Detachable EMG Electrode Layer with Flexible Circuit Board
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current portable electromyographic signal measuring devices lack a flexible sheet support with multiple measurement points and modular electronic components for conditioning, digitizing, and transmitting signals, which limits their ability to cover large muscle areas effectively and maintain signal quality during use.
Innovation Solution
A portable device comprising a first support layer with electrodes for signal acquisition and one or more detachable second support layers with electronic means for conditioning, digitizing, and transmitting signals to a master unit, allowing for increased detection area coverage and minimizing signal degradation through detachable and washable design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple electrodes are arranged on a rigid support structure, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and difficulty of maintenance increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs flexible printed circuit boards (FPC) as the support structure for the electrode array, replacing rigid substrates. This flexible film approach maintains the high-density electrode configuration for precise EMG signal acquisition while enabling the device to conform to curved muscle surfaces and facilitating easy cleaning and sterilization, thereby reducing operational complexity without compromising measurement precision
2Device complexity
If electronic means are integrated into the same support layer as electrodes, then device complexity is reduced, but signal quality deteriorates due to interference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the device into functionally separate layers: the first support layer contains only electrodes for signal acquisition, while the second support layer houses the electronic conditioning and processing circuits. This segmentation prevents electrical interference from electronic components from degrading the sensitive EMG signals, while the overall device complexity is managed through the modular layered architecture that can be manufactured using standard FPC techniques
3Manufacturing precision
If the device uses a fixed non-detachable structure, then manufacturing precision is improved, but ease of maintenance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The device is constructed as a modular assembly of detachable layers including the flexible electrode support, electronic circuit board, and housing components. This segmented design allows individual layers to be manufactured with high precision using standard FPC and PCB fabrication processes, while the detachable connections enable easy disassembly for cleaning, sterilization, and component replacement, significantly improving maintenance ease without compromising manufacturing precision
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 device effectively measures high-resolution electromyographic signals over larger muscle areas with improved signal quality and ease of maintenance, enabling real-time monitoring and processing of muscle activation and fatigue indices for enhanced user feedback and clinical evaluation.
Implementation Method 1
a first support layer including detection means including several electrodes which can be arranged, in use, in contact with the skin of the user on at least one muscle, or part thereof, for acquiring a plurality of electromyographic signals
Data Source
AI summary
The device comprises: a first support layer (C1) having detection means including several electrodes (11) arranged, in use, in contact with the skin of a user on at least one muscle, or part thereof, and configured for acquiring a plurality of electromyographic signals, said first support layer (C1) being mechanically and electrically attached in a detachable manner to a second support layer (C2); and said second support layer (C2) which includes electronic means (BE) configured for performing the conditioning of said acquired electromyographic signals, conversion thereof to a digital format and transmission through a communication channel (26) to a master electronic unit (27), wherein said master electronic unit (27) is configured for controlling said electronic means (BE) and to further transmit the received conditioned and digitized electromyographic signals to a control unit (30) for monitoring thereof.