Flexible Electrode Array for Muscle Stimulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing muscle tissue stimulation apparatuses require precise electrode positioning to receive EMG signals and deliver stimulation pulses effectively, which can be challenging and often necessitate specialist knowledge.
Innovation Solution
An electrode system with a flexible array of pads that can be positioned with lower precision, incorporating a sensor to measure muscle activity and automatically select optimal pads for stimulation, allowing non-invasive operation on various body parts without requiring specialist knowledge.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If precise electrode positioning is required to receive EMG signals and deliver stimulation pulses, then stimulation accuracy is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates and specialist knowledge is required
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode system is divided into multiple discrete electrode pads arranged in an array, allowing the system to segment the stimulation and measurement functions across multiple contact points. This enables automatic selection of optimal pads without requiring precise manual positioning of the entire electrode system.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs automatic electrode pad selection based on real-time EMG signal quality assessment. The apparatus self-adjusts by identifying which electrode pads have optimal contact with the muscle tissue, eliminating the need for operator intervention or specialist knowledge in positioning.
2Measurement precision
If precise electrode positioning is required, then stimulation accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases due to need for specialist knowledge
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors EMG signals from multiple electrode pads and uses this feedback to automatically determine which pads provide optimal contact. This closed-loop feedback mechanism maintains high stimulation accuracy while simplifying operation, as the system self-corrects based on real-time signal quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary assessment of EMG signal quality from each electrode pad before initiating stimulation. This preliminary action allows the apparatus to pre-select optimal electrode pads, ensuring accurate stimulation without requiring complex manual positioning procedures during operation.
3Device complexity
If electrode pads are used for both stimulation and measurement, then need for separate sensor is obviated, but measurement precision may be affected
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode pads are designed to serve dual functions: both delivering stimulation pulses and recording EMG signals. This multi-functionality reduces device complexity by eliminating separate sensors while maintaining measurement capability through the same contact points with the skin.
Solution Approach 2:
The system assesses signal quality locally at each electrode pad and selectively uses only those pads with adequate contact quality for measurement purposes. This local quality assessment ensures that measurement precision is maintained by excluding poorly contacting pads from the measurement process.
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 accurate muscle stimulation and measurement with reduced precision in electrode placement, allowing users to perceive the effect of stimulation without specialist knowledge, and automatically determines optimal contact and stimulation parameters.
Implementation Method 1
a sensor (30) for measuring the activity of the muscle tissue
Implementation Method 2
a signal generator (531) for providing a stimulation signal to the electrode (12, 13)
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus (1) for electrical stimulation of muscle tissue. The apparatus has an electrode system (10) with an electrode array (13). The array has a plurality of electrode pads (12) and can be placed in electrical contact with the muscle tissue. The electrode system Further has a sensor (30; 31-36) for sensing a property of the muscle tissue. The property forms a measure for the activity of the muscle tissue. The apparatus (1) has an electrode selector (530) for selecting one or more stimulating electrode pads. A signal generator (531) is connected to the electrode array (13) for providing an electrical stimulation signal to the stimulation electrode pad. A signal processor (532) is connected to said sensor (30; 31-36), for determining from the sensor signal a value of the muscle activity and outputting the value in a for humans perceptible form. This reduces the accuracy required to position the electrode system (10) and increases the accuracy of measuring the muscle tissue activity.