Neck-Worn Transdermal Stimulation With Self-Cleaning Electrodes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing noninvasive neuromodulation technologies, such as transcranial and transdermal electrical stimulation (TES), face limitations in design and delivery of effective waveforms, comfort, and reusability of electrodes, often requiring multiple body locations and being cumbersome, uncomfortable, and ineffective across different users.
Innovation Solution
A neck-worn apparatus with a reusable, self-cleaning, and self-re-wetting electrode pad that automatically couples with a controller, delivering transdermal electrical stimulation (TES) to the back of the neck using adaptable waveforms to induce relaxation and calm, featuring a pair of electrodes spaced optimally to evoke a relaxed state.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional TES systems use multiple body locations for electrodes, then the coverage and effectiveness of stimulation is improved, but the device becomes cumbersome and uncomfortable for wear
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode system is segmented into two separate pads: a head electrode pad and a neck electrode pad. This segmentation allows each pad to be optimized for its specific location while maintaining overall effectiveness. The neck pad can be worn discreetly without interfering with hair or facial features, while the head pad provides necessary stimulation coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The neck electrode pad is extracted as a separate, wearable component that can be independently positioned on the neck. This extraction allows the stimulation system to maintain effectiveness while improving comfort and discretion, as the neck pad can be worn similar to a necklace or scarf without interfering with hair or facial features.
2Ease of operation
If traditional TES systems use disposable electrodes, then ease of application is improved, but reusability and cost-effectiveness deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode pads are designed to be reusable rather than disposable. The conductive gel can be reapplied or replaced as needed, and the pads themselves can be cleaned and reused multiple times. This reduces waste and cost while maintaining ease of application through simple attachment and detachment mechanisms.
3Device complexity
If traditional TES systems use fixed waveform protocols, then device simplicity is improved, but adaptability to different users and conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The waveform delivery system is made dynamic and adjustable rather than fixed. Users can modify parameters such as frequency, amplitude, and pulse width to suit different needs and conditions. The system can adapt waveforms based on user feedback and response, maintaining simplicity while enabling extensive customization.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows users to change waveform parameters including frequency, amplitude, and pulse characteristics. This parameter adjustability enables the same device to effectively serve different users and applications, from relaxation to cognitive enhancement, without requiring multiple specialized devices.
4Reliability
If traditional TES systems require precise electrode placement, then stimulation effectiveness is improved, but ease of use and user comfort deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode pads are pre-configured with conductive gel and attachment mechanisms that simplify application. The pads can be easily attached to the neck and head without requiring precise alignment or complex positioning procedures. This preliminary preparation maintains stimulation effectiveness while dramatically improving ease of use.
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 provides effective neuromodulation for cognitive state modification, inducing relaxation and calm comfortably and discreetly, with reusable electrodes ensuring prolonged use and improved user experience.
Implementation Method 1
transdermal electrical stimulation (TES) through scalp electrodes has been used to affect brain function in humans
Implementation Method 2
coupled (e.g., magnetically) to controller and/or power source
Data Source
AI summary
Described herein are methods and apparatuses for the application of transdermal electrical stimulation (TES) in order to modulate a user's cognitive state to induce a state of calm or relaxation. The apparatuses described herein include neck-worn devices having electrodes (or configured to connect to electrodes, including automatically self-connecting to electrodes) adapted to couple to the midline of the back of user's neck. A neck-worn controller may be configured as a cord, band, wire, torc, necklace, loop, strap, or the like, and may be rigid or semi-rigid and may be worn at least partially around the subject's neck. The controller may controllably apply one or more waveforms to the electrodes of the electrode pad (e.g., patch) to deliver TES adapted to induce or enhance a relaxed cognitive state.