System for modulating nerve activation
AssigneeJSG IP Ventures, LLC
InventorsJordan T. Doles, Paul Goudreau, Troy Winsand, Mark Hatcher, Gary McAdam
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Abstract
Various aspects of this disclosure relate to a layered polymer substrate with electrodes and conductive ink embedded in the substrate. In some embodiments, a prosthetic liner may be bonded onto the polymer substrate. The substrate may include an interconnect coupled to the electrodes via the conductive ink. The system may include a controller (e.g., an electrode controller) in communication with the electrodes via the conductive ink. The electrodes may be activated such that they may stimulate nerve fibers in a user's residual limb.
Claims25
A system for modulating nerve activation in an external portion of an amputee's skin on an extremity, comprising:
- a substrate comprising:
- a first polymer layer including a plurality of electrodes configured to be in electrical communication with the external portion of the amputee's skin;
- a plurality of conductive traces coupled with the plurality of electrodes, each electrode associated with a respective conductive trace;
- and
- a second polymer layer overlying the plurality of electrodes and the plurality of conductive traces, wherein the plurality of electrodes are embedded relative to an upper surface of the second polymer layer;
- an electrode controller configured to:
- selectively activate one or more of the plurality of electrodes at one or more select locations with a switching matrix according to one or more inputs;
- transmit electrical current through the amputee's skin;
- and
- stimulate nerve fibers in the amputee's skin responsive to transmitting electrical current;
- a user device with a user interface and in communication with the electrode controller, the user interface configured to receive the one or more inputs from the amputee, wherein a first input corresponds to sending electrical current to the selectively activated electrode at the one or more select locations and a second input corresponds to a type of electrical stimulation to be effectuated by the selectively activated electrode at the one or more select locations, the type of electrical stimulation comprising at least one of a tapping sensation, a kneading sensation, a rolling sensation, a cupping sensation, and a scraping sensation;
- and
- an interconnect configured for the amputee to interchangeably connect the controller and the substrate when coupled with the plurality of conductive traces.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.