Discomplete Neural Controller for Paralyzed Muscle Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing neural prostheses face challenges in utilizing natural command signals effectively for individuals with clinically complete spinal cord injuries, as they often lack sufficient volitional electrical signals to trigger observable muscle contractions, leading to limited control over paralyzed muscles.
Innovation Solution
A discomplete neural controller system that utilizes volitional electrical potentials generated below the lesion to create control signals, which are measured and quantified to modulate output to paralyzed muscles or external devices, enabling more precise control through the integration of electrodes and signal processing techniques.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If neural prostheses use pre-defined stimulation patterns for open loop control, then device complexity is reduced, but control precision and accuracy deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements closed-loop control by recording EMG signals from the user's intact muscles and using these signals to dynamically adjust stimulation parameters in real-time. The system continuously monitors the user's intended motion through EMG activity and modifies the electrical stimulation to achieve the desired motion outcome, creating a feedback loop that improves control accuracy without requiring overly complex pre-programmed patterns.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from static pre-defined stimulation patterns to dynamic adaptive control. The stimulation parameters (amplitude, pulse width, frequency) are continuously adjusted based on real-time EMG signal characteristics, allowing the system to adapt to changing user intentions and body states, thereby improving motion control accuracy while maintaining manageable system complexity.
2Reliability
If neural prostheses require strong volitional electrical signals to trigger muscle contractions, then control reliability improves, but usability for clinically complete SCI patients deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses EMG signals from intact muscles above the spinal cord lesion as an intermediary control interface. Instead of requiring direct volitional signals from paralyzed muscles (which are absent in complete SCI), the system captures neural intent through EMG activity in functioning muscles and translates this into appropriate stimulation patterns for the paralyzed muscles, enabling control for patients who would otherwise be unable to generate sufficient volitional signals.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces the mechanical requirement for strong muscle contractions with an electrical detection method. By using EMG electrodes to detect electrical potentials in intact muscles, the system substitutes the need for observable mechanical muscle activation with a more sensitive electrical measurement, allowing detection of neural intent even when muscle strength is insufficient for traditional control methods.
3Adaptability or versatility
If neural prostheses use multiple sensors and actuators for networked control, then control versatility improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal control architecture where EMG signals from intact muscles serve multiple functions: detecting user intent, determining motion direction, and modulating stimulation intensity. The same basic hardware components (EMG electrodes, stimulation electrodes, controller) are used across different application scenarios (arm control, leg control, trunk control), reducing overall system complexity while maintaining versatility through software-based adaptability to different body regions and functions.
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 allows for the generation of control signals from sub-functional volitional electrical potentials, enabling functional motion in clinically paralyzed muscles and enhancing user control over devices, even in cases of clinically complete spinal cord injuries.
Implementation Method 1
In one embodiment, the electrode is directly connected to the controller and the controller has means for measuring the volitional electrical potential
Implementation Method 2
the volitional electrical potential is measured and quantified by the controller and the measurement is used to modulate the control signal output
Implementation Method 3
By passing small electrical currents through a nerve or directly to the motor units of a muscle via intramuscular, epimysial, and surface electrodes, neural prostheses can initiate action potentials which in turn trigger the release of chemical neurotransmitters to affect an end organ, such as a muscle
Data Source
AI summary
Multiple designs, systems, methods and processes for control using electrical signals recorded from clinically paralyzed muscles and nerves are presented. The discomplete neural prosthesis system and method for clinically paralyzed humans utilizes a controller. The controller is adapted to receive a volitional electrical signal generated by the human that is manifest below the lesion that causes the clinical paralysis. The controller uses at least the volitional electrical signal to generate a control signal that is output back to a plant to change the state of the plant, which in one aspect is one or more of the user's paralyzed muscles to achieve a functional result or to devices in the environment around the user that are adapted to receive commands from the controller.