Biometric Sensor Array for Prosthetic Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional upper extremity prosthetic devices are expensive, time-consuming to produce, and often result in heavy, robotic-looking devices that do not conform to objects, making them unsuitable for many users, particularly child amputees, due to the manual labor-intensive socket creation process and high costs of custom silicon gloves.
Innovation Solution
A biometric sensor array system comprising a flexible printed circuit board with force sensing resistors, contact members, and a skin contact layer, designed to be adaptable to different users without the need for individualized fitting, allowing for flexible and conformable integration with prosthetic limbs, enabling precise control of prosthetic fingers through muscle activity sensing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional socket creation process is used, then the prosthesis can be customized to fit the user, but the production time and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-manufacturing standardized sockets with integrated sensor arrays and control systems before user-specific customization is needed. The modular design allows the socket to be prepared in advance with universal interfaces that can quickly adapt to different users through simple adjustments rather than complete custom fabrication.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the prosthesis into modular components including the socket, sensor array, and control system that can be independently manufactured and then assembled. This segmentation allows standardized production of individual components while maintaining the ability to customize the overall system configuration for different users.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional socket creation process is used, then the prosthesis can be customized to fit the user, but the production cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements universality by designing a standardized socket and sensor array system that can serve multiple users with different residual limb characteristics. The universal interfaces and modular components allow a single design to be manufactured at scale while still accommodating individual user needs through configuration rather than complete customization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses copying by creating standardized templates and patterns for socket fabrication that can be replicated across multiple users. Rather than creating unique designs for each user, the system uses copied standardized forms that are then adjusted minimally to fit individual anatomies, significantly reducing manufacturing complexity and cost.
3Manufacturing precision
If manual labor-intensive socket creation is used, then the socket can be precisely fitted, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical socket creation processes with automated systems including 3D scanning, computer-aided design, and automated fabrication. These mechanical and digital systems provide precise measurements and fittings while reducing the need for manual labor and complex hand-crafting processes.
4Shape
If custom silicon gloves are used for natural appearance, then the aesthetic quality improves, but the cost and durability worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by offering different material and finish options for the prosthesis exterior that can be selected based on user needs and budget. Rather than universally using expensive custom silicon gloves, the system allows parameter adjustment in terms of material composition, color matching, and surface treatment to achieve varying degrees of natural appearance at different cost and durability levels.
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 provides a cost-effective, user-friendly, and adaptable solution for controlling prosthetic limbs, reducing production time and costs while offering a more natural appearance and improved functionality by ensuring accurate muscle activity sensing and precise control of prosthetic movements.
Implementation Method 1
A plurality of force sensing resistors ('FSRs') may each be positioned adjacent a corresponding one of the recesses. Each FSR may include a copper layer coupled to a carbon film layer via an adhesive layer.
Data Source
AI summary
A biometric sensor array system may include a skin contact layer, a flexible printed circuit board (“PCB”), and a plurality of force sensing resistors (“FSRs”). The flexible PCB may be positioned adjacent the skin contact layer and may have a connector tail. Each FSR may be positioned on the flexible PCB. The connector tail may be adapted to electrically connect the plurality of FSRs to a signal receiving component. The flexible PCB may be configured so that one or more of the plurality of FSRs may be trimmed away from the flexible PCB so that the connector tail is still adapted to electrically connect a remaining one or more of the plurality of FSRs to the signal receiving component.