Tremor Simulator Device for Parkinson's Dopamine Therapy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current treatments for Parkinson's disease and Essential Tremors, such as L-dopa, are limited in effectiveness and often accompanied by side effects, and existing simulation devices are not cost-effective or suitable for therapeutic retraining of neurons.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a waveform generator, electric driver, actuator, cuff, and control system that simulates hand tremors and monitors dopamine levels to optimize therapy, using a waveform that varies in amplitude and frequency to enhance dopamine release and neuronal synchronization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If L-dopa medicine is used to boost dopamine activity, then the effectiveness of treating Parkinson's disease is improved, but side effects such as sleeplessness occur and effectiveness diminishes after 20-30 years
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces chemical treatment (L-dopa medicine) with a physical stimulation system. An actuator delivers controlled mechanical vibrations to the hand, which are transmitted through bones to stimulate dopamine release in the substantia nigra. This physical stimulation mechanism substitutes the chemical mechanism, avoiding side effects while maintaining treatment effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the treatment parameter from chemical concentration (dopamine levels via L-dopa) to physical stimulation parameters (vibration frequency and amplitude). The waveform generator produces variable frequency waveforms that are converted to mechanical vibrations, allowing dynamic adjustment of stimulation intensity to optimize dopamine release without chemical side effects.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If stem cells are introduced into the mature brain to differentiate into neurons, then long-term treatment potential is improved, but the cells die within one to two weeks unless integrated into local neural wiring
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by providing mechanical vibration stimulation before and during the critical period of stem cell integration. The actuator delivers vibrations that promote neuronal differentiation and facilitate wiring integration into local neural circuits, ensuring stem cell survival beyond the typical one to two week mortality period.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by monitoring dopamine levels and using this information to adjust the vibration waveform parameters. The control system modifies the waveform generator output based on dopamine level feedback, optimizing stimulation to enhance stem cell integration and survival while tracking treatment effectiveness.
3Adaptability or versatility
If existing simulation devices are used to simulate hand tremors, then tremor simulation capability is provided, but the devices are not cost-effective or suitable for therapeutic retraining of neurons
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a multi-functional device that combines tremor simulation with therapeutic retraining capabilities. The actuator not only simulates Parkinsonian tremors for diagnostic purposes but also delivers therapeutic vibrations to stimulate dopamine release and promote stem cell integration, eliminating the need for separate expensive simulation and treatment devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables self-service therapy where patients can perform repetitive hand-eye coordinated tasks while receiving vibration stimulation. The system provides real-time feedback and automatic waveform adjustment, allowing patients to actively participate in their own treatment without requiring constant professional supervision, reducing overall treatment costs.
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 device effectively simulates tremors, enhances dopamine levels during therapy, and aids in the integration of stem cells into neural circuits, potentially improving treatment outcomes for Parkinson's and Essential Tremors while providing a cost-effective solution.
Implementation Method 1
an actuator comprising a connection point, wherein said actuator is connected to said electric driver, wherein said actuator is operable to receive as an input said drive signal, and wherein said actuator is operable to displace said connection point along an axis in response to said drive signal
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for simulating hand tremors caused by Essential Tremor and Parkinson's disease which may also be used as part of a therapeutic program in association with surgically implanted stem cells introduced into a patient's substantia nigra.