Myoelectric Prosthesis Electrode Setup for Faster Control Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing myoelectrically controlled prosthesis systems require complex electrode configurations that are difficult to set up quickly, especially for patients with varying muscle activity capabilities, leading to delayed optimal prosthesis fitting and control.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a surface electrode arrangement with flexible placement around the residual limb to record electromyographic signals, allowing evaluation of signal quality for determining the appropriate control procedure, followed by positioning lead electrodes for precise control, using dome bolt connections for easy assembly and a safety element to secure connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If complex electrode configurations are used for precise control, then control precision is improved, but device complexity and setup time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode system is divided into two distinct types: surface electrodes for initial signal quality evaluation and lead electrodes for final precise control. This segmentation allows the complex lead electrode configuration to be planned based on preliminary assessment from simpler surface electrodes, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
Surface electrodes are applied first to evaluate signal quality before committing to the final lead electrode configuration. This preliminary action allows the system to determine the appropriate level of complexity needed for lead electrodes based on actual muscle activity patterns, avoiding unnecessary complexity while ensuring sufficient control precision.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple lead electrodes are positioned precisely for complex control, then control capability is improved, but assembly time and difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The surface electrode arrangement is applied and evaluated before final lead electrode placement. This preliminary assessment determines which control procedures are feasible based on detected muscle activities, allowing the system to adapt the lead electrode configuration to the patient's specific capabilities rather than requiring a fixed complex configuration for all patients.
Solution Approach 2:
The system adapts the number and positioning of lead electrodes based on the signal quality evaluation from surface electrodes. Depending on the detected muscle activities and their quality, the system can select from different control procedures with varying levels of complexity, changing the parameters of the electrode configuration to match patient needs.
3Ease of operation
If surface electrode arrangement is made detachable for flexibility, then ease of operation is improved, but connection reliability may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode system is segmented into detachable surface electrodes and fixed lead electrodes. The surface electrodes can be easily applied and removed for assessment purposes, while the lead electrodes provide stable, reliable connections for ongoing use. This segmentation allows flexibility during setup while ensuring reliability during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The surface electrode arrangement serves as an intermediary assessment tool that bridges the gap between initial patient evaluation and final lead electrode configuration. It allows flexible, reversible assessment of muscle activities without compromising the eventual reliable connection provided by the lead electrodes.
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 rapid determination of suitable prosthesis control systems, improving accuracy and flexibility in electrode placement, reducing assembly complexity, and ensuring reliable signal transmission.
Implementation Method 1
several lead electrodes for recording electric muscle activities
Data Source
AI summary
A method for configuring a myoelectrically controlled prosthetic system with a prosthesis socket and several lead electrodes for recording electric muscle activities, featuring the steps: placement of a surface electrode arrangement comprising several surface electrodes around the circumference of a residual limb, recording of electric muscle activity in muscles of the residual limb as electromyographic signals, the activity being recorded by the surface electrodes, evaluation of the myoelectric signals with regards to the distinctness of the signals, selection of the control procedure that is to be used to control the prosthesis system, based on the evaluation of the distinctness of the signals, and fixing of the lead electrodes to the prosthesis socket.