Rotatable Electrode Assemblies for Targeted Neuro-Stimulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current bioelectrical systems that apply electrical waveforms to the human nervous system are limited in their ability to specifically target and stimulate the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems, particularly for applications related to the pancreas and its beta cells, which are crucial for glucose homeostasis and insulin production.
Innovation Solution
A portable apparatus comprising an integrated circuit board generating physiologically compatible electromagnetic waveforms, a battery, and electrode assemblies with rotatable housings and pads for selective application of positive and negative electrical waveforms to the vagus and celiac schema of the sympathetic nervous system, allowing for targeted electro-neurologic stimulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If electrical waveforms are applied to the human nervous system using existing bioelectrical systems, then some level of neural stimulation is achieved, but the ability to specifically target and stimulate the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into separate positive and negative electrode assemblies, each capable of independent application to different body locations. This segmentation allows selective stimulation of specific neural pathways (sympathetic vs. parasympathetic) while maintaining the ability to target multiple anatomical regions simultaneously
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces rotational capability (90-degree rotation) to the electrode assemblies, adding a dimensional aspect to the application process. This enables the electrodes to be oriented at different angles relative to the skin surface, providing additional degrees of freedom for targeting specific nerve bundles and improving spatial precision of neural stimulation
2Ease of operation
If a fixed electrode assembly design is used, then manufacturing and operation are simplified, but the ability to adapt to different application locations and orientations is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode assemblies incorporate rotational joints that allow dynamic repositioning and reorientation during application. The ability to rotate the assembly 90 degrees enables the operator to adapt the electrode orientation to match the anatomical contours and nerve orientations at different body locations, enhancing application flexibility without requiring multiple specialized devices
3Reliability
If electrical stimulation is applied to improve glucose homeostasis and insulin production, then pancreatic beta cell function may be enhanced, but the system becomes highly specialized for a specific medical application
Solution Approach 1:
While the device is optimized for pancreatic neuro-endocrine stimulation, the modular electrode assembly design with rotational capability allows the same hardware platform to potentially address other neurologic conditions. The system can be applied to various autonomic nerve distributions beyond the pancreatic region, providing a universal platform for autonomic nervous system modulation
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
Enables effective electro-physiologic stimulation of neural pathways associated with the pancreas, potentially improving glucose homeostasis and insulin production by applying specific electrical waveforms to the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems.
Implementation Method 1
an integrated circuit (IC) board or chip producing a sequence of physiologically compatible and acceptable electromagnetic waveforms
Implementation Method 2
a positive electrode treatment pad in electrical communication with said positive output of said waveforms
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for the electro-physiologic stimulation of the human nervous system includes a positive electrical assembly having an integrated circuit (IC) producing a sequence of physiologically compatible and acceptable electromagnetic waveforms, the IC having ungrounded positive and negative outputs of the waveforms, a battery substantially in electrical communication with the IC board, a positive treatment pad at a bottom of the positive assembly in electrical communication with the positive output of the waveforms. An upper and middle housing is in swivel contact with a lower housing. Also included is a flexible housing for the electrical cable. Further included is a negative assembly in electrical communication with an opposite end of the cable, carrying the negative side of the waveforms, a negative treatment pad in axial electrical communication with a bottom of a housing secured about the cable.