Neuromuscular Stimulation Electrode Array with Overlapping Conductive Tracks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing neuromuscular stimulation devices face challenges in accurately positioning electrodes to achieve optimal stimulation, as adjustments are typically made in whole units of electrode size, limiting precision in finding the optimal stimulation point.
Innovation Solution
A device with a plurality of negative electrodes and a control unit that activates them in a predetermined sequence, allowing for incremental adjustments of the effective electrode position by overlapping conductive tracks, enabling movement in steps smaller than the electrode footprint, thereby increasing precision in locating the optimal stimulation point.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If an array of electrodes is used to adjust effective electrode position, then the positioning flexibility is improved, but the adjustment precision is limited to whole electrode units
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode array is divided into multiple individually addressable electrodes, allowing selective activation of specific electrodes to create virtual electrodes at different positions. This segmentation enables independent control of each electrode element to achieve precise positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from discrete electrode center positions to continuous position control by utilizing the spatial distribution of multiple electrodes and creating virtual electrodes through controlled activation patterns. This adds a dimensional aspect to position control beyond simple electrode selection.
2Area of stationary object
If larger electrodes are used, then the stimulation coverage is improved, but the positioning precision is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
Large electrode areas are segmented into multiple smaller addressable elements, allowing the system to activate only the necessary portions to achieve both adequate coverage and precise positioning. The virtual electrode concept allows effective positioning without requiring physically large electrodes.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the electrode array can be activated with different properties. The system activates specific local regions to create virtual electrodes with optimized characteristics for each positioning requirement, rather than uniformly activating entire large electrodes.
3Measurement precision
If multiple electrodes are activated to create virtual electrodes, then the positioning accuracy is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The same electrode array structure serves multiple functions: it provides both the physical electrode contacts and the means to create virtual electrodes through selective activation. The control system uses universal addressing schemes to manage multiple electrodes without requiring separate control mechanisms for each.
Solution Approach 2:
Virtual electrodes are created as functional copies of physical electrode positions through controlled activation patterns. The system activates combinations of physical electrodes to generate effective stimulation fields at positions that correspond to virtual electrode locations, avoiding the need for additional physical electrodes at every possible position.
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 achieves a higher degree of accuracy in locating the optimal effective electrode position, allowing for more precise neuromuscular stimulation and improved effectiveness in muscle contraction and blood flow promotion.
Implementation Method 1
the control unit activates the negative electrodes in a predetermined sequence, so as to deliver electrical stimulus to a user
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a device for providing neuromuscular stimulation. The device comprises a positive electrode, a plurality of negative electrodes, a non-conductive substrate and a control unit for activating the electrodes. The control unit of the device activates the negative electrodes in a predetermined sequence, so as to deliver electrical stimulus to a user, wherein the predetermined sequence is repeated with an increasing level of stimulus until a predetermined outcome is achieved. Additionally each negative electrode of the devices comprises at least one conductive track mounted on the non-conductive substrate wherein at least one pair of negative electrodes overlap such that the conductive track or tracks of a first negative electrode of the pair overlap with the electrode footprint, but not the conductive tracks, of a second negative electrode of the pair.