CAROLINE
SCHOENEWALD
WEARABLE SURFACE ELECTROMYGRAPHY ARRAY
The surface electromyography (EMG) sensor array is a wearable device used to record and analyze muscle activity in human subjects. It is scalable and adaptable for use on varying limbs.
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Traditionally, EMG is recorded using bipolar electrodes placed on individual muscles. This provides a low-level overview of individual muscle activity. To obtain more detailed characteristics of individual muscle activity, high-density EMG is often used. The EMG sensor array has the potential to record activity during fine movements and show greater detail during muscle activity modulation.
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The vision for this device is to provide more detail characterization of muscle activity which can be used for external control of prosthetic devices. This tool may also aid in recording sEMG on subjects with varying pathophysiology, abnormal activity, or low muscle tone where the potential for misplacement of traditional electrodes is high.
WHERE
RNEL
WHEN
2018-2020
WORKING pROTOTYPES
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Domed top electrodes provide solid contact with skin guaranteeing best signal quality
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Large surface area of limb covered with electrodes
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Ability to fit varying limb sizes- a necessary quality when fitting amputees and spinal cord injury patients with differing musculature
32 CHANNEL SLEEVE
128 CHANNEL SLEEVE
Ongoing prototype design
I have designed this flex circuit to be integrated into a new array. This model replaces individual wires to increase robustness and allows for excess parts to be removed reducing weight and increasing usability.Each plated through hole will be combined with conductive adhesive to attach stainless steel electrodes.
Prototyping is a process...
This generation aims to increase usability and flexibility by creating multiple garments which all use the same recording insert to record the biological signals. Garments will fit body segments such as the forearms, calves, and thighs.
128 plated through holes per flex circuit
Stiffener for headstage attachment
This prototype is still in the design phase and will continue to be developed into a 256+ electrode design
POSTER PRESENTED AT SOCIETY FOR NEUROSCIENCE CONFERENCE 2019
