Multisensory Stimulation Device with Modular Control and Solar Power

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current multisensory stimulation devices, such as 'Snoezelen Rooms', are expensive, complex, and require a technician for operation, limiting accessibility and diffusion due to their high design and maintenance costs, as well as the complexity of adjusting and using multiple parameters.

Innovation Solution

A portable multisensory stimulation device with a support mechanism, electronic control card, and integrated sensory stimulation apparatus, including vibration, light, and olfactory diffusers, that can be easily set up and operated without a technician, using solar power and digital audio, allowing for customizable programs and automatic activation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If Snoezelen Rooms are used for multisensory stimulation, then therapeutic effectiveness is improved, but cost and device complexity increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetherapeutic effectivenessVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The device is divided into separate functional modules: a support structure with movement mechanism, a stimulation apparatus with multiple sensory outputs, and an electronic control card. This segmentation allows each component to be independently optimized and assembled, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining therapeutic effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple sensory stimulation functions (visual, auditory, tactile, olfactory) are combined into a single integrated apparatus that can be positioned on the support structure. The electronic control card merges control of all sensory outputs and movement mechanism into one unified control system, simplifying operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Reliability

If Snoezelen Rooms are used for multisensory stimulation, then therapeutic effectiveness is improved, but design and maintenance costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetherapeutic effectivenessVSAvoiddesign and maintenance costs
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The electronic control card is designed to automatically control the movement mechanism and stimulation apparatus based on pre-programmed sequences. The system self-regulates sensory outputs and movement patterns without requiring manual adjustment or technical expertise, thereby reducing maintenance costs and making the device accessible to a broader population.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If Snoezelen Rooms are used for multisensory stimulation, then therapeutic effectiveness is improved, but ease of operation decreases due to technical expertise requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetherapeutic effectivenessVSAvoidease of operation
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The electronic control card automatically manages all sensory stimulation parameters and movement mechanism without requiring user intervention or technical knowledge. The system executes pre-programmed sequences that adapt sensory outputs and movement patterns, eliminating the need for operator expertise while maintaining therapeutic quality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Control sequences and sensory stimulation patterns are pre-programmed into the electronic control card before use. This preliminary configuration allows the device to operate autonomously according to predetermined therapeutic protocols, eliminating the need for real-time technical adjustment during operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

4Reliability

If Snoezelen Rooms are used for multisensory stimulation, then therapeutic effectiveness is improved, but accessibility decreases due to high costs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetherapeutic effectivenessVSAvoidaccessibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

By dividing the system into modular components (support structure, stimulation apparatus, control card), the device can be manufactured more efficiently and at lower cost than integrated Snoezelen Rooms. This modular approach enables broader accessibility while maintaining the core therapeutic functions through standardized, cost-effective components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 a cost-effective, user-friendly solution for multisensory stimulation that can be used anywhere, reducing costs and the need for specialized rooms, while ensuring high-quality treatments without requiring technical expertise.

Implementation Method 1

a movement mechanism 4, which is adapted to create a relative motion of the support with respect to the base structure 3

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical vibration: Vibration

Implementation Method 2

stimulation apparatus 5, which is accommodated at least partially in the base structure 3 and is adapted to stimulate at least part of the senses of the user

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight emission: Light

Implementation Method 3

olfactory diffuser adapted to emit aromatic substances

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDiffusion: Diffusion

Implementation Method 4

power supply system adapted to supply power to the device, and comprising a solar panel

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhotovoltaic effect: Photovoltaic Effect

Data Source

PatentEP2648672B1Device for multisensory stimulation
Publication Date: 2019.05.01 HABICHE LEILA BENEDICTE
  • EP2648672B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2648672B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2648672B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A device (1) for multisensory stimulation, comprising a support (2) which is adapted to support a user in a correct position; a base structure (3) which is adapted to support the support (2); a movement mechanism (4) which is adapted to create a relative motion of the support (2) with respect to the base structure (3); a stimulation apparatus (5) which is connected to the base structure (3) and is adapted to stimulate at least part of the senses of the user; and an electronic card (6) which is adapted to control the movement mechanism (4, 4a) and the stimulation apparatus (5).