Wearable Stimulation Array Dynamic Electrode Reconfiguration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mobility augmentation systems are limited by a fixed number of electrode channels, requiring manual placement and lacking the ability to dynamically configure stimulation, which restricts the number of independent movements that can be effectively stimulated and lacks feedback for correct placement.
Innovation Solution
A wearable stimulation array with a dynamically configurable electrode multiplexer that uses a movement model to determine actuation instructions based on sensor data, allowing for personalized and optimized electrical stimulation by reconfiguring electrodes between anode, cathode, or disconnecting roles, and integrating with clothing for ease of use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed number of electrode channels are used in existing stimulation systems, then the system structure is simple, but the number of independent movements that can be stimulated is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic reconfiguration of electrode channels through a controller that can change electrode roles (anode/cathode) and connections in real-time. The system transitions from static electrode pairing to dynamic reconfigurable architecture, enabling the same physical electrodes to stimulate different muscle groups by changing electrical connection topology during operation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes each electrode channel multi-functional by enabling it to serve as anode, cathode, or remain disconnected based on stimulation requirements. The electrode array becomes a universal stimulation platform that can target multiple independent movements using the same physical components, eliminating the need for dedicated electrode pairs for each movement
2Ease of operation
If manual placement of electrodes is required in existing systems, then the system is easy to manufacture, but the operation becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service through automated electrode placement detection using sensors that identify which electrodes are contacting the user's body and where. The system automatically configures stimulation parameters based on detected electrode positions, eliminating manual placement requirements while maintaining ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms where sensors detect electrode contact status and quality, and this information feeds back to the controller which adjusts stimulation delivery accordingly. The system continuously monitors and adapts to electrode placement conditions, enabling automatic optimization without user intervention
3Reliability
If existing systems lack measurement of stimulation quality, then the system is simple, but incorrect electrode placement cannot be detected or corrected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual verification of electrode placement with automated sensor-based detection. Instead of relying on user knowledge or trial-and-error, electronic sensors objectively measure electrode contact status, position, and stimulation quality, providing reliable detection and correction capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces sensors as intermediary components between the electrodes and the controller. These sensors act as mediators that translate physical electrode contact conditions into electrical signals that the controller can process, enabling indirect measurement of placement quality without direct user intervention
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 personalized and dynamic movement stimulation, optimizing actuation over time and adapting to user changes, such as fatigue, with non-invasive and comfortable electrical stimulation, improving mobility augmentation by allowing expressive control and customization.
Implementation Method 1
augmenting a sequence of movements is a complex task that is more effectively accomplished when various types of movement augmentation such as electrical stimulation can be applied to different muscle groups at different times
Data Source
AI summary
A mobility augmentation system assists a user's movement by determining a corresponding electrical stimulation for the movement. A wearable stimulation array includes sensors, electrodes, an electrode multiplexer, and a controller that executes the mobility augmentation system. The sensors measure movement data, and the mobility augmentation system applies a movement model to the measured movement data. The model can determine different electrical actuation instructions depending on the movement stimulated. For example, to stimulate a knee flexion, the movement model output enables a first set of the electrodes to operate as cathodes and a second set of electrodes to operate as anodes. To stimulate a knee extension, the first set of electrodes can be enabled to operate as anodes and a third set of electrodes as cathodes. The user can provide feedback of the applied stimulation, which the system can use to retrain the model and optimize the stimulation to the user.