Ancillary Device for tDCS Electrode pH Neutralization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) devices can cause skin burns due to pH deviation at the electrode-skin interface, resulting from oxidation/reduction reactions that acidify or basify the patch layer.

Innovation Solution

An ancillary device with a reverse current supplier and controller to neutralize electrodes, a pH measurer to monitor and control pH levels, and an electrolyte supplier to maintain electrolyte concentration, preventing skin burns by managing the pH and electrolyte levels at the electrode interface.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a patch layer containing electrolyte is used to transfer current in tDCS device, then current transfer efficiency is improved, but pH deviation occurs at the electrode-skin interface causing skin burns

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecurrent transfer efficiencyVSAvoidskin burns

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies reverse current to neutralize the pH deviation caused by oxidation/reduction reactions. The harmful acidification/basification effect is converted into a beneficial neutralization process by supplying reverse current that produces opposite chemical reactions, restoring the pH to a safe range and preventing skin burns.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent monitors pH index and electrolyte concentration as key parameters, and adjusts the system by supplying reverse current when pH deviates from the threshold range and by supplying electrolyte when concentration falls below the threshold, thereby maintaining safe operating conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Object-affected harmful factors

If reverse current is supplied to neutralize the electrode, then skin burns are prevented, but additional energy consumption occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveskin burnsVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a controller that receives pH index information and electrolyte concentration information from sensors, and automatically activates the reverse current supplier or electrolyte supplier only when parameters exceed threshold ranges. This feedback-based control ensures energy is consumed only when necessary to prevent skin burns, avoiding continuous energy waste.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Object-affected harmful factors

If pH index is continuously monitored and reverse current is supplied when exceeding threshold range, then skin safety is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveskin safetyVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs self-monitoring and self-correction through integrated pH sensors, concentration sensors, and a controller that automatically activates reverse current or electrolyte supply when threshold ranges are exceeded. This self-service capability maintains skin safety without requiring external intervention or complex manual monitoring systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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

Prevents skin burns by maintaining the pH and electrolyte concentration within safe ranges, ensuring effective and safe electrical stimulation.

Implementation Method 1

an oxidation/reduction reaction may occur on an interface between the patch layer and the electrode layer. The oxidation/reduction reaction gradually acidifies or basifies the patch layer

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOxidation/reduction reaction: Redox Reactions

Implementation Method 2

a reverse current supplier that contacts the at least one electrode of the electrical stimulation device, and a controller that controls the reverse current supplier such that a reverse current is supplied to the at least one electrode to neutralize the at least one electrode

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectReverse current: Electrolysis

Implementation Method 3

a pH measurer that measures a pH index of the at least one electrode

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectpH measurement:

Implementation Method 4

an electrolyte supplier that contacts the at least one electrode, and the controller may control the electrolyte supplier such that the electrolyte is supplied to the at least one electrode

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrolyte conduction: Electrolyte

Data Source

PatentUS9901735B1Ancillary device for electrical stimulation device and electrical stimulation device

Publication Date: 2018.02.27 Y BRAIN

AI summary

Provided are an ancillary device for an electrical stimulation device and an electrical stimulation device. The ancillary device is usable for an electrical stimulation device including at least one electrode that contacts the head of a user to apply a current to the head of a user, and includes a reverse current supplier that contacts the at least one electrode of the electrical stimulation device, and a controller that controls the reverse current supplier such that a reverse current is supplied to the at least one electrode to neutralize the at least one electrode.