Adaptive Stimulation Array With Dynamic Electrode Reconfiguration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mobility augmentation systems are limited by the number of electrode channels, requiring manual placement and lack feedback mechanisms to ensure correct electrode positioning, leading to suboptimal and non-personalized movement stimulation.
Innovation Solution
A wearable stimulation array with a dynamically configurable electrode multiplexer and machine learning-based movement model that adjusts electrode roles, electrical signal parameters, and calibrates actuation based on user feedback to provide personalized and optimized movement stimulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a limited number of electrode channels are used in existing stimulation systems, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability and versatility of movement stimulation are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically reconfigures electrode roles (anode/cathode assignments) based on the desired movement type, allowing a fixed array of electrodes to adapt to different stimulation patterns. The controller adjusts which electrodes serve as anodes or cathodes depending on the movement being performed, enabling versatile movement stimulation without adding physical electrode channels.
Solution Approach 2:
Each electrode in the array is designed to potentially serve multiple functions - acting as either an anode or cathode depending on the stimulation requirement. This multi-functionality allows a single electrode to participate in different movement stimulations by changing its electrical role, effectively multiplying the system's adaptability without increasing the physical electrode count.
2Ease of operation
If manual electrode placement is required to stimulate different movements, then the ease of operation is reduced, but the measurement precision of electrode positioning can be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-calibration by automatically determining optimal electrode configurations for different movements. The controller iteratively tests various anode/cathode assignments and uses feedback from movement sensors to identify which electrode configurations produce the desired movements, eliminating the need for manual placement while maintaining precision through automated optimization.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where sensors detect actual movement outcomes and the controller uses this information to refine electrode configurations. This closed-loop approach ensures accurate electrode positioning is achieved automatically through iterative optimization rather than manual adjustment, maintaining measurement precision while improving ease of operation.
3Reliability
If existing stimulation systems lack feedback mechanisms, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of correct electrode placement cannot be ensured
Solution Approach 1:
Sensors detect actual movements produced by stimulation and provide feedback to the controller. The controller compares observed movements with target movements to verify correct electrode placement and configuration. This feedback loop ensures reliability by continuously monitoring whether the stimulation is producing the intended effect, allowing automatic correction of misplaced electrodes.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts electrode configurations based on real-time feedback from movement sensors. When incorrect placement is detected, the controller automatically reconfigures electrode roles or positions to restore proper stimulation, ensuring continuous reliability without requiring manual intervention or adding complex hardware verification systems.
4Adaptability or versatility
If a large number of electrodes are used to provide expressive control over stimulation, then the adaptability of movement control is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses dynamic reconfiguration of a moderate-sized electrode array, where the controller continuously adjusts which electrodes serve as anodes or cathodes based on the desired movement. This dynamic role assignment allows expressive control over multiple movement types without requiring a proportionally large number of physical electrodes, managing complexity through software-based flexibility rather than hardware expansion.
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
Enables personalized, dynamic, and non-invasive movement augmentation by continuously adapting to the user's physical state, improving comfort and safety through automated electrode configuration and real-time optimization.
Implementation Method 1
configure power from the power source to flow between a first electrode and a first set of electrodes such that the first electrode is configured to operate as an anode
Implementation Method 2
configure power from the power source to flow between the first electrode and a second set of electrodes such that the first electrode is configured to operate as a cathode
Data Source
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AI summary
A mobility augmentation system assists a user's movement by determining a corresponding electrical stimulation for the movement. A wearable stimulation array includes sensors, electrodes, an electrode multiplexer, and a controller that executes the mobility augmentation system. The sensors measure movement data, and the mobility augmentation system applies a movement model to the measured movement data. The model can determine different electrical actuation instructions depending on the movement stimulated. For example, to stimulate a knee flexion, the movement model output enables a first set of the electrodes to operate as cathodes and a second set of electrodes to operate as anodes. To stimulate a knee extension, the first set of electrodes can be enabled to operate as anodes and a third set of electrodes as cathodes.