Body-attached EMG Sensor with Porous Silicon Substrate
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electromyogram sensors are disposable, non-elastic, and non-breathable, leading to noise interference due to skin surface changes and discomfort for amputees when used with bionic limbs.
Innovation Solution
A body-attached electromyogram sensor with a surface electromyography electrode and a substrate, including a porous silicon layer for elasticity and breathability, allowing long-term attachment and minimizing skin irritation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conventional disposable electromyogram sensor with a simple sticker form is used, then the sensor can be easily attached and removed, but the sensor material is non-elastic and non-breathable, causing separation from the skin surface during muscle contraction and relaxation, which greatly affects measurement accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flexible substrate made of elastic material that can stretch and conform to skin surface changes during muscle contraction and relaxation. This flexible film structure maintains continuous contact between the electrode and skin, preventing separation while allowing easy attachment and removal, thus resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and measurement precision
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a composite structure combining an elastic substrate material with conductive electrode materials. The substrate provides elasticity and breathability while the electrode layer maintains electrical conductivity for accurate signal detection. This composite approach enables both easy attachment/removal and high measurement accuracy by addressing both requirements through material composition
2Device complexity
If a conventional electromyogram sensor with a simple sticker form is used, then the sensor structure is simple, but the attachment part cannot absorb or discharge secretions such as sweat, causing lower electrode performance and skin trouble during long-term use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a porous layer in the substrate structure that enables absorption and discharge of sweat and skin secretions during long-term wear. This porous structure maintains breathability while keeping the overall sensor design relatively simple, preventing electrode degradation and skin irritation, thus improving reliability without significantly increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The substrate acts as an intermediary layer between the skin and the electrode, providing both mechanical support and physiological functions such as sweat management. This intermediary structure protects the electrode from direct exposure to excessive moisture while maintaining electrical contact, ensuring stable performance during extended use without requiring complex additional components
3Measurement precision
If a conventional commercial electromyogram sensor is worn to control bionic limbs, then the sensor can detect bio-muscle signals, but the strong pressure applied to the connection portion of the amputee's body when walking causes great discomfort and makes long-term wearing difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a thin, flexible substrate that can conform to the body contour and distribute pressure evenly across the attachment area. This flexible film structure reduces peak pressure points that cause discomfort while maintaining sufficient contact pressure for accurate bio-muscle signal detection, enabling long-term comfortable wear during bionic limb control
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a dynamically adaptable substrate that can stretch and deform with body movements and muscle contractions. This dynamic flexibility allows the sensor to maintain optimal contact pressure during various activities including walking, reducing discomfort from static pressure while preserving signal detection accuracy, thus improving wearing comfort without sacrificing measurement 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 sensor provides stable muscle signal detection with reduced noise interference and improved comfort for amputees, enabling effective control of bionic limbs over extended periods.
Implementation Method 1
an attachment part of the electromyogram sensor is unable to absorb or discharge secretions such as sweat occurring from the skin
Implementation Method 2
having elasticity to allow its element to expand based on a change in a skin surface that is caused by a muscle movement
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a body-attached electromyogram sensor that detects signals from a muscle and provides the degree of contraction and relaxation of the muscle. More specifically, the present invention relates to a body-attached electromyogram sensor that is formed very thin so that the electromyogram sensor may be attached more naturally inside a socket physically connecting a robot leg of an amputee, and thus is more comfortable to wear. In addition, the body-attached electromyogram sensor is made of a material that is elastic and thus naturally expands and contracts according to the movement of the muscle, and is breathable and thus may effectively discharge secretions such as sweat. Accordingly, the body-attached electromyogram sensor may be worn repeatedly and attached for long periods of time.