Wrist Nerve Stimulator With Adaptive Electrode Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Designing a device to treat tremors is challenging due to variations in wrist diameters, nerve locations, and nerve depolarization characteristics across a broad population, and tremors vary in frequency and occurrence, necessitating a customizable and responsive therapy.
Innovation Solution
A system with a circumferential band supporting electrodes positioned at specific angles to target median, radial, or ulnar nerves, incorporating a pulse generator, motion sensors, and a controller for real-time adjustment of electrical stimulation patterns based on tremor characteristics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed electrode configuration is used, then device complexity is reduced, but the ability to accommodate varying wrist sizes and nerve locations deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements adjustable electrode positioning mechanisms that allow the electrode array to be dynamically reconfigured along the circumferential band. The electrodes can be positioned at different angular locations (e.g., 0-360 degrees) around the wrist to accommodate varying nerve locations and wrist sizes, transforming a static configuration into a dynamic, adaptable system.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrode array is segmented into multiple independently positionable electrodes distributed around the circumferential band. Each electrode can be independently adjusted to target specific nerves (median, radial, ulnar), allowing flexible configuration without requiring a completely different device for each patient anatomy.
2Reliability
If real-time tremor monitoring and adjustment is implemented, then treatment efficacy is improved, but device complexity and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates motion sensors (accelerometers, gyroscopes) that continuously monitor wrist and hand motion to detect tremor characteristics. This feedback information is processed by a controller that adjusts stimulation parameters in real-time, creating a closed-loop system that adapts to changing tremor conditions and maintains optimal treatment efficacy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements periodic or intermittent stimulation rather than continuous stimulation. The pulse generator delivers electrical stimuli in controlled patterns (e.g., burst patterns, duty cycle modulation) that can be adjusted based on tremor detection, reducing overall power consumption while maintaining treatment effectiveness during active tremor episodes.
3Reliability
If high current stimulation is used, then tremor reduction effectiveness is improved, but risk of muscle contraction and discomfort increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs advanced pulse generation techniques that modulate multiple parameters including pulse width, frequency, amplitude, and duty cycle. By optimizing these parameters, the system can achieve effective nerve stimulation for tremor reduction while staying below thresholds that cause uncomfortable muscle contractions or skin irritation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses intermittent or burst-patterned stimulation rather than continuous high-current delivery. Electrical stimuli are delivered in controlled sequences with appropriate rest intervals, allowing the nervous system to process the input without causing sustained muscle contraction or discomfort, while still achieving effective tremor suppression during active use.
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 tremors by precisely targeting nerves with customizable stimulation, accommodating varying anatomies and tremor variability, enhancing treatment efficacy and power efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The rechargeable battery can be inductively charged by a charging system that is external to the device.
Data Source
AI summary
A peripheral nerve stimulator can be used to stimulate a peripheral nerve to treat essential tremor, Parkinsonian tremor, and other forms of tremor. The stimulator may be inductively charged in certain aspects. The stimulation device can be configured to be worn on the wrist of a user.