Wearable Tremor Device with Dissipating Stimulus Area
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for managing tremors associated with neurological disorders, such as Parkinson's disease, are either invasive, costly, or ineffective in providing long-term support, with pharmacological treatments having side effects and surgical procedures leading to adverse conditions, while existing assistive devices are bulky and inefficient in controlling tremors.
Innovation Solution
A wearable device equipped with sensors to detect tremors and provide electrical stimulation, coupled with a dissipating portion to increase the effective area of stimulus application, along with a docking station and device integration application for monitoring and managing tremors non-invasively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If pharmacological products are used to treat tremors, then tremor symptoms are temporarily relieved, but side effects such as sleepiness, poor concentration, muscle weakness, physical dependence and withdrawal symptoms occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces pharmacological treatment with a mechanical/electrical stimulation system. The wearable device uses electrical stimulators to deliver controlled electrical pulses to specific muscles, substituting chemical intervention with physical stimulation to achieve tremor suppression without drug-related side effects
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces electrical stimulation as an intermediary mechanism between the control system and the muscle tissue. Instead of drugs acting directly on the nervous system, electrical signals serve as mediators to trigger controlled muscle contractions that counteract tremors
2Reliability
If surgical procedures such as deep brain stimulation are performed, then tremor control effectiveness is improved, but adverse conditions such as cognitive changes, psychiatric changes, behavioral changes, dysarthria and balance problems occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the tremor control function from invasive surgical procedures and relocates it to a wearable external device. By removing the need for implanted electrodes and brain surgery, the system achieves effective tremor control while eliminating the risk of cognitive, psychiatric, and behavioral side effects associated with deep brain stimulation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces invasive surgical intervention with non-invasive electrical stimulation delivered through a wearable device. This substitution eliminates the need for permanent implants and surgical procedures while maintaining effective tremor suppression through controlled electrical pulses
3Reliability
If robotic exoskeletons based on impedance, biomechanical loading, self-balancing or counter-balancing techniques are used, then tremor suppression is achieved, but the devices are extremely bulky and fail to control tremors completely
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential tremor suppression function from bulky robotic exoskeletons and implements it in a compact wearable form factor. By focusing solely on electrical muscle stimulation rather than full robotic support, the system achieves effective tremor control in a minimal, wearable device
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical exoskeleton structures with a streamlined electrical stimulation system. Instead of using impedance control, biomechanical loading, or counter-balancing mechanisms, the system uses direct electrical pulses to control muscle activity, dramatically reducing device complexity and bulk
4Reliability
If existing assistive devices are used, then some tremor control is provided, but the devices fail to monitor, manage and track tremors, thereby not providing long-term support
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms through sensors that continuously monitor tremor activity and device performance. This feedback enables real-time adjustment of stimulation parameters and provides data for long-term tracking and management of tremor progression, eliminating the information loss present in existing devices
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a multi-functional device that combines tremor suppression, tremor monitoring, data tracking, and long-term management capabilities in a single system. This universal approach replaces multiple separate functions with an integrated solution that provides comprehensive support
5Reliability
If Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) is used to treat tremors, then peripheral nerves are stimulated to reduce tremor, but wide variation in wrist diameters, nerve locations, nerve depolarization characteristics, and skin conduction creates great challenge
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adaptation through sensors that detect individual user characteristics such as wrist diameter, nerve location, and skin conduction properties. The system automatically adjusts stimulation parameters in real-time based on detected variations, transforming a static TENS approach into a dynamic, adaptive system that accommodates user diversity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs parameter changes by automatically modifying stimulation intensity, frequency, and electrode placement based on detected user characteristics. This allows the system to optimize electrical stimulation parameters for each individual's unique anatomy and physiology, overcoming the challenges of wide variation in user parameters
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 controls tremors by electronic muscle stimulation, improving quality of life and social participation for individuals with neurological conditions, offering a non-pharmacological and non-invasive solution that is comfortable and requires minimal setup, with the device integration application providing personalized treatment and health monitoring.
Implementation Method 1
a sensor that is configured to detect a tremor and transmit corresponding sensor data to at least one stimulating element
Implementation Method 2
the at least one stimulating element that is configured to provide an electrical stimulus based on the sensor data
Implementation Method 3
a dissipating portion that is configured to increase an effective area for dissipating the electrical stimulus to the body part
Data Source
AI summary
A wearable device is disclosed for managing tremors emanating from a body part of a user. The wearable device comprises a sensor that is configured to detect the tremor and transmit corresponding sensor data to at least one stimulating element, wherein the at least one stimulating element is configured to provide an electrical stimulus based on the sensor data. A dissipating portion of the wearable device is configured to increase an effective area for dissipating the electrical stimulus to the body. The dissipating portion is physically coupled with at least one stimulating element. The wearable device, when in operation, is in physical contact with body part of the user wherefrom the tremors emanate. The wearable device is stored in a docking station when not in operation. There is also disclosed a device integration application comprising software application to be executed by data processing arrangement of device.