Flexible Electrode Transcranial Stimulation Device

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Solution Overview

Problem

Transcranial direct current stimulation devices are often bulky and non-portable, making them uncomfortable and difficult to use for a variety of head sizes, limiting their adoption and effectiveness.

Innovation Solution

A compact and lightweight transcranial electrical stimulation device with flexible electrodes and a secure strap system that adapts to different head sizes, allowing for comfortable and secure operation in multiple orientations to facilitate various stimulation sessions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If traditional tDCS devices use rigid electrodes and fixed structures, then electrical stimulation function is maintained, but device portability and comfort for various head sizes deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to various head sizesVSAvoiddevice structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs flexible electrodes with conductive cups that can bend and conform to different head shapes. The flexible material allows the electrode structure to adapt to various head sizes without requiring complex adjustable mechanisms, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The electrode assembly incorporates flexible posts that allow dynamic adjustment of the conductive cup position relative to the head surface. This dynamic flexibility enables the device to adapt to different head sizes while maintaining a simple overall structure, addressing the technical contradiction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If tDCS devices use fixed and rigid electrode structures, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but comfort and security for different head sizes deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomfort and security for usersVSAvoidelectrode structure manufacturing

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The flexible electrode design with bendable conductive cups provides comfort and security for different head sizes while using standard manufacturing techniques for flexible materials, minimizing the impact on manufacturing ease.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The conductive cups are designed with a curved, cup-like structure that naturally conforms to the curved surface of the head. This curvature design enhances comfort and security without requiring complex manufacturing processes, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and ease of manufacture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

3Adaptability or versatility

If tDCS devices are designed for portability with flexible electrodes, then adaptability to head sizes improves, but device stability and contact reliability may deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to head sizesVSAvoidcontact reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The flexible electrode structure maintains reliable contact by conforming closely to the head surface, ensuring consistent electrical contact despite the flexibility needed for adaptability. The flexible material allows the electrode to maintain stable contact while adapting to different head sizes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The curved conductive cup design ensures that the electrode surface maintains optimal contact with the curved head surface across various head sizes. The curvature geometry promotes reliable contact by distributing pressure evenly and maintaining consistent contact area, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

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 a comfortable and secure fit for a range of users, enabling longer use periods and more versatile stimulation options by conforming to various head shapes and maintaining proper contact, thus enhancing the usability and effectiveness of transcranial electrical stimulation.

Implementation Method 1

The first post includes a flexible material to allow the first conductive cup to bend about the first post

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

The second post includes a flexible material to allow the second conductive cup to bend about the second post

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 3

Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), a type of non-invasive neurostimulation, can deliver a low level of current to the brain through electrodes placed on a head

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentUS12151095B2Systems and methods for a transcranial electrical stimulation device

Publication Date: 2024.11.26 RPW TECHNOLOGY LLC

AI summary

A transcranial electrical stimulation device includes a base, a first electrode, and a second electrode. The base includes a center portion, a first end portion, a second end portion, and a first surface. The first end portion and the second end portion are angled relative to the center portion. The first electrode includes a first conductive cup and a first post. The second electrode includes a second conductive cup and a second post.