An integrated circuit implementation of the Huxley sarcomere model

Abstract

We have developed an integrated circuit to simulate the mechanical behavior demonstrated by sarcomeres found in skeletal muscle. The circuit is based upon the mathematical description of the attachment and detachment dynamics of crossbridge populations and the force generated by the crossbridges, originally formulated by A. F. Huxley. We describe the process of designing the circuit model from the mathematical model, present the sarcomere circuit implementation, and demonstrate the transient and steady-state behaviors that the fabricated circuit produces. Comparison of our results to published mechanical behavior of skeletal muscle shows qualitative similarities. We conclude that the circuit muscle model exhibits the potential for real-time simulation of muscle contractions and could be used to give engineered systems muscle-like properties.

Development of Multi-Module Artificial Muscle Using Hybrid Actuator

“…This work was extended by building a series of actuators in order to study the steady-state and transient behavior of a sarcomere on a muscle fiber [15]. Also, it was used in autonomous robots [16]. Ebrahimi et al [17] proposed a series of elastic soft actuator array to enhance safe interaction with users, as they are able to reduce large force due to sudden loading.…”

Microscopic and Macroscopic Mechanics of Musculotendon Actuation

“…The actomyosin can be modeled as a biological actuator whose output force is a function of length and velocity with level of neural activation 6) . Two classic papers by Hill 7) and Huxley 8) provided basic theory for the crossbridge muscle mechanics.…”

An analog vlsi model of muscular contraction

“…Prompted by the manner in which Huxley's model calculates crossbridge movement, we found that a nonlinear distribution of bins, shown in Fig. 4, with more bins of a smaller width in and near the first bond length , produced a force-velocity relationship that closely resembled the continuous solution [10], [11]. We performed mathematical simulations of the force-velocity relationship using a discrete representation of the continuous solution to Huxley's model.…”

“…The highest observed variation was four percent for large velocity inputs. This nonlinear grid has been discussed in more detail in [10] and [11].…”

“…5, showing the effects of the delay line and crossbridge attachment and detachment rates on the force output [11].…”