(n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.uspto.gov/web/offices/com/sol/og/2017/week45/OG/html/1444-1/US09808207-20171107.html
Patent Number
US0908207
summary
This patent is for a product that gathers cardiac data while the patient has a seizure and inform authorities. This device is also supposed to be surgically implanted in the users neck.
critique
This product does nothing to help or save them when they have a seizure, it just collects data. It is also surgically implanted in their neck.
source
US6263876B1 - Seizure pillow and method of using same. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://patents.google.com/patent/US6263876B1/en
patent number
US6263876B1
summary
The patent is for a portable pillow that is used to support the head of people while they are having a seizure.
critique
The patent is trying to solve the problem of people moving while they are having a seizure, which kind of like our problem but ours is more portable but provides lesser protection.
source
methods, c., Disorders, M., diseases, m., methods, a., effects, a., & reaction, r. et al. (2020). US7813793B2 - Seizure sensing and detection using an implantable device - Google Patents. Retrieved 4 March 2020, from https://patents.google.com/patent/US7813793?oq=seizure
patent number
US7813793B2
summary
The patent is for a devise that people put on their head right under their scalp. Its purpose is to detect when a seizure is going to happen.
critique
This product might be good at detecting seizures, but it doesn't protect them in any way. It is also surgically implanted near the brain.
Existing products
source
Embrace Watch | Smarter Epilepsy Management | Empatica. (2020). Retrieved 6 March 2020, from https://www.empatica.com/
summary
This is a product that collects data from the patients as they experience seizures. It is meant to be a tool used to help tailor treatment for the patients and the data is supposed to be given to their care givers.
critique
This product just collects data when they experience seizures, there is no way for it to protect them. It is being used to try to collect data and treat them afterwords, but it offers no way of prevention.
source
"Seizure Disorder" ELITE Medical Alert ID Bracelet. Choose Color! (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.walmart.com/ip/Seizure-Disorder-ELITE-Medical-Alert-ID-Bracelet-Choose-Color/962550317?wmlspartner=wmtlabs&adid=22222222222081770309&wl0=e&wl1=o&wl2=c&wl3=84181361261745&wl4=pla-4587780988443065&wl12=962550317_10000010711&wl14=seizure assistance technology&veh=sem&msclkid=5023d5f852c71f57ee0b8b9a08298601
summary
This bracelet is designed provide medical information to first responders. In it contains a card that lists all of their medical information including their emergency contacts and allergies.
critique
This bracelet does nothing to protect people during a seizure, it just provides information to those who are providing aid.
source
Neuropace - NeuroPace, Inc. (2020). Retrieved 9 March 2020, from https://www.neuropace.com/
summary
This product is surgically implanted under the patient's scalp, and sends two probes into the areas of the brain responsible for causing the seizures. It then monitors their brain activity and when it detects a seizure, it sends electrical impulses to stop it from happening. It reads the user's brainwaves 24/7 and records them.
critique
It is a very expensive device and procedure and it also won't necessarily stop seizures, just reduce the rate at which they occur.
Potential market
There are 327.17 million people in the US and approximately 3.4 million of those people suffer from epilepsy, not including other conditions that induce seizures. This leaves us with more than 3.4 million people over the age of 14 that will qualify for our product. With the average price being estimated to about $75 before testing or prototype, and with having a very small percentage of the market (an estimated .5%) that's a projected profit of $1.275 million if we keep the price and if everybody buys one.
summary
Through our research, we have found that there are many devices created to aid those with epilepsy, but few are designed to either prevent seizures, or protect the user during a seizure. Most products on the market are designed to collect data during seizures and be reviewed later on by healthcare professionals. While this design does help the user long term, as treatments can be modified to their needs, it offers no protection. For part B I was responsible for finding patents.