Over-Ear Auricular Nerve Stimulation With Integrated Electrodes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional transcutaneous auricular nerve stimulators face issues with user-friendliness, portability, integration with daily activities, lack of concurrent sound delivery, restricted electrode placement, and high cost, which limits their adoption and effectiveness.
Innovation Solution
A portable, over-ear headphone design with integrated electrode assemblies and a stimulation circuit that delivers targeted and adjustable electrical stimulation to multiple auricular nerves, incorporating real-time impedance monitoring and physiological feedback, and optional acoustic transducers for enhanced therapy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional transcutaneous auricular nerve stimulators use separate electrode placement and controlling devices, then stimulation effectiveness can be achieved, but user-friendliness and portability deteriorate due to bulky and cumbersome design
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines separate components (electrode placement mechanism, controlling device, and stimulator) into a single integrated unit. The controlling device is built directly into the stimulator housing, and electrodes are pre-positioned on the ear-contacting surface, eliminating the need for separate placement steps and reducing the number of components the user must handle.
Solution Approach 2:
The stimulator is designed to stimulate multiple auricular nerves simultaneously through a single device placement on the ear. The electrode arrangement can target various nerves including the auriculotemporal, glossopharyngeal, vagus, facial, lesser occipital, and greater auricular nerves, making the device versatile for different therapeutic applications without requiring multiple specialized devices.
2Reliability
If conventional transcutaneous auricular nerve stimulators use separate controlling devices, then stimulation control is achieved, but portability deteriorates due to large size and weight
Solution Approach 1:
The controlling device is integrated directly into the stimulator housing, combining what were previously separate components into a single unit. This integration eliminates the need for additional external controllers, reducing overall device weight and improving portability while maintaining full stimulation control functionality.
3Volume of moving object
If in-ear applications are used for auricular nerve stimulation, then compact design is achieved, but electrode placement flexibility deteriorates due to restricted placement options
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from in-ear canal placement to an on-ear placement design, utilizing the external surface area of the ear. This dimensional change allows electrodes to be positioned on the pinna and surrounding areas, providing access to multiple nerve pathways including the auriculotemporal, glossopharyngeal, vagus, facial, lesser occipital, and greater auricular nerves, thereby significantly increasing placement flexibility while maintaining a compact form factor.
4Reliability
If conventional transcutaneous auricular nerve stimulators are designed as specialized devices, then specific nerve stimulation is achieved, but cost and accessibility deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The stimulator is designed with a multi-functional electrode arrangement that can target multiple auricular nerves simultaneously or selectively. By incorporating electrodes positioned to stimulate the auriculotemporal, glossopharyngeal, vagus, facial, lesser occipital, and greater auricular nerves, the device replaces what would traditionally require multiple specialized devices, thereby reducing overall system cost and improving accessibility.
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 a user-friendly, versatile, and effective auricular nerve stimulation system that enhances therapy adherence, offers targeted nerve stimulation, and integrates sound delivery, while reducing discomfort and cost barriers.
Implementation Method 1
a stimulation circuit electrically coupled to the electrode arrangement and configured to generate electrical stimulation signals to be delivered by the electrode arrangement, wherein the electrical stimulation signals delivered by the electrode arrangement are configured to stimulate nerves in the region of the user's first ear and the user's second ears
Data Source
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AI summary
A device for transcutaneous auricular nerve stimulation, comprising: a first stimulation assembly (1) comprising a first housing configured to be positioned over a user's first ear, a second stimulation assembly (2) comprising a second housing configured to be positioned over a user's second ear, the first and the second housing each comprising an electrode arrangement configured to contact a skin surface in proximity to the user's first and second ear, respectively, a holding structure (3) coupled to the first stimulation assembly (1) and to the second stimulation assembly (2) and configured to be worn on or around the user's head, a stimulation circuit (13) electrically coupled to the electrode arrangement and configured to generate electrical stimulation signals to be delivered by the electrode arrangement, wherein the electrical stimulation signals delivered by the electrode arrangement are configured to stimulate nerves in the region of the user's first ear and the user's second ears, respectively.