tDCS Hydrogel Patch Reuse via pH Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) apparatus using disposable hydrogel patches incurs high operating costs and contributes to environmental pollution due to the pH imbalance and tissue damage caused by hydrolysis of water in the hydrogel patches during electrical stimulation.
Innovation Solution
A tDCS apparatus with a control unit that manages power supply to stimulation electrodes with hydrogel patches, allowing for reuse by controlling the duration of power application and idle time to recover the hydrogel patch's usability, preventing prolonged pH imbalance and tissue damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If disposable hydrogel patches are used for tDCS, then skin tissue damage is prevented, but operating costs increase and environmental pollution occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a recovery system where used hydrogel patches are collected, neutralized to restore pH balance, and reused after verification. The control unit tracks patch usage and manages the recovery process, transforming a disposable system into a reusable one that reduces waste while maintaining safety
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful pH imbalance caused by water hydrolysis during electrical stimulation into a manageable parameter. By monitoring pH levels and implementing neutralization protocols, the system transforms a potentially damaging effect into a controlled process that enables patch reuse
2Loss of substance
If hydrogel patches are reused without control, then operating costs decrease, but pH imbalance causes tissue damage
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit continuously monitors pH levels, usage duration, and electrical stimulation parameters to determine when patches require neutralization or replacement. This feedback mechanism ensures patches are reused only when safe, preventing tissue damage while maximizing reuse potential
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary neutralization treatment on used patches before they are reused. By pre-treating patches to restore pH balance and verify safety conditions, the system ensures that subsequent reuse will not cause tissue damage
3Reliability
If continuous electrical stimulation is applied, then stimulation effectiveness is maintained, but water hydrolysis increases causing pH imbalance
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit implements periodic interruption of electrical stimulation to allow pH recovery in the hydrogel patch. By cycling between stimulation and rest periods, the system maintains therapeutic effectiveness while preventing excessive water hydrolysis and pH imbalance
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
The solution enables the reuse of hydrogel patches, reducing operating costs and environmental impact by maintaining patch usability and preventing skin tissue damage, while maintaining effective electrical stimulation.
Implementation Method 1
a power-supply unit to supply power for electrical stimulation corresponding to a control signal received from the control unit
Implementation Method 2
energy corresponding to a current applied to the living body may hydrolyze water (H2O) included in the hydrogel, and polarization may occur in an electromagnetic field formed by the current
Data Source
AI summary
A transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) apparatus includes a stimulation unit, a control unit, and an input/output (I/O) unit. The stimulation unit includes a power-supply unit to supply power for electrical stimulation corresponding to a control signal received from the control unit, and a plurality of stimulation electrodes, each of which has a hydrogel patch, to provide electrical stimulation to a living body upon receiving the power from the power-supply unit. The control unit is configured to control an on/off function of the power-supply unit such that the power-supply unit is turned on or off according to the amount of power applied to the stimulation electrodes and a time period during which the power is supplied or not supplied.