EMG-Controlled Rehabilitation Arm for Centralized Patient Supervision

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current rehabilitation methods for patients with peripheral nervous system paralysis are inefficient as they require individualized attention from multiple physiotherapists to manage multiple patients, increasing costs and reducing therapy effectiveness.

Innovation Solution

A rehabilitation device with a remote control terminal, adjustable arm, EMG sensors, and a motor system that allows for 360° movement, enabling precise adjustment of exercises based on EMG signals, and can be connected to multiple patients via radio or cable connection, allowing a single physiotherapist to manage multiple devices.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional rehabilitation methods are used with multiple physiotherapists, then each patient receives individualized attention, but the cost increases and the efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvequality of rehabilitation careVSAvoidphysiotherapist efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The rehabilitation device enables patients to perform exercises independently through automated control based on EMG signals. The system self-regulates the robotic arm movements according to detected muscle activity, reducing the need for continuous physiotherapist intervention while maintaining personalized therapy quality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

A single rehabilitation device can serve multiple patients sequentially, and one remote control terminal can manage multiple devices simultaneously. This multi-functionality allows physiotherapists to supervise several patients across different devices, significantly improving productivity while maintaining individualized care standards

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If multiple physiotherapists are employed to manage multiple patients, then each patient receives adequate attention, but the cost of rehabilitation increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepatient supervision qualityVSAvoidrehabilitation cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The system creates a replicated control capability where one remote control terminal can simultaneously control multiple rehabilitation devices. This allows a single physiotherapist to supervise multiple patients across different devices, eliminating the need to hire additional staff while maintaining supervision quality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The automated control system acts as an intermediary between the physiotherapist and the patient. The EMG-based automated control handles real-time adjustments and monitoring, allowing the physiotherapist to focus on higher-level supervision of multiple patients, thereby reducing staffing costs while maintaining care quality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If EMG signals are used to control the robotic arm, then exercise intensity can be precisely adjusted to patient needs, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveexercise customizationVSAvoidcontrol system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system continuously monitors EMG signals from the patient's muscles and automatically adjusts the robotic arm's movement parameters based on the detected muscle activity level. This closed-loop feedback enables precise exercise intensity customization without requiring complex manual programming by the physiotherapist

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical control with automated electronic control based on EMG signals. The robotic arm is controlled through an automated control system that processes physiological signals, substituting complex mechanical adjustment mechanisms with intelligent sensor-based control

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 cost-effective rehabilitation of multiple patients by allowing precise adjustment of exercises based on individual EMG signals, optimizing physiotherapist workload and reducing costs through centralized control and adaptable hardware.

Implementation Method 1

at least two electrodes of the electromyograph (EMG) sensor (10) connected to the muscle or muscles of the patient

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromyography (EMG): Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS11672720B2Rehabilitation device

Publication Date: 2023.06.13 EGZOTECH SP Z O O

AI summary

A device for rehabilitating patients especially with peripheral nervous system paralysis. The rehabilitation device comprising a remote control terminal, a base, an arm mounted to a column with adjustable height containing an motor propelling the arm and at least two electrodes of the electromyography (EMG) sensor according to the disclosure is characterized in that the actuator (7) enables the extension (4) to move within the angular range of 360°, while the EMG signal from the sensor connected to the muscle or muscles of the patient is transmitted to the network of the motor controlling module (2) and then further by radio or cable connection to a remote control terminal (1).