In-Ear Vestibular Stimulation Device Using Thermoelectric Transducers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current devices for delivering vestibular stimulation, such as caloric and electrical stimulation, often require invasive procedures and are not comfortable or convenient for wearers, particularly due to the sensitivity of the ear canal and the need for precise fitting, which limits their therapeutic and diagnostic applications.
Innovation Solution
An in-ear device with a thermoelectric transducer and a sleeve that can be inserted into the ear canal, allowing for caloric and electrical vestibular stimulation, featuring a shape that conforms to the ear canal and optional external transducers for additional stimulation, along with a computerized control module for adjusting temperature and stimulation patterns based on circadian cycles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional water caloric tests are used in hospital settings, then vestibular system function can be assessed, but the procedure is inconvenient and requires cleaning of spilled irrigation fluid
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary substance (viscosogenic agent) that transforms the irrigation fluid into a thickened gel-like state, preventing spillage while maintaining the caloric stimulation effect on the vestibular system. This mediator resolves the contradiction by eliminating the messy aspect while preserving the diagnostic reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameter of the irrigation fluid by adding a viscosogenic agent, transforming it from a free-flowing liquid to a viscous gel. This parameter change prevents spillage and improves ease of operation while maintaining the temperature differential needed for vestibular stimulation.
2Ease of operation
If closed flow apparatuses with inflatable balloons are used to contain irrigation fluid, then fluid spillage is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the complex inflatable balloon containment system from the apparatus. Instead, it uses a chemically modified viscous fluid that inherently contains itself, removing the need for mechanical containment structures and thereby reducing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a disposable viscosogenic agent that is mixed with the irrigation fluid. This simple, inexpensive additive provides fluid containment functionality without requiring reusable mechanical components, reducing both device complexity and cost.
3Reliability
If electrical stimulation is applied to the mastoid region, then vestibular stimulation can be delivered, but the ear canal sensitivity to foreign objects causes discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical insertion of electrodes or devices into the sensitive ear canal with a chemical approach. The viscosogenic agent is applied topically to the ear canal, and the resulting gel delivers stimulation without requiring foreign objects to be inserted deep into the canal, thereby avoiding discomfort from ear canal sensitivity.
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 efficient and comfortable delivery of vestibular stimulation, promoting biochemical changes like serotonin, heat shock proteins, and acetylcholine production, aiding in therapeutic and diagnostic applications, including managing circadian rhythms and treating various medical conditions.
Implementation Method 1
heat can be conducted between each of the at least one thermoelectric transducers and the ear canal through the sleeve
Implementation Method 2
at least one thermoelectric transducer mounted on the ear insert inner portion
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 3~6
AI summary
A device and associated method for providing vestibular stimulation to an individual includes active elements positioned on or proximate an ear insert. The active elements include but are not limited to at least one electrode, at least one thermometer, and at least one thermoelectric transducer. The device includes a computerized control module regulating the active elements. The device incorporates an ear insert that allows the active elements to engage the individual's ear canal and therefore access the individual's vestibular system. Vestibular stimulation applied to the individual is customized for directly stimulating desired regions of the brain for therapeutic or diagnostic purposes.; In a preferred embodiment, the device provides vestibular stimulation sufficient to promote physiological changes in the individual, the changes selected from the group consisting of circadian temperature cycle time shifts, ascorbic acid production, serotonin production, acetylcholine production, histamine production, and heat shock protein production.