tDCS Headset with Pre-Positioned Electrodes for Self-Use
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing transcranial brain stimulation techniques face challenges such as incorrect electrode placement, lack of patient compliance, and the need for physician supervision, leading to impracticality and safety concerns.
Innovation Solution
A headset with electrodes positioned on the left and right forehead, a bracket extending to the neck, and a circuit powered according to a schedule, featuring a memory, controller, and power source for autonomous stimulation, along with a system that includes an electronic device for monitoring and reminding the user.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If electrodes are placed manually by a physician, then electrode placement accuracy is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The headset incorporates a forehead frame with pre-positioned electrodes that automatically align with correct anatomical locations when worn, enabling patients to self-apply the device without physician assistance. The frame structure itself provides the positioning function, eliminating the need for manual placement while maintaining accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrodes are pre-positioned on the forehead frame at locations corresponding to correct anatomical landmarks. This preliminary positioning ensures that when the patient wears the headset, the electrodes are already in the correct locations, eliminating the need for real-time adjustment or manual placement by a physician.
2Reliability
If a physician is present for each therapy session, then patient compliance and safety are improved, but productivity and accessibility worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The headset includes integrated control circuitry, power source, and scheduling functionality that enables patients to independently manage their therapy sessions. The device can be programmed with treatment protocols and automatically delivers stimulation according to prescribed schedules, eliminating the need for physician presence while maintaining compliance through built-in monitoring and reminder systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The headset incorporates monitoring capabilities that track therapy delivery and patient usage patterns. This feedback system ensures that treatments are administered correctly and can alert patients or physicians if compliance issues arise, maintaining reliability without requiring continuous physician supervision.
3Stability of the object's composition
If fabric headwear is used to hold electrodes, then electrode stability is improved, but comfort and portability worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The headset separates the electrode positioning function from the securing function. The forehead frame provides rigid structural support for precise electrode positioning, while a separate adjustable strap system provides securing without requiring heavy fabric headwear. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces heavy fabric headwear with a lightweight structural forehead frame made of rigid or semi-rigid material that maintains its shape and provides stable electrode positioning through its geometric structure rather than relying on fabric tension or bulk.
4Ease of operation
If electrodes can be placed freely, then ease of operation is improved, but safety and current direction control worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The forehead frame is designed with asymmetric electrode positioning where the left and right electrodes are placed at specific asymmetric locations corresponding to correct anatomical landmarks. This asymmetric design ensures that when the frame is worn correctly, current flows in the intended direction, preventing reversal while still allowing easy patient application.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrodes are pre-positioned on the forehead frame at locations that inherently prevent incorrect placement. The frame structure guides the electrodes to correct anatomical positions, ensuring proper current direction before the patient even wears the device, thus eliminating the risk of current reversal while maintaining ease of use.
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 accurate electrode placement, improves patient compliance, reduces physician involvement, and provides safe, convenient, and portable transcranial brain stimulation.
Implementation Method 1
During electrical transcranial brain stimulation, the potential of neuronal cells are influenced by an applied electric field. This field influences the neuronal cells under the stimulated area and pushes them closer or further away from their activation threshold.
Data Source
AI summary
A headset for transcranial brain stimulation including: a forehead frame defining an elongated arch; a first electrode arranged at a first end portion of the forehead frame; a second electrode arranged at a second end portion of the forehead frame; a bracket arranged at a center portion of the forehead frame; and a circuit comprising the first and second electrodes and configured to be powered according to a schedule for performing the transcranial brain stimulation.