Wearable Pinna Neurostimulator with pH Buffering for High-Intensity Stimulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing transdermal electrical stimulation (TES) systems for the pinna are not optimal due to limitations in targeting cranial and cervical spinal nerves, discomfort during stimulation, and inability to deliver high peak intensities effectively, leading to suboptimal cognitive and non-cognitive effects.
Innovation Solution
The development of wearable neurostimulator apparatuses configured to deliver transdermal electrical stimulation to the pinna, utilizing electrodes with conductive form factors that fit comfortably and provide uniform stimulation, along with control circuitry and power supplies for effective waveform delivery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If transdermal electrical stimulation is applied to the pinna, then cognitive effects such as attention and alertness are enhanced, but skin discomfort and irritation occur that limit stimulation intensity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces pH buffering agents as intermediary substances between the electrical stimulation source and the skin. These buffering agents neutralize acid buildup during charge-imbalanced waveform stimulation, allowing higher intensity stimulation to be delivered without causing skin discomfort or irritation. This mediator enables the system to achieve reliable cognitive effects while preventing harmful skin reactions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the chemical parameters of the stimulation interface by applying pH buffering agents to the skin or electrode. This parameter change allows the system to tolerate higher current intensities and charge imbalances that would otherwise cause skin discomfort, thereby enabling more effective cognitive stimulation while maintaining skin comfort.
2Reliability
If charge-imbalanced waveforms are used for stimulation, then cognitive effects are improved, but skin discomfort increases due to acid buildup
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful acid buildup caused by charge-imbalanced waveforms into a beneficial situation by introducing pH buffering agents. These agents neutralize the acid, transforming what would be a harmful side effect into an opportunity to deliver more effective charge-imbalanced waveforms without skin discomfort, thereby improving cognitive effects while eliminating the harm.
3Reliability
If higher peak intensities are delivered, then cognitive effects are enhanced, but skin discomfort and irritation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The pH buffering agent acts as an intermediary that protects the skin during high-intensity stimulation. By neutralizing acid buildup, it allows the system to deliver higher peak intensities that produce enhanced cognitive effects while preventing the skin discomfort that would normally limit stimulation intensity.
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
These systems enable comfortable and effective transdermal electrical stimulation of the pinna, allowing for higher peak intensities and improved cognitive effects, such as enhanced attention, alertness, and relaxation, while minimizing discomfort and skin irritation.
Implementation Method 1
a first electrode comprising a core conductive layer covered by a conductive polymer layer
Data Source
AI summary
Transdermal electrical stimulation (TES) applicators that are wearable and configured to attached to a subject's pinna (ear) and adapted to apply TES to modulate the subject's cognitive and/or physiological state. These apparatuses may be configured so that they can be worn against the ear (e.g., the cymba of the ear) to deliver TES. Also described herein are methods of using them to modulate a subject's cognitive state. These TES applicators may also be adapted to function as audio headphones for concurrent delivery of TES and audible signals (e.g., music).