Virtual Patch Electrodes for Fast NMES Calibration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current NMES and TENS garments face inter-session and inter-subject variability due to inconsistent electrode positioning and anatomical differences, requiring tedious manual calibration and coarse resolution adjustments.
Innovation Solution
A system with a processor that defines regions of interest (ROIs) for electrode activation using low-discrepancy sequences, optimizing electrode subsets with balanced currents, and employing cathodes and anodes to enhance muscle stimulation, allowing real-time calibration adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If manual electrode positioning and calibration is used, then anatomical variations can be accommodated, but the calibration process becomes tedious and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-calibration by automatically detecting electrode positions and determining stimulation patterns without requiring manual operator intervention. The processor analyzes sensor data to identify muscle regions and optimize electrode activation sequences autonomously, eliminating the tedious manual calibration process while adapting to individual anatomical variations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical electrode positioning with an automated sensor-based detection system. Sensors detect electrode positions and the processor computationally determines optimal stimulation patterns, substituting the mechanical manual adjustment process with an automated electronic system that rapidly adapts to anatomical variations.
2Device complexity
If discrete electrode states are used, then system complexity is reduced, but adjustment resolution becomes coarse
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from static discrete electrode states to dynamic graded activation levels. Each electrode can be activated at multiple intensity levels rather than simple on/off states, allowing fine-grained adjustment of stimulation patterns while maintaining manageable system complexity through progressive activation sequences.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the activation parameter from binary (on/off) to multi-level intensity control. By varying the activation level of each electrode continuously rather than in discrete steps, the system achieves fine positioning resolution and precise muscle control without significantly increasing device complexity.
3Area of stationary object
If high-density electrode arrays are used, then muscle coverage is improved, but inter-session variability increases due to positioning sensitivity
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of electrode positions and muscle anatomy at the start of each session. By pre-mapping the electrode array configuration and identifying active muscle regions before stimulation begins, the system compensates for positioning variations and ensures consistent stimulation patterns across sessions without requiring perfect repeatability of electrode placement.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses sensor feedback to continuously monitor electrode positions and adjust stimulation patterns accordingly. This real-time feedback mechanism allows the system to adapt to positioning variations between sessions, maintaining reliable and consistent muscle stimulation despite changes in electrode array placement or anatomical positioning.
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 rapid, precise, and efficient NMES calibration by minimizing manual intervention, adapting to anatomical variations, and reducing unwanted muscle stimulation, thus accelerating the calibration process.
Implementation Method 1
NMES comprises delivering electrical pulses via electrodes, through skeletal muscles, to activate a motor response. Muscle fibers in skeletal muscles respond to electrical signals sent through motor neurons.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for electrical stimulation may comprise a plurality of electrodes and a processor. The processor may be configured to: define a region of interest (ROI) for electrode activation via a first subset of the plurality of electrodes; and define a second subset of electrodes, wherein each electrode within the second subset of electrodes are positioned away from the ROI such that the average distance between each electrode and the ROI is maximized. The second group of electrodes may be defined via low-discrepancy sequences or an equidistributed sequence. The plurality of electrodes may be part of a wearable garment or an implantable device. The system may be for muscle stimulation or neural simulation.