Magnetic Detachable Stimulus Applying Device for Vascular Dementia

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing technologies for treating vascular dementia, such as pharmacological treatments and invasive vagus nerve stimulus, are either ineffective or invasive, making them unsuitable for non-invasive and detachable cognitive function recovery.

Innovation Solution

A stimulus applying apparatus comprising stimulus applying units and a housing that can be easily coupled and removed from a target area, utilizing magnetic attractive forces to secure the apparatus and incorporating a control unit, battery, and stimulating electrodes to apply electrical stimuli.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a band-shaped electrode assembly is used to apply stimulus, then the stimulus can be applied to body parts, but it is difficult to apply to body parts where it is difficult to wear

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveapplicability to body partsVSAvoidease of attachment
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The electrode assembly is divided into multiple detachable electrodes rather than a single band-shaped structure. Each electrode can be independently attached to different body parts, enabling application to areas that cannot accommodate traditional bands while maintaining stimulus delivery capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention transitions from a two-dimensional band structure to a three-dimensional detachable electrode system with housings that can be positioned in various orientations and configurations, allowing adaptation to complex body surface geometries that bands cannot accommodate

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Reliability

If invasive vagus nerve stimulus technology is used, then cognitive dysfunction can be treated, but it is invasive and difficult to apply in most cases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveeffectiveness for cognitive dysfunctionVSAvoidinvasiveness
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The invention uses surface electrodes as an intermediary to deliver neural stimulation without direct nerve invasion. The electrodes apply electrical fields through the skin to stimulate the vagus nerve indirectly, achieving therapeutic effects while avoiding surgical implantation and its associated risks

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention replaces the mechanical invasive approach of surgical nerve stimulation with a non-invasive electrical field-based stimulation method. Electrical fields are applied through surface electrodes to achieve neural modulation without physical penetration or surgical intervention

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If a detachable stimulus applying apparatus is used, then risks associated with invasive procedures are reduced, but the apparatus must be easily attachable and removable

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverisks of invasive proceduresVSAvoidease of attachment and removal
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The electrode housings incorporate magnetic members that enable dynamic attachment and detachment through magnetic attraction and repulsion. The magnetic mechanism allows the housings to be easily attached to corresponding magnetic bases without tools and removed when needed, providing operational flexibility while maintaining secure positioning during use

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 apparatus enables non-invasive, detachable, and continuous stimulation for cognitive function recovery, reducing the risks associated with invasive procedures and improving cognitive function in vascular dementia patients.

Implementation Method 1

the stimulus applying unit accommodated in the first housing and the stimulus applying unit accommodated in the second housing are configured to apply magnetic attractive force to each other

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic attractive force: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentEP4541414A1Stimulus applying device
Publication Date: 2025.04.23 NEUROGRIN INC
  • EP4541414A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4541414A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4541414A1 patent drawingFigure 3(a)~3(b)

AI summary

Disclosed is a stimulus applying apparatus. A stimulus applying apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises: stimulus applying units configured to apply a stimulus to a target portion; and a housing coupled to the stimulus applying unit. The housing comprises: a first housing arranged on one side of the target portion and accommodating a stimulus applying unit; and a second housing arranged on the other side of the target portion and accommodating a stimulus applying unit. The stimulus applying unit accommodated in the first housing and the stimulus applying unit accommodated in the second housing may be configured to apply magnetic attractive force to each other.