Multi-pad Electrode Stimulation for Paralyzed Muscle Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current functional electrical stimulation (FES) systems are not sufficiently selective, adaptive, or robust for effective activation of paralyzed body parts, leading to muscle fatigue and limited functionality in therapies for conditions like hemiplegia and multiple sclerosis, due to non-linear recruitment of nerve fibers and lack of precise control over muscle activation.

Innovation Solution

A multi-pad electrostimulation system with soft, skin-friendly electrodes and integrated sensors that allow for adjustable stimulation intensity and location, using rule-based control algorithms and smart driver units to mimic natural muscle activation, enabling selective and adaptive control of paralyzed muscles for tasks like grasping and walking.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If functional electrical stimulation is applied to activate paralyzed muscles, then muscle activation is achieved, but muscle fatigue occurs and control precision is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemuscle activation reliabilityVSAvoidmuscle activation duration

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the stimulation system into multiple independent channels, each controlling specific muscle groups or motor units. This segmentation allows selective activation of different muscle portions, distributing the activation load and preventing localized fatigue while maintaining reliable muscle activation over extended periods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts stimulation parameters including pulse amplitude, duration, frequency, and inter-pulse intervals based on real-time muscle response and fatigue levels. This dynamic adaptation optimizes activation reliability while preventing excessive fatigue accumulation during prolonged therapy sessions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Force

If electrical stimulation intensity is increased to activate more muscle fibers, then muscle force output increases, but selectivity of muscle activation decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemuscle force outputVSAvoidmuscle activation selectivity

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs multi-pad electrodes with different stimulation intensities and patterns applied to specific locations on the muscle. By varying the electrical properties (amplitude, duration, frequency) at different electrode pads, the system achieves selective activation of specific muscle fiber groups while maintaining overall force output, allowing precise control over which muscles are activated.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Force

If multiple motor units are activated simultaneously to increase muscle force, then overall muscle output increases, but control over individual muscle activation is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoverall muscle outputVSAvoidindividual muscle control

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The stimulation system is divided into multiple independent channels, each capable of selectively activating specific motor units or muscle groups. This channel-based segmentation enables the operator to control individual muscle activations independently while still achieving coordinated multi-muscle output when needed, maintaining both force generation and operational control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

4Force

If stimulus frequency is increased above fusion frequency to achieve tetanus and maximize force, then muscle force increases, but energy consumption increases and fatigue accelerates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemaximum muscle forceVSAvoidstimulation energy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system applies stimulation frequencies that partially exceed the fusion frequency to achieve sufficient force generation without continuously maintaining maximum tetanic contraction. By using intermittent stimulation patterns and adjusting frequency dynamically based on required force levels, the system achieves adequate muscle activation while reducing overall energy consumption and delaying fatigue onset.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

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 provides controlled and graded muscle activation, reducing fatigue and improving functional use by allowing independent adjustment of stimulation parameters, enabling more effective and reproducible muscle control for daily activities.

Implementation Method 1

The electrical stimulator is adapted to deliver the stimulation pulses to the body via the electrodes

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical stimulation: Electrical Impedance Tomography

Implementation Method 2

The system includes sensors that are integrated into the garment and that detect at least one physical quantity

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSensor detection:

Data Source

PatentUS9878153B2Apparatus for external activation of paralyzed body parts by stimulation of peripheral nerves

Publication Date: 2018.01.30 FESIA TECH SL

AI summary

Apparatus for external activation of paralyzed body parts by stimulation of peripheral nerves which comprises a soft apparel provided with multi-pad electrodes on one side and activating means on the other side, wherein the activating means are adapted to allow activation and control of a delivered electrical pulse to each multi-pad electrode separately.