Wearable FES Device with Embedded Sensor for Upper Limb Rehabilitation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current functional electrical stimulation (FES) devices for upper-limb rehabilitation require external control devices, which can be cumbersome and impractical for users with neurological injuries, limiting their ability to perform daily activities autonomously.
Innovation Solution
A wearable FES device with embedded sensors and control means that detects a user's intention to perform an action with their upper limb by measuring movement and activating electrode pads accordingly, eliminating the need for external control devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If external control devices are used to activate FES device, then stimulation control is achieved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the control sensor and stimulator into a single integrated wearable device. The sensor detects user movement intentions and the stimulator delivers electrical stimulation through electrodes, eliminating the need for separate external control devices. This merging reduces overall system complexity while maintaining ease of operation, as the user simply needs to wear the device and make natural movements to control the stimulation.
2Ease of operation
If hand-held control unit is used, then stimulation activation is enabled, but ease of operation deteriorates for impaired users
Solution Approach 1:
The device enables self-service operation by using the user's own body movements to trigger stimulation. The sensor detects movements of the impaired limb or trunk, and the system automatically activates stimulation based on these detected movements. This eliminates the need for hand-held control units that would be difficult for impaired users to operate, making the device adaptable to various impairment conditions while maintaining ease of operation.
3Device complexity
If external sensors are used for control, then movement detection is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control sensor is merged with the stimulator into a single integrated unit that is worn by the user. This combination reduces the number of separate components and connections needed, thereby reducing device complexity. The sensor is positioned to directly detect movements of the impaired limb or trunk, ensuring measurement precision is maintained while simplifying the overall system architecture.
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 improves upper limb function and active range of motion, facilitates muscle re-education, prevents atrophy, maintains or increases joint range of motion, and enhances local blood flow, all while allowing users to perform daily activities independently.
Implementation Method 1
Functional electrical stimulation (FES) is a technique that uses low energy electrical pulses to artificially generate muscle contractions to produce body segment movements and motor functions such as grasping or walking
Data Source
AI summary
A device and method for functional electrical stimulation intended to be positioned on an upper limb of a user for stimulation of the user's upper limb, includes an electrode configured to be disposed on an upper limb of the user, the electrode having a number of electrode pads adapted to generate stimulating electrical signals on the upper limb of the user, and a stimulator having an embedded sensor configured to detect a movement of the stimulator, and a control component configured to process the sensor measurements and determine an intention of the user to perform an action with his/her upper limb on which the electrode is disposed, and to control the activation and/or deactivation of the electrode pads based on the sensor measurements.