Wearable Bone Conduction Actuator for Sinus Resonance Therapy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing treatments for rhinosinusitis and sinus-related symptoms are not effective in alleviating pain and inflammation, and there is a need for improved therapies that can be easily administered.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that apply predetermined sounds at an approximated resonant frequency to the paranasal sinuses using a wearable device with an actuator, which is configured to be worn around the sinuses and delivers sound through bone conduction technology.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional treatments (medications, saline washes, surgery) are used to treat rhinosinusitis, then inflammation reduction and bacterial load reduction are achieved, but the treatments are complex, require medical intervention, and have limited effectiveness in pain alleviation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex medical treatment systems (medications, surgery, saline washes) with a simple acoustic field application system. The wearable device generates sound waves at specific frequencies that resonate with sinus structures, using acoustic energy instead of chemical or mechanical intervention to reduce inflammation and alleviate pain.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the parameter of sound frequency to match the resonant frequencies of sinus structures. By tuning the acoustic frequency to specific values (e.g., 176 Hz for maxillary sinuses), the treatment achieves maximum therapeutic effect with minimal energy input, simplifying the treatment while improving reliability.
2Ease of operation
If humming or vibrations are applied to reduce sinus symptoms, then nitric oxide levels are reduced and symptoms improve, but the method lacks precision in frequency control and target localization
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms to measure and adjust the acoustic frequency in real-time. Sensors detect the resonant response of sinus structures, and the control system adjusts the frequency to maintain optimal therapeutic conditions, ensuring precise frequency control while keeping the device easy to operate.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamic frequency adjustment where the acoustic frequency is not fixed but adapts based on individual patient anatomy and real-time sinus response. The system can sweep through a range of frequencies to identify the optimal resonant frequency for each patient, combining ease of operation with measurement precision.
3Ease of manufacture
If bone conduction technology is used to deliver sound to the cochlea, then hearing aid performance is improved, but the application for sinus therapy lacks targeted delivery to specific sinus cavities
Solution Approach 1:
The wearable device is segmented into multiple acoustic transducers positioned to target specific sinus cavities independently. Each transducer can be controlled to deliver acoustic energy to specific regions (frontal, maxillary, ethmoid sinuses), providing targeted therapy while maintaining device simplicity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies different acoustic frequencies and intensities to different sinus regions based on their specific anatomical characteristics and pathological conditions. The wearable device incorporates localized acoustic sources that can be independently controlled to match the resonant properties of each sinus cavity, achieving target specificity without complicating the overall device architecture.
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 system effectively alleviates sinus-related symptoms by applying resonant frequencies that reduce inflammation and alleviate pain, providing a non-invasive and user-friendly treatment option.
Implementation Method 1
apply predetermined sounds (at an approximated resonant frequency) to paranasal sinuses
Implementation Method 2
Bone conduction uses the natural vibrations of a person's bones-such as skull, jaw and cheek bones—to hear sound
Data Source
AI summary
A system, method and device for providing sound-based therapies to a user. The system, method, and device employ an initial measurement about a user (either or both distances on said user's head or recorded sound), a determination of a resonant frequency, and a wearable actuator affixed on said user's person with the ability to provide a unique resonant frequency to the user. The aspects disclosed herein may also incorporate microphones to optimize and monitor the treatment.