Multi-Channel Micro Peripheral Nerve Sensor With Integrated AD Conversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional peripheral nerve sensors suffer from high noise levels due to the AD converter being located outside the nerve, which affects the quality of neurosignals transmitted.
Innovation Solution
The AD converter is integrated directly into the substrate combined with the severed nerve, reducing noise by being in close proximity to the nerve cells and converting analog neurosignals into digital signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the AD converter is located outside the nerve, then the device structure is simpler and easier to manufacture, but the noise level increases and neurosignal quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the AD converter with the substrate by integrating it directly onto the substrate that contacts the nerve. This integration reduces the distance between the converter and nerve cells, minimizing noise contamination and improving neurosignal quality while maintaining a compact device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The AD converter is nested within the substrate structure, specifically integrated onto the substrate that is already in contact with the nerve. This nested arrangement allows the converter to be positioned close to the nerve cells without adding significant external complexity to the overall device.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the AD converter is integrated directly into the substrate, then noise is reduced and neurosignal quality improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the AD converter with the substrate into a single integrated unit. This merging eliminates the need for separate converter housing and connection structures, reducing noise through closer proximity to nerve cells while actually simplifying the overall device architecture through integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The substrate is designed with local quality variations to accommodate the AD converter integration. Specific regions of the substrate are structured to host the converter, allowing close proximity to nerve cells for noise reduction while maintaining the substrate's overall flexibility and biocompatibility properties.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the substrate is made flexible with FPCB, then the sensor can adapt to nerve curvature and improve measurement accuracy, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB) as the substrate, which can be bent and conform to the curvature of severed nerves. This flexible structure allows the sensor to adapt to various nerve geometries and positions, improving measurement accuracy while the FPCB technology provides established manufacturing processes for achieving required precision.
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 solution significantly reduces noise in the acquired neurosignals, enabling accurate interpretation of motion intentions for prosthetic control and wearable robot operation.
Implementation Method 1
an analog-digital (AD) converter combined with the substrate, electrically connected to the channels, receiving analog neurosignals from the nerve cells, and converting the analog neurosignals into digital signals
Implementation Method 2
a connecting portion formed as a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB) made of a flexible material, connecting the first and second substrates to each other, and transferring the neurosignal between the first and second substrates
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-channel micro peripheral nerve sensor for measuring a neurosignal with low noise is proposed. The multi-channel micro peripheral nerve sensor may include a substrate, an analog-digital (AD) converter, and a signal acquisition unit. The substrate may be combined with each cut surface of a severed nerve and include channels into which nerve cells are inserted. The AD converter may be combined with the substrate, be electrically connected to the channels, receive analog neurosignals from the nerve cells, and convert the analog neurosignals into digital signals. The signal acquisition unit may be electrically connected to the AD converter and acquire the digital signals from the AD converter.