Flexible Sheet Neuromuscular Stimulation Electrode Arrays
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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, which is essential for restoring complex muscular movements.
Innovation Solution
Flexible sheets with multiple small electrodes embedded within or upon a non-conductive elastomeric polymer or fabric substrate, featuring electrically-conductive wires connecting each electrode to a common exterior surface, allowing for programmable spatial stimulation patterns and embedded sensors like accelerometers for enhanced functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If current transcutaneous neuromuscular stimulation electrodes are used, then the device structure is simple, but the electrode size is large and the number of electrodes is limited to a single electrode, which limits selective stimulation of small muscle segments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides a single large electrode into multiple small electrodes arranged in arrays on the flexible substrate. This segmentation enables selective stimulation of different muscle segments by activating specific electrode combinations, thereby achieving fine wrist and finger control while maintaining a relatively simple overall device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-point electrode to a two-dimensional array of electrodes on a flexible substrate. This dimensional expansion allows for spatially distributed stimulation patterns, enabling precise targeting of small muscle segments through programmable activation of different electrode positions.
2Manufacturing precision
If the number of electrodes is increased to achieve fine control, then the stimulation precision improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple electrodes onto a single flexible substrate, integrating them into a unified device structure. This combining approach allows for fine control through multiple electrodes while avoiding the complexity of separate electrode assemblies, as they are all mounted on one flexible base that can be applied as a single unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible substrate with electrode arrays serves multiple functions: it provides mechanical support, electrical insulation, electrode mounting, and conformability to body surfaces. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional structural components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity despite having multiple electrodes.
3Device complexity
If a single large electrode is used, then the device structure is simple, but the ability to selectively stimulate small muscle segments is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The single large electrode is segmented into multiple small electrodes that can be independently activated. This segmentation provides muscle segment selectivity by allowing the system to target specific muscle groups through selective electrode activation, while the flexible substrate maintains a simple overall configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrode configuration transitions from a static single electrode to a dynamic array where different electrode combinations can be activated based on the desired muscle segment. This dynamic selectivity allows the same physical structure to adapt to different stimulation needs, enhancing versatility without increasing structural complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A flexible sheet for neurostimulation is described having a flexible non-conductive substrate matrix in which electrodes are embedded along a lower surface. Electrically conductive wires extend from the electrodes through the flexible substrate to another exterior surface of the substrate. Methods of making the flexible sheet and making a device using the flexible sheet are also disclosed.