Multilayer Skin-Application Device for Sustained Neural Modulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medical devices for treating nervous system disorders and postural imbalances often require external energy sources and active substances, which can be costly and may cause allergic reactions, and their therapeutic effects are not sustained over time.
Innovation Solution
A multilayer medical device with an insulating layer having a specific dielectric constant is developed, which interacts with voltage-dependent ion channels without requiring external energy or active substances, modulating action potential frequency and providing sustained therapeutic effects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing medical devices use external energy sources and active substances to treat nervous system disorders, then therapeutic effects can be achieved, but the devices become costly and may cause allergic reactions
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates the harmful components (external energy sources and active substances) from the medical device while retaining the therapeutic function through a passive multilayer structure that interacts with voltage-dependent ion channels without requiring batteries or pharmacological agents
Solution Approach 2:
The device uses a simple multilayer structure with specific dielectric constants that can be manufactured at low cost without expensive batteries, electronic components, or pharmaceutical substances, making it an affordable disposable solution
2Reliability
If existing medical devices use external energy sources to provide therapeutic effects, then treatment can be delivered, but the effects are not sustained over time and require continuous power supply
Solution Approach 1:
The device is self-powered through its passive multilayer structure that automatically interacts with voltage-dependent ion channels in the skin, utilizing the body's own electrical fields without requiring external energy input, thereby providing sustained therapeutic effects over time
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the key parameter from active energy delivery to passive dielectric interaction by using layers with specific dielectric constants (2.0-5.0) that naturally interact with voltage-dependent ion channels, enabling long-duration therapeutic effects without power consumption
3Reliability
If medical devices use complex multilayer configurations with active substances, then therapeutic efficacy can be improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention achieves therapeutic efficacy through local dielectric properties of each layer rather than complex active substances, with each layer having a specific dielectric constant range (2.0-5.0) that interacts with voltage-dependent ion channels at the application site
Solution Approach 2:
The device uses a composite multilayer structure consisting of a support layer and an insulating layer with specific dielectric properties, combining simple materials with optimized dielectric characteristics to achieve therapeutic effects without complex manufacturing processes
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 effectively treats nervous system diseases, algodystrophy syndromes, and postural imbalances by reducing action potential frequency and improving motor control, without the need for external energy sources or active substances, maintaining therapeutic action over time.
Implementation Method 1
a functional insulating layer (2) having a relative dielectric constant, at 1 MHz, from 2.0 to 5.0
Implementation Method 2
the functional substrate (2), because of its polarization induced by the electrochemical internal activity of the target receptors, is assumed to be able to interact with the activity of the membrane voltage-dependent ion channels
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a medical device for cutaneous application. Such medical device is characterized by a multilayer configuration and comprises an insulating layer having a specific dielectric constant.