Interferential Vestibular Stimulation for Motion Sickness
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing treatments for motion sickness are ineffective as they do not target the underlying causes of the condition, often impair cognitive and motor functions, and require continuous medication.
Innovation Solution
A closed-loop system of interferential stimulation is used to counteract perceived acceleration, targeting the vestibular system through a headset or headband that senses acceleration and delivers precise interferential stimulation to align perceived acceleration with visual cues.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If over the counter medication is used to treat motion sickness, then motion sickness symptoms are reduced, but cognitive and motor functions are impaired
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces pharmacological treatment with a physical stimulation system. The interferential stimulation device uses electrical currents delivered through electrodes to directly stimulate the vestibular system, substituting the chemical mechanism of medications with a physical/electrical mechanism that achieves the same therapeutic effect without cognitive and motor side effects
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary device (interferential stimulation system with electrodes) that acts as a mediator between the user and the vestibular system. This intermediary delivers targeted stimulation to reconcile conflicting sensory inputs, serving as a non-pharmacological intervention that resolves motion sickness without the harmful side effects of medications
2Object-affected harmful factors
If existing treatments for motion sickness are used, then motion sickness is addressed, but the treatments do not target known causes and efficacy remains low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and targets the specific cause of motion sickness (conflicting sensory input to the vestibular system) rather than using general treatments. By directly stimulating the vestibular system with interferential currents, the device addresses the root cause of the condition, improving reliability and efficacy compared to non-targeted treatments
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms where sensors detect the user's motion and vestibular responses, and the interferential stimulation parameters are adjusted accordingly. This closed-loop feedback system continuously optimizes the stimulation to maintain alignment between visual and vestibular sensations, significantly improving treatment reliability and effectiveness
3Object-affected harmful factors
If over the counter medication is used continuously, then motion sickness is managed, but the medication must be continually purchased and runs out quickly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables self-service treatment through a portable interferential stimulation device that the user can operate independently. The device includes onboard power sources, control interfaces, and sensor systems that automatically detect and respond to motion sickness triggers, eliminating the need for continuous external intervention through medication repurchasing
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 effectively reduces or prevents motion sickness symptoms by aligning perceived acceleration with visual cues, providing a more immersive experience without side effects and without the need for continuous medication.
Implementation Method 1
The present disclosure describes systems and techniques for alleviating symptoms of motion sickness by targeting these causes, herein referred to as an Interferential Vestibular Stimulation (IVS system). In some embodiments, the IVS system delivers interferential stimulation that acts on the individual's vestibular system and causes them to perceive acceleration that aligns with visual motion cues.
Implementation Method 2
In some approaches, the magnitude and direction of the movement is captured by the IVS system (e.g., using an accelerometer sensor) and is used to continuously adjust the interferential stimulation.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure is directed to systems and methods for using interferential stimulation to reduce or prevent symptoms of motion sickness in a closed system. In an embodiment the systems and methods receive an acceleration data stream, calculate parameters of interferential stimulation likely to cause the sensation of acceleration within a person's vestibular system that matches the acceleration the person's eyes perceive. The systems and methods deliver the interferential stimulation and measure a resulting head movement. The systems and method then compare that movement to a predicted movement. If the movement is not as predicted, the systems and methods update the parameters and deliver a second interferential stimulation until a desired affect is reached.