Neurostimulation Modulated Pulse Packets Skin Impedance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional neurostimulation systems face challenges in delivering effective lower voltage stimulation to the vestibular system, often requiring skin abraded, conductive gels, or higher voltages due to skin impedance, which can be uncomfortable and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A method and device for delivering a modulated electrical signal using spaced-apart packets of pulses with adjustable time, amplitude, and frequency, allowing for transdermal stimulation through earpieces, which can include sinusoidal modulation of packet separation to minimize skin impedance and enhance vestibular stimulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional GVS systems use higher voltage to overcome skin impedance, then electrical current can be delivered through the skin, but patient comfort deteriorates and the system becomes less efficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic pulsed electrical stimulation instead of continuous high voltage. The controller delivers trains of electrical pulses with specific timing parameters (pulse width, inter-pulse interval, train duration, inter-train interval) that allow the skin impedance to be overcome during brief moments while providing rest periods, thereby delivering effective current without continuous high voltage exposure that causes discomfort
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts multiple electrical parameters including pulse amplitude, pulse width, frequency, and duty cycle to optimize current delivery. By varying these parameters over time and adapting to measured skin impedance conditions, the system achieves reliable current transmission through the skin at lower effective voltage levels, reducing patient discomfort while maintaining therapeutic efficacy
2Power
If skin is abraded or conductive gel is used to reduce skin impedance, then lower voltage stimulation can be delivered, but the procedure becomes more complex and requires additional materials
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical skin preparation methods (abrasion, gel application) with an electrical solution. The controller delivers optimized pulsed electrical signals that inherently overcome skin impedance through parameter modulation, eliminating the need for mechanical skin modification or additional conductive materials, thereby reducing procedure complexity while maintaining low voltage operation
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-adjustment by measuring skin impedance and automatically modifying its electrical output parameters to achieve effective current delivery. This self-regulating capability eliminates the need for external skin preparation procedures or conductive gels, as the device adapts its stimulation parameters to work effectively through intact skin
3Productivity
If modulated electrical signals with packet modulation are used, then vestibular stimulation efficiency is improved, but the control system becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the electrical stimulation into distinct packets or trains of pulses, where each packet contains multiple pulses with specific timing. The controller manages these segmented packets with modulation of inter-packet intervals, creating a structured delivery pattern that enhances vestibular stimulation efficiency while keeping the control logic organized and manageable through clear temporal structure
4Adaptability or versatility
If fixed frequency stimulation is used, then the system is simpler to operate, but it cannot induce specific brain rhythms or optimize vestibular response
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic frequency modulation where the controller adjusts the inter-packet interval to achieve target stimulus frequencies. The system can vary the frequency of stimulation packets to match specific brain rhythms or optimize vestibular responses, transforming a static stimulation approach into a dynamic, adaptive system that responds to therapeutic requirements while maintaining automated control
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
This approach enables efficient and comfortable delivery of neurostimulation, potentially improving diagnostic and therapeutic outcomes by modulating the electrical signal based on target stimulus frequencies to induce brain rhythms and enhance caloric vestibular stimulation.
Implementation Method 1
delivering a modulated electrical signal including a plurality of spaced-apart packets of electrical pulses to a patient
Implementation Method 2
In order to overcome the electrical impedance of the skin, the skin may be abraded, a conductive gel may be used, and/or a higher voltage may be used to provide the desired electrical current
Data Source
AI summary
A method of neurostimulation may include delivering an electrical signal to a plurality of electrodes connected to a patient. The electrical signal may include a plurality of spaced-apart packets of electrical pulses. The method may include modulating at least one of a quantity of the plurality of electrical pulses within ones of the plurality of packets of electrical pulses, a width in time of the plurality of electrical pulses within ones of the plurality of packets of electrical pulses, an amplitude in voltage of the plurality of electrical pulses within ones of the plurality of packets of electrical pulses, a separation in time between adjacent ones of the plurality of electrical pulses within ones of the plurality of packets of electrical pulses, and a separation in time between adjacent ones of the plurality of packets of electrical pulses to modulate the electrical signal.