Adaptive FES System for Drop-Foot Correction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing functional electrical stimulation (FES) devices for treating drop-foot disorders lack the ability to adapt and optimize stimulation parameters in real-time, leading to suboptimal movement performance.
Innovation Solution
A FES system with multi-pad electrodes and sensors that measure foot trajectory and gait phase, allowing for real-time adjustment of stimulation patterns, including amplitude, pulse width, and time delay, to optimize foot movement during walking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If FES devices use fixed stimulation parameters, then the device complexity is reduced, but the quality of assisted movement deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adjustment of stimulation parameters (amplitude, pulse width, time delay) based on real-time gait phase detection and foot trajectory measurement. The system transitions from fixed parameters to dynamically adaptable parameters that optimize foot movement throughout the gait cycle, directly resolving the contradiction between device simplicity and movement quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates sensors that measure foot trajectory and gait phase, providing feedback to continuously adjust stimulation parameters. This closed-loop feedback mechanism enables the system to maintain optimal stimulation parameters adaptively, improving movement quality without requiring overly complex manual adjustment mechanisms.
2Reliability
If FES devices use real-time parameter adjustment, then the quality of assisted movement is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the stimulation system into multiple independent electrode pads arranged in arrays, allowing selective activation of specific pads based on gait phase and foot position. This segmentation enables targeted stimulation of different muscle groups at appropriate times, improving movement quality while keeping each individual pad simple and manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies different stimulation parameters to different electrode pads based on local requirements detected by sensors. Each pad can receive customized stimulation parameters (amplitude, pulse width, timing) tailored to the specific muscle group and gait phase, optimizing local movement quality without requiring complete system reconfiguration.
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 improves and maintains the quality of assisted movement by dynamically adjusting stimulation parameters based on gait quality, enhancing dorsiflexion and plantar flexion, thus providing more effective treatment for drop-foot.
Implementation Method 1
FES devices activate motoneurons or reflex pathways by electrically stimulating nerve fibers
Data Source
AI summary
A functional electrical stimulation system (1) for correction of drop-foot, comprising: a device (3) to be placed on a paretic leg, provided with a plurality of multi-pad electrodes (315) on one side (31), at least one of said electrodes (315) being configured to provide a stimulating electric signal on the point of the leg on which it is positioned, wherein said corresponding stimulating electric signals form a stimulation pattern; and at least one sensor (8) to be positioned on either said leg or corresponding foot, the sensor (8) being configured to, measure information during movement and emit sensor signals indicative thereof. The system further comprises means (6) for calculating a foot trajectory from said sensor signals, for detecting gait phase from said foot trajectory, for evaluating the quality of gait from said foot trajectory and for, if the quality of gait is below a certain threshold, modifying said stimulation pattern; and means (7) for selectively activating at least one of said electrodes (315) according to said modified stimulation pattern. Method, use and computer program product.