Flexible-Arm Earpiece Electrodes for Auricular Vagus Nerve Stimulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electrodes fail to reliably position and maintain contact with the auricular branch of the vagus nerve in users' ears, particularly due to variations in ear size and shape.
Innovation Solution
An earpiece with flexible arms and electrodes that adjust to fit different ear sizes, using a pivot element made of resilient material to maintain electrode positioning against the vagus nerve, combined with a voltage source and controller for controlled stimulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional electrodes are used, then the device structure is simple, but the electrodes cannot be reliably placed and held in place in users' ears to stimulate the vagus nerve
Solution Approach 1:
The earpiece employs flexible arms with pivot elements that allow dynamic adjustment and adaptation to different ear shapes and sizes. The flexible portion can bend and conform to the unique anatomy of each user's ear, ensuring reliable electrode placement against the vagus nerve while accommodating anatomical variations.
Solution Approach 2:
The earpiece incorporates flexible arms made of resilient materials that can bend and conform to the ear's surface. These flexible components maintain continuous contact with the ear, ensuring reliable electrode positioning without requiring complex rigid structures.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional electrodes are used, then the device is easy to manufacture, but the electrodes do not allow for reliable placement in ears of different sizes and shapes
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible arms are designed with specific material properties and geometric parameters that allow them to adapt to different ear sizes and shapes. By optimizing the flexibility, length, and curvature of the arms, the device can accommodate anatomical variations across different users while maintaining a relatively simple manufacturing process.
3Reliability
If flexible arms with pivot elements are used, then the electrodes can be reliably positioned, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The earpiece is divided into modular components including flexible arms, pivot elements, and electrode assemblies. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently for its specific function while maintaining overall system reliability. The pivot elements act as independent joints that enable precise positioning without requiring complex control mechanisms.
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 earpiece ensures consistent and reliable stimulation of the auricular branch of the vagus nerve by accommodating various ear sizes and shapes, providing precise electrode placement and controlled voltage application.
Implementation Method 1
the pivot element is flexible and resilient such that the upper arm and lower arm flex toward each other when pressure is applied and return to a rest position when pressure is not applied
Data Source
AI summary
An earpiece including a frame with an over ear portion and a lower portion including an upper arm including at least a first electrode and a lower arm including at least a second electrode, wherein the upper arm and the lower arm are flexible and resilient to mount the earpiece in a user's ear.