Finger Nerve Stimulation Ring for Consistent Tremor Relief
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tremor treatment devices face challenges in comfortably, safely, and reliably stimulating peripheral nerves due to anatomical variation in wrist diameter, nerve locations, and skin conduction issues, leading to inconsistent stimulation across users.
Innovation Solution
Devices and methods for stimulating peripheral nerves in the fingers or hand using electrodes positioned to target the sensory branches of the median, radial, and ulnar nerves, providing selective nerve stimulation and reducing tremor by intersecting the tremor circuit in the central nervous system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If stimulation is applied to the arm or wrist to treat tremor, then tremor reduction is achieved, but anatomical variation in wrist diameter, nerve locations, and skin conduction leads to inconsistent stimulation across users
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the stimulation target from the general wrist/arm region to specific peripheral nerves in the fingers and hand. By segmenting the treatment location to more distal sites (fingertips, finger pads, hand dorsum), the device targets specific sensory nerves (median, ulnar, radial) that are more consistently located and less affected by anatomical variation in wrist diameter and nerve depth, thereby improving stimulation consistency across diverse users.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention applies stimulation at specific local sites on the fingers and hand where sensory nerves are more superficial and accessible. By targeting specific locations (distal phalanges, proximal phalanges, finger pads) rather than the broader wrist area, the device achieves more reliable nerve activation despite variations in wrist anatomy, skin thickness, and nerve depth at proximal sites.
2Manufacturing precision
If electrodes are positioned to target sensory branches of median, radial, and ulnar nerves in the finger, then stimulation specificity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention designs a universal stimulator device that can target multiple sensory nerves (median, ulnar, radial) through a single versatile platform. The device incorporates multiple electrodes that can be positioned on different finger sites to stimulate different nerves, eliminating the need for multiple specialized devices and simplifying the overall system while maintaining high positioning precision through standardized electrode configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs adjustable and reconfigurable electrode positioning systems that can adapt to different finger sizes and anatomies. The device allows dynamic adjustment of electrode placement and stimulation parameters to optimize targeting of specific nerves, rather than requiring fixed, complex positioning mechanisms for each nerve type.
3Ease of operation
If wrist-worn stimulator is designed to conform to wearer's skin, then comfort is improved, but variation in ulnar styloid process size and location prevents comfortable application
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of placing the stimulator on the wrist and accommodating wrist anatomical variations (ulnar styloid process), the invention inverts the approach by moving the stimulator to the fingers and hand where anatomical variation is less problematic. The fingers provide a more uniform and predictable surface for electrode placement, eliminating the comfort issues caused by wrist bone prominence and tendon variability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions the stimulation site from the wrist (proximal dimension) to the fingers and hand (distal dimension). This dimensional shift moves the device away from the complex wrist anatomy with its prominent bones and tendons to the simpler finger anatomy, where the skin surface is more consistent and accommodating for conformal electrode placement.
4Use of energy by moving object
If hand or finger-worn device is used, then power consumption is reduced, but measurement precision of tremor motion must be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the power-intensive components (battery, signal processing unit) from the hand-worn stimulator and relocates them to an external power source or base station. The hand-worn device retains only the essential stimulation electrodes and minimal control electronics, dramatically reducing power consumption while maintaining precise tremor motion measurement capabilities through the retained sensors and processing algorithms.
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
Improved tremor reduction with enhanced stimulation specificity and comfort, allowing for discreet treatment and reduced power consumption, while accurately measuring and responding to tremor motion at the hand and fingers.
Implementation Method 1
Devices and methods for stimulating peripheral nerves in the fingers or hand using electrodes positioned to target the sensory branches of the median, radial, and ulnar nerves
Implementation Method 2
applying stimulation to the arm or wrist remains challenging because of natural variation in wrist diameter, nerve locations, nerve depolarization characteristics, and skin conduction
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, devices, and methods for stimulating peripheral nerves in the fingers or hand to treat tremor are described. For example, a wearable ring device for delivering electrical stimulation to sensory nerves in a patient's finger can include an annular ring having a plurality of electrodes and a detachable unit having a power source and a pulse generator.