ULF Tactile Stimuli Device for Physiological Regulation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for regulating physiological processes such as brain waves, heart rate, blood pressure, and respiratory rate lack effective alternative devices and methods for normalization and relaxation.

Innovation Solution

An ultra-low frequency (ULF) device that generates and applies mechanical stimuli to the skin using electro-mechanical actuators, with sensors monitoring physiological properties to control the stimuli, thereby modulating cardiovascular and cardio-pulmonary functions through communication with microprocessors.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If ultra-low frequency mechanical stimuli are applied to regulate physiological processes, then physiological normalization and relaxation are achieved, but device complexity increases due to integration of sensors and electro-mechanical actuators

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvephysiological process regulationVSAvoiddevice structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The device integrates multiple functions into a single system: electro-mechanical actuators generate ULF stimuli while sensors simultaneously monitor physiological parameters, creating a multi-functional apparatus that regulates various physiological processes (heart rate, brain waves, respiratory rate) through one unified device structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The controller receives real-time physiological data from sensors and automatically adjusts the actuator operation accordingly, creating a closed-loop feedback system that maintains physiological normalization without requiring manual intervention or complex external monitoring equipment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Reliability

If variable-intensity stimuli are delivered to engage skin sensory receptors, then physiological regulation effectiveness is improved, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestimuli effectivenessVSAvoidactuator energy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The actuator operates with variable intensity rather than fixed amplitude, allowing the device to deliver only the necessary stimulus strength required to engage skin sensory receptors and regulate physiological processes, thereby optimizing energy consumption while maintaining effectiveness

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The controller dynamically adjusts stimulus parameters (frequency, amplitude, duration) based on real-time physiological feedback from sensors, enabling the system to deliver effective stimuli while minimizing energy consumption by adapting parameters to actual physiological needs rather than using constant high-intensity output

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If non-vibratory tactile stimuli are used for physiological regulation, then physiological processes are normalized, but the ability to consciously perceive stimuli is reduced compared to vibratory stimuli

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvephysiological normalizationVSAvoiduser perception

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The device delivers stimuli at ultra-low frequencies (below typical vibration thresholds) that are optimized for physiological regulation rather than human perception, using parameter ranges that effectively engage skin sensory receptors for physiological normalization while operating in a frequency range that is less consciously noticeable

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 ULF device effectively normalizes cardiovascular and cardio-pulmonary functions by delivering ultra-low frequency tactile stimuli, engaging skin sensory receptors to influence the nervous system, promoting relaxation, reducing stress, and regulating various physiological processes.

Implementation Method 1

at least one electro-mechanical actuator provided along first surface and configured to generate and apply the mechanical stimuli to the skin

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectro-mechanical conversion:

Data Source

PatentUS10974019B2System for delivering ultra-low frequency (ULF), variable-intensity, non-vibratory tactile stimuli for regulating physiological processes, and modulating mental states

Publication Date: 2021.04.13 PULSEWEAR LLC

AI summary

Ultra-low frequency (ULF) tactile stimuli, generated by an electro-mechanical actuator, have a spectrum of biological effects. These frequencies are herewith defined as 2 Hz or lower and may comprise stimulus frequencies as low as 0.1 Hz, or one cycle per ten seconds. The ULF generator can be paired with at least one sensor that is configured to monitor a physiological property of the user. A controller is in communication with the at least one electro-mechanical actuator and the at least one sensor and is configured to control operation of the at least one electro-mechanical actuator, in at least a first operating mode, based on measurements of the at least one sensor.