Multi-Electrode Ear Shell for Selective taVNS Site Testing
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a lack of consensus on specific auricular locations for transcutaneous auricular vagal nerve stimulation (taVNS) that yield the most success for treating clinical disorders, leading to costly and time-consuming manufacturing of custom stimulation apparatuses and frequent clinician visits.
Innovation Solution
A multi-electrode ear shell designed for non-invasive, unilateral or bilateral electrical stimulation at various target locations of the ear, allowing clinicians to selectively target and study multiple stimulation sites, adjust stimulation parameters, and locations using a single device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If custom stimulation apparatuses are manufactured for each subject to treat clinical disorders, then treatment effectiveness is improved, but manufacturing cost and time consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The ear shell is designed with multiple electrode sockets that can accommodate different electrodes for stimulating various auricular locations. This universal design allows a single apparatus to serve multiple treatment purposes and adapt to different subjects, eliminating the need to manufacture custom apparatuses for each subject while maintaining treatment effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows dynamic selection of stimulation parameters including voltage, frequency, and duration, as well as flexible configuration of electrode placements. This dynamic adjustability enables the same apparatus to be optimized for different subjects and conditions without requiring custom manufacturing.
2Measurement precision
If multiple custom stimulation apparatuses are manufactured to study various auricular locations, then research precision is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The ear shell incorporates multiple independently accessible electrode sockets positioned at different auricular locations (cymba, cavum, crus of helix, antihelix, tragus). This segmentation allows researchers to selectively activate specific electrode pairs for precise study of individual auricular locations while using a single integrated device rather than multiple separate apparatuses.
Solution Approach 2:
The single ear shell design serves multiple research functions by providing access to various stimulation sites through its multiple electrode sockets, eliminating the need to manufacture and manage multiple specialized apparatuses for different research objectives.
3Reliability
If frequent clinician visits are required to adjust stimulation parameters, then treatment optimization is improved, but time consumption and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system is designed to be easily adjustable by the subject or clinician without requiring specialized equipment or complex procedures. Stimulation parameters such as voltage, frequency, and duration can be modified by simply changing electrode placements or adjusting controls, enabling self-service optimization and reducing the need for frequent clinician visits.
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus supports dynamic adjustment of stimulation parameters and electrode configurations, allowing treatment optimization to be performed flexibly and efficiently, thereby reducing the frequency of required clinician visits while maintaining treatment effectiveness.
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
Enables optimal therapeutic effects for individual subjects by simplifying research on stimulation parameters and promoting non-invasive vagal afferent stimulation, facilitating further studies into taVNS.
Implementation Method 1
a spring between the header and a rear wall of the first socket to press the header of the first stimulation electrode towards the surface of the ear
Implementation Method 2
Transcutaneous Auricular Vagal Nerve Stimulation (taVNS) relies on the cutaneous distribution of vagal afferents at the auricular branch of the vagus nerve (ABVN)
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-electrode ear shell includes an inner surface and an outer surface, the inner surface corresponding to a surface of an ear and being configured to overlap a cymba and a cavum of the ear. The multi-electrode ear shell further includes a first socket to receive a first stimulation electrode and a second socket to receive a second stimulation electrode.