Conductive Human Interface for Prosthetic EMG Signal Transmission
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing conductive interfaces for electromyographic (EMG) signals require additional electrical components for amplification, complicating the transmission of low-powered EMG signals from muscle tissue to assistive devices like prosthetics, necessitating additional processing and components.
Innovation Solution
A conductive human interface with a fabric layer, soft coating, and embedded conductive thread or fabric, which includes electrodes connected via a flexible conductor that elongates with stretching, allowing direct signal transmission from the skin to prosthetic devices without the need for external amplification components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If additional electrical components are used to amplify EMG signals, then signal transmission capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the conductor directly into the fabric layer through weaving or coating techniques, merging the electrical conduction function with the structural fabric layer. This eliminates separate amplification components and reduces overall device complexity while maintaining signal transmission capability through the integrated conductive pathways.
Solution Approach 2:
The fabric layer serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support, enables signal conduction through integrated conductors, and offers flexibility for movement. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized components, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining reliable signal transmission.
2Reliability
If rigid conductive materials are used, then electrical conductivity is improved, but flexibility and comfort deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs flexible conductive materials such as conductive threads woven into fabric or conductive coatings applied to flexible substrates. These thin-film and flexible conductor implementations maintain electrical conductivity while conforming to body contours and allowing movement, thereby preserving both conductivity and flexibility/comfort.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite structures combining conductive materials with flexible fabric substrates. The conductor is integrated within or upon the fabric layer, creating a composite material system that exhibits both electrical conductivity and mechanical flexibility, resolving the contradiction between rigid conductivity and flexible comfort.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the conductor is made stretchable, then comfort and adaptability are improved, but manufacturing precision becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates stretchable conductive elements that can dynamically adapt to body movements and deformations. The conductor is designed with elastic properties allowing it to stretch and recover, maintaining electrical connectivity during movement. This dynamic design improves comfort and adaptability while the manufacturing process accounts for these elastic properties through specialized weaving or coating techniques.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes materials and construction methods that change physical parameters under stress. The conductor's electrical and mechanical parameters are designed to maintain functionality during stretching, with the fabric and conductor working together to preserve signal transmission even when deformed, thereby achieving adaptability without sacrificing manufacturing feasibility.
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 efficient and flexible transmission of EMG signals directly from the skin to assistive devices, improving control and functionality with reduced complexity and added components, while accommodating stretchable materials for comfort and durability.
Implementation Method 1
A conductive path connects the electrode with an electrical connector which, in turn, connects with a prosthetic device or other assistive device. The conductive path includes a conductor having a section overlying the fabric layer.
Implementation Method 2
The overlying section of the conductor can have an extendable length portion. In given examples, the extendable length portion has a first end, a second end spaced from the first end at a linear distance in a stretchable direction, and a length greater than the linear distance. The greater length enables the conductor to elongate in the stretchable direction when the fabric layer stretches in the stretchable direction.
Data Source
AI summary
A conductive human interface has a fabric layer with an interior surface and an exterior surface. A soft coating overlies the interior surface of the fabric layer. An electrode or sensor is included to connect with a residual limb. A conductive path connects the electrode or sensor with an electrical connector which, in turn connects with a prosthetic or other assistive device. The conductive path includes a conductor having a section overlying the fabric layer. The overlying section of the conductor can be cord of conductive thread. A nonconductive support thread can extend through the fabric layer from the exterior surface to the interior surface, and further around the conductor to secure the overlying section of the conductor to the fabric layer.