EMG Stimulation Garment Isolation Circuitry Switching

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing systems for combined electromyography (EMG) measurements and transcutaneous electrical stimulation (TENS, FES, NMES) face challenges such as signal degradation due to long analog cable lengths and interference between stimulation and EMG measurement phases.

Innovation Solution

A system comprising a garment with electrodes, an analog cable connecting to external electronics, and control circuitry that cyclically switches between stimulation and EMG time intervals, using isolation circuitry and clamping transistors to minimize interference and signal loss.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If long analog cables are used to connect electrodes to external electronics, then the system can be operated externally, but signal degradation occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveexternal operationVSAvoidsignal quality

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the traditional long analog cable connection with a wireless communication system. The electrodes connect to a control circuit integrated in the garment, which then communicates wirelessly with an external device, eliminating the physical cable that causes signal degradation while maintaining external operability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system is divided into distinct functional modules: electrodes embedded in the garment, integrated control circuitry within the garment, and separate external processing devices. This segmentation allows the sensitive EMG measurement functions to be isolated from the stimulation functions and the long cable connection, reducing interference and signal loss.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Use of energy by stationary object

If stimulation and EMG measurement are performed simultaneously, then continuous monitoring and stimulation is achieved, but interference between the two phases occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontinuous operationVSAvoidinterference

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by stationary objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The control circuit is configured to operate in periodic cycles, alternating between stimulation phases and EMG measurement phases. During each cycle, the circuit enables either stimulation or measurement but not both simultaneously, eliminating interference while maintaining continuous operation through the repeating cycle pattern.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The control circuit prepares and switches between stimulation and measurement modes in advance according to a predetermined cycle pattern. This preliminary switching ensures that when one function is active, the other is already prepared and isolated, preventing interference before it can occur.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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 enables high-speed switching between EMG measurement and stimulation phases, reducing signal loss and interference, and allowing for rapid and accurate combined EMG and transcutaneous electrical stimulation.

Implementation Method 1

a stimulator configured to input electrical energy to a distal end of the analog cable to deliver transcutaneous electrical stimulation to the target anatomy via the electrodes of the garment

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Implementation Method 2

EMG circuitry configured to receive analog EMG signals from the distal end of the analog cable and including analog amplifiers configured to amplify the analog EMG signals to form amplified analog EMG signals

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical amplification:

Data Source

PatentUS20250073453A1System for functional electrical stimulation and electromyography measurement

Publication Date: 2025.03.06 BATTELLE MEMORIAL INST

AI summary

A system for combined electromyography (EMG) measurements and stimulation of a target anatomy includes a garment with electrodes. An analog cable connects with the electrodes of the garment. A stimulator inputs electrical energy to the analog cable to deliver transcutaneous electrical stimulation. Stimulator isolation circuitry switches between connecting the stimulator with the analog cable and electrically disconnecting the stimulator from the analog cable. EMG circuitry receives analog EMG signals from the analog cable and forms digitized EMG data. EMG isolation circuitry switches between electrically connecting the EMG circuitry with the analog cable and electrically disconnecting the EMG circuitry from the analog cable. Control circuitry cyclically switches between stimulation and EMG time intervals. Clamping transistors connect between the EMG isolation circuitry and the EMG circuitry and cyclically switch between clamped time intervals in which the clamping transistors connect the clamped circuit nodes to a clamp voltage, and unclamped time intervals.