Transcutaneous Vibration Control for Adaptive Autonomic Modulation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods lack effective ways to modulate and balance the sympathetic and parasympathetic branches of the autonomic nervous system to achieve specific health states or conditions, such as calmness, focus, or performance, especially in a dynamic and personalized manner.

Innovation Solution

A system and method using transcutaneous vibratory outputs with variable parameters like pitch and intensity, generated by a processor in response to user input and physiological data, to stimulate the autonomic nervous system and help users achieve and maintain target states, incorporating calibration and adaptive protocols to prevent habituation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If transcutaneous vibratory stimulation is applied to modulate the autonomic nervous system, then the ability to achieve specific health states (calmness, focus, performance) is improved, but the complexity of the system increases due to multiple transducers and coordinated control

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to achieve specific health statesVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system divides the stimulation task across multiple transducers (first transducer on wrist, second transducer on neck) that can be independently controlled to deliver different vibration patterns. This segmentation allows the system to target different anatomical locations and neural pathways simultaneously, enhancing the ability to achieve specific health states while managing overall system complexity through modular design

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The coordinated control system serves multiple functions: it manages individual transducer operations, synchronizes vibration patterns between transducers, processes physiological data, and adapts stimulation parameters in real-time. This multi-functionality consolidates what could be separate complex systems into a single integrated platform that achieves diverse health outcomes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Duration of action of stationary object

If the transcutaneous vibratory output is applied continuously to maintain the target state, then the duration of action is improved, but the subject may experience habituation reducing effectiveness

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveduration of target state maintenanceVSAvoideffectiveness of stimulation

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system employs periodic modulation of vibration parameters including amplitude, frequency, and pattern variations. By systematically changing stimulation characteristics over time rather than maintaining constant output, the system prevents neural adaptation and habituation while sustaining the desired autonomic nervous system effects throughout the treatment duration

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The control system dynamically adjusts transducer operation based on real-time physiological feedback and pre-programmed protocols. Parameters such as vibration intensity, frequency, and activation patterns are continuously modified to maintain effectiveness throughout the treatment session, preventing the subject from habituating to a static stimulation pattern

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 system effectively assists users in reaching and maintaining desired neural or emotional states by dynamically adjusting vibratory outputs based on real-time data, improving balance between sympathetic and parasympathetic activity and reducing negative effects of treatments or conditions.

Implementation Method 1

a transducer is caused to generate a first transcutaneous vibratory output comprising a first perceived pitch, a first perceived beat, and a perceived intensity

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVibration: Vibration

Data Source

PatentUS20220362508A1Systems and methods of transcutaneous vibration to synergize with or augment a treatment modality

Publication Date: 2022.11.17 APOLLO NEUROSCIENCE INC

AI summary

Systems and methods disclosed herein relate to augmenting a treatment modality. A method of providing stimulation therapy to a user may include generating transcutaneous vibratory output comprising one or more variable parameters, subjecting the user, in conjunction with the transcutaneous vibratory output, to a treatment modality, wherein the one or more variable parameters of the transcutaneous vibratory output comprise at least one of a perceived pitch, a perceived beat, a perceived intensity, an envelope, or a base tone, and at least one of selecting or modifying the one or more variable parameters of the transcutaneous vibratory output to augment the treatment modality.