Wearable Neurostimulation Patch for Acupuncture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current acupuncture methods are not practical for long-term use as they interfere with normal clothing and pose hazards, and do not allow for controlled, intermittent, or periodic stimulation over extended durations, limiting their effectiveness in chronic treatment of disorders such as depression, anxiety, and pain management.
Innovation Solution
A compact, autonomous device capable of providing chronic and continuous stimulation to acupuncture points, with automatic control over stimulation parameters like duty cycle, intensity, waveform, and frequency, featuring a thin design with an electrode and circuit board that can operate for days without operator intervention, integrated into a small, adhesive, and waterproof system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If acupuncture needles are left in place for long-term stimulation, then continuous therapy is provided, but the needles interfere with normal clothing and pose injury hazards
Solution Approach 1:
The device segments the acupuncture needle function from the stimulation delivery mechanism. The needle is inserted once for long-term placement, while a separate wireless stimulator delivers controlled electrical impulses through the needle over days or weeks, eliminating the need to leave exposed needles in place while maintaining continuous therapy capability
Solution Approach 2:
A wireless electrical stimulator acts as an intermediary between the practitioner and the retained acupuncture needle. The stimulator delivers controlled electrical signals through the needle without requiring continuous practitioner presence or exposure of the needle, thereby enabling long-term therapy while minimizing hazards
2Ease of operation
If electrical stimulation is applied through wired connection, then controlled stimulation is achieved, but the device requires wired connection and operator intervention
Solution Approach 1:
The wireless stimulator is pre-programmed with treatment protocols and operates autonomously once applied to the patient. It self-regulates stimulation parameters including pulse width, frequency, and intensity according to preset patterns, eliminating the need for continuous operator intervention or wired connections while maintaining controlled stimulation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces wired mechanical connections with wireless electromagnetic communication. The stimulator transmits control signals and data wirelessly, eliminating physical wires and reducing device complexity while maintaining precise control over stimulation parameters
3Duration of action of stationary object
If acupuncture is applied chronically and continuously, then treatment outcomes improve, but the device must be small and fully autonomous
Solution Approach 1:
The wireless stimulator is designed as a compact, wearable device that can be nested or attached to the patient's body near the acupuncture site. The device integrates power, control, and stimulation delivery in a small form factor that patients can wear continuously for days or weeks without burden, enabling chronic therapy while maintaining portability and autonomy
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 long-term, controlled, and localized acupuncture therapy without the need for continuous practitioner intervention, improving treatment outcomes for various disorders by providing sustained and adjustable stimulation.
Implementation Method 1
an electrode operatively connected to the energy circuit and arranged and configured to provide electrical or magnetic stimulation to tissue
Implementation Method 2
an electromagnetic coil operatively connected to the energy circuit and arranged and configured to provide magnetic stimulation to sub-dermal tissue
Data Source
AI summary
Various systems and methods related to the design and manufacturing of wearable patches for long-term, controlled stimulation of highly-localized regions on the skin of a wearer, including for the practice of acupuncture, are disclosed and claimed.