Nerve Stimulator with Customizable Ear Pads for Tinnitus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current tinnitus treatment devices, particularly sound generators, are expensive, lack customization, and have limitations in time and space, resulting in ineffective tinnitus management, especially for patients without hearing impairments.
Innovation Solution
A nerve stimulator with customizable electrode pads and sound output capabilities, designed to deliver optimal electrical and sound stimulations tailored to individual ear shapes, using 3D scanning and impedance measurement to enhance treatment efficacy for tinnitus, depression, epilepsy, and dementia.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If hearing aid type sound generators are used for tinnitus treatment, then treatment effectiveness is improved, but cost increases and customization capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The device segments the ear canal contact area into multiple electrode members (first electrode member for auricle contact, second electrode member for external auditory meatus contact) that can be independently configured and customized to match individual ear shapes, while maintaining effective tinnitus treatment through targeted electrical stimulation
Solution Approach 2:
The pad member is designed with different regions having different properties: the first pad portion contacts the auricle with specific electrode configuration, while the second pad portion contacts the external auditory meatus with different electrode arrangement, allowing localized customization and optimized treatment for different ear regions
2Reliability
If multiple electrode members are used to deliver electrical stimulation, then treatment effectiveness is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple electrode members are integrated into a single pad member structure that contacts the ear in one application, combining multiple stimulation functions into one device component and simplifying the overall system while maintaining effective multi-point electrical stimulation for tinnitus treatment
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 effective electrical and sound stimulation to the ear region, increasing cerebral cortex plasticity and enhancing treatment outcomes for tinnitus and other conditions by determining optimal stimulation patterns based on body impedance, while being cost-effective and customizable.
Implementation Method 1
control member configured to measure a human body impedance using electrical stimulations by the plurality of electrode members
Data Source
AI summary
A nerve stimulator according to one embodiment comprises: a pad member including a first pad portion arranged so as to come into contact with the auricle, and a second pad portion arranged so as to come in contact with the external auditory meatus; and a plurality of electrode members provided in the pad member so as to output electro-stimulation, wherein the plurality of electrode members can comprise: a first electrode member provided in the first pad portion so as to come into contact with the auricle; and a second electrode member provided in the second pad portion so as to come into contact with the external auditory meatus.