Wearable Bilateral Stimulation Device Using Ducted Fans

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing bilateral stimulation devices for reducing stress and anxiety, such as EMDR therapy, often require manual intervention and may not be suitable for individuals with disabilities or fatigue, and lack variability in stimulation profiles, which can limit their effectiveness.

Innovation Solution

The development of 'whispers' devices that use ducted fans to create cutaneous stimulation through pressure differentials and airflow, providing adjustable and gentle stimulation profiles, and include wireless communication and rechargeable batteries, allowing for automated and customizable bilateral stimulation without manual intervention.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If manual bilateral stimulation is used in EMDR therapy, then the therapy can be effectively administered, but therapist fatigue and strain on the upper body occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetherapy effectivenessVSAvoidtherapist fatigue

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the manual mechanical finger-movement system with an automated device that generates bilateral stimulation through electronic means. The device uses a handle with indicators that automatically move back and forth, eliminating the need for therapist finger movement while maintaining the therapeutic effect of bilateral stimulation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The device enables self-administration of bilateral stimulation through the client's own hand movements. The client holds the handle and their natural hand oscillations provide the bilateral stimulation, making the system self-sufficient and eliminating therapist physical involvement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If eye movement is used for bilateral stimulation, then effective therapy is achieved, but clients with visual impairments or dizziness cannot benefit

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetherapy effectivenessVSAvoidaccessibility for disabled clients

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The device provides multiple modes of bilateral stimulation including visual (through indicators), tactile (through handle contact), and kinesthetic (through hand movement). This multi-functionality allows clients with visual impairments, dizziness, or other limitations to access the therapy through their preferred sensory modality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The device allows modification of stimulation parameters such as movement speed, amplitude, and type (visual vs tactile) to accommodate different client needs and abilities, making the therapy adaptable to various physical conditions and preferences.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If therapists manually guide eye movements, then bilateral stimulation is provided, but strain on the therapist's shoulder occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebilateral stimulation deliveryVSAvoidtherapist physical strain

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the therapist's manual finger-guiding mechanical system with an automated device that generates bilateral stimulation through electronic means. The device uses a handle with indicators that automatically move back and forth, eliminating the need for therapist finger movement while maintaining the therapeutic effect of bilateral stimulation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Stability of the object's composition

If standardized bilateral stimulation is applied, then therapy protocol is maintained, but variability in stimulation profiles is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotocol consistencyVSAvoidstimulation profile variability

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The device incorporates adjustable parameters that allow dynamic modification of stimulation characteristics including speed, amplitude, and type of stimulation. This enables the same device to deliver both standardized protocols and customized stimulation profiles based on individual client needs and therapeutic progress.

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

Enables effective bilateral stimulation for stress reduction and anxiety management, accommodating various user needs and preferences, while reducing therapist fatigue and improving accessibility for individuals with disabilities.

Implementation Method 1

employ a ducted fan to create a pressure differential that induces airflow perceived as cutaneous stimulation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure differential: Pressure Gradient

Implementation Method 2

create a pressure differential that induces airflow perceived as cutaneous stimulation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAirflow: Convection

Data Source

PatentUS20230364376A1Apparatus for administering bilateral indirect cutaneous and visual stimulation to a human subject (whispers)

Publication Date: 2023.11.16 GEORGIANNA SIBYLLE M

AI summary

This invention generally provides two cutaneous and visual stimulation modules, or “units”. One unit is worn by a person on each wrist. Alternatively, a unit is secured to other parts of the body on opposite sides. Each unit is powered by a rechargeable battery, and contains both a cutaneous stimulation applicator, such as an electric ducted fan, and/or an analog visual stimulation applicator, such as a light/dark windowed roller. Each pair of units will synchronize with the other. Each unit includes at least one control button and a status indicator. Each unit contains a micro-controller that performs tasks such as communication, motor activation, user monitoring and control, battery monitoring, low-power sleep, and algorithm execution.