Wearable Device Dissipating Portion for Neurological Symptom Relief
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Solution Overview
Problem
Individuals with neurological conditions such as Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, or spinal cord injuries face difficulties in movement due to symptoms like freeze of gait, stiffness, and tremors, which current treatments like medication and deep brain stimulation are complex and costly, necessitating a non-pharmacological and non-invasive approach.
Innovation Solution
A wearable device providing mechanical stimuli, such as vibrations or pressure, with a dissipating portion to increase the effective area of the stimulus, allowing for a pulsed mechanical output that can be applied to the skin, potentially alleviating symptoms like freeze of gait, stiffness, and tremors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of moving object
If a mechanical stimulus is applied through direct contact with the stimulating element, then the stimulus intensity is concentrated, but the effective area of application is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The device segments the stimulus delivery function by separating the stimulating element (which generates the mechanical stimulus) from the dissipating portion (which spreads the stimulus). This segmentation allows the stimulus to be generated at a concentrated point and then distributed across a larger area, resolving the contradiction between stimulus concentration and application area.
Solution Approach 2:
The dissipating portion acts as an intermediary between the stimulating element and the user's skin. It receives the mechanical stimulus from the stimulating element and distributes it across a larger surface area, enabling both concentrated stimulus generation and widespread application without requiring the stimulating element itself to be large.
2Area of moving object
If multiple stimulating elements are used to cover a larger surface area, then the effective area increases, but the device complexity and power requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of multiple stimulating elements into a single stimulating element combined with a dissipating portion. Instead of using multiple independent stimulating elements to cover a large area, one stimulating element generates the mechanical stimulus and the dissipating portion spreads it across the desired surface area, reducing device complexity and power requirements while achieving the same effective coverage.
3Reliability
If a continuous mechanical stimulus is applied, then the therapeutic effect is maintained, but the power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device employs periodic or pulsed mechanical stimuli instead of continuous stimulation. The controller is configured to deliver mechanical stimuli at specific intervals or in pulse patterns, which maintains therapeutic effectiveness while significantly reducing power consumption compared to continuous operation. This periodic action allows the system to achieve reliable therapeutic effects with lower energy expenditure.
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 wearable device effectively reduces symptoms by providing a tactile cue that aids in movement coordination, improving task completion and potentially offering up to 32% improvement in neuron activation and movement coordination without the need for active focus on the stimulus.
Implementation Method 1
a dissipating portion configured to increase an effective area of a mechanical stimulus provided by the at least one stimulating element
Implementation Method 2
Applying a mechanical stimulus (for example, a vibration, a pressure or change in pressure, a rolling motion, a tap or other impact etc.)
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosed is a wearable device for modulating a sensory dysfunction or relieving from a physical symptom associated with a neurological condition or disease, such as Parkinson's disease or multiple sclerosis. The wearable device comprises at least one stimulating element configured to provide at least one mechanical stimulus to a user. The wearable device further comprises a dissipating portion configured to increase an effective area of a mechanical stimulus provided by the at least one stimulating element. The dissipating portion is coupled with the at least one stimulating element, for example by an adhesive. The wearable device is configured to provide a direct contact with (or placed against) a body part of a user, for example sternum.