Adhesive Hydrogel Nerve Stimulation Electrode Fixation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions for treating overactive bladder (OAB) and fecal incontinence, such as fully implantable systems, are expensive and invasive, and surface electrodes often lose contact with the skin due to stiffness and movement, leading to reduced efficacy.
Innovation Solution
A stimulation media fixation unit that uses adhesive hydrogel formulations to secure electrodes and/or vibration generators in close proximity to the targeted nerves, maintaining constant orientation and distance, even during exercise or movement, and allowing for both electrical and mechanical stimulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If fully implantable systems are used for nerve stimulation, then treatment efficacy is improved, but cost and invasiveness increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the pulse generator from the implantable system, separating it as an external device that can be positioned in a pocket or on the body surface. This allows the nerve stimulation function to be maintained while eliminating the need for full implantability, thereby reducing cost and invasiveness while preserving treatment efficacy through external placement of the control unit
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary connection system using a lead or wire that bridges the external pulse generator to the implanted or surface electrode. This intermediary allows electrical signals to be transmitted without requiring the entire system to be implantable, resolving the contradiction between efficacy and invasiveness by enabling external placement with effective nerve stimulation
2Device complexity
If surface electrodes are used for nerve stimulation, then cost and invasiveness are reduced, but electrode contact stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs flexible electrode designs that conform to the body surface, using soft substrates and flexible conductive materials that maintain intimate contact with the skin during movement. This flexibility prevents electrode loosening while keeping the system simple and non-implantable, resolving the contradiction between simplicity and contact stability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates dynamic adjustment mechanisms such as spring-loaded contacts or flexible mounting structures that allow the electrode to adapt to body movements and maintain optimal contact pressure. This dynamic capability ensures stable electrode-nerve interface during activities while preserving the simplicity of the non-implantable system
3Strength
If rigid surface electrodes are used, then structural support is improved, but electrode stability during movement deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces rigid electrode structures with flexible formulations that combine sufficient mechanical strength for handling with the flexibility to conform to body contours and maintain contact during movement. This flexible yet strong electrode design prevents loosening while preserving structural integrity, resolving the contradiction between strength and position stability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite electrode materials combining conductive polymers, flexible substrates, and adhesive layers that provide both structural support and stable contact. This composite construction delivers the necessary mechanical strength while maintaining flexibility and adherence to the body surface during activities, eliminating the loosening problem of rigid electrodes
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 solution provides a stable and secure interface for nerve stimulation, reducing the risk of electrode dislocation and maintaining treatment efficacy during daily activities, thus offering a more affordable and less invasive alternative to fully implantable systems.
Implementation Method 1
The at least one electrode member is a hydrogel-based electrode member... providing fixation of the at least one hydrogel-based electrode member/s configured to be placed in close proximity of a portion of a nerve
Implementation Method 2
when exclusively providing mechanical stimulation constitutes a vibration generator fixation unit... at least one electrode and/or at least one vibration generator configured to be placed in close proximity of a portion of a nerve
Data Source
AI summary
In a system for electrical stimulation of nerves of a living being a pulse generator is configured to provide a sequence of electrical and/or vibration pulses to at least one electrode and/or vibration generator that are maintained in close proximity to the nerve of interest with the use of means for securing the electrode to the skin or tissue of the living being.