Helical Wire Electrodes for G-LOC Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for preventing Gravity-induced Loss of Consciousness (G-LOC) in pilots and other individuals experiencing high acceleration forces are limited, as they require voluntary muscle contractions that distract from critical tasks and have limitations in force application, potentially leading to reduced blood flow and oxygen supply to vital organs.
Innovation Solution
An electrically assisted muscle pumping system using implanted helical wire structure electrodes connected to external stimulation signal generators, which automatically generate electrical stimulation signals to contract muscles and pump blood against gravitational and centrifugal forces, reducing cognitive load and enhancing blood perfusion without conscious effort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If voluntary muscle contractions are used to pump blood against gravity, then blood flow to vital organs is maintained, but cognitive distraction and reduced task performance occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical voluntary muscle contraction system with an electrical stimulation system. Electrical signals are delivered through electrodes placed on the skin surface or implanted, which directly stimulate the nervous system to trigger muscle contractions. This substitution eliminates the need for conscious voluntary control while maintaining the blood-pumping function, thereby resolving the contradiction between reliable blood flow maintenance and reduced cognitive load.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrical stimulation system operates autonomously to maintain blood flow without requiring conscious user intervention. The system self-regulates by delivering electrical impulses that automatically trigger the muscle pump mechanism, freeing the user's cognitive resources for critical tasks while ensuring continuous blood circulation against gravitational forces.
2Reliability
If pressure suits are used to apply external forces, then blood flow is improved, but limitations in force application and comfort occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the external mechanical pressure suit system with an internal electrical stimulation system. Instead of applying external compressive forces through a bulky pressure suit, electrical signals are used to activate the body's own muscle pump mechanism from within. This approach overcomes the limitations of external pressure application, providing more versatile and adaptable force generation that can be precisely controlled through electrical parameters rather than mechanical constraints.
3Extent of automation
If implanted electrodes are used for electrical stimulation, then automatic muscle contraction is achieved, but implantation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the electrical stimulation system into two distinct components: implanted electrodes for direct neural stimulation and external electrodes for transcutaneous stimulation. This segmentation allows the system to achieve automatic muscle pumping through implanted electrodes while also providing a less complex alternative using only external electrodes, thereby reducing the overall implantation complexity barrier while maintaining the automation benefit.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces external electrodes as an intermediary component that can deliver electrical stimulation through the skin without requiring implantation. These external electrodes serve as a mediator between the power source and the target muscles, providing a less invasive pathway for achieving automatic muscle pumping and reducing the complexity associated with surgical implantation procedures.
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 effectively maintains blood flow and oxygen supply to vital organs during high acceleration, reducing the risk of G-LOC and improving perfusion, while minimizing distractions and limitations of existing pressure suit technologies.
Implementation Method 1
one or more electrodes placed on the user or integrated into a pressure suit of the user and operatively connected to one or more stimulation signal generators to generate electrical stimulation signals
Implementation Method 2
the second end and/or a substantially linear portion of the helical wire rope structure are configured to collect electrical current by capacitive and resistive coupling transcutaneously with an external pulse generator (EPG) or stimulation signal generator
Implementation Method 3
the second end and/or a substantially linear portion of the helical wire rope structure are configured to collect electrical current by capacitive and resistive coupling transcutaneously with an external pulse generator
Implementation Method 4
pump blood against gravitational and centrifugal forces
Implementation Method 5
pump blood against gravitational and centrifugal forces
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides an electrically assisted muscle pumping (EAMP) system and a method. The system includes sensors to measure an acceleration of a user. The system includes a processor operatively coupled with the sensors, to register an orientation of the user. Electrodes may be operatively connected to stimulation signal generators to generate electrical stimulation signals. Implanted helical wire structure electrodes are placed inside the user and operatively connected to the electrodes to receive the electrical stimulation signals from the electrodes and transmit the electrical stimulation signals to nerves inside the body of the user. The stimulation signal generators are operatively connected to the processor and adapted to apply electric currents to the electrodes. A recorder is connected to the sensors and the stimulation signal generators to capture the acceleration of the user and the electric currents applied to the electrodes.