Wearable Neuromodulation Device for Meditation

Device Composition

The client’s sample solution consisted of three parts:

• Cadet-style cap—contains a coil array of eight flexible printed circuits (FPCs) inside and a control unit outside at the front
• Coil array—sends electromagnetic impulses to the brain lobes
• Control unit—connects, turns on, and charges the device, and controls intensity/timing of meditation

We retained the solution’s frame and upgraded the hardware components to make meditation sessions more comfortable.

Keeping the Device’s Working Mode with the Optimized Hardware

Our engineers helped the client keep their device's unique working logic using more efficient and affordable components.

The solution generates a well-defined milliamp current pulse train that stimulates the brain. The control unit delivers impulses to the coil array which emits a magnetic field. The generated impulses of a certain shape and frequency provide a 25-minute-long session. Currently, one working mode is available.

The distributed set of FPCs covers and affects frontal, temporal, parietal, and occipital brain lobes. The impulses stimulate the brain, reducing stress, and helping the owner relax and meditate. In some cases, the device even helps relieve chronic head pain.

We designed a solution that supports all this functionality but is more compact and less expensive.

Optimizing the Control Unit

The PCB redesign helped reduce the size and cost of the control unit and made it more energy efficient.

The original PCB design contained two microcircuits: one for the control unit, and the second for the Bluetooth module. That design caused two problems: the control unit was too big for the headwear and it drained the battery quickly.

To solve those problems, our hardware engineers revised the client’s PCB design. We proposed using a Bluetooth module with a built-in controller. As a result, the team managed to make the hardware footprint eight times smaller. In addition, the new components cost less and consume less energy than those used initially.

Providing the Cap Design with Hidden Hardware Inside

We managed to hide all the hardware components and necessary notches inside the headwear.

The redesign of the PCB helped us make the device compact. Now, headwear of any size (S–XXL) looks like a common cadet-style cap while being comfortable to wear.

We also helped the customer choose the cap shape, textile, and materials so that they could order it with any third-party manufacturer.

Improving the User Experience with Mobile Apps

We designed a multiplatform mobile application with various functional capabilities: one for users and another for administrators.

• User application. Allows the user to interact with the hardware. Users can check the device’s status, fill out surveys, monitor battery levels, and set up the device parameters. The app supports OTA firmware updates.
• Admin application. Provides advanced customization options. Administrators can adjust the duration of individual impulses and create various combinations. This enables them to design unique impulse combinations for new meditation session modes.