Floating Electrode Layout for Targeted Noncontact Neural Stimulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electric field stimulation devices require large skin areas for effective nerve stimulation due to low induced currents and voltages, limiting their therapeutic efficacy.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus and method using a signal source and electrode system that generates internal and external electric fields between electrodes, inducing charges and currents in the skin without direct contact, employing non-coplanar and coplanar electrode configurations to enhance current induction, with curvilinear electric field lines and multiple electrodes to target specific areas.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional capacitor-like electrode structures with air gaps are used, then electrode isolation from skin is achieved, but induced currents are reduced to pico-amperes per square centimeter
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a dielectric member as an intermediary between the electrodes and the subject's body. This dielectric allows the electrodes to remain isolated from direct skin contact while significantly improving the coupling efficiency of the electric field, thereby increasing induced currents from pico-amperes to usable levels without requiring direct skin contact.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the electrode system by introducing a dielectric material with specific permittivity properties. This parameter change transforms the capacitive coupling mechanism, reducing the effective capacitance of the air gap and thereby increasing the induced currents while maintaining electrode isolation.
2Quantity of substance
If large skin areas are stimulated, then sufficient current induction is achieved, but device portability and targeting precision are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by concentrating the electric field induction in specific localized areas through the use of dielectric members positioned at particular spots on the body. This allows sufficient current induction in small, targeted skin areas rather than requiring large surface areas, thereby improving both portability and targeting precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The dielectric member acts as a localized intermediary that enhances electric field coupling in specific regions. By placing these dielectric-enhanced electrodes at targeted locations, the system achieves sufficient current induction in small skin areas, eliminating the need for large surface area coverage.
3Ease of operation
If electrodes are isolated from skin by air gap, then contact quality requirements are eliminated, but voltage reduction factor increases to 10^9-10^12 times
Solution Approach 1:
The dielectric member serves as an intermediary that improves voltage transmission efficiency through the electrode-skin interface. By replacing the high-impedance air gap with a dielectric material having higher permittivity, the system reduces the capacitive divider effect and increases the voltage actually applied to the skin, while maintaining the advantage of no direct skin contact.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the electrical parameters of the interface by introducing a dielectric material with specific permittivity. This parameter change reduces the effective capacitance of the isolation layer, thereby improving voltage transmission efficiency from the electrodes to the skin while maintaining electrical isolation and eliminating contact quality requirements.
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 system efficiently induces higher currents and charges in smaller skin areas, enabling targeted neurological effects and improved therapeutic outcomes by stimulating both local and associated zones, including acupuncture points.
Implementation Method 1
The electrode system forms internal EFs between adjacent surfaces of electrodes and external EFs between opposite surfaces of the same electrodes extending beyond the electrode system perimeter
Implementation Method 2
The electrodes are supplied with a voltage with a frequency of about 5 and 40 cycles per second with a peak-to-peak value of about 100 V
Implementation Method 3
a dielectric member positioned between the electrodes and the subject's body to enhance the coupling of the electric field between the electrodes and the subject's body
Implementation Method 4
with curvilinear electric field lines and multiple electrodes to target specific areas
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus and method for affecting the subject's neural system by applying an Electric Field generated by an electrode system floating with respect to the skin surface of the subject for achieving neurologic effects, such as analgesia, muscle relaxation, stress control, etc. The architecture of the electrode system generates an enhanced Electric Field in conditions of limited voltages applied to limited-size electrodes. Administering the electric fields to some selected or predetermined spots on the subject's body results in specific and reproducible effects.