Embedded Electrode Prosthetic Liner for Phantom Limb Pain Relief

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Solution Overview

Problem

Amputees suffer from phantom limb pain, phantom limb syndrome, residual limb pain, general soreness, and muscular atrophy, which are often debilitating and difficult to manage with existing treatments that have negative side effects and limited effectiveness.

Innovation Solution

A polymer substrate with embedded electrodes and conductive ink is used to stimulate nerve fibers in the residual limb, modulating nerve activation through electrical current transmission, mimicking natural sensations to alleviate symptoms.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional pain medications (NSAIDs, opioids, antidepressants, anticonvulsants, beta-blockers, muscle relaxants) are used to manage phantom limb pain and related symptoms, then temporary pain relief is achieved, but negative side effects occur and effectiveness decreases over time

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveeffectiveness of pain managementVSAvoidnegative side effects

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces pharmacological interventions with a physical/electrical stimulation system. The substrate with embedded electrodes delivers electrical current directly to nerve fibers in the residual limb, substituting chemical pain management with an electrical/physical mechanism that modulates nerve activation and provides pain relief without medication-related side effects

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The substrate and liner assembly acts as an intermediary device between the external world and the residual limb nerves. It delivers controlled electrical stimulation through the skin to modulate nerve signals, serving as a mediator that translates electrical energy into therapeutic neural activation without requiring systemic pharmacological intervention

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If complementary therapies (acupuncture, massage, mirror box therapy, biofeedback, psychological therapy) are used to improve functional outcome and well-being, then quality of life is enhanced, but the underlying neural mechanisms driving the pain are not addressed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvequality of life and functional outcomeVSAvoidaddressing underlying neural mechanisms

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces psychological and manual therapy approaches with direct electrical nerve stimulation. Instead of using mirror box therapy or biofeedback that work around the neural mechanisms, this invention directly modulates the underlying neural activity through electrical current delivered via embedded electrodes, addressing the root cause while improving quality of life

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If a substrate with embedded electrodes and conductive ink is used to stimulate nerve fibers, then effective pain relief is achieved by modulating nerve activation, but device complexity increases compared to traditional therapies

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveeffectiveness of symptom reliefVSAvoidcomplexity of stimulation system

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a flexible substrate with embedded electrodes and conductive ink traces that can conform to the shape of the residual limb. This thin-film approach delivers complex electrical stimulation patterns without requiring bulky equipment, reducing device complexity while maintaining therapeutic effectiveness

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines multiple functional elements into a single integrated substrate: electrodes for stimulation, conductive ink for electrical pathways, and a liner for comfort and contact. This merging of components into one wearable device simplifies the overall system compared to traditional multi-component medical equipment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 effective relief for phantom limb pain and related symptoms by stimulating nerve fibers, reducing pain signals and promoting a perception of a functional limb, thereby improving quality of life.

Implementation Method 1

transmitting electrical current through the residual limb, with a controller in electrical communication with each electrode via the conductive ink, stimulates nerve fibers in the residual limb

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentUS20260054054A1System and methods for modulating nerve activation

Publication Date: 2026.02.26 JSG IP VENTURES LLC

AI summary

Various aspects of this disclosure relate to a layered polymer substrate with electrodes and conductive ink embedded in the substrate. In some embodiments, a prosthetic liner may be bonded onto the polymer substrate. The substrate may include an interconnect coupled to the electrodes via the conductive ink. The system may include a controller (e.g., an electrode controller) in communication with the electrodes via the conductive ink. The electrodes may be activated such that they may stimulate nerve fibers in a user's residual limb.