Surface Electromyography Sensors with Adjustable Electrode Spacing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Surface electromyography systems are limited in detecting electrical activity due to depth restrictions of subcutaneous tissue and inability to reliably distinguish between adjacent muscle discharges, leading to inaccuracies and errors in medical diagnostics.
Innovation Solution
A surface electromyography system utilizing multiple sensors with adjustable inter-electrode distances and configurations to detect muscular electrical activity simultaneously across multiple regions, providing improved accuracy and reduced false positives/negatives by allowing direct comparison of signals in real time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a single sensor is used for electromyography measurements, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision and reliability deteriorate due to inability to simultaneously detect multiple muscle regions and distinguish adjacent muscle discharges
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the measurement task into multiple independent sensor units, each equipped with electrode pairs for detecting electrical activity in specific muscle regions. This segmentation allows simultaneous detection of multiple muscle groups while maintaining manageable complexity through modular architecture
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from single-point measurement to multi-point spatial measurement by deploying multiple sensors across different anatomical regions. This dimensional expansion enables discrimination between adjacent muscles by capturing electrical activity from multiple spatial locations simultaneously
2Ease of operation
If surface electromyography is used instead of intramuscular electromyography, then the ease of operation and patient comfort are improved, but the measurement precision deteriorates due to depth restrictions of subcutaneous tissue
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple surface sensors are strategically positioned to target specific muscle regions, compensating for the depth limitation of surface electromyography by distributing measurement points across the anatomical surface to capture localized electrical activity
Solution Approach 2:
Each sensor is configured with specific electrode pair orientations and spacing optimized for detecting electrical activity from particular muscle groups, enhancing local measurement precision while maintaining the non-invasive surface approach
3Reliability
If multiple sensors are used for simultaneous detection of electrical activity in multiple regions, then the measurement precision and reliability are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into multiple independent sensor modules that can be attached to different body regions. Each module functions autonomously to detect electrical activity locally, improving reliability through redundant measurements while keeping individual component complexity low
Solution Approach 2:
The system compares electrical activity signals from multiple sensors simultaneously, using feedback mechanisms to identify and correct measurement anomalies, distinguish between adjacent muscle discharges, and validate results across multiple measurement points to enhance overall reliability
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 system enables precise detection of muscular electrical activity across multiple regions, reducing errors and improving diagnostic accuracy by allowing simultaneous measurement and comparison of signals, thus aiding in medical conditions like peritonitis diagnosis.
Implementation Method 1
Each sensor comprises a pair of electrodes and is operable to provide an output representing the potential difference between the pair of electrodes
Data Source
AI summary
A surface electromyography system, sensors for use in a surface electromyography system, and methods for use thereof. The surface electromyography system comprises a plurality of sensors for detecting muscular electrical activity, and an output unit coupleable to the plurality of sensors, the output unit operable to provide outputs representing the outputs of each of the plurality of sensors. The sensors of the plurality of sensors each comprise a pair of electrodes and are operable to provide an output representing the potential difference between the pair of electrodes.