Vestibular Sound Stimulation With Dynamic Frequency for Motion Sickness

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional vestibular stimulation technologies do not clarify the optimal timing for applying sound stimulus to alleviate motion sickness, and existing methods may be insufficient when the likelihood of motion stimulus is unpredictable.

Innovation Solution

A vestibular function improvement device that generates sound stimuli with varying frequencies over time, allowing for dynamic adjustment during motion sickness induction.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If sound stimulus is applied before motion stimulus, then motion sickness prevention effect is improved, but the device cannot provide relief when motion stimulus is unpredictable or already occurring

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemotion sickness prevention effectivenessVSAvoidapplicability timing flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from a static sound stimulus frequency to a dynamic frequency that changes over time. The frequency modulation allows the device to adapt to different timing scenarios (before, during, or after motion stimulus), resolving the contradiction between prevention effectiveness and timing flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the frequency parameter of the sound stimulus from a constant value to a time-varying value. This parameter change enables the stimulus to be effective across different temporal contexts, addressing the limitation of fixed timing requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Device complexity

If constant frequency sound stimulus is used, then vestibular activation is simplified, but the effectiveness is limited when motion stimulus timing is uncertain

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestimulus generation simplicityVSAvoidmotion sickness relief effectiveness

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements periodic frequency changes in the sound stimulus, creating a modulated signal that enhances vestibular activation. This periodic variation maintains relative simplicity while significantly improving reliability across different motion stimulus conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

3Device complexity

If sound stimulus frequency is fixed, then the device structure is simpler, but it cannot effectively adapt to varying motion conditions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefrequency control complexityVSAvoidadaptability to motion conditions

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces dynamic frequency adjustment capability, allowing the sound stimulus to adapt to varying motion conditions. This dynamic approach enhances versatility while maintaining manageable device complexity through systematic frequency modulation patterns.

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 device effectively improves vestibular function and alleviates motion sickness, expanding its applicability by providing relief even during motion.

Implementation Method 1

the present inventors have discovered that a low-frequency sound stimulus can influence the vestibular function of the inner ear and have developed a vestibular stimulation device to activate vestibular function using a sound stimulus

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVestibular stimulation by sound:

Data Source

PatentUS20260007850A1Vestibular function improvement device, motion sickness stimulus application system, and program

Publication Date: 2026.01.08 NAT UNIV CORP TOKAI NAT HIGHER EDUCATION & RES SYST

AI summary

A vestibular function improvement device 1 for generating a sound stimulus to improve the vestibular function of the inner ear, wherein the frequency of the sound stimulus changes over time.