Electrical Stimulation Control for Charge Dissipation at Skin Electrodes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Continuous electrical stimulation to the vestibular organ or cerebral cortex can cause skin inflammation due to charge accumulation between electrodes and skin, particularly in applications like VR games or tDCS where stimulation is prolonged.
Innovation Solution
An electrical stimulation apparatus with electrodes, an output circuit, and a control circuit that applies a current less than or equal to the user's perception threshold at predetermined timings to dissipate charge and reduce inflammation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If electrical stimulation is continuously provided to the vestibular organ or cerebral cortex for a long time, then the stimulation duration is extended, but charge concentrates between the skin and electrodes causing skin inflammation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic interruption of continuous electrical stimulation by introducing pause intervals during which no current is applied to the electrodes. This periodic action allows charge to dissipate between stimulation sessions, preventing charge accumulation that causes skin inflammation while still enabling extended overall stimulation duration through repeated cycles
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies a preliminary current pulse before the main stimulation current to discharge accumulated charge between the electrodes and skin. This preliminary action prepares the electrode-skin interface by removing excess charge, preventing the concentration of charge that would otherwise lead to skin inflammation during prolonged stimulation
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
Reduces skin inflammation by applying a current below the perception threshold at specific times, allowing prolonged electrical stimulation without inflammation.
Implementation Method 1
The output circuit applies a current to the plurality of electrodes. The control circuit controls the current to be applied to the plurality of electrodes by the output circuit.
Implementation Method 2
research and development for evoking an acceleration sensation in a pseudo manner by providing electrical stimulation to a vestibular organ (also simply referred to as the vestibule) of the inner ear have been conducted
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides an electrical stimulation apparatus, a control system, and a control method that can reduce inflammation caused by the application of a current to a plurality of electrodes adhered to skin. An electrical stimulation apparatus according to the present disclosure is an electrical stimulation apparatus that provides electrical stimulation to a human body. The electrical stimulation apparatus includes a plurality of electrodes to be adhered to skin of a user and configured to provide electrical stimulation, an output circuit configured to apply a current to the plurality of electrodes, and a control circuit configured to control the current to be applied to the plurality of electrodes by the output circuit. The control circuit is configured to apply a current that is less than or equal to a perception threshold of the user to the plurality of electrodes at a predetermined timing.