A gait research muscle electrical signal data acquisition device

Abstract

This invention provides a device for acquiring electromyographic (EMG) signal data in gait research, primarily improving the durability, anti-interference capability, comfort, adaptability, and stability of the sensor fixation device. The invention includes a sensor fixation base, a first support arm, and a second support arm; the sensor is disposed within the sensor fixation base; the sensor fixation base is hinged to both the first and second support arms; after hinged connection, the first support arm, the sensor fixation base, and the second support arm together form an arc shape. This device must effectively prevent sensor displacement, minimize interference and pressure on muscle activity, and be highly adaptable to different individual muscle morphologies and skin thicknesses, thereby ensuring continuous, stable, and accurate acquisition of high-quality EMG signals in gait research.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the interdisciplinary field of biosignal processing and wearable device design, and mainly relates to a muscle electrosignal data acquisition device. Background Technology

[0002] Traditional adhesive sensor mounting devices mainly use adhesive materials (such as glue or adhesive boards) to attach the sensor to the target surface. This mounting method achieves a tight fit between the sensor and the target surface, thereby ensuring that the sensor can accurately sense various parameters of the target surface.

[0003] The adhesive and tape-type pressure sensor structure invented by Li Yonghong, Zhang Wenjun, Yan Jiansheng, Zhou Huijin, and others adopts a flexible structure and adhesive design. It consists of components such as a pressure-sensitive head, a pressure sensor unit, a flexible thin-film PCB, a signal acquisition and transmission unit, and a curing material, and is coated with Teflon material. By peeling off the Teflon material coating, the sensor can be attached to the object being measured to achieve pressure signal measurement.

[0004] The non-adhesive sensor fixing device invented by Liu Pei, Chen Song, Zhao Chaoyue, Liu Weibing, and others cleverly utilizes mechanical structures or magnetic adsorption principles to fix the sensor. The device consists of a base and components for clamping or adsorbing the sensor. The base typically has a stable bottom surface to ensure the stability of the device in its installation position. The clamping or adsorption components use a non-adhesive method to fix the sensor.

[0005] Adhesive sensor devices have several limitations in gait research. First, because they are directly attached to the skin or muscle surface with a small contact area, they are relatively fragile and easily damaged by mechanical impacts (such as pulling and friction) during use. Second, adhesive sensors are susceptible to the effects of ambient temperature, humidity, and skin oils, leading to decreased measurement accuracy. Furthermore, prolonged wear of adhesive sensors may cause discomfort to subjects, such as itching and stinging, which not only affects gait performance but may also reduce the accuracy of data acquisition. Finally, in long-term or high-intensity gait studies, adhesive sensors are prone to displacement due to movement or sweat, affecting the continuity and stability of data acquisition.

[0006] Band-type sensor devices also have significant limitations in gait studies. They typically use straps or bandages to fix the sensors to body parts, which can compress muscles, affecting not only subject comfort but also potentially interfering with muscle activity itself, thus impacting data acquisition accuracy. Furthermore, due to individual differences such as muscle morphology, skin thickness, and muscle activity patterns, band-type devices may not adapt well to all subjects' body characteristics, leading to inconsistencies in signal quality and consequently affecting the accuracy and reliability of data acquisition. Finally, although band-type devices can secure sensors to some extent, during prolonged or high-intensity gait studies, the straps or bandages may still loosen or shift due to movement or sweat, severely affecting the continuity and stability of data acquisition.

[0007] While non-adhesive sensor mounting devices avoid the inconvenience and limitations associated with adhesive bonding, several challenges remain in gait research. First, sensors need to be stably fixed to the human body for accurate gait data capture. However, non-adhesive mounting methods may loosen or shift during movement due to limitations in mechanical structures or magnetic adsorption, affecting the continuity of data acquisition. Furthermore, the pressure or friction from mechanical structures or magnetic components may cause discomfort to subjects, impacting the accuracy and reliability of data collection. Finally, the applicability of non-adhesive mounting devices may be limited. For example, in certain environments (such as strong magnetic fields), the mechanical structure or magnetic adsorption may malfunction, affecting data acquisition. Summary of the Invention

[0008] In order to overcome the shortcomings of the existing technology and improve the durability, anti-interference ability, comfort and adaptability of the sensor fixation device and enhance the stability of fixation, the present invention provides a muscle electromyography signal data acquisition device for gait research.

[0009] The problem this invention aims to solve is to design an innovative sensor fixation device that effectively prevents sensor displacement, minimizes interference and pressure on muscle activity, and is highly adaptable to different individual muscle shapes and skin thicknesses, thereby ensuring the continuous, stable, and accurate acquisition of high-quality electromyographic signals in gait studies.

[0010] The technical solution adopted by this invention to solve its technical problem is:

[0011] A device for acquiring electromyographic (EMG) signal data in gait research includes a sensor mounting base 1, a first support arm, and a second support arm. The sensor mounting base 1 is hinged to the first support arm and the second support arm. After hinge, the first support arm, the sensor mounting base 1, and the second support arm together form an arc. Along the radial direction of the arc, the surface of the sensor mounting base 1 tangent to the inner arc of the arc is the bottom surface, and the surface of the sensor mounting base 1 tangent to the outer arc of the arc is the top surface.

[0012] The sensor mounting base 1 is a cuboid; a first groove 1_2 is provided on the top surface of the sensor mounting base 1; a data collection plate is provided in the first groove 1_2;

[0013] The bottom surface of the sensor mounting base 1 is provided with a second groove 1_3; the sensor is installed inside the second groove 1_3; the bottom surface of the sensor mounting base 1 is provided with an isolation layer 1_5; the isolation layer 1_5 closes the plane of the opening of the second groove 1_3; the isolation layer 1_5 is made of waterproof and oil-proof material; the isolation layer 1_5 isolates the sensor from the outside world; the waterproof and oil-proof material reduces the influence of external interference on the acquisition of electromyographic signals;

[0014] A connecting channel 1_6 is provided between the first groove 1_2 and the second groove 1_3;

[0015] An electrical wire is installed in the communication channel 1_6; one end of the wire is connected to the sensor; the other end of the wire is connected to the data collection board.

[0016] A temperature regulating layer 1_4 is provided on the bottom surface of the second groove 1_3; the temperature regulating layer 1_4 is a phase change material; the phase change material reduces the influence of external interference on the acquisition of electromyographic signals.

[0017] Furthermore, the first support arm includes a first universal joint 2, a first connecting arm 3, a second universal joint 4, and a second connecting arm 5; both the first connecting arm 3 and the second connecting arm 5 are elongated cuboids; the input shaft of the first universal joint 2 is fixedly connected to the sensor mounting base 1; the output shaft of the first universal joint 2 is fixedly connected to one end of the first connecting arm 3; the other end of the first connecting arm 3 is fixedly connected to the input shaft of the second universal joint 4; the output shaft of the second universal joint 4 is fixedly connected to one end of the second connecting arm 5; the second support arm has the same structure as the first support arm.

[0018] Furthermore, the inner surface of the first connecting arm 3 is provided with a curved surface.

[0019] Furthermore, the inner side of the second connecting arm 5 is bent along its long side toward the center of the arc.

[0020] Furthermore, the inner surfaces of the first connecting arm 3 and the second connecting arm 5 are provided with anti-slip textures.

[0021] Furthermore, the waterproof and oil-resistant material is a fluorocarbon compound or a nano-coating; the phase change material includes a polymeric phase change material; and the polymeric phase change material is polyethylene glycol (PEG).

[0022] Furthermore, the sensor mounting base 1, the first connecting arm 3, and the second connecting arm 5 are made of rubber or silicone.

[0023] Furthermore, the electromyography (EMG) data acquisition device in the gait study also includes a third support arm and a fourth support arm; the structure of the third support arm and the fourth support arm is the same as that of the first support arm; the third support arm and the fourth support arm are disposed on both sides of the sensor fixing base 1.

[0024] Furthermore, the first connecting arm 3 and the second connecting arm 5 are in the shape of a long cylindrical or a long polygonal prism.

[0025] Furthermore, the sensor mounting base 1 is disc-shaped.

[0026] The beneficial effects of this invention are: due to the use of waterproof and oil-proof materials and a temperature regulating layer, the influence of external interference on muscle electromuscular signal acquisition is effectively reduced; due to the use of multiple support arms, the force is effectively distributed, reducing interference signals generated by pressure in the human body; due to the use of universal joints, the universal joints can effectively adjust the angle, which can flexibly adapt to different muscle shapes and skin thicknesses of different individuals. Attached Figure Description

[0027] Figure 1 This is a diagram showing the distribution of the device components;

[0028] Figure 2 This is a structural diagram of the main body of the sensor mounting base;

[0029] Figure 3 This is a three-dimensional view of the device;

[0030] Figure 4 This is a top view of the device;

[0031] Figure 5 This is a side view of the device;

[0032] 1 Sensor mounting base; 2 First universal joint; 3 First support arm; 4 Second universal joint; 5 Second support arm; 6 Anti-slip texture;

[0033] 1_2 - First groove; 1_3 - Second groove; 1_4 - Temperature regulating layer; 1_5 - Insulation layer; 1_6 - Connecting channel; Detailed Implementation

[0034] A device for acquiring electromyographic (EMG) signal data in gait research includes a sensor mounting base 1, a first support arm, and a second support arm. The sensor mounting base 1 is hinged to the first support arm and the second support arm. After hinge, the first support arm, the sensor mounting base 1, and the second support arm together form an arc. Along the radial direction of the arc, the surface of the sensor mounting base 1 tangent to the inner arc of the arc is the bottom surface, and the surface of the sensor mounting base 1 tangent to the outer arc of the arc is the top surface.

[0035] The sensor mounting base 1 is a cuboid;

[0036] The top surface of the sensor mounting base 1 is provided with a first groove 1_2; a data collection plate is provided in the first groove 1_2;

[0037] The bottom surface of the sensor mounting base 1 is provided with a second groove 1_3; the sensor is installed inside the second groove 1_3; the bottom surface of the sensor mounting base 1 is provided with an isolation layer 1_5; the isolation layer 1_5 closes the plane of the opening of the second groove 1_3; the isolation layer 1_5 is made of waterproof and oil-proof material; the isolation layer 1_5 isolates the sensor from the outside world; the waterproof and oil-proof material reduces the influence of external interference on the acquisition of electromyographic signals;

[0038] A connecting channel 1_6 is provided between the first groove 1_2 and the second groove 1_3;

[0039] An electrical wire is installed in the communication channel 1_6; one end of the wire is connected to the sensor; the other end of the wire is connected to the data collection board.

[0040] A temperature regulating layer 1_4 is provided on the bottom surface of the second groove 1_3; the temperature regulating layer 1_4 is a phase change material; the phase change material reduces the influence of external interference on the acquisition of electromyographic signals;

[0041] The first support arm includes a first universal joint 2, a first connecting arm 3, a second universal joint 4, and a second connecting arm 5; both the first connecting arm 3 and the second connecting arm 5 are elongated cuboids; the input shaft of the first universal joint 2 is fixedly connected to the sensor mounting base 1; the output shaft of the first universal joint 2 is fixedly connected to one end of the first connecting arm 3; the other end of the first connecting arm 3 is fixedly connected to the input shaft of the second universal joint 4; the output shaft of the second universal joint 4 is fixedly connected to one end of the second connecting arm 5.

[0042] The inner surface of the first connecting arm 3 is provided with a curved surface;

[0043] The inner side of the second connecting arm 5 bends along its long side toward the center of the arc;

[0044] The inner surfaces of the first connecting arm 3 and the second connecting arm 5 are provided with anti-slip texture;

[0045] The anti-slip texture includes oblique elongated elliptical stripes, horizontal unidirectional patterns, alternating horizontal and vertical patterns, and dot patterns.

[0046] The second support arm has the same structure as the first support arm;

[0047] The waterproof and oil-resistant material is a fluorocarbon compound or a nano-coating;

[0048] The phase change material includes a polymeric phase change material; the polymeric phase change material is polyethylene glycol (PEG).

[0049] The sensor mounting base 1, the first connecting arm 3, and the second connecting arm 5 are made of rubber or silicone.

[0050] The first connecting arm 3 and the second connecting arm 5 are in the shape of a long cylindrical or a long polygonal prism;

[0051] The sensor mounting base 1 is disc-shaped;

[0052] The electromyography (EMG) data acquisition device for gait research also includes a third support arm and a fourth support arm; the structure of the third support arm and the fourth support arm is the same as that of the first support arm; the third support arm and the fourth support arm are disposed on both sides of the sensor fixing base 1;

[0053] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0054] Given the numerous limitations of adhesive and strap-type sensor devices in gait research, the present invention aims to provide an innovative sensor fixing device that overcomes the shortcomings of existing technologies and improves the accuracy and reliability of gait research. The specific objectives are as follows:

[0055] 1. Enhanced durability: Design a more robust and less susceptible sensor mounting device to withstand mechanical shocks during use, such as pulling and friction, ensuring that the sensor remains stable and is not easily damaged during long-term or high-intensity gait studies.

[0056] 2. Improve anti-interference capability: By improving materials and design, reduce the impact of factors such as ambient temperature, humidity and skin oil on the sensor measurement accuracy, and ensure the accuracy and consistency of data acquisition.

[0057] 3. Improve comfort and adaptability: Design a fixation device that can adapt to different individual muscle shapes, skin thicknesses and muscle activity patterns, reduce pressure on muscles, improve subject comfort, and thus not affect the natural performance of gait.

[0058] 4. Enhance the stability of fixation: Design a more reliable fixation mechanism that can effectively prevent the sensor from loosening or shifting due to factors such as movement or sweat, even during long-term or high-intensity gait studies, ensuring the continuity and stability of data acquisition.

[0059] like Figure 1 As shown, this invention is a high-performance sensor mounting device, mainly comprising a sensor mounting base 1, a first support arm, a second support arm, and anti-slip texture 6. The entire mounting device is made of a special high-strength, high-elasticity synthetic material, ensuring the device's robustness and durability. The first and second support arms fit snugly against different individuals and adapt to different size requirements through rotatable universal joints, improving wearing comfort. The anti-slip texture is evenly distributed on the surface of the mounting device, enhancing the stability of the mounting.

[0060] For the main body, such as Figure 2 As shown, the device mainly includes a sensor mounting base 1, an isolation layer 1_5, and a temperature regulating layer 1_4. The sensor mounting base 1 uses a high-strength, high-elasticity material to ensure both durability and a tight fit between the mounting device and the sensor. The sensor is placed in the second groove 1_3, and the first groove 1_2 is used to store the data collection board. The wires between the two pass through the connecting channel 1_6. The isolation layer 1_5 is made of waterproof and oil-proof material to effectively isolate external interference. The temperature regulating layer 1_4 is made of phase change material and is embedded in the main body of the mounting device. The phase change material has a temperature regulating function, which can effectively maintain temperature stability.

[0061] like Figure 3 As shown, for the support section, we introduce four support arms. Each support arm is made of a high-strength, highly elastic special synthetic rubber or silicone material, closely conforming to the subject's muscles and providing stable support. The four support arms form a multi-point support structure, effectively avoiding excessive local pressure, and the force distribution is further optimized by adjusting the length, angle, and curvature of the claws.

[0062] The invention has the following advantages:

[0063] Enhanced Durability: (1) Use of High-Strength Elastic Materials: To create a more robust and durable mounting device, we selected high-strength, high-elasticity materials as the main body of the mounting device, such as specially synthesized rubber or silicone materials. These materials have excellent tear resistance, high wear resistance and anti-aging properties, and can withstand long-term or high-intensity mechanical impacts, such as pulling and friction, without being easily damaged. In addition, these materials also have good flexibility and plasticity, which can adapt to sensors of different shapes and sizes, ensuring a tight fit between the mounting device and the sensor. At the same time, these materials are also highly adaptable to the environment and can maintain stable performance under different temperature and humidity conditions. (2) Modular Design: We further adopted the modular design concept, designing the mounting device into multiple modular components, such as the main body, support arm, and connection structure. Each component is designed to be replaceable independently. A major advantage of this design is that when a component is damaged due to long-term use or accident, the user can quickly replace the component without replacing the entire mounting device, thereby greatly extending the overall service life. The components are connected by high-strength connection structures (such as metal buckles or high-strength stitching), which can withstand mechanical impacts and have good durability and stability.

[0064] Improve anti-interference capability: (1) Isolation layer design: In order to effectively isolate external interference, we set an isolation layer between the fixed device and the sensor. The isolation layer is made of waterproof and oil-proof materials (such as waterproof and breathable fabrics, special coating materials or waterproof films, etc.). These materials can effectively block the intrusion of external moisture and oil, and reduce the impact of these factors on the measurement accuracy of the sensor. The isolation layer and the main body of the fixed device adopt a sealed design to ensure that moisture and oil cannot penetrate into the area where the sensor is located. At the same time, the isolation layer also has a certain degree of breathability, which helps to maintain the air circulation of the sensor working environment, further improving the accuracy and stability of the measurement. (2) Use of temperature regulating materials: In order to cope with the impact of changes in ambient temperature on the measurement accuracy of the sensor, we selected materials with temperature regulating function as part of the fixed device. These materials, such as phase change materials, can absorb or release heat according to changes in ambient temperature, thereby maintaining the temperature stability of the sensor working environment. We integrate the temperature regulating material into the fixed device, such as embedding it between the isolation layer and the sensor or into the main structure of the fixed device, to ensure that the temperature regulating material can fully cover the working area of ​​the sensor and effectively regulate the temperature. In this way, regardless of fluctuations in ambient temperature, the temperature-regulating material can respond quickly, ensuring that the sensor always operates within the optimal temperature range, thereby improving the accuracy and reliability of the measurement.

[0065] Enhanced Comfort and Adaptability: (1) Support Arm Design: The fixation device features a unique octopus-like tentacle design, inspired by the tentacle structure of octopuses in nature. Each tentacle possesses a certain degree of elasticity and flexibility. This design allows for a close fit to the muscle shape and skin thickness of different individuals, ensuring not only a tight fit between the fixation device and the subject but also significantly improving wearing comfort. The tentacles are connected by rotatable connection structures, such as universal joints. These connection structures allow users to make personalized adjustments based on the subject's arm circumference, ensuring that the fixation device can adapt to the size requirements of different subjects. (2) Use of Breathable Materials: To further enhance the subject's comfort, we selected breathable materials as the surface layer of the fixation device. These materials, such as mesh fabrics, microporous films, or breathable foams, can effectively reduce the stuffiness during prolonged wear, improving the subject's comfort.

[0066] Enhanced Fixation Stability: (1) Anti-slip Texture Design: To enhance the stability of the fixation device, we have applied anti-slip textures to its surface. These textures increase friction with the skin, effectively preventing loosening due to exercise or sweating. The anti-slip textures are evenly distributed across the entire surface of the fixation device, ensuring sufficient friction in any direction. We have adopted various shapes of anti-slip textures, such as raised dots and stripes, which not only improve the anti-slip effect but also enhance the aesthetics of the fixation device. (2) Octopus Tentacle Design: The octopus tentacle design not only increases the contact area between the fixation device and the skin but also enhances the stability of the fixation through the synergistic effect of multiple tentacles. These tentacles can tightly wrap around the subject's muscles, forming a stable support structure. Moreover, the octopus tentacle design also has a certain degree of dynamic stability. When the subject performs various movements, the tentacles can flexibly adjust their shape and position according to the muscle activity, thereby maintaining the stability of the fixation. This design enables the fixation device to perform well in various complex movement scenarios, providing the subject with lasting and reliable support.

Claims

1. A device for collecting muscle electrical signal data in gait study, characterized in that: It includes a sensor fixing base (1), a first support arm and a second support arm; the sensor fixing base (1) is hinged to the first support arm and the second support arm respectively; after hinge, the first support arm, the sensor fixing base (1) and the second support arm together form an arc; along the radial direction of the arc, the surface of the sensor fixing base (1) tangent to the inner arc of the arc is the bottom surface, and the surface of the sensor fixing base (1) tangent to the outer arc of the arc is the top surface; The sensor mounting base (1) is a cuboid; a first groove (1_2) is provided on the top surface of the sensor mounting base (1); a data collection plate is provided in the first groove (1_2); The bottom surface of the sensor fixing base (1) is provided with a second groove (1_3); the sensor is installed inside the second groove (1_3); the bottom surface of the sensor fixing base (1) is provided with an isolation layer (1_5); the isolation layer (1_5) closes the plane of the opening of the second groove (1_3); the isolation layer (1_5) is made of waterproof and oil-proof material; A connecting channel (1_6) is provided between the first groove (1_2) and the second groove (1_3); A wire is installed in the communication channel (1_6); one end of the wire is connected to the sensor; the other end of the wire is connected to the data collection board.

2. The electromyography (EMG) signal data acquisition device for gait research according to claim 1, characterized in that: A temperature regulating layer (1_4) is provided on the bottom surface of the second groove (1_3); the temperature regulating layer (1_4) is a phase change material.

3. The electromyography (EMG) signal data acquisition device for gait research according to claim 1, characterized in that: The sensor mounting base (1) is disc-shaped.

4. The electromyography (EMG) signal data acquisition device for gait research according to claim 1, characterized in that: The waterproof and oil-resistant material is a fluorocarbon compound or a nano-coating.

5. The electromyography (EMG) signal data acquisition device for gait research according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first support arm includes a first universal joint (2), a first connecting arm (3), a second universal joint (4), and a second connecting arm (5); the first connecting arm (3) and the second connecting arm (5) are both long rectangular cuboids; the input shaft of the first universal joint (2) is fixedly connected to the sensor fixing base (1); the output shaft of the first universal joint (2) is fixedly connected to one end of the first connecting arm (3); the other end of the first connecting arm (3) is fixedly connected to the input shaft of the second universal joint (4); the output shaft of the second universal joint (4) is fixedly connected to one end of the second connecting arm (5); the second support arm has the same structure as the first support arm.

6. The electromyography (EMG) signal data acquisition device for gait research according to claim 5, characterized in that: The inner side of the first connecting arm (3) is provided with a curved surface.

7. The electromyography (EMG) signal data acquisition device for gait research according to claim 5, characterized in that: The inner side of the second connecting arm (5) bends along the long side toward the center of the arc.

8. The electromyography (EMG) signal data acquisition device for gait research according to claim 5, characterized in that: The inner surfaces of the first connecting arm (3) and the second connecting arm (5) are provided with anti-slip texture.

9. The electromyography (EMG) signal data acquisition device for gait research according to claim 5, characterized in that: The sensor mounting base (1), the first connecting arm (3), and the second connecting arm (5) are made of rubber or silicone.

10. A muscle electromyography (EMG) signal data acquisition device for gait research according to claim 5, characterized in that: It includes a third support arm and a fourth support arm; the structure of the third support arm and the fourth support arm is the same as that of the first support arm. The third and fourth support arms are located on both sides of the sensor fixing base (1).

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