Nerve Modulation Device Using Pulse Bursts and DC Waveforms

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for treating medical conditions through electrical stimulation of nerves either require invasive procedures or have significant side effects, limiting their effectiveness and acceptability for patients.

Innovation Solution

A nerve modulation device and method that applies electrical stimulation using a signal comprising pulse bursts and a direct current waveform non-invasively, allowing for modulation of nerve activity without invasive procedures.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If invasive electrical stimulation is applied to the nerve, then the treatment effectiveness is improved, but the side effects and patient discomfort increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetreatment effectivenessVSAvoidside effects

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary substance or mechanism that facilitates nerve modulation without direct invasive contact. The stimulation device uses a mediator to transmit electrical signals to the nerve, reducing direct tissue penetration and associated side effects while maintaining treatment effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces mechanical invasive insertion methods with an alternative delivery mechanism. Instead of physically penetrating the skin and tissue to reach the nerve, the system uses a substituted approach (such as transdermal or percutaneous delivery) that achieves nerve stimulation without the harmful mechanical intrusion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If non-invasive electrical stimulation is applied to the epidermis, then the side effects are reduced, but the depth of nerve stimulation is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveside effectsVSAvoiddepth of stimulation

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs periodic or pulsed electrical stimulation patterns that enhance signal penetration and nerve activation efficiency. By using intermittent stimulation bursts rather than continuous signals, the system achieves deeper nerve modulation while maintaining safety and reducing side effects through controlled delivery intervals.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes parameter changes in the electrical stimulation signal (such as amplitude, frequency, pulse width, or waveform characteristics) to optimize both penetration depth and safety. By dynamically adjusting these parameters, the system achieves effective deep nerve stimulation while staying within safe exposure limits that minimize side effects.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 alleviates medical conditions such as migraine, insomnia, and depression by modulating nerve activity, providing symptom relief and reducing side effects associated with invasive treatments.

Implementation Method 1

a signal applied to the neve for electrical stimulation includes pulse bursts and a direct current waveform

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical stimulation: Electric Field

Data Source

PatentUS11813461B2Device and method modulating nerve of a patient by providing electrical stimulation

Publication Date: 2023.11.14 Y BRAIN

AI summary

Disclosed is a device for modulating a nerve of a patient by applying electrical stimulation to the nerve of the patient. The device includes a stimulation module that applies a signal to the nerve of the patient, and a controller that controls a signal to be applied to the stimulation module, wherein the signal to be applied to the stimulation module includes pulse bursts and a direct current (DC) waveform.