Integrated EMG Amplifier Circuit for Low-Loss Prosthesis Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing EMG amplifier units for prostheses are not designed to be compact, comfortable, and efficient in signal transfer, leading to signal attenuation and loss during use.
Innovation Solution
An EMG amplifier unit is integrated into the prosthesis stem, featuring a compact design with a common electronic circuit board, digital amplifier, and signal processing device, reducing signal loss and allowing direct connection to the prosthesis control, with input signal contacts and a digital signal processor for enhanced control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If EMG amplifier units are designed as separate devices connected to prostheses, then signal processing capability is improved, but signal attenuation and loss occur during signal transfer
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the EMG amplifier unit with the prosthesis control unit into a single integrated device. The amplifier circuitry, signal processing components, and control functions are merged within the same housing, eliminating separate signal transfer paths and thereby preventing signal attenuation that would occur during transmission between separate devices.
2Productivity
If EMG amplifier units are integrated into the prosthesis stem, then signal transfer efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The amplifier unit and prosthesis control are merged into a single integrated device housed in one enclosure, combining multiple functions (signal amplification, processing, and control) into one unified system that improves signal transfer efficiency while managing complexity through integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated control unit performs multiple functions including EMG signal amplification, digital signal processing, and prosthesis control operations, making a single device that handles various tasks that would otherwise require separate components.
3Ease of manufacture
If multiple separate components are used for EMG amplification and control, then ease of manufacture is improved, but signal interference increases
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the amplifier and control functions into a single enclosed unit, the patent eliminates the need for external signal connections between separate components, thereby preventing electromagnetic interference and signal noise that would occur during transmission between multiple separate devices.
Data Source
AI summary
An EMG amplifier unit for placement at or in a prosthesis stem, whereby the EMG amplifier unit comprises a first input signal contact group for connection of the EMG amplifier unit with a first EMG electrode, a second input signal contact group for the connection of the EMG amplifier unit with a second EMG electrode and an output signal contact group for direct and/or indirect connection of the EMG amplifier unit with a prosthesis control.