Neurostimulation Mask With Segmented Electrodes And Replaceable Cushion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing neurostimulation devices for the eye area lack simplicity in design and hygiene, making them less suitable for both clinical and private use, and often require complex setups and maintenance.

Innovation Solution

A device comprising a mask or glasses with an optically sealed design, featuring a luminous surface emitting light in the visible spectrum, integrated electrodes, and a flexible, replaceable cushion for comfortable and hygienic use, with snap-in electrodes and a moisture-absorbing contact cap to minimize contact resistance and facilitate easy cleaning.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a fixed, non-removable electrode design is used in neurostimulation devices, then structural simplicity is improved, but hygiene and ease of cleaning deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural simplicityVSAvoidease of cleaning
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The device is divided into separable components: a base body and removable electrode elements. The electrodes can be detached from the base body for separate cleaning and disinfection, allowing thorough hygiene maintenance while keeping the overall device structure simple.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The electrode elements are designed to be dynamically removable and reattachable to the base body. This dynamic configuration enables easy access to all surfaces for cleaning while maintaining a compact integrated structure during use.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of manufacture

If electrodes are permanently integrated into the device body, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but adaptability and maintenance flexibility deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing simplicityVSAvoidmaintenance flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The electrode system is segmented into modular elements that can be independently manufactured and then assembled to the base body. This allows standardized production of components while enabling flexible maintenance, replacement, and adaptation of specific electrode elements as needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Reliability

If a sealed optical design is used to block environmental light, then stimulation effectiveness is improved, but user comfort and field of vision deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestimulation effectivenessVSAvoiduser comfort
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The optical sealing is applied locally only in the specific areas where light stimulation is delivered to the eye, rather than completely enclosing the entire device. This localized approach ensures effective light delivery while leaving other areas open to maintain user comfort and peripheral vision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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 neurostimulation while ensuring user comfort and hygiene, allowing for easy replacement and disinfection of components, thus meeting the requirements for both clinical and private applications.

Implementation Method 1

which has a luminous surface directed towards the side of the eye, which is connected to a source emitting light in the visible spectral range

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight emission: Light Emitting Diode

Implementation Method 2

a moisture-absorbing contact cap to minimize contact resistance

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMoisture absorption: Absorption (physical)

Data Source

PatentEP2804668B1Device for neurostimulation
Publication Date: 2017.06.28 EBS TECHNOLOGIES GMBH
  • EP2804668B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2804668B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2804668B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a device for neurostimulation, comprising a mask, eyeglasses or similar eye attachment covering the eye region of the subject, which is designed to be optically sealed from the surroundings and has a lighting surface directed to the eye side which is connected to a source emitting light in the visible spectral range or contains such a light source, and having means for fastening to the head of the subject. According to the invention, there is a base element, open on one side, which receives the respective lighting surface and light source on the inside thereof, wherein there are electrode receptacles or electrode support surfaces on the base element above and/or below the region covering the eye region, furthermore a flexible, replaceable cushion-like or mat-like flat element can be fastened on the base element, which flat element has openings that are complementary to the electrode receptacles or electrode support surfaces, wherein the flat element comes in contact with the forehead area of the eye region of the subject when the device is used and the electrodes are designed to be epicutaneous.