KR102482763B1 - Electroactive reation suit and functional electric stimulation method for strength support using it - Google Patents

Abstract

Introduced are an electroactive reaction suit and a functional electric stimulation response method for supporting muscular strength using the electroactive reaction suit. The electroactive reaction suit comprises: suit fabric which can be worn on a user; a plurality of electroactive reaction pads which are respectively provided for parts of the suit fabric, to provide electric stimulation to the user; and a stimulation controller which applies electrical signals to the electroactive response pads so that each of the muscles of the user can be activated.

Description

Electroactive reaction suit and functional electrical stimulation response method for supporting muscle strength using an electroactive reaction suit

The present invention relates to an electroactive reaction suit and a functional electrical stimulation response method for supporting muscular strength using the electroactive reaction suit.

In general, an electrical stimulation therapy device obtains functional movement by applying electrical stimulation to a paralyzed body. The electrical stimulation therapy device can induce voluntary muscle contraction, which is important for maintaining the patient's posture, and restore functional muscle activity or function by applying neuromuscular electrical stimulation such as strengthening muscle strength, increasing muscle endurance, improving range of motion of joints, or reducing spasm. It can promote postural maintenance until the dysfunction is restored. In addition, the electrical stimulation therapy device can activate the user's muscle tissue only when electrical stimulation is applied to the user's muscles with appropriate intensity, pulsation period, and pulsation frequency.

However, in the case of the conventional electrical stimulation therapy device, as it is independently attached to the hip joint, thigh, and ankle portion and applies electrical stimulation, in applying the electrical stimulation therapy device to the hip joint, thigh, and ankle portion, the user's muscle fatigue is comprehensively reduced. There was a limit to resolution.

In addition, there is a problem in that the flexion reflex does not always show the same response to the flexion part of the body even if the same stimulus is applied to the body. In addition, various parameters cannot be changed according to the characteristics of the patient, and it is expensive medical equipment, which may make it difficult to use at home. In addition, as the conventional electric stimulation therapy device is exposed externally, there is a problem in that the appearance is conspicuously shown.

Registered Patent Publication No. 10-1801042 (registered on November 20, 2017)

The present invention is provided to solve the above problems, and can cause voluntary muscle contraction, which is important for maintaining a user's posture, restore functional muscle activity, or promote posture maintenance until dysfunction is restored. An object of the present invention is to provide an electroactive reaction suit and a functional electrical stimulation response method that supports muscle strength using the electroactive reaction suit.

According to an embodiment of the present invention for achieving the above object, the user wearable suit fabric; Electroactive response pads provided in a plurality of attachable and detachable parts for each part of the suit fabric to provide electrical stimulation to the user; and a stimulus controller for applying an electrical signal to the electroactive response pad so that the muscles of the user are activated for each part.

At this time, the electroactive response pad includes a sensor that detects the user's muscle activity, and the stimulation controller analyzes the electroactive pattern according to the user's motion based on the muscle activity detected by the sensor. An electrical signal may be selectively applied to the electroactive reaction pad according to the electroactive pattern.

In addition, the electroactive response pads may be provided in pairs disposed opposite to each other with the muscle interposed therebetween, so that when the electrical signal is applied, a stimulation current loop is applied to the muscle.

In addition, the electroactive reaction pad includes a body portion deformable according to the electrical signal; And it may further include an attachment part for attaching the body part to the suit fabric.

In addition, the meta structure including a meta material capable of elastic deformation of the body portion; and a surface layer provided on an outer surface of the meta-structure so that a potential difference is formed by the electric signal.

In addition, the sensing part is provided between the body part and the attaching part, and is made of a multi-scale sponge layer forming a gap between a pair of support layers, and the degree of deformation by the pressure applied to the gap of the sponge layer Based on this, it is possible to detect muscle activity for each part of the user.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, preparing a suit fabric equipped with a plurality of electroactive reaction pads; Detecting the muscle activity of the user wearing the suit fabric; Analyzing an electrical activity pattern according to a user's motion based on the muscle activity; and applying an electric signal to a plurality of the electroactive pads according to the analyzed electroactive pattern to activate the muscles of the user by part. this can be provided.

At this time, in the step of preparing the suit fabric, a pair of electroactive reaction pads may be disposed to face the suit fabric with the user's muscles interposed therebetween.

In addition, in the step of detecting the user's muscle activity, the muscle activity of each part of the user can be detected based on the degree of deformation by the pressure applied to the air gap of the sponge layer in the sensing unit of the electroactive response pad. .

In the step of analyzing the electroactive pattern, an activation timing of the electroactive pad and an activation region in which the electroactive pad is activated may be determined according to the user's gait motion pattern during the user's gait motion.

In addition, the step of activating the muscles by part may include a search process of searching for the number of electrodes of the electroactive pad according to the electroactive pattern; a selection process of selecting at least one electroactive reaction pad from among a plurality of electroactive reaction pads according to a predetermined priority; a process of determining whether there are remaining electroactive reaction pads to be activated among the plurality of electroactive reaction pads; and an activation process of activating the electroactive reaction pad by applying an electrical signal to the remaining electroactive reaction pad, if the electroactive reaction pad to be activated remains.

In an embodiment of the present invention, since the electroactive reaction pad, which is lightweight, flexible, and capable of large deformation, extended in the plane direction is attached to the suit fabric, it is possible to support the user's muscle strength through the electroactive reaction pad, miniaturization and It has the advantage of being advantageous for practical use.

In addition, the embodiment of the present invention has the advantage of being able to provide a wearable soft exoskeleton in the field of electric stimulation technology by providing a body part and a sensing part having flexible material characteristics as one electroactive reaction pad and attachable to the fabric of the suit. .

In addition, the embodiment of the present invention generates mechanical deformation by electrical stimulation at the attachment position of the fabric suit to which the electroactive reaction pad is attached, thereby causing the flexion reflex (flexion reflex) through muscle contraction and relaxation of the user wearing the suit. ) has the advantage of being able to support muscles such as the back.

In addition, the embodiment of the present invention can grasp the muscle activity of each part of the user, and induces tension, compression, and bending deformation of the electroactive reaction pad based on the identified muscle activity, thereby providing muscle strength support and walking support at low voltage. There is an advantage that it can be performed even in the case of long-term use and can generate a uniform output.

In addition, since the embodiment of the present invention can provide a simple structure capable of varying the stiffness of the body part by electrical activity of brain waves according to muscle activity without supplying air pressure or hydraulic pressure, it is economically advantageous and accessible to various users. It has the advantage of being excellent.

1 is a perspective view showing a state before an electroactive reaction pad is attached to a fabric chute in an electroactive reaction suit according to an embodiment of the present invention.
2 is a perspective view showing an electroactive reaction pad of an electroactive reaction suit according to an embodiment of the present invention.
3 is a state diagram showing a state in which electroactive response pads according to an embodiment of the present invention are disposed facing each other with muscles interposed therebetween.
4 is a state diagram showing the bending stiffness of an electroactive reaction pad for a positive (+) voltage difference in an electroactive reaction suit according to an embodiment of the present invention.
5 is a state diagram showing the bending stiffness of an electroactive reaction pad for a negative (-) voltage difference in an electroactive reaction suit according to an embodiment of the present invention.
6 is a state diagram showing an operating state of a sensing unit in an electroactive reaction pad according to an embodiment of the present invention.
7 is a state diagram showing an electroactive pattern of an electroactive reaction pad when a user wearing an electroactive reaction suit according to an embodiment of the present invention walks.
8 is a state diagram showing an electroactive pattern of an electroactive reaction pad when a user wearing an electroactive reaction suit according to an embodiment of the present invention stands up.
9 is a block diagram schematically illustrating an electroactive reaction method according to an embodiment of the present invention.
10 is a block diagram illustrating a personalized control and diagnostic monitoring process according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Hereinafter, specific embodiments for implementing the spirit of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

In addition, in the description of the present invention, if it is determined that a detailed description of a related known configuration or function may obscure the gist of the present invention, the detailed description will be omitted.

In addition, when a component is referred to as 'connecting', 'supporting', 'connecting', 'supplying', 'transferring', or 'contacting' to another component, it is directly connected to, supported by, or connected to the other component. It may be supplied, delivered, or contacted, but it should be understood that other components may exist in the middle.

Terms used in this specification are only used to describe specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the present invention. Singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

In addition, in this specification, expressions such as upper, lower, side, etc. are described based on the drawings, and it is made clear in advance that they may be expressed differently if the direction of the object is changed. For the same reason, some components in the accompanying drawings are exaggerated, omitted, or schematically illustrated, and the size of each component does not entirely reflect the actual size.

In addition, terms including ordinal numbers, such as first and second, may be used to describe various components, but the components are not limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one component from another.

As used herein, the meaning of "comprising" specifies specific characteristics, regions, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, and other specific characteristics, regions, integers, steps, operations, elements, elements, and/or groups. does not exclude the presence or addition of

Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 1 to 10, details of the electroactivation reaction suite and the electroactivation method according to the present invention will be described.

As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the electroactive reaction suit 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a suit fabric 100, an electroactive reaction pad 200, and a stimulus controller 300. .

Specifically, the suit fabric 100 may be clothing made of an elastic material that allows smooth activities while being worn by the user 20 . For example, the suit fabric 100 may be clothing in the form of leggings, yoga clothes, Pilates clothes, jogging clothes, sports clothes, active clothes, or full-body swimsuits. In this embodiment, the suit fabric 100 includes, but is not limited to, tops and bottoms that the user 20 can wear on the upper and lower bodies, and the suit fabric 100 is composed of only tops or bottoms, or tops and bottoms. It may be in the form of a full-body suit with one bottom.

A plurality of electroactive reaction pads 200 may be attached to the upper or lower body of the suit fabric 100 . By generating mechanical deformation by electrical stimulation at the attachment position of the suit fabric 100 to which the electroactive pad 200 is attached, it is possible to support the muscular strength of the user 20 through the electroactive pad 200 . In addition, the stimulus controller 300 electrically connected to the electroactive reaction pad 200 may be accommodated or attached to the waist of the suit fabric 100.

Electroactive reaction pads 200 may be provided in a plurality of detachable to the suit fabric 100. The plurality of electroactive reaction pads 200 may be configured in different shapes according to locations located on the suit fabric 100. For example, the electroactive reaction pad 200 may have a polygonal shape.

The plurality of electroactive response pads 200 may be attached to positions corresponding to major muscles of the user 20 requiring electrical stimulation. For example, a pair of electro-active pads 200 may be attached to the front side and the back side of the suit fabric 100 of the muscle with the muscle interposed therebetween. Of course, one electroactive reaction pad 200 may be attached only to one side of a portion of the suit fabric 100.

The electroactive reaction pad 200 includes a body part 210 that can be deformed according to an electrical signal, an attachment part 220 for attaching the body part 210 to the suit fabric 100, and a user 20 A sensor 230 for detecting muscle activity may be included.

The body portion 210 may be deformed based on the voltage applied from the stimulus controller 300 . The body portion 210 may be made of a flexible material and may expand in a plane direction. For example, when a predetermined voltage or more is applied to the body portion 210 from the stimulus controller 300, the body portion 210 may be deformed in a form of tension, compression, or bending.

The body portion 210 may include a meta structure 211 . The meta structure 211 may be formed of a material capable of elastic deformation in several directions, for example, a vertical direction or a left-right direction, for example, a meta material. The meta structure 211 may include a plurality of unit structure cells formed of a meta material having a negative Poisson's ratio. A plurality of unit structure cells may be formed in a lattice structure or a cross chiral honeycomb structure connected to each other. The meta-structure 211 may expand and contract based on the deformation of the gel layer.

A gel layer may be inserted into the meta structure 211 . The gel layer may be a kind of polymer electrode layer in which a polymer copolymer including polyvinylidene fluoride-hexafluoropropylene (PVDF-HFP) is formed in a gel form. The gel layer may induce a shape change of the meta-structure 211 . For example, the shape of the meta-structure 211 formed of a flexible material surrounding the gel layer may be deformed by changing the stiffness of the gel layer based on the difference in voltage formed across the surface layer 212, that is, the potential difference. This gel layer may be deformed based on an electrical signal (voltage) applied from the stimulation controller 300 . At this time, the body part 210 can support contraction and relaxation of the muscles of the user 20 by deforming together based on the deformation of the gel layer.

Accordingly, when the stimulation controller 300 applies a predetermined voltage to the surface layer 212 of the body portion 210, the gel layer located inside the meta-structure 211 can be compressed or stretched based on electromagnetic characteristics, , At this time, as the meta-structure 211 surrounding the gel layer is deformed, the body 210 can supply a predetermined force to the user 20 and support the user 20's muscular strength.

The surface layer 212 may be formed by performing plasma etching on the surface of the meta-structure 211 by gas (eg, argon or nitrogen). The surface layer 212 may be formed on both sides of the meta structure 211 . Gas molecules located inside the surface layer 212 collide violently with each other and generate a large number of positive ions (+) and electrons (-) and can be ionized. Here, a plurality of positive ions (+) and electrons (-) generated inside the surface layer 212 may flow along the surface layer 212 . Accordingly, electrodes may be activated on both sides of the meta structure 211 .

When the electroactive response pads 200 are disposed facing each other with muscles interposed therebetween, when the electrical signal of the stimulation controller 300 is applied to the electroactive reaction pad 200, the type of current applied from the stimulation controller 300 Accordingly, the surface layer 212 of the body portion 210 may serve as a reference electrode and an active electrode. When an electrical signal is applied between the reference electrode and the active electrode, a stimulation current loop applied to the muscle by stimulation may be formed between the reference electrode and the active electrode.

As shown in FIG. 4 , when a voltage of a first specific value or more is applied to the body portion 210 and a (+) potential difference is formed in the surface layer 212, electrons (-) inside the body portion 210 are transferred to the body portion 210. ) to the top of the Here, the (+) potential difference formed in the surface layer 212 may be a potential difference formed when the magnetic pole controller 300 applies a voltage equal to or greater than a first specific value to the surface layer 212 . Accordingly, since the number of electrons (-) is relatively reduced at the lower end of the body portion 210, the density of positive ions (+) is increased to form an anode (+). Accordingly, the body portion 210 may be bent in a convex shape at the bottom. Here, the stimulation controller 300 should apply a voltage enough to deform the gel layer by electromagnetic properties to the surface layer 212 of the body 210 .

In addition, as shown in FIG. 5, when a voltage of a second specific value or less is applied to the body portion 210 and a (-) potential difference is formed in the surface layer 212, electrons (-) inside the body portion 210 are transferred to the body portion 210. It moves to the bottom of the part 210. Here, the (−) potential difference formed in the surface layer 212 may be a potential difference formed when the magnetic pole controller 300 applies a voltage equal to or less than the second specific value to the surface layer 212 . Accordingly, since the number of electrons (-) is relatively reduced at the upper end of the body portion 210, the density of positive ions (+) is increased to form an anode (+). Accordingly, the upper portion of the body portion 210 may be bent in a convex shape.

The attachment part 220 may include an attachment means for attaching the body part 210 to the suit fabric 100. For example, the attachment part 220 may be in the form of an adhesive layer of an adhesive component or a Velcro-type attachment layer. The attachment part 220 may be formed integrally with the body part 210 and the sensing part 230 like a kind of pad. In the electroactive reaction pad 200, the attachment part 220, the sensing part 230, and the body part 210 may be arranged in order based on the suit fabric 100.

The sensing unit 230 may provide a function of a conventional electromyography (EMG) sensor. The sensing unit 230 may be a three-dimensional pressure textile sensor made of a flexible material. For example, the sensing unit 230 may be integrally formed as a kind of pad on one side of the body unit 210 with an adhesive layer interposed therebetween.

The sensing unit 230 may detect whether the electrode is activated based on the voltage load of the body unit 210 . The sensing unit 230 is formed on one side of the body 210 with an adhesive layer interposed therebetween, and the sensing unit 230 has a multiscale structure forming a gap 232 between a pair of support layers 231. A sponge layer 233 may be included. The sponge layer 233 may be formed such that the size of the pores 232 gradually increases or decreases as one of the pair of support layers 231 goes to the other. The shape of the sponge layer 233 may be modified in inverse proportion to the size of the pores 232 .

For example, as shown in (a) and (b) of FIG. 6, as the pores 232 of the sponge layer 233 gradually increase, the shape of the sponge layer 233 can be easily deformed even at low pressure, As shown in (a) and (c) of 6, as the gap 232 of the sponge layer 233 becomes smaller, high pressure must be applied to the sensing unit 230 so that the shape of the sponge layer 233 can be deformed. there is. Using the feature that the gap 232 of the sponge layer 233 is deformed based on the pressure applied to the sensing unit 230, the sensing unit 230 detects the user 20 to which the body 210 is attached. The muscle activity of each part can be detected.

For example, if the muscle moves relatively much, the pressure applied to the sensor 230 will be high, and if the muscle moves relatively little, the pressure applied to the sensor 230 will be small. Of course, it is not limited to having the sponge layer 233 having pores 232, and other embodiments including strain gauges printed in a predetermined pattern on one surface of the body 210 are also possible.

The sensing unit 230 may detect muscle activity for each part of the user 20 based on the degree of deformation caused by the pressure applied to the air gap 232 of the sponge layer 233 . The degree of muscle activity may be determined through an electromyography (EMG) signal, indicating how much muscle activity is activated.

Muscle activity (muscle activity level) can be predicted as an electromyographic (EMG) signal. In general, the EMG signal is mixed with FES signal (stimulus artifacts), induced myoelectric (M-wave), and spontaneous muscle contraction signal (vEMG) signals. In this method, the EMG detection section and the FES stimulation section are temporally separated (eg, around 10 seconds) and used, and it is impossible to control muscles in which the user's motion intention is reflected in real time. Therefore, the muscle contraction strength according to the motion intention can be controlled in real time by removing the FES signal and the M-wave from the general EMG signal to extract the motion intention muscle axis signal (vEMG).

For example, when a user advances forward or retreats backward, the sensing unit 230 may detect muscle activity of the user moving forward and muscle activity of the user retreating. Since the muscle activity detected by the sensor 230 is different, the user's motion (activation) intention can be detected.

As shown in FIGS. 7 to 8 , the stimulation controller 300 may analyze an electrical activity pattern according to the motion of the user 20 based on the muscle activity detected by the sensor 230 . The stimulus controller 300 determines the activation timing of the activated electroactive pad 200' and the activation region of the activated electroactive pad 200' according to the user's walking motion pattern during the walking motion of the user 20. can determine

The stimulation controller 300 may apply electrical signals (voltages) to the plurality of electroactive response pads 200 so that the muscles of the user 20 are activated for each part according to the analyzed electroactive pattern. For example, the stimulation controller 300 may induce deformation of the body portion 210 by controlling a voltage applied to the body portion 210 based on the muscle activity detected by the sensor 230 .

When the sensor 230 transmits information obtained by detecting muscle activity for each part of the user 20 to the stimulus controller 300, the stimulus controller 300 applies the information to the body 210 based on the received information. By controlling the voltage, tension, compression, and bending deformation of the body portion 210 may be induced. The stimulus controller 300 induces deformation of the gel layer by applying a predetermined voltage to the surface layer 212, and the meta-structure 211 into which the gel layer is inserted may be deformed together based on the deformation of the gel layer. That is, the stimulation controller 300 induces deformation of the body 210 based on the muscle activity detected by the sensor 230, so that the user 20's muscle strength support and walking support system can be performed even in a low voltage state. can

For example, when the user 20 wearing the suit fabric 100 walks, the stimulus controller 300 uses the sensor 230 of the electroactive pad 200 located on the thigh and calf of the user 20. ), it is possible to stimulate the muscles of the femur and calf by applying an electrical signal to the electroactive reaction pad 200 located in the thigh and calf, according to the periodic electrical stimulation signal detected in the ). That is, the electroactive response pads 200 located on the femoral and calf portions can support walking by generating electrical stimulation signals to the advancing femur and calf portions. Also, in a swing state in which the femoral and calf portions are retracting, the electroactive response pad 200 can generate a smaller electrical stimulation signal compared to a state in which the femoral portion and the calf portion are advancing forward. Such repetitive electrical stimulation may support walking of the user.

As shown in FIGS. 9 to 10, the electroactive reaction method using the electroactive reaction suit described above includes preparing the suit fabric (S100), detecting the user's muscle activity (S200), and electroactive pattern. It may include a step of analyzing (S300) and a step of activating muscles for each part (S400).

In the step of preparing the suit fabric (S100), a suit fabric equipped with a plurality of electroactive reaction pads is prepared. A plurality of electroactive pads may be attached to the upper or lower body of the suit fabric, and a stimulus controller electrically connected to the electroactive pad may be accommodated or attached to the waist of the suit fabric.

In the step of preparing the suit fabric (S100), a pair of electroactive reaction pads may be disposed to face the suit fabric. When the user wears the suit fabric, since the pair of electroactive reaction pads are disposed with the user's muscles interposed therebetween, when an electrical signal is applied by the stimulus controller, stimulation is applied to the muscles. An applied stimulation current loop may be formed.

In the step of detecting the user's muscle activity (S200), the user's muscle activity wearing the suit fabric may be detected. Muscle activity for each part of the user may be detected based on the degree of deformation by the pressure applied to the air gap of the sponge layer in the sensing unit of the electroactive pad.

In the step of analyzing the electroactive pattern (S300), the electroactive pattern according to the user's motion may be analyzed based on the muscle activity. An activation timing of the electroactive pad and an activation region of the electroactive pad may be determined according to the user's gait motion pattern during the user's gait motion.

In the step of activating the muscles for each part (S400), electric signals are applied to the plurality of electroactive response pads according to the analyzed electroactive pattern, so that the user's muscles can be activated for each part.

In the step of activating the muscles by part (S400), since the active parts of each muscle part vary from person to person depending on the person in need of rehabilitation or gait support, muscle activation during walking is reviewed for each individual, and then the effective electricity for each individual is reviewed. An active reaction pad can be activated.

For example, in the step of activating the muscles for each part (S400), the number of electrodes of the electroactive pad according to the electroactive pattern for each individual may be searched. When the number of electrodes of the electroactive reaction pad is searched, at least one electroactive reaction pad may be selected from among a plurality of electroactive reaction pads according to a predetermined priority order. When the electroactive reaction pad is selected, it can be determined whether there are remaining electroactive reaction pads to be activated among a plurality of electroactive reaction pads. If the electroactive reaction pad to be activated remains, an electrical signal may be applied to the remaining electroactive reaction pad to activate the electroactive reaction pad.

In more detail, as shown in FIG. 12, for personalized control and diagnostic monitoring, electrical characteristics detected by the sensing unit of the electroactive pad or a separate electromyography (EMG) sensor during walking or operation of each user ( Operation frequency, voltage, current big data, etc.) can be used to set the section and area for each user's walking pattern. Since the detected electrical characteristics may be different for each user, the electrical characteristics of the product may be changed according to the user so that the user and the product (electroactive reaction pad, etc.) may be matched with each other.

In addition, initial state variables and auxiliary variables can be set according to the user. The auxiliary variable may be understood as a parameterization of a gait angle or a gait trajectory related to a user's motion pattern.

In addition, the muscle activity of the electroactive reaction pad may be different depending on the user's operating state. In order to check whether the electroactive reaction pad for each part of the user is operating, number is explored.

Thereafter, among the plurality of electroactive reaction pads, electroactive reaction pads may be selected according to preset priorities, and it may be determined whether there are remaining electroactive reaction pads to be activated. And whether or not the search for the electroactive reaction pad is terminated can be determined.

If the electroactive reaction pad to be activated remains, the electroactive reaction pad can be activated through two-way wireless communication (receipt of the operation command of the electroactive reaction pad in use and data transmission). In addition, a response signal may be transmitted and obtained for each search time (eg, 500 ms) according to the user's motion (walking) state. A feedback value for the user's muscle activity may be input in advance. Thereafter, additional remaining electroactive pads may be explored.

If there is no remaining electroactive response pad to be additionally activated, the muscle response for each part by the activated electroactive reaction pad can be analyzed. For example, a muscle response for each part of the user may be analyzed based on information (position, number, etc.) of activated electroactive response pads.

In addition, an algorithm for generating a transfer function between analysis of the obtained muscle response, induction of activation of the electroactive response pad, and muscle contraction may be provided. Thereafter, whether or not to assist the user through the electroactive pad may be determined to determine whether or not walking support for the user is normally progressing. A decision on whether or not to assist walking may be made by a manager or a user who operates the electroactive reaction suit. When it is determined that walking support for the user is not normal, the above process of activating the electroactive response pad may be repeated.

When it is determined that walking support for the user is normally performed, a transfer function for each individual walking pattern of the user may be generated and stored. The transfer function may be based on variables such as a current value, a voltage value, and a frequency and amplitude of the current coming from the user's muscles. The transfer function may further include the conductive resistance of the electroactive reaction pad as a variable.

After the user's predetermined gait pattern is formed, the administrator can return the corresponding program to the main menu for creating an additional gait pattern.

Although the present invention has been described in detail using preferred embodiments above, the scope of the present invention is not limited to specific embodiments, and should be interpreted according to the appended claims. In addition, those skilled in the art should understand that many modifications and variations are possible without departing from the scope of the present invention.

10: electroactive reaction suit
100: suit fabric
200: electroactive reaction pad 210: body
211: meta structure 212: surface layer
220: attachment part 230: detection part
231: support layer 232: air gap
233: sponge layer
300: stimulus controller
20: user 21: muscle

Claims (11)

suit fabric wearable by the user;
Electroactive response pads provided in a plurality of attachable and detachable parts for each part of the suit fabric to provide electrical stimulation to the user; and
A stimulation controller for applying an electrical signal to the electroactive response pad so that the user's muscles are activated for each part;
The electroactive reaction pad
a sensor for sensing the user's muscle activity;
a body portion deformable according to the electric signal; and
Includes an attachment portion for attaching the body portion to the suit fabric,
The stimulus controller
Analyzing an electroactive pattern according to the user's motion based on the muscle activity detected by the sensor, and selectively applying an electrical signal to the electroactive response pad according to the analyzed electroactive pattern;
When the electric signal of the stimulation controller is applied to the electroactive reaction pad in a state in which the electroactive response pads are disposed facing each other with muscles interposed therebetween, according to the type of current applied from the stimulation controller, the body part The surface layer becomes a reference electrode and an active electrode, and when the electrical signal is applied between the reference electrode and the active electrode, a stimulation current loop is formed between the reference electrode and the active electrode to apply stimulation to the muscle,
Electroactive reaction suit. delete delete delete According to claim 1,
the body part
A meta structure including a meta material capable of elastic deformation; and
Including a surface layer provided on the outer surface of the meta structure so that a potential difference is formed by the electrical signal,
Electroactive reaction suit. According to claim 5,
the sensing unit
It is provided between the body part and the attaching part, and is made of a multi-scale sponge layer forming a gap between a pair of support layers, based on the degree of deformation by the pressure applied to the gap of the sponge layer, the user Detecting the muscle activity of each part of the
Electroactive reaction suit. Preparing a suit fabric equipped with a plurality of electroactive reaction pads;
Detecting the muscle activity of the user wearing the suit fabric;
Analyzing an electrical activity pattern according to a user's motion based on the muscle activity; and
Applying an electrical signal to a plurality of electroactive response pads according to the analyzed electroactive pattern to activate the muscles of the user by part;
The step of activating the muscles by part,
a search process of searching for the number of electrodes of the electroactive reaction pad according to the electroactive pattern;
a selection process of selecting at least one electroactive reaction pad from among a plurality of electroactive reaction pads according to a predetermined priority;
a process of determining whether there are remaining electroactive reaction pads to be activated among the plurality of electroactive reaction pads; and
If the electroactive reaction pad to be activated remains, an activation process of activating the electroactive reaction pad by applying an electrical signal to the remaining electroactive reaction pad,
A functional electrical stimulation response method that supports muscle strength using an electroactive reaction suit. According to claim 7,
In the step of preparing the suit fabric,
Paired electroactive reaction pads are disposed facing the suit fabric with the user's muscles interposed therebetween.
A functional electrical stimulation response method that supports muscle strength using an electroactive reaction suit. According to claim 7,
In the step of detecting the user's muscle activity,
The muscle activity of each part of the user is detected based on the degree of deformation by the pressure applied to the air gap of the sponge layer in the sensing unit of the electroactive pad.
A functional electrical stimulation response method that supports muscle strength using an electroactive reaction suit. According to claim 7,
In the step of analyzing the electroactive pattern,
An activation timing of the electroactive pad and an activation region in which the electroactive pad is activated are determined according to a walking motion pattern for each user during the user's walking motion.
A functional electrical stimulation response method that supports muscle strength using an electroactive reaction suit. delete

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