Wearable Pinna Neural Stimulator With Closed-Loop Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current neural stimulation technologies lack effective methods for modulating sensory nerve fibers in the ear to address various physiological and brain-related disorders, such as depression and epilepsy, with limited options for non-invasive and wearable solutions that can be controlled by real-time physiological feedback.
Innovation Solution
A neural stimulation system comprising a wearable device with a neural signal sensor, a stimulator, and control circuitry that delivers vibratory or electrical stimuli to the pinna, responsive to sensed neural signals, to modulate sensory nerve activity, and a personal computing device that controls the stimulation based on analyzed signals to provide tailored treatment regimens.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional neural stimulation methods are used, then neural modulation can be achieved, but the methods are invasive or require hospital-based equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical/electrical stimulation systems with a vibratory mechanical stimulation device that can be worn on the ear. The vibratory stimulator uses mechanical vibration to activate sensory nerve fibers in the pinna, substituting complex hospital-based electrical stimulation equipment with a simple wearable mechanical device that delivers effective neural modulation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If real-time physiological feedback control is implemented, then treatment can be tailored to individual needs, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates physiological sensors that detect real-time biological signals (such as heart rate, skin conductance, or brain activity) and use this feedback to automatically adjust the vibratory stimulation parameters. This closed-loop feedback system enables personalized treatment adaptation without requiring complex manual intervention or overly complicated device architecture.
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 system effectively activates sensory nerve fibers in the ear, offering a non-invasive, wearable solution for treating brain-related disorders by delivering targeted neural stimuli based on real-time physiological feedback, improving symptoms of depression, epilepsy, and other conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a neural signal sensor adapted to sense a neural signal from a subject, the neural signal indicative of a physiological status of the subject
Implementation Method 2
a vibratory mechanical stimulator adapted to produce a vibratory stimulus of sufficient frequency and amplitude to modulate the activity of at least one mechanoreceptor with a receptive field on at least a portion of a pinna of a subject
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and related methods for delivering a stimulus to a pinna of a subject with a stimulator worn on the pinna are described. A wearable stimulation device includes a mechanical, electrical, or other type of stimulator secured to a pinna of a subject. The stimulation device may be used to deliver a stimulus that modulates activity of sensory nerve fiber innervating the pinna. Stimulation may be delivered in response to a sensed neural signal indicative of a physiological status of the subject, and/or in response to sensed environmental parameters. Stimulation may be delivered in combination with other stimuli or experiences. In an aspect, a stimulator communicates with and/or is controlled by a personal computing device.