Neural Bridging Control for Volitional Neuromuscular Stimulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing neuromuscular stimulation devices do not effectively translate neural signals into volitional control for desired movements, particularly in cases of neural damage, as they lack the ability to respond to intended muscle activity without user intervention.
Innovation Solution
An artificial neuromuscular stimulation system that decodes neural activity to determine desired movements, using transcutaneous neurostimulation sleeves and a computer system to generate electrical stimulation patterns for targeted muscle activation, bypassing neural damage and enabling real-time movement control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If transcutaneous neurostimulation cuffs are used to stimulate skeletal muscle tissue, then muscle stimulation effectiveness is improved, but the device cannot translate neural signals into volitional control
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a computer system as an intermediary between the neural sensors and the neurostimulation cuff. This intermediary processes neural signals, decodes intended movements, and generates appropriate stimulation patterns, thereby enabling volitional control while maintaining effective muscle stimulation through the transcutaneous cuff
2Reliability
If implantable neurostimulation cuffs are used to restore function to damaged neural pathways, then neural pathway restoration is improved, but the device lacks ability to respond to volitional control
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal system that can work with both implantable and transcutaneous cuffs, adding the capability to decode neural signals and translate them into volitional control. This multi-functional approach allows the same neural interface system to restore neural pathway function while also enabling intentional movement control through processed neural signals
3Manufacturing precision
If the number and layout of electrodes are increased in neuromuscular cuffs, then finer movements are achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary processing of neural signals through decoding algorithms that identify intended movements before generating stimulation patterns. This preliminary action allows the system to coordinate multiple electrodes efficiently, achieving fine movement control without proportionally increasing the complexity of electrode configuration and control
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 real-time, volitional control of body limbs or non-human targets by translating neural signals into appropriate electrical stimulation, allowing for precise and natural movement execution, including complex tasks and rhythmic activities.
Implementation Method 1
neural sensors to detect neural activity
Implementation Method 2
generate electrical stimulation patterns for targeted muscle activation
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
The present disclosure relates generally to systems, methods, and devices for interpreting neural signals to determine a desired movement of a target, transmitting electrical signals to the target, and dynamically monitoring subsequent neural signals or movement of the target to change the signal being delivered if necessary, so that the desired movement is achieved. In particular, the neural signals are decoded using a feature extractor, decoder(s) and a body state observer to determine the electrical signals that should be sent.