Neural Sleeve With Segmented Electrodes for Fine Finger Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current transcutaneous neuromuscular stimulation electrodes are large and lack the ability to selectively stimulate small muscle segments for fine wrist and finger control, limiting their effectiveness in restoring complex muscular movements.
Innovation Solution
A reusable sleeve with multiple small electrodes and an inner disposable hydrogel layer that enhances conductivity and adherence, allowing for programmable spatial stimulation patterns and precise muscle control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If transcutaneous neuromuscular stimulation electrodes are made large to ensure adequate contact area, then electrical conductivity is improved, but the ability to selectively stimulate small muscle segments for fine wrist and finger control is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode array is divided into multiple discrete electrode elements (e.g., 8x8 grid with 64 electrodes), each capable of independent control. This segmentation allows selective activation of specific electrode combinations to target individual muscle segments, resolving the contradiction between adequate contact area and spatial selectivity.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the electrode array can be activated with different stimulation parameters (amplitude, pulse width, frequency) to create localized stimulation patterns. This allows fine control over which muscle segments are stimulated while maintaining overall adequate contact area through the complete electrode array.
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple electrodes are added to achieve selective stimulation of small muscles, then stimulation precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode array serves multiple functions: it can stimulate individual muscle segments, stimulate muscle groups, record EMG signals from multiple locations, and provide sensory feedback. This multi-functionality justifies the complexity by enabling both precise stimulation and comprehensive monitoring through a single integrated device.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrode array is arranged in a two-dimensional grid pattern rather than a linear arrangement, allowing selective stimulation patterns in multiple spatial directions. This dimensional approach enables complex muscle control while organizing the electrodes in a systematic, manageable structure that reduces control complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a reusable sleeve with multiple electrodes is used, then stimulation versatility is improved, but manufacturing and assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode array is nested within a flexible printed circuit board (FPC) substrate, which is then housed within the reusable sleeve. This nested structure allows the complex multi-electrode assembly to be manufactured as an integrated unit, reducing assembly complexity while maintaining the versatility of programmable stimulation patterns.
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 high-resolution, non-invasive neuromuscular stimulation that accurately translates patient intentions into complex movements, such as individual finger and wrist actions, by using a flexible sleeve with multiple electrodes and a conductive medium that becomes more conductive under pressure.
Implementation Method 1
The conductive medium may comprise a hydrogel which is relatively more conductive in a z-direction than in a x-direction or a y-direction
Implementation Method 2
The conductive medium may be less conductive in a regular state; and the conductive medium may become more conductive upon application of external pressure in a direction of the external pressure
Implementation Method 3
The conductive medium may include a compressible polymer and a conductive filler dispersed in the compressible polymer. The conductive filler may be carbon-based and comprise carbon fibers
Implementation Method 4
The conductive medium may become more conductive upon any one of: application of an electrical current; a change in temperature; a change in pH; or a change in moisture. The conductive medium may include a stimuli-sensitive polymer
Data Source
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AI summary
The present disclosure relates to neuromuscular stimulation and sensing cuffs. The neuromuscular stimulation cuff has at least two fingers and a plurality of electrodes disposed on each finger. More generally, the neuromuscular stimulation cuff includes an outer, reusable component and an inner, disposable component. One or more electrodes are housed within the reusable component. The neuromuscular stimulation cuff may be produced by providing an insulating substrate layer, forming a conductive circuit on the substrate layer to form a conductive circuit layer, adhering a cover layer onto the conductive circuit layer to form a flexible circuit, and cutting at least one flexible finger from the flexible circuit. The neuromuscular stimulation cuff employs a flexible multi-electrode design which allows for reanimation of complex muscle movements in a patient, including individual finger movement.