Wearable Tremor Control System Using Multi-Modal Energy Application
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current treatments for tremors, such as deep brain stimulation and pharmacological interventions, often have side effects like speech or balance problems and are not entirely effective in managing involuntary muscle contractions, which can be disabling and embarrassing.
Innovation Solution
A wearable tremor control system featuring a wearable interface with an energy applicator that applies multiple types of energy, including mechanical and electrical stimulation, to the affected limb, using sensors to detect tremors and adjust the energy application based on real-time data to reduce muscle contraction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If deep brain stimulation is used to treat tremors, then tremor control is improved, but speech and balance problems occur as side effects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the tremor treatment function from the brain (deep brain stimulation) and relocates it to the peripheral limb (wrist or ankle). The wearable device applies vibration and compression directly to the limb to control tremors, eliminating the need for brain stimulation and its associated speech and balance side effects.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces the wrist or ankle as an intermediary device between the brain and the tremoring limb. By applying vibration and compression at this intermediate location, the system controls tremors without directly stimulating the brain, thus avoiding the harmful side effects of deep brain stimulation.
2Reliability
If pharmacological interventions are used to treat tremors, then muscle contraction is reduced, but side effects and limited effectiveness occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces pharmacological (chemical) intervention with mechanical intervention. The wearable device uses vibration and compression mechanisms to directly physically counteract tremors, eliminating the need for medications and their associated side effects while providing more targeted and controllable treatment.
3Reliability
If traditional tremor treatments are used, then treatment effectiveness is achieved, but device complexity and lack of discretion occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into a single wearable device: vibration generation, compression application, tremor detection via sensors, and wireless communication. This integrated multi-functional design provides effective tremor treatment while maintaining a compact, discreet form factor that can be worn on the wrist or ankle.
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 reduces tremor activity by applying targeted energy, minimizing side effects and providing a more discreet and efficient treatment option compared to traditional methods.
Implementation Method 1
a vibration element configured to generate a mechanical vibration capable of at least partially dampening shaking of the limb of the subject
Implementation Method 2
a compression element configured to apply a compression force to the limb of the subject
Implementation Method 3
a sensor carried by the wearable interface and configured to output a signal related to motion of the limb
Data Source
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AI summary
A system for treatment of involuntary muscle contraction includes a wearable interface having an internal contact surface, the wearable interface configured to at least partially encircle a first portion of a limb of a subject, and an energy applicator carried by the wearable interface and configured to apply energy of two or more types to the limb of the subject. The system may further comprise a control unit configured to control the operation of the energy applicator.