Segmented Respiration Electrodes for Patient-Specific Muscle Stimulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Individuals with neuromuscular or respiratory disorders experience muscular fatigue and difficulty breathing, particularly during extended periods of inactivity or mechanical ventilation, necessitating alternative methods to stimulate respiratory function.
Innovation Solution
The use of electrodes divided into removable portions, each with specific activation areas, connected to a system that delivers electrical signals to stimulate abdominal muscles in synchrony with exhalation, utilizing a controller, power supply, and memory device to customize the stimulus based on individual breathing patterns and physical characteristics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If electrodes are made as single fixed-size units, then manufacturing and application are simplified, but adaptability to different patient sizes and breathing patterns is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode is divided into multiple segments with perforations that allow portions to be torn off, enabling customization of electrode size and shape to match different patient anatomies and breathing patterns while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure
2Reliability
If electrodes are customized for each patient, then stimulation effectiveness is improved, but preparation time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode includes pre-defined perforations that allow healthcare providers to easily customize the electrode by tearing off portions, balancing customization needs with ease of preparation during patient treatment
Solution Approach 2:
The electrode is pre-designed with perforation lines and removable portions that anticipate customization needs, allowing quick adaptation without requiring complex tools or procedures during patient preparation
3Area of stationary object
If electrode activation areas are increased, then stimulation coverage is improved, but risk of stimulating unintended muscles increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode provides different activation area sizes in different locations, allowing larger activation areas where safe and effective stimulation is needed while maintaining smaller or no activation areas in regions where unintended muscle stimulation could occur
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
Enhances respiratory function by stimulating expiratory muscles effectively, reducing reliance on mechanical ventilation and improving breathing capacity through customizable neuromuscular electrical stimulation.
Implementation Method 1
an electrode cable configured to provide an electrical signal to the electrode... The controller controls the electrical signal to each of the electrodes from the power supply
Data Source
AI summary
An electrode for stimulating a neuromuscular response includes a backing layer, an electrode layer, and a hydrogel layer, and an electrode cable configured to provide an electrical signal to the electrode. The electrode is divided into a first removable portion including a first removable activation area, a second removable portion including a second removable activation area, and a main body including a main activation area, the first removable portion is configured to separate from the second removable portion and the main body by a first perforation, and the second removable portion is configured to separate from the main body by a second perforation.