Wearable Neuromodulator Hydrogel Electrodes for Wire-Free Stimulation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing neuromodulation systems lack miniaturized, comfortable, and easy-to-use devices that provide effective transdermal electric stimulation without cumbersome wires, and often require user adjustments for intensity and duration.
Innovation Solution
Development of lightweight, flexible, and self-contained wearable neuromodulators with automated operation, featuring a limited number of uses, that deliver a predetermined waveform without user controls, using adhesive hydrogel electrodes and low-power circuitry enclosed in a fabric cover.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If existing neuromodulation systems are used, then therapeutic effects can be achieved, but the devices are cumbersome with wires and require user adjustments
Solution Approach 1:
The wearable neuromodulator automatically delivers a predetermined waveform without requiring user adjustments for intensity or duration. The device self-regulates the stimulation parameters, eliminating the need for user controls and making the device truly plug-and-play while maintaining therapeutic effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention removes the cumbersome wires and external power sources from the system by integrating a compact battery and control circuitry directly into the wearable device. This extraction of external components simplifies the user experience while maintaining full functionality.
2Weight of moving object
If miniaturized wearable devices are developed, then comfort and portability are improved, but power consumption and reliability become challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The device employs intermittent stimulation delivery with automated on/off cycling of the predetermined waveform. This periodic action pattern allows the compact battery to suffice while maintaining effective therapeutic stimulation, balancing miniaturization with reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention optimizes electrical stimulation parameters (voltage, current, pulse width, frequency) to achieve effective neuromodulation with minimal power consumption. By carefully selecting and adjusting these parameters, the device maintains reliability despite the limited capacity of the small integrated battery.
3Ease of operation
If automated operation with predetermined waveform is implemented, then ease of use is improved, but adaptability to different users and conditions is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The device is pre-configured with a predetermined waveform and stimulation parameters optimized for general therapeutic effectiveness. This preliminary setup eliminates the need for user adjustments while providing a reliable baseline treatment that can be effectively applied across different users and conditions.
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
Provides reliable neuromodulation effects such as energized states, relaxation, and cognitive enhancement, while being user-friendly and cost-effective, with minimal power consumption and user variability.
Implementation Method 1
a battery; a control circuit in electrical communication with the battery and configured to provide a constant current that changes as a function of time
Implementation Method 2
a control circuit in electrical communication with the battery and configured to provide a constant current that changes as a function of time
Implementation Method 3
Transdermal electric stimulation (hereinafter 'TES') using skin (e.g., scalp) electrodes has been used to affect brain function and nervous system function
Data Source
AI summary
Wearable neuromodulator devices. The devices may include a first electrode and a second electrode on a flexible substrate. A first hydrogel layer may be in electrical communication with the first electrode and a second hydrogel layer may be in electrical communication with the second electrode. A third hydrogel layer may be in electrical communication with the first hydrogel layer. The first hydrogel layer may be separated from the third hydrogel layer by a removable release layer. A circuit interrupt may be removably coupled with control circuitry. The circuit interrupt may be interposed between a battery and the control circuitry so that removing the circuit interrupt powers the control circuitry. The control circuitry may be configured to deliver a first predefined waveform between the first and second electrodes after the circuit interrupt is removed, and a second predefined waveform between the first and second electrodes after the release layer is removed.