WO2021263098A1 - Stimulation vibrotactile - Google Patents

Stimulation vibrotactile Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2021263098A1
WO2021263098A1 PCT/US2021/039078 US2021039078W WO2021263098A1 WO 2021263098 A1 WO2021263098 A1 WO 2021263098A1 US 2021039078 W US2021039078 W US 2021039078W WO 2021263098 A1 WO2021263098 A1 WO 2021263098A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
ear
vibration motor
user
stimulus
earpiece
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US2021/039078
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
John Trotter
Ray Scott Wakeland
Original Assignee
Bose Corporation
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Bose Corporation filed Critical Bose Corporation
Publication of WO2021263098A1 publication Critical patent/WO2021263098A1/fr

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    • A61H23/00—Percussion or vibration massage, e.g. using supersonic vibration; Suction-vibration massage; Massage with moving diaphragms
    • A61H23/02—Percussion or vibration massage, e.g. using supersonic vibration; Suction-vibration massage; Massage with moving diaphragms with electric or magnetic drive
    • A61H23/0245—Percussion or vibration massage, e.g. using supersonic vibration; Suction-vibration massage; Massage with moving diaphragms with electric or magnetic drive with ultrasonic transducers, e.g. piezoelectric
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    • A61M2021/0022—Other devices or methods to cause a change in the state of consciousness; Devices for producing or ending sleep by mechanical, optical, or acoustical means, e.g. for hypnosis by the use of a particular sense, or stimulus by the tactile sense, e.g. vibrations
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Definitions

  • This disclosure relates to vibrotactile stimulation, and, more particularly, to vibrotactile stimulation of the auricular branch of the vagus nerve, e,g., for treatment of tinnitus or insomnia.
  • a device for the application of vibrotactile stimulus to an auricular branch of a vagus nerve includes a vibration motor for the application of the vibrotactile stimulus and control electronics by which the application of the vibrotactile stimulus can be controlled.
  • the vibration motor is arranged to sit at least partially within a users concha or ear canal when the device is used.
  • implementations may include one of the following features, or any combination thereof.
  • the vibration motor is selected from the group consisting of: an eccentric rotating mass (ERM) motor, a linear resonant actuator (LRA), a piezoelectric motor, and a haptic engine.
  • the device includes an ear tip formed of a compliant material and the vibration motor is supported within the ear tip.
  • the compliant material Is selected from the group consisting of: silicone, polyurethane, polynorbornene, thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), fluoroeiastomer, and combinations thereof.
  • the audio content includes a noise signal engineered to treat a user’s tinnitus.
  • the noise signal includes a random or pseudo random noise signal with a notch at a tinnitus percept frequency of the user.
  • the random or pseudo random noise signal includes white noise.
  • control electronics are disposed within the earbud.
  • the positioning and retaining structure includes an outer leg and an inner leg, which are joined together at a point that is arranged to rest within a user’s cymba concha during use, and wherein the outer leg is curved to generally follow the curve of the anti-helix at the rear of the concha of the user’s ear.
  • Implementations may include one of the above and/or below features, or any combination thereof.
  • the body is configured to contact at least one of the outer ear and the head proximate the intersection of the head and the outer ear along most of a length of the body,
  • the body has a tree distal end that is configured to be located near a lower end of the helix of the ear and the body is configured to contact at least one of the outer ear and the head proximate the intersection of the head both proximate an upper end of the helix and proximate the free distal end of the body.
  • the vibration motor is arranged to overlie, and apply the vibration stimulus to, a user’s cymba concha when the device is worn.
  • the deice includes a protrusion that extends outwardly from an inner face of the module and is arranged to extend into a user’s cymba concha when the device is worn.
  • the vibration motor is supported in or coupled to the protrusion so as to vibrate the protrusion.
  • FIG. 1 A is a front view of an example earpiece that may be used for vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) therapy.
  • VNS vagus nerve stimulation
  • FIG. 1 B is a rear view of the example earpiece of FIG. 1 A.
  • FIG. 1 C is a side view of the earpiece of FIG. 1 A.
  • FIG. 1 D is an exploded front view of the earpiece of FIG. 1 A.
  • FIG. 1 E is an exploded rear view of the earpiece of FIG. 1 A.
  • FIG. 2 is a schematic view of a VNS system including the earpiece of FIG. 1 A.
  • FIG. 3 is a schematic view of an electronics module from the VNS system of FIG.
  • FIG. 4 is an example view of another example earpiece that may be used for VNS therapy.
  • FIG. 5 is a view of the lateral surface of the human ear.
  • FIG. 6A is an exploded perspective view of another exemplary earpiece that may be used for vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) therapy.
  • VNS vagus nerve stimulation
  • FIG. 6B is a rear view of the earpiece of FIG. 6A.
  • FIG. 7A is a front view of another example earpiece that may be used for VNS therapy.
  • FIG. 7B is a side view of the earpiece of FIG. 7A.
  • FIG. 7C is an exploded front view of the earpiece of FIG. 7A.
  • FIGS. 7D & 7E are end views of the earpiece of FIG. 7A illustrating quadrupole motion of an ear tip.
  • FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional side view of an alternative earpiece that may be used for VNS therapy.
  • FIG. 9 illustrates another example configuration of an earpiece that may be used for VNS therapy.
  • FIGS. 10A-10G are perspective, front, rear, left side, right side, top, and bottom views, respectively, of an open audio device designed for the right ear.
  • FIG. 11 is a side view of the open audio device of FIGS. 10A-10G mounted on a user’s right ear.
  • FIGS. 12A-12E are perspective, rear, left side, right side, and top views, respectively, of an open audio device with a protrusion for applying vibrotactiie stimulation to a user ’ s cymba concha and designed for the right ear.
  • Vagus nerve stimulation is a treatment that often involves delivering stimulus (e.g., electrical impulses) to the vagus nerve. It has been used as a treatment for depression, pain, insomnia, and tinnitus, in some cases, metal electrodes are placed in contact with a surface on a person's ear and current is deiivered to the electrodes to administer the therapy.
  • stimulus e.g., electrical impulses
  • the present disclosure relates to an earpiece capable of delivering a therapeutic vibrotactile stimulation to a users vagus nerve via the user's ear.
  • the present disclosure is based, at least in part, on the realization that it may be desirable to provide a vibrotactile stimulus to the user’s ear (e.g., via the ear canal or cimba concha) to stimulate the user ’ s vagus nerve in order to provide treatment for tinnitus, pain, insomnia, or other conditions.
  • the vibrotactile stimulation may be provided alone or in combination with an audio stimulus, e.g., for treatment of tinnitus.
  • an exemplary earpiece 100 tor delivering VNS therapy includes an earbud 102 and an ear tip 104.
  • the earbud 102 includes a rigid housing 106 that defines a protrusion 107 in the form of a nozzle 108 which supports a pair of electrodes 110.
  • the housing 106 may be formed of, e.g., molded from, a hard plastic such as Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS),
  • Wiring 112 extends into the housing 106 and couples to the electrodes 110 for providing an electrical current to the electrodes 110.
  • an electro-acoustic transducer 114 (FIG. 1 D) may be supported in the housing 106.
  • the electro-acoustic transducer 114 may be acoustically coupled to an acoustic passage in the nozzle 108 such that the electro-acoustic transducer 114 can be acoustically coupled to a users ear canal when the earpiece is worn.
  • the electroacoustic transducer 114 can be used to deliver audio content, e.g., entertainment audio, such as music, or therapeutic audio such as guided meditation or guided breathing.
  • audio content e.g., entertainment audio, such as music, or therapeutic audio such as guided meditation or guided breathing.
  • a VNS treatment, applied via the electrodes 110, is coordinated with guided breathing audio, such as described in U.S. Patent Application Serial No.
  • Suitable materials for the ear tip 104 include soft flexible materials such as silicone, polyurethane, polynorbornene (e.g., Norsorex® material available from D-NOV GmbH of Vienna, Austria), thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), and/or fluoroelastomer.
  • soft flexible materials such as silicone, polyurethane, polynorbornene (e.g., Norsorex® material available from D-NOV GmbH of Vienna, Austria), thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), and/or fluoroelastomer.
  • the vibration motor 117 may be housed or suspended in the material that forms the ear tip 104. In some cases, the ear tip 104 may be formed around the vibration motor in an insert molding process.
  • the vibration motor 117 may be arranged adjacent the hollow passage 116.
  • the vibration motor 117 may be electrically connected to electrical contact pads 119 arranged along an inner surface of the hollow passage 116.
  • the electrical contact pads 119 are arranged to overlie and electrically couple to the electrodes 110 on the earbud 102 for delivering power to the vibration motor 117.
  • the vibration motor 117 is electrically connected to the electrical contact pads 119 via electrical traces 121 (e.g., metal wires or conductive leads suspended in the material forming the ear tip 104.
  • the vibration motor 117 is arranged to deliver vibrotactile stimulation to user, e.g., to the auricular branch of fhe user’s vagus nerve, when worn.
  • the vibration motor 117 may be arranged to deliver stimulation to dorsal and/or ventral surfaces of the ear canal.
  • the vibration motor 117 may be selected from fhe group consisting of: an eccentric rotating mass (ERM) motor, a piezoelectric motor, and a haptic motor engine such as the “taptic engine” found in various Apple products.
  • ERM motors generally include an electric motor that drives a driveshaft, and an unbalanced mass supported on the driveshaft. If an ERM motor is selected, the ERM motor may be arranged such that the axis of rotation of the driveshaft is parallel to or coaxial with a central axis of the users ear canal when the earpiece 100 is worn.
  • the positioning and retaining structure 118 may be formed of, e.g., molded from a compliant material such as silicone, polyurethane, thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), and/or fluoroelastomer.
  • a compliant material such as silicone, polyurethane, thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), and/or fluoroelastomer.
  • FIGS. 1 A through 1 E show retaining legs 120, 122 as one embodiment of the retaining structure 118, this disclosure is not limited to such a configuration. Any type of retaining structure is contemplated.
  • the retaining structure may include only a single leg.
  • the distal end of the Inner leg may be joined to the outer leg at some point other than at the distal end of the outer leg.
  • the retaining structure can be omitted altogether.
  • the earpiece 100 may be incorporated into a vagus nerve stimulation (VMS) system 200.
  • the system 200 includes the earpiece 100 and an electronics module 202, which Is coupled to the earpiece 100 via the wiring 112.
  • the electronics module 202 houses the electronics for powering the earpiece 100.
  • the electronics module 202 includes the programming tor providing a current waveform, e.g., a simple sinewave, e.g., a 300 Hz slnewave, to the vibration motor 117, e.g., via the electrodes 110, for VNS treatment.
  • a current waveform e.g., a simple sinewave, e.g., a 300 Hz slnewave
  • the electronics module 202 may also include a user interface, e.g., hardware buttons or a graphical user interface, to all the user or a clinician to adjust settings.
  • a user interface e.g., hardware buttons or a graphical user interface
  • an exemplary electronics module 202 includes a processor 300, a memory 302, a display 304, a user input interface 306, and a network interface 308, among other components.
  • the electronics module 202 may also be provided with a mass storage device 310, such as a hard drive, a micro-drive, or other device, to provide additional storage.
  • Each of the processor 300, the memory 302, the display 304, and the network interface 308 are interconnected using various buses, and several of the components may be mounted on a common motherboard or in other manners as appropriate.
  • the processor 300 can execute instructions (e.g., software) within the electronics module 202, including instructions stored in the memory 302 or in a secondary storage device (e.g., mass storage device 310).
  • the processor 300 may be implemented as a chipset of chips that include separate and multiple analog and digital processors.
  • the processor 300 may provide, for example, for coordination of other components of the electronics module 202, such as control of user interfaces, applications run by the electronics module 202, and network communication by the electronics module 202.
  • the processor 300 may communication with a user through the display 304 and the user input interface 306.
  • the processor 300 may communicate with the user through a display interface 312 coupled to the display 304.
  • the display 304 may include an LCD monitor, or a touch sensitive display (e.g., in the case of a mobile device).
  • the display interface 312 may comprise appropriate circuitry for driving the display 304 to preset graphical and other information to the user.
  • the user input interface 306 may include one or more user input devices such as a keyboard, a pointer device such as a mouse, and/or a touch sensitive display. In some cases, the same device (e.g., a touch sensitive display) may be utilized to provide the functions of the display 304 and the user input interface 306.
  • the user input interface 308 may be used, for example, to receive input from the user that can be used to identify a frequency of the tinnitus (i.e., the tinnitus percept) experienced by the user. For example, the system may play tones to user and receive input from the user to identify the tone or tones that most closely match the tinnitus percept of the user.
  • the memory 302 stores information within the electronics module 202.
  • the memory 302 is a volatile memory unit or units.
  • the memory 302 is a non-volatile memory unit or units.
  • the memory 302 may also be another form of computer-readable medium, such as magnetic or optical disk.
  • the mass storage device 310 can provide mass storage for the electronics module 202.
  • the mass storage device 310 may be or contain a computer readable medium, such as a floppy disk device, a hard disk device, an optical disk device, or a tape device, a flash memory or other similar solid-state memory device, or an array of devices.
  • Instructions can be stored in an information carrier.
  • the instructions when executed by one or more processing devices (e.g., the processor 300), perform one or more processes, such as generating current waveforms for VNS therapy and/or generating audio, in some cases, the generated audio may Include an audio signal that consists of broadband noise with a notch at the frequency [the percept frequency) at which the user perceives tinnitus.
  • the audio may also include test tones that are used to diagnose/identify the user’s tinnitus percept frequency.
  • the instructions can also be stored by one or more storage devices such as computer- or machine- readable mediums (for example, the memory 302, the storage device 310, or memory in the processor 300).
  • one or more components of the electronics module may be housed within the earbud or ear tip.
  • FIG. 4 illustrates a further configuration of the earpiece 100 in which the vibration motor 117 is arranged in the positioning and retaining structure 118.
  • the vibration motor 117 is arranged to provide vibrotactiie stimulation to a cymba concha (FIG. 5) of a user’s ear.
  • the retaining structure 118 may be formed, e.g., molded, around the vibration motor 117. Wiring may be run through the outer and/or inner legs 120, 122 and may terminate at electrical contact pads on an inner surface of the positioning and retaining structure 118 which may overlie and establish electrical contact with electrodes on the surface of the earbud 102.
  • the vibration motor 117 may be selected from the group consisting of: an eccentric rotating mass (ERM) motor, a linear resonant actuator (LRA), a piezoelectric motor, and a haptic engine.
  • the underlying mechanism of an LRA resembles a speaker producing sound, in that an electrical current is used to create opposing forces between a voice coil and a magnet structure.
  • the voice coil is rigidly attached to the housing while the magnet structure, which is connected to the housing through a spring, acts as a reaction mass.
  • the voice coil is driven with an oscillating voltage near the resonant frequency of the mass-spring system, the housing vibrates with a perceptible force along a linear motion axis and produces a vibration.
  • FIG. 5 shows an external portion of a human (left) ear, also known as the outer ear, with some features identified.
  • the outer ear is the portion of the ear that can be seen by casual inspection. It consists ot the pinna (what we generally call the 'ear'), which is attached to a bowl-shaped structure called the concha. The concha ends at the ear canal.
  • the concha ends at the ear canal.
  • Some ears have additional features that are not shown in FIG. 5. Some ears lack some of the features that are shown in FIG. 5. Some features may be more or less prominent than are shown In FIG. 5.
  • the ear tip and the positioning and retaining structure may alternatively be integrally formed, e.g., in a single molding operation.
  • the vibration motor(s) may be disposed in other locations, such as in the earbud.
  • the vibration motor may be arranged to rest at least partially within a user’s concha when worn.
  • the vibration motor is arranged to rest partially within the users concha and partially within the user’s ear canal when worn.
  • the vibration motor may be arranged to sit entirely within a user’s concha cavum, when worn.
  • another exemplary earpiece 600 for delivering VNS therapy includes an earbud 602 and an ear tip 604.
  • the earbud 602 includes a rigid housing 606 that carries a vibration motor 608 and an electro-acoustic transducer 610.
  • the vibration motor may be supported on or extend through an outer surface of the housing 606, i.e., such that the vibration motor 608 directly contacts the ear tip 604.
  • the vibration motor 608 may be enclosed within the housing 606, such that the vibrotactile stimulus is transmitted from the motor 608 to the housing 606, and, then, from the housing 606 to and through the ear tip 604 to the user’s concha cavum.
  • the vibration motor 608 may be selected from the group consisting of: an eccentric rotating mass (ERM) motor, a linear resonant actuator (LRA), a piezoelectric motor, and a haptic engine.
  • the earpiece may consist essentially of just and ear tip with the vibration motor, and the vibration motor may be connected to the electronics via wiring that runs between the electronics and the ear tip.
  • the acoustic module 1002 supports the electro-acoustic transducer 1012 as well as a vibration motor 1014.
  • the vibration motor 1014 is arranged such that it overlies the user’s cymba concha when worn; i.e., such that vibrotactile stimulation from the vibration motor 1014 is transmitted to the user’s cymba concha.
  • the vibration motor 1014 may be selected from the group consisting of: an eccentric rotating mass (ERM) motor, a linear resonant actuator (LRA), a piezoelectric motor, and a haptic motor/engine.
  • a battery 1015 (FIG.
  • Audio device 1000 further includes body 1016 that is configured to be worn on or abutting outer ear such that body 1016 contacts the outer ear and/or the portion of the head that is just behind and abuts the outer ear, at two or more separate, spaced contact locations. Audio device 1000 is configured to gently grip the outer ear, the portion of the head just in front of the acoustic module 1002, and the portion of the head just behind the rear of outer ear, as shown, for example, in FIG. 11 .
  • Open audio device body 1016 comprises curved bridge portion 1018, and housing 1020 with free distal end 1028.
  • Bridge 1018 merges smoothly into acoustic module 1002, e.g., as shown in FIG. 10B, such that the beginning of the outer surface 1022 of bridge 1018 is tangent to the front curved portion of acoustic module 1002.
  • Bridge 1018 is thinner than housing 1020.
  • body 1016 is an integral molded plastic member.
  • body 1016 is made of another stiff material, such as metal. Body 1016 is in an example relatively stiff but may have some compliance in bridge portion 1018 as described below.
  • Acoustic module 1002 has an inner face 1006 that is configured to sit against the front portion of outer ear (e.g., against one or more of fossa, anti-helix, crus of helix, and helix) as well as the portion of the head that is located Immediately anteriorly of ear portion.
  • the portion of acoustic module 1002 proximate the uppermost point 1030 of inside surface 1032 of body 1016 may sit under helix.
  • the head and the upper portion of the ear are stiffer than is the back of the outer ear. Since acoustic module 1002 is sitting against a hard surface it is not able to move closer to the head. This forces body 1016 to push out into outer ear, which creates an opposing force that tends to rotate open audio device 1000 about point 1030. This results in three constraining device anchoring locations, which include the device contacting the helix around point 1030, the acoustic module 1002 resting against the ear and head, and the body 1016 pushing toward the head due to the slightly bent soft part of the ear. The flexibility of the outer ear loads/preloads these three points to ensure they are always experiencing a normal force.
  • the flexibility of fhe outer ear thus contributes to a stable yet comfortable fit of open audio device 1000. Also, since the three anchoring locations are not linear they generally define the apices of a triangle, which creates greater stability than if the anchor locations were aligned. Open audio device 1000 is thus gently but firmly held on the head, even when the head moves.

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  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Veterinary Medicine (AREA)
  • Public Health (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Animal Behavior & Ethology (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Acoustics & Sound (AREA)
  • Pain & Pain Management (AREA)
  • Rehabilitation Therapy (AREA)
  • Physical Education & Sports Medicine (AREA)
  • Biomedical Technology (AREA)
  • Epidemiology (AREA)
  • Anesthesiology (AREA)
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  • Heart & Thoracic Surgery (AREA)
  • Signal Processing (AREA)
  • Nuclear Medicine, Radiotherapy & Molecular Imaging (AREA)
  • Radiology & Medical Imaging (AREA)
  • Otolaryngology (AREA)
  • Percussion Or Vibration Massage (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention concerne un dispositif pour l'application d'un stimulus vibrotactile à une branche auriculaire d'un nerf vague. Le dispositif comprend un moteur à vibrations pour l'application du stimulus vibrotactile et une électronique de commande par laquelle l'application du stimulus vibrotactile peut être commandée. Le moteur à vibrations est conçu pour être placé au moins partiellement à l'intérieur d'une conque ou d'un conduit auditif de l'utilisateur lorsque le dispositif est utilisé.
PCT/US2021/039078 2020-06-25 2021-06-25 Stimulation vibrotactile WO2021263098A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

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US202063044078P 2020-06-25 2020-06-25
US63/044,078 2020-06-25

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WO2021263098A1 true WO2021263098A1 (fr) 2021-12-30

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Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US11877867B2 (en) 2009-02-16 2024-01-23 Masimo Corporation Physiological measurement device

Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2015074060A1 (fr) * 2013-11-18 2015-05-21 The Regents Of The University Of California Dispositif, système et méthode permettant de réduire les céphalées
US20170208380A1 (en) * 2016-01-14 2017-07-20 Nura Holdings Pty Ltd Headphones with combined ear-cup and ear-bud
WO2018204853A1 (fr) * 2017-05-05 2018-11-08 Badri Amurthur Procédés et appareil de stimulation
US20190151604A1 (en) * 2016-05-11 2019-05-23 The Regents Of The University Of California Device, system and method for mechanical cutaneous nerve stimulation for pain, stroke, mood, breathing, movement, sleep, and vascular action
CN209187934U (zh) * 2018-06-28 2019-08-02 广州脉缔欣谱医药科技有限公司 基于中枢去敏化机理的慢性疼痛激光系统治疗仪

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2015074060A1 (fr) * 2013-11-18 2015-05-21 The Regents Of The University Of California Dispositif, système et méthode permettant de réduire les céphalées
US20170208380A1 (en) * 2016-01-14 2017-07-20 Nura Holdings Pty Ltd Headphones with combined ear-cup and ear-bud
US20190151604A1 (en) * 2016-05-11 2019-05-23 The Regents Of The University Of California Device, system and method for mechanical cutaneous nerve stimulation for pain, stroke, mood, breathing, movement, sleep, and vascular action
WO2018204853A1 (fr) * 2017-05-05 2018-11-08 Badri Amurthur Procédés et appareil de stimulation
CN209187934U (zh) * 2018-06-28 2019-08-02 广州脉缔欣谱医药科技有限公司 基于中枢去敏化机理的慢性疼痛激光系统治疗仪

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US11877867B2 (en) 2009-02-16 2024-01-23 Masimo Corporation Physiological measurement device

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