Multiple Vibrational Assemblies for Deep, Broad Nerve Stimulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current non-invasive neuromodulation techniques face limitations such as the need for precise nerve targeting, limited working depth, and unpleasant side effects like skin irritation, which restrict their widespread use for therapeutic treatments.
Innovation Solution
The use of multi-focal vibratory stimulation systems that include a plurality of vibratory stimulator assemblies, each with adjustable parameters like cadence, frequency, and amplitude, to stimulate both sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems, offering greater depth and area of treatment with reduced precision requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If electrical stimulation is used for non-invasive neuromodulation, then nerve stimulation can be achieved, but precise targeting is required and working depth is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies mechanical vibration through vibratory stimulator assemblies to stimulate nerves and tissues. The vibratory stimulation propagates through tissue with less attenuation compared to electrical fields, enabling deeper working depth while maintaining effective stimulation. Multiple vibratory assemblies can be positioned at different locations to achieve both depth and targeted effect without the precision constraints of electrical stimulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system divides the stimulation function into multiple independent vibratory stimulator assemblies, each capable of being positioned at different locations on the body. This segmentation allows simultaneous stimulation of multiple nerves or tissue areas, providing both depth penetration and effective targeting through distributed placement rather than requiring single-point precision.
2Reliability
If electrical stimulation is used for therapeutic treatment, then nerve stimulation is achieved, but skin irritation and unpleasant sensations occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electrical stimulation with mechanical vibration as the stimulation modality. Mechanical vibratory stimulation delivers therapeutic effects through tissue vibration without the skin irritation, burning, or unpleasant sensations associated with electrical current. The mechanical energy is converted to tissue vibration that propagates through the body to stimulate nerves and modulate physiological functions.
3Length of stationary object
If transcranial stimulation with larger working depth is used, then larger brain areas are stimulated, but expensive capital equipment is required and clinical environment access is needed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs relatively simple, inexpensive vibratory stimulator assemblies that can be used outside clinical environments. Unlike expensive TMS or ECT equipment, these vibratory devices are portable, affordable, and suitable for home use. The devices deliver sufficient working depth and treatment area through mechanical vibration without requiring complex capital equipment or specialized clinical facilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The vibratory stimulator assemblies are designed with multi-functionality, capable of stimulating multiple nerves and tissue types through different placement locations and vibration parameters. A single device type can address various conditions by targeting different anatomical areas, replacing the need for multiple specialized equipment systems required by TMS or ECT.
4Measurement precision
If electrical stimulation targets a single nerve, then precise treatment is achieved, but treatment area is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses multiple independent vibratory stimulator assemblies that can be positioned at different locations to stimulate multiple nerves or tissue areas simultaneously. Each assembly provides focused stimulation at its placement point, while the collective arrangement achieves broad treatment coverage, resolving the trade-off between precision and treatment area.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple vibratory stimulator assemblies into a coordinated system where each assembly contributes to the overall treatment. By merging the output of multiple assemblies targeting different areas, the system achieves both precise local stimulation and broad comprehensive treatment coverage that neither single-point electrical stimulation nor diffuse field methods can provide alone.
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
Vibratory stimulation provides effective therapeutic treatment with fewer side effects, allowing for at-home use and targeting multiple tissues with improved efficacy compared to electrical stimulation.
Implementation Method 1
each at least partially contained in a housing and configured to generate vibration by mechanical oscillation
Implementation Method 2
configured to generate vibration by mechanical oscillation and/or using a sound wave
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to systems and methods for therapeutic nerve stimulation, particularly systems based on vibratory stimulation. Vibratory stimulation offers multiple advantages over other minimally or non-invasive neuromodulation techniques. In some aspects, the disclosure provides minimally invasive neuromodulation devices that can deliver stimulation when placed on the skin, as well as configurations that utilize percutaneous structures that extend into the body below the surface of the skin to transfer vibrational energy into the body.