Feedback-Controlled Wearable Neural Electrical Stimulation With PPG and EDA

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current neurostimulation devices lack real-time physiological feedback mechanisms, leading to suboptimal treatment outcomes due to fixed stimulation parameters, invasive procedures, and user discomfort, hindering personalized and efficient treatment.

Innovation Solution

A feedback-based neural electrical stimulation system with a wearable device incorporating PPG and EDA sensors, a digital controller, and electrodes for taVNS and tDCS, which adjusts stimulation parameters based on real-time physiological feedback to provide personalized and comfortable treatment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If fixed electrical stimulation parameters are used, then device simplicity is maintained, but treatment effectiveness deteriorates due to inability to adapt to individual physiological needs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetreatment effectivenessVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where physiological signals (heart rate, skin temperature, sweat rate) are continuously monitored and fed back to the control unit, which dynamically adjusts stimulation parameters in real-time to optimize treatment effectiveness for each individual patient

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The stimulation parameters (frequency, duration, intensity) are transformed from fixed to dynamic, allowing the device to adapt automatically to changing physiological states and individual patient responses during the treatment process

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If invasive surgical procedures are used for VNS, then treatment efficacy is improved, but patient risk and inconvenience increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetreatment efficacyVSAvoidpatient risk

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical/invasive surgical implantation method with a non-invasive wearable device that delivers stimulation through the skin using electrodes, eliminating the need for surgical procedures while maintaining treatment efficacy

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary wearable device platform that enables VNS treatment without direct surgical intervention, using skin-mounted electrodes as a mediator to deliver electrical stimulation safely and effectively

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If real-time physiological feedback is added, then treatment personalization is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetreatment personalizationVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates multiple functions (physiological sensing, signal processing, stimulation control, and data tracking) into a single unified wearable device, allowing the system to personalize treatment while managing complexity through multi-functionality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Reliability

If traditional neurostimulation devices are used, then treatment can be provided, but user comfort and convenience deteriorate due to bulky design and complex operation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetreatment provisionVSAvoiduser comfort

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the device into modular functional components (sensing module, control unit, stimulation module, power source) that can be independently optimized and assembled, enabling a more compact and comfortable wearable design without compromising treatment capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 personalized and efficient neuromodulation by dynamically adjusting stimulation parameters, improving treatment efficacy and user comfort, and facilitating seamless integration into daily life.

Implementation Method 1

a photoplethysmography (PPG) sensor for measuring PPG signals

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotoplethysmography: Photoelectric Effect

Implementation Method 2

an electrodermal activity (EDA) sensor for measuring EDA signals

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrodermal activity: Conduction (electrical)

Implementation Method 3

an electrical stimulator, for providing electrical stimulation to the user

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical stimulation: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentUS20250276175A1Feedback-based neural electrical stimulation system

Publication Date: 2025.09.04 NAT CHENG KUNG UNIV

AI summary

The present disclosure provides a feedback-based neural electrical stimulation system including a wearable feedback-based neural electrical stimulation device. The feedback-based neural electrical stimulation device includes: a sensing module, for measuring physiological feedback signals from a user, including a photoplethysmography (PPG) sensor and an electrodermal activity (EDA) sensor; an electrical stimulator, for providing electrical stimulation to the user, including a tragus electrode and a concentric electrode; and a digital controller electrically connected to both the sensing module and the electrical stimulator, for receiving the physiological feedback signals from the sensing module and outputting electrical stimulation control signals to the electrical stimulator so as to control the electrical stimulation.