Neuromuscular Stimulation Cuff With Flexible Multi-Electrode Fingers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current transcutaneous neuromuscular stimulation electrodes are large and have a single electrode, limiting their ability to selectively stimulate small muscle segments for fine wrist and finger control.
Innovation Solution
A neuromuscular stimulation cuff with a flexible design featuring multiple small electrodes arranged on flexible fingers, allowing for programmable spatial stimulation patterns and enhanced electrode positioning for complex muscle movements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If current transcutaneous neuromuscular stimulation electrodes are used, then the device structure is simple, but the ability to selectively stimulate small muscle segments is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode surface is divided into multiple discrete electrode elements arranged in specific patterns, allowing selective stimulation of different muscle segments. Each electrode can be independently controlled to target specific small muscle groups, achieving fine motor control while maintaining a manageable device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the electrode array are designed with specific geometries and spacing optimized for local muscle target engagement. The electrode configuration provides non-uniform current distribution patterns that match the anatomical distribution of target muscles, enabling precise spatial selectivity.
2Ease of operation
If a single electrode is used, then the device complexity is low, but fine wrist and finger control cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode array enables dynamic programming of stimulation patterns, where different combinations of electrodes can be activated based on real-time control signals. This allows flexible adaptation to different motor tasks and muscle groups, providing fine motor control capability while keeping the physical device structure relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The multi-electrode array serves multiple functions: it can stimulate different muscle groups, generate various current patterns, and adapt to different anatomical configurations. This universal design enables fine control of multiple muscle segments with a single device platform.
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 precise and selective stimulation of individual muscles or muscle groups, facilitating finer movements such as individual finger flexing and extension, thereby improving the restoration of complex muscular movements.
Implementation Method 1
provide electrical stimulation to nerves and/or muscles to effectuate the intended action
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to neuromuscular stimulation and sensing cuffs. The neuromuscular stimulation cuff has at least two fingers and a plurality of electrodes disposed on each finger. More generally, the neuromuscular stimulation cuff includes an outer, reusable component and an inner, disposable component. One or more electrodes are housed within the reusable component. The neuromuscular stimulation cuff may be produced by providing an insulating substrate layer, forming a conductive circuit on the substrate layer to form a conductive circuit layer, adhering a cover layer onto the conductive circuit layer to form a flexible circuit, and cutting at least one flexible finger from the flexible circuit. The neuromuscular stimulation cuff employs a flexible multi-electrode design which allows for reanimation of complex muscle movements in a patient, including individual finger movement.