Topical Nerve Activator Patch with Boosted Charge Delivery

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current treatments for nerve disorders, such as loss of muscle control, sensation, or pain, often rely on invasive procedures or medications with limitations, and there is a need for non-invasive, user-controlled options that can effectively stimulate nerves without penetrating the dermis.

Innovation Solution

A non-invasive nerve activator in the form of a topical patch that uses novel circuitry to boost voltage and maintain a constant charge level for nerve stimulation, incorporating a feedback loop for automatic adaptation and energy conservation, allowing for self-powered, compact, and user-controlled nerve stimulation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If voltage is boosted to higher levels for effective nerve stimulation, then stimulation efficacy is improved, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenerve stimulation efficacyVSAvoidbattery power consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system delivers nerve stimulation through periodic pulses rather than continuous application. The controller delivers charge in discrete pulses at controlled frequencies, allowing the battery to be recharged between pulses and reducing overall energy consumption while maintaining effective stimulation during active periods

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts voltage and charge delivery parameters based on feedback from impedance measurements. The controller modifies pulse amplitude, frequency, and duration in response to tissue impedance changes, optimizing energy efficiency by delivering only the necessary charge required for effective stimulation at each moment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If charge delivery is increased for better stimulation效果, then nerve activation is improved, but safety risks increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenerve activation effectivenessVSAvoidsafety risks from excessive charge

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system incorporates a feedback loop that continuously monitors impedance changes during charge delivery. The controller adjusts voltage and charge parameters in real-time based on impedance measurements, preventing excessive charge delivery that could cause tissue damage while maintaining effective stimulation. The feedback mechanism automatically reduces charge if impedance indicates approaching safety limits

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system transitions from static charge delivery to dynamic, adaptive charge modulation. The controller continuously adjusts pulse parameters during treatment based on real-time impedance feedback, allowing the charge delivery to be optimized for each moment while maintaining safety through active monitoring and adjustment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Power

If voltage boosting circuitry is added to achieve required voltage levels, then stimulation capability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevoltage output capabilityVSAvoidcircuit complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The voltage boosting function is integrated into the existing controller circuitry rather than being implemented as a separate, standalone circuit. The controller combines voltage generation, boosting, and control functions in a unified circuit design, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining the capability to deliver required voltage levels for nerve stimulation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 patch provides effective nerve stimulation while conserving battery power and ensuring safety and efficacy through adaptive protocols, enabling non-invasive treatment of conditions like overactive bladder without the need for surgical intervention.

Implementation Method 1

A non-invasive nerve activator that is battery-powered and includes circuitry to boost voltage to a required level and to maintain a substantially constant level of charge for nerve activation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBattery (electricity): Battery (electricity)

Implementation Method 2

a feedback loop provides for an automatic determination and adaptation of the applied charge level

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFeedback: Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS11730958B2Non-invasive nerve activator with boosted charge delivery

Publication Date: 2023.08.22 NEUROSTIM SOLUTIONS LLC

AI summary

A topical nerve activation patch includes electronic circuitry embedded in the patch and electronic circuitry configured to generate an output voltage applied to electrodes. The patch further includes a controller configured to generate a treatment comprising a plurality of activation pulses that form the output voltage, the controller comprising a first real time clock and an oscillator, the treatment comprising electrical stimuli applied to the user via the electrodes. The patch further includes a charge measurement circuit configured to measure an amount of charge applied to the user from the electrical stimuli and a communication link configured to communicate with a remote activation device, the remote activation device comprising a second real time clock. The controller is configured to generate the activation pulses by measuring time intervals using the oscillator and using the second real time clock and the measured time intervals to determine activation times for the activation pulses.