Nerve Stimulation Training Device for Prosthetic Adaptation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing prosthetic systems fail to effectively stimulate and train reinnervated nerve cell ends, leading to prolonged responsiveness and inadequate adaptation for prosthetic use, as they require electrodes within the limb and do not specifically target individual nerve cell ends for stimulation.
Innovation Solution
A training device with systematically arranged stimulators on a housing that mimics the natural nerve area of the missing extremity, allowing for targeted stimulation of reinnervated nerve cell ends to simulate movements and enhance sensitivity, featuring a control device for customizable training programs and data transmission for wireless connectivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If electrodes are arranged within the limb to stimulate nerves, then nerve stimulation is achieved, but the system cannot be used as a training device and requires invasive implantation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a training device that replicates the nerve stimulation function without requiring actual nerve electrodes. The system uses sensors in the prosthesis to detect usage patterns and generates corresponding stimulation patterns on the skin surface, copying the essential function of nerve stimulation in a non-invasive training format.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a computational interface system as an intermediary between the prosthesis sensors and the stimulation output. This intermediary processes sensor data and translates it into training stimulation patterns, allowing the system to function as both a prosthesis control system and a training device without requiring direct nerve electrode contact.
2Measurement precision
If stimulators are fixed in the prosthesis shaft for individual adaptation, then precise nerve stimulation is achieved, but the acclimatization phase is prolonged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a training mode that activates before full prosthesis adaptation is complete. The training device uses preliminary stimulation patterns based on expected nerve locations to accelerate the acclimatization process, allowing users to begin adapting to nerve feedback earlier rather than waiting for complete individual adaptation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the stimulation system dynamic by allowing adjustment between training mode and individual adaptation mode. The system can transition from generalized training stimulation patterns to customized stimulation based on individually mapped nerve locations, optimizing both acclimatization speed and long-term precision.
3Reliability
If reinnervated nerve cell ends are stimulated postoperatively, then sensitivity improvement is achieved, but the process takes relatively long without targeted training
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback loop where sensors in the prosthesis detect actual usage and stimulation patterns, which are then used to adjust and refine the training stimulation. This closed-loop feedback accelerates nerve adaptation by providing consistent, relevant stimulation patterns that match actual prosthesis usage, reducing the time required for sensitivity improvement.
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 device enables timely and optimal reinnervation of nerve cell ends, reducing the acclimatization phase for prosthetic adaptation by providing precise stimulation, improving sensitivity and functionality through tactile and visual feedback.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of stimulators (20) for stimulating physionomy-typical nerve area portions (71)
Data Source
AI summary
A training device for stimulating nerve cell ends in a training manner, includes a housing having at least one first housing portion and a plurality of stimulators or stimulating physionomie-typical nerve area portions. A plurality of stimulators are arranged systematically at least on the first housing portion of the housing so that the plurality of stimulators in the training state each act on nerve cell ends with which they are associated. Also disclosed are a method for operating the training device, the use of the training device as a modular stimulation device for stimulating nerve cell ends, a prosthesis, a method for producing a prosthesis and the use of a training device for stimulating nerve cell ends in a prosthesis.