Modular FES Garment with Embedded Electrodes for Accurate Nerve Stimulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional functional electrical stimulation devices are difficult to use, especially for individuals with neurological injuries, due to the need for a technician to determine optimal electrode placement and reliance on a bent metal plate for positioning, which can lead to incorrect placement.
Innovation Solution
A modular functional electrical stimulation device comprising a garment with embedded electrode pads and a stimulator, where the electrode pads are fixed in position within the garment, allowing for easy use and correct placement, and a sensor system that wirelessly communicates with the stimulator to adjust stimulation patterns based on user movement, ensuring accurate muscle activation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional FES devices use a bent metal plate for positioning electrodes, then the device can be adjusted to fit different users, but the positioning accuracy deteriorates because the metal plate can fit in multiple positions on the user's leg
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into a garment portion and a separate electrode assembly. The garment provides the positioning structure while the electrode assembly contains the actual electrodes. This segmentation allows the garment to provide consistent anatomical positioning while the electrode assembly ensures accurate electrode placement on the skin surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The garment acts as an intermediary between the user's body and the electrodes. It provides a consistent anatomical reference framework that guides electrode placement, eliminating the need for the electrodes themselves to serve as positioning elements. The garment's structured design with channels and openings provides reproducible positioning across different users.
2Measurement precision
If conventional FES devices require a technician to determine optimal electrode placement, then positioning accuracy improves, but the ease of operation deteriorates making the device difficult for users with neurological injuries to use independently
Solution Approach 1:
The optimal electrode placement is predetermined during the design and manufacturing of the garment. The garment is pre-configured with channels, openings, and structural features that guide electrode assembly placement to the correct anatomical positions. This eliminates the need for technicians to perform placement calculations or adjustments during each application.
Solution Approach 2:
The device is designed to be self-positioning through the garment's structured design. Users can independently apply the device by following the garment's built-in guidance features, such as aligned openings and channels that naturally guide the electrode assembly to the correct position without requiring external assistance or complex adjustment procedures.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional FES devices use separate electrode placement and stimulation control components, then the device can be customized for different applications, but the device complexity increases making it harder to use
Solution Approach 1:
The garment and electrode assembly are merged into a single integrated unit. The garment structurally incorporates the electrode placement mechanism, eliminating the need for separate positioning devices and complex assembly procedures. This integration maintains customization capabilities while significantly reducing the number of separate components the user must handle.
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 enables easy and accurate activation of motor nerves, improving motor functions, preventing muscle atrophy, enhancing blood flow, and maintaining range of motion, with the modular design allowing for reuse and adaptation for various body parts without requiring extensive reconfiguration of the stimulator.
Implementation Method 1
The plurality of electrode pads comprises at least one active electrode pad and at least one return electrode pad. The stimulator comprises means for controlling the activation/deactivation of stimulating electrical signals to be provided to at least some of the plurality of electrode pads.
Implementation Method 2
The opposite surface of the electrode or electrode patch is in contact with the user's skin, preferably by means of a skin-electrode hydrogel interface.
Data Source
AI summary
A device for functional electrical stimulation, including a garment mountable on a user's body part, an assembly having a socket and an electrode in turn having electrode pads and a stimulator with a controlling mechanism for activating/deactivating stimulating electrical signals to be provided to at least some of the electrode pads. The garment defines a hollow area configured to receive the socket, the socket configured to house the stimulator. In use of the device, a first portion of the electrode is in contact with an inner surface of the garment, the electrode pads are in a fixed position with respect to the garment, and a second portion of the electrode is in contact with a surface of the socket for receiving the stimulating electrical signals delivered by the stimulator. A system may include the device and a sensor configured to be positioned on either user or in proximity thereto.