Non-Invasive Neuron Stimulation With Acoustic Side-Effect Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing non-invasive vibrotactile stimulation treatments for neurological disorders suffer from undesired acoustic side effects, such as sound waves generated by vibrotactile stimulation elements, which reduce patient compliance due to annoyance.

Innovation Solution

A medical treatment device and method that simultaneously administers both acoustic and non-acoustic stimuli, such as vibrotactile and acoustic stimuli, to suppress pathologically synchronous neuronal activity without invasive procedures, using a non-invasive stimulation unit with a control unit to actuate multiple elements on the body to desynchronize neuronal firing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If non-invasive vibrotactile stimulation elements are actuated to suppress pathologically synchronous neuronal activity, then therapeutic effect is improved, but acoustic stimuli are generated as harmful side effects

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetherapeutic effectVSAvoidacoustic stimuli

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The harmful acoustic stimulus is extracted and separated from the useful vibrotactile stimulation. The patent implements this by providing at least one acoustic stimulus counteracting the acoustic stimulus generated by the vibrotactile stimulation element, effectively removing the harmful side effect while preserving the therapeutic benefit.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent converts the harmful acoustic stimulus into a beneficial treatment component by administering a counteracting acoustic stimulus that specifically targets and suppresses the pathological synchronous activity in the brain, thereby transforming the side effect into part of the therapeutic mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

2Reliability

If deep brain stimulation is performed to suppress pathologically synchronous activity, then therapeutic effect is improved, but surgical risk increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetherapeutic effectVSAvoidsurgical risk

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the invasive mechanical deep brain stimulation system with a non-invasive vibrotactile stimulation system that acts on the skull surface. This substitution eliminates surgical procedures and associated risks while maintaining therapeutic effectiveness through external vibration applied to specific skull regions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces the skull surface as an intermediary medium to transmit therapeutic vibrations from external stimulation elements to the underlying brain tissue. This intermediary approach allows non-invasive delivery of therapeutic effects that previously required direct brain tissue intervention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If L-DOPA pharmacological treatment is administered, then therapeutic effect is improved, but long-term side effects increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetherapeutic effectVSAvoidlong-term side effects

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces pharmacological treatment with a physical stimulation approach using vibrotactile elements. This substitution eliminates the need for chemical substances like L-DOPA, thereby avoiding long-term side effects such as dyskinesia and nausea while providing alternative therapeutic mechanisms through mechanical vibration of neuronal tissue.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

Effectively suppresses pathological synchronous neuronal activity while minimizing acoustic side effects, improving treatment efficacy and patient compliance by desynchronizing neuronal activity through coordinated reset stimulation.

Implementation Method 1

sound waves generated upon actuation of the stimulation elements which are conducted to the patient's inner ear through air and bone conduction

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAir conduction: Sound

Implementation Method 2

sound waves generated upon actuation of the stimulation elements which are conducted to the patient's inner ear through air and bone conduction

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBone conduction: Sound

Implementation Method 3

non-invasive vibrotactile stimulation treatments are known to counteract Parkinsonian signs

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVibration: Vibration

Data Source

PatentUS12616833B2Medical treatment device and method for stimulating neurons of a patent to suppress a pathologically synchronous activity thereof

Publication Date: 2026.05.05 GRETAP AG

AI summary

The present invention pertains to a medical treatment device (10) for stimulating neurons of a patient to suppress a pathologically synchronous activity of the neurons. The device (10) comprises a non-invasive stimulation unit (12) configured for simultaneously administering at least one acoustic stimulus and at least one non-acoustic stimulus to a patient's body, each of which is configured to suppress the pathologically synchronous activity when being administered to the patient's body.