Myoelectric Interface for Stroke Muscle Decoupling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current treatments for abnormal muscle function post-stroke, such as co-activation, are not suitable for widespread use due to the size and expense of necessary robotic equipment, necessitating a more cost-effective and compact solution.

Innovation Solution

A myoelectric computer interface device with a myoelectric controller, computer interface, and monitor, utilizing software that maps muscle activity to cursor icon movement and orthogonal or other mappings of co-activated muscles, allowing for training in decoupling these muscles through interactive tasks.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If robotic equipment is used to treat abnormal muscle co-activation, then treatment effectiveness is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetreatment effectivenessVSAvoidequipment size and cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex robotic mechanical systems with a myoelectric control system that uses electrical signals from muscle activity to control cursor movement on a computer interface. This substitution eliminates the need for expensive robotic equipment while maintaining treatment effectiveness through software-based muscle decoupling training

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a virtual copy of physical muscle interaction through computer software. Instead of physically manipulating limbs with robots, the system captures myoelectric signals and translates them into cursor movements, allowing patients to train muscle decoupling in a virtual environment that replicates the therapeutic effects without requiring complex mechanical equipment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

2Reliability

If traditional robotic training is used, then muscle decoupling is achieved, but ease of operation and accessibility worsen

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemuscle decoupling capabilityVSAvoidaccessibility for widespread use

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a universal training system that can be used in multiple settings (clinic, home, rehabilitation centers) through standard computer equipment. The myoelectric interface works with various muscle groups and can be adapted to different patient needs, making the therapy accessible to a broader population without requiring specialized robotic equipment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables patients to independently perform muscle decoupling training by providing real-time visual feedback through cursor movement. Patients can monitor their own progress and adjust their efforts based on the feedback displayed, reducing the need for constant therapist intervention and making the therapy more accessible for home use

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS10175755B2Device and method for treating abnormal muscle function

Publication Date: 2019.01.08 NORTHWESTERN UNIV

AI summary

A myoelectric computer interface device is disclosed that includes a myoelectric controller, a computer interface and a monitor. The computer interface includes at least one computer-implementable software program that comprises executable code, wherein the executable code comprises at least one member selected from the group consisting of: instructions for mapping at least one muscle activity to cursor icon movement and instructions for orthogonal or other mapping of co-activated muscles.