Fingertip Vibratory Device for Medical Pain Relief
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing finger vibratory devices are unsanitary and unsterile for medical environments, often activating unintentionally under medical gloves, which is not suitable for medical procedures aiming to reduce pain through tactile stimulation.
Innovation Solution
A vibrating finger device designed to be worn under medical gloves, featuring a touch-sensitive sensor and a computerized processor that activates a vibration cycle only when a predetermined threshold is met, preventing accidental activation and ensuring controlled tactile stimulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a simple pressure-activated vibration device is used, then the device can be easily operated, but it activates unintentionally under medical gloves causing unsanitary conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the activation parameter from simple pressure detection to a multi-parameter system requiring both pressure application and sustained contact time. The processor monitors both the magnitude of pressure on the touch-sensitive sensor and the duration of contact, only activating vibration when both thresholds are met. This prevents accidental activation under gloves while maintaining ease of intentional activation.
2Reliability
If continuous vibration is provided for pain reduction, then the tactile stimulation effect is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic vibration cycles rather than continuous vibration. The vibration operates in repeated on-off cycles, each triggered by proper activation input. This provides sufficient tactile stimulation for pain reduction while simplifying the control system compared to continuous operation, as the system can return to a low-power standby state between cycles.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the device is made sterile and sanitary for medical use, then it is suitable for medical procedures, but the ease of manufacture decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a flexible membrane or thin film covering the touch-sensitive sensor and vibrating element. This flexible shell creates a sterile barrier that prevents contamination while allowing tactile interaction through the material. The membrane can be sterilized independently and replaced if needed, maintaining sanitary compliance without requiring complex sealed enclosures or sterile manufacturing processes.
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 device provides controlled and sanitary tactile stimulation, reducing the intensity of needle prick sensations during medical procedures without causing unnecessary vibrations, thus enhancing patient comfort and procedural efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a touch sensitive sensor... programmed to monitor inputs to the device, determine whether the monitored inputs indicate a desire to activate a vibration cycle
Implementation Method 2
a vibration unit... activate a vibration cycle... Based upon this determination, the vibration unit can be activated to vibrate the fingertip device
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus comprising a vibrating finger device useful in a medical setting includes a device body configured to fit on a finger of a wearer, a vibrating unit, a touch sensitive sensor, and a control module including a computerized processor. The control module includes programming configured to monitor an activation input to the device, determine the monitored activation input to indicate a threshold desired vibration activation input, and activate a vibration cycle within the vibrating unit based upon the determination.