication with the field generator. The field generator (21) is configured to be positioned at a human or animal patient (5) such that a muscular structure of the patient (5) is activatable by the spatial field. The control unit (3) is configured to control the field generator (21) to generate the spatial field. The control unit (3) is configured to operate the field generator (21) to generate a positioning field having an increasing intensity.