Packaging structure for extending the shelf life of electrode pads

Abstract

Packaging structure for extending the shelf life of electrode pads, characterized in that it comprises: an outer packaging cover (10), wherein an electrode plate (20) and an environmental gel module (30) are arranged in the outer packaging cover (10), wherein the environmental gel module (30) serves to moisten the electrode pads (20).

Description

Technical field

[0001] The present utility model relates to the technical field of extending the shelf life of electrode pads and in particular to a packaging structure for extending the shelf life of electrode pads. State of the art

[0002] Currently, the service life of electrode pads is generally set at two years in the industry. During the electrode pad's usage cycle, the electrical conductivity of the electrodes gradually decreases over time until they eventually fail. Studies have shown that the most immediate cause of this performance decline is changes in the moisture content of the conductive gel layer. Under the combined influence of time and high-temperature environments, the conductive gels gradually lose moisture, leading to dehydration. This dehydration significantly impairs both the electrical conductivity and adhesion of the electrode pads, rendering them unable to perform their conducting function properly and thus unusable.

[0003] The current industry practice for storing electrode pads is to keep them directly in sealed bags. However, this storage method has significant drawbacks: While the sealed packaging can slow moisture loss, it cannot solve the fundamental problem of electrode pad performance degradation during long-term storage. In the later stages of their shelf life, the electrical properties and adhesion of the electrode pads continue to decline or fail completely, significantly impacting their safety and effectiveness in use. Particularly in high-performance applications such as emergency medical care, power transmission, or sensor technology, where the highest demands are placed on electrode performance, electrode pad instabilities can have serious consequences.

[0004] Therefore, the development of a storage device that can effectively extend the shelf life of electrode pads and maintain their safe functionality during use is of great importance for increasing the utility of the electrode pads, expanding their range of applications, and ensuring the safety of the equipment and personnel involved. Content of the utility model

[0005] The purpose of the present utility model is to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art and to provide a packaging structure for extending the shelf life of electrode pads.

[0006] To solve the aforementioned technical problems, the present utility model uses the following technical solution:

[0007] The present utility model offers a packaging structure for extending the shelf life of electrode pads. The packaging structure comprises an outer packaging shell in which an electrode plate and an ambient gel module are arranged, the ambient gel module serving to replenish the moisture of the electrode pad.

[0008] The packaging structure for extending the shelf life of electrode pads in the present utility model exhibits the following advantages compared to the prior art: The ambient gel module is arranged in the outer packaging sleeve based on the principle of osmosis, whereby the ambient gel module releases moisture into the enclosed air in the packaging bag, thereby increasing the humidity. The electrode pad then absorbs the moisture from the air to replenish its moisture content. This continuous moisture replenishment effectively maintains the water content of the conductive gel layer in the electrode pad, prevents a reduction in performance due to drying out, and thus significantly extends the shelf life of the electrode pad, ensuring its safe and effective use over a longer period.

[0009] The utility model will be further detailed below with reference to the drawings and specific examples of its implementation. Brief description of the drawings

[0010] To clarify the technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model, the drawings necessary for describing the embodiments or the prior art are briefly explained below. Obviously, the drawings shown in the following description represent only some embodiments of this utility model. Those skilled in the art with general knowledge in this field can derive further drawings from these illustrations without inventive step. Fig. Figure 1 shows a front view sketch of the packaging structure provided by the present utility model for extending the shelf life of electrode pads. Fig. Figure 2 shows a schematic representation of the packaging structure provided by the present utility model for extending the shelf life of electrode pads. Detailed description

[0011] In order to clarify the purpose, technical solution and advantages of the present utility model, a detailed explanation of the utility model is given below with reference to the drawings and specific embodiments.

[0012] According to the in Fig. 1 to Fig. The present utility model discloses a packaging structure for extending the shelf life of electrode pads, as illustrated in Figure 2, comprising: an outer packaging shell 10 in which an electrode plate 20 and an environmental gel module 30 are arranged, wherein the environmental gel module 30 serves to replenish the moisture of the electrode plate 20.

[0013] Specifically, this is achieved by arranging the ambient gel module 30 within the outer packaging 10 based on the principle of osmosis, whereby the ambient gel module 30 releases moisture into the enclosed air within the packaging bag, thereby increasing the humidity. The electrode plate 20 then absorbs the moisture from the air to replenish its moisture content. This continuous moisture replenishment effectively maintains the water content of the conductive gel layer in the electrode plate 20, prevents a reduction in performance due to drying out, and thus significantly extends the lifespan of the electrode plate 20, ensuring its safe and effective use over a longer period.Additionally, the moisture replenishment of the electrode plate 20 by the ambient gel module 30 ensures that the conductive gel layer in the electrode plate 20 always maintains an optimal moisture state and thus retains its good electrical conductivity. Even in the later stages of the predicted lifespan of the electrode plate 20, it can continue to maintain stable conductivity properties, enabling it to perform precise and reliable conduction and current transmission functions in various application scenarios. This increases the usability and safety of the electrode plate 20. Furthermore, the moisture replenishment by the ambient gel module 30 maintains the softness and adhesive properties of the conductive gel layer and prevents loss of adhesion due to drying. As a result, the electrode plate 20 adheres better to the contact surface during application, improving usability and user experience.

[0014] In addition, in fields such as medical technology and electronic devices, the reliable functionality of the electrode pad 20 is crucial for the health of users and the proper operation of the devices. State-of-the-art electrode pads 20 exhibit significant safety risks due to their short lifespan and unstable performance in the later stages of use. By extending their lifespan, ensuring stable electrical properties, and improving adhesion, the present packaging structure fundamentally solves the problem of potential performance failures of the electrode pad 20 during operation. This significantly increases the operational safety and functionality of the electrode pad 20.In both medical emergencies and rehabilitation treatments, as well as in applications such as energy transmission or sensor measurement technology, the reliable functionality of the electrode pad 20 is ensured, thus providing safer and more stable protection for relevant applications. Additionally, the application range of conventional electrode pads 20 is limited by their limited durability and performance instability. For example, conventional electrode pads 20 often fail to meet operational requirements in scenarios with long-term storage requirements or extreme performance demands. The present packaging structure addresses the problem of performance degradation of the electrode pad 20 and enables its use in extended application scenarios. Under extreme temperature environments, humidity conditions, or long-term storage, the electrode pad 20 consistently maintains optimal performance parameters.This expands the application range of the electrode pad 20 in medical, scientific and industrial fields, opening up new development opportunities for the electrode pad industry.

[0015] In one embodiment, the electrode plate 20 has a conductive gel layer, wherein the conductive gel layer has a lower water content than the surrounding gel film 32.

[0016] Specifically, the conductive gel layer consists of a hydrogel. The water absorption mechanism of the hydrogel mainly comprises the following aspects: Three-dimensional network and pore effect:

[0017] The hydrogel is formed from extremely hydrophilic polymers that create a three-dimensional network. After these polymers cross-link, numerous microscopic pores form between the polymer chains. When the hydrogel comes into contact with water, water molecules can penetrate these pores, similar to how a sponge absorbs water. This porous structure provides the hydrogel with extensive cavities for holding water molecules and forms the basis of its water absorption capacity. Function of hydrophilic groups:

[0018] The polymer chains of a hydrogel typically contain a variety of hydrophilic groups, such as carboxyl groups (-COOH), hydroxyl groups (-OH), and amino groups (-NH2). These hydrophilic groups can interact with water molecules through hydrogen bonds or other electrostatic interactions, thereby adsorbing the water molecules into the hydrogel network. For example, carboxyl groups form hydrogen bonds with hydrogen atoms of water molecules, while hydroxyl groups engage in similar interactions. These molecular interactions between hydrophilic groups and water molecules give the hydrogel its pronounced water absorption capacity. Osmotic pressure action mechanism:

[0019] When the hydrogel is immersed in an aqueous solution or air, osmotic pressure arises due to the difference between the solutein concentration within the hydrogel and the concentration or humidity of the surrounding environment. Since the solutein concentration is higher within the hydrogel, water molecules from the surroundings penetrate the hydrogel under osmotic pressure. This process leads to water absorption and swelling of the hydrogel. As water absorption progresses, the internal solutein concentration of the hydrogel gradually decreases, which in turn reduces the osmotic pressure. Once osmotic equilibrium is reached, the water absorption process of the hydrogel gradually ceases. Donnan equilibrium:

[0020] For hydrogels with ionic groups (such as sodium polyacrylate hydrogel with sodium carboxylate groups), dissociation occurs in an aqueous environment, releasing mobile ions. These ions establish a Donnan equilibrium between the interior of the hydrogel and the external solution. To maintain this equilibrium, water molecules from the environment penetrate the hydrogel, thereby increasing its water absorption capacity.

[0021] In summary, the water absorption of the hydrogel results from the combined influence of several factors, including its three-dimensional network, hydrophilic groups, osmotic pressure, and Donnan equilibrium. These factors enable the hydrogel to absorb large amounts of water while maintaining its gel-like state.

[0022] This means that the conductive gel layer and the surrounding gel sheet 32 ​​have the same formulation but different water contents, with the water content of the conductive gel layer being lower than that of the surrounding gel sheet 32. As a result, in a closed environment at the same temperature, the moisture content of the conductive gel layer is compensated by the surrounding gel sheet 32.

[0023] The mechanism of moisture compensation is based on osmotic pressure. The hydrogel has a polymer network structure containing dissolved solutes. Hydrogels with higher water content have a relatively lower solutein concentration, while hydrogels with lower water content have a relatively higher solutein concentration. According to the principle of osmosis, water molecules diffuse from areas of low solutein concentration (high water content) to areas of high solutein concentration (low water content), thus achieving moisture compensation. This process continues until the osmotic pressure between the two hydrogels reaches equilibrium, at which point the water distribution in both hydrogels becomes relatively stable.

[0024] In one embodiment, the environmental gel module 30 comprises an inner packaging 31 in which an environmental gel film 32 is arranged, wherein the inner packaging 31 is provided with at least one breathing opening 33.

[0025] Specifically, the inner packaging 31 is manufactured from materials with sufficient strength and flexibility, such as plastic films (e.g., polyethylene films) or composite aluminum films. Based on the shape and dimensions of the ambient gel film 32, the structure of the inner packaging 31 is designed to ensure a tight seal around the ambient gel film 32. At least one vent 33 is incorporated into the inner packaging 31 by laser perforation, mechanical punching, or similar methods. The size and number of vents 33 are determined based on the required moisture replenishment rate of the electrode plate 20 and the moisture release properties of the ambient gel film 32. For example, the number of vents 33 can be increased or their diameter enlarged if the electrode plate 20 requires accelerated moisture replenishment; conversely, the number can be decreased or the diameter reduced.

[0026] The electrode plate 20 is placed in the outer packaging 10. The assembled ambient gel module 30 is then also placed in the outer packaging 10, maintaining a suitable distance between the ambient gel module 30 and the electrode plate 20 to ensure uniform exposure of the moisture released by the ambient gel film 32 to the conductive gel layer of the electrode plate 20. Finally, the outer packaging 10 is sealed by heat sealing, adhesive bonding, or similar methods to ensure its tightness and prevent excessive ingress of ambient air or moisture that could impair the performance of the electrode plate 20 and the ambient gel module 30.

[0027] This means that by attaching the ventilation openings 33 to the inner packaging 31, the amount and rate of moisture released by the surrounding gel film 32 can be precisely controlled. Based on the moisture requirements of the conductive gel layer of the electrode plate 20, the size and number of ventilation openings 33 are rationally designed so that moisture can act evenly on the conductive gel layer of the electrode plate 20 at a suitable rate through the ventilation openings 33. This ensures precise moisture replenishment of the electrode plate 20, prevents overhydration or underhydration, and guarantees that the electrical conductivity and adhesion of the electrode plate 20 remain at their optimal level at all times. In addition, the surrounding gel film 32 continuously and slowly releases moisture and supplies the conductive gel layer of the electrode plate 20 with moisture via the ventilation openings 33.This effectively prevents the conductive gel layer from drying out due to moisture loss, thus extending the shelf life of the electrode plate 20. Compared to conventional directly sealed storage methods, this packaging structure allows the electrode plate 20 to maintain stable performance parameters over a significantly longer period, considerably increasing its utility.

[0028] In one embodiment, the upper and lower surfaces of the surrounding gel film 32 are coated with adhesive films.

[0029] Specifically, the protective adhesive film effectively prevents direct contact between the ambient gel film 32 and the inner packaging 31. This prevents the ambient gel film 32 from adhering to the inner packaging 31 during packaging, transport, or storage due to its adhesive properties, thus ensuring the structural integrity and functionality of the ambient gel module 30. Even under mechanical stress or vibration of the packaging structure, the ambient gel film 32 maintains a stable position without adhesion effects impairing normal moisture release. Additionally, the protective adhesive film does not impede moisture diffusion from the ambient gel film 32 and creates a defined gap between the ambient gel film 32 and the inner packaging 31. This promotes uniform moisture release from the ambient gel film 32 into the surrounding environment.Thus, the moisture can act homogeneously on the conductive gel layer of the electrode plate 20 through the breathing openings 33 of the inner packaging 31. This enables precise moisture replenishment of the electrode plate 20 and increases the uniformity and effectiveness of the moisture supply.

[0030] In one embodiment, the surrounding gel foil 32 has a semi-solid state.

[0031] Specifically, the semi-rigid surrounding gel film 32 offers improved structural stability and malleability, allowing it to distribute evenly within the inner packaging 31. During storage, the film's internal moisture is released slowly and evenly through the gel network. This moisture acts on the conductive gel layer of the electrode plate 20 via the ventilation openings 33 of the inner packaging 31, thereby ensuring a continuous and stable supply of moisture to the electrode plate 20. This prevents performance variations of the electrode plate 20 that could arise from uneven moisture release.

[0032] In one embodiment, the inner packaging 31 is designed as an inner packaging bag.

[0033] Specifically, plastic films such as polyethylene (PE) or polypropylene (PP) are used as the main materials for the inner packaging bag. Polyethylene films offer good flexibility, transparency, and chemical stability at relatively low cost and are suitable for mass production. Polypropylene films, on the other hand, exhibit higher strength and heat resistance and are better suited when temperature stresses or mechanical forces are present. For example, for standard packaging to extend the shelf life of electrode pads, a low-density polyethylene (LDPE) film with a thickness of 0.03 mm to 0.15 mm can be chosen, which is cost-effective and meets basic packaging requirements. To further improve the performance of the inner packaging bag, composite materials such as polyethylene / polyamide (PE / PA) composite films can be used.The polyamide layer offers excellent barrier properties against the penetration of oxygen, moisture and other environmental influences, while the polyethylene layer provides good flexibility and processing properties.

[0034] In one embodiment, the surrounding gel foil 32 has a thickness of 0.5 mm to 5 mm.

[0035] Specifically, the thickness of 0.5 mm to 5 mm of the ambient gel film 32 provides sufficient volume and space for homogeneous moisture distribution. During storage, the internal moisture can be released slowly and evenly through the gel network. This moisture acts on the conductive gel layer of the electrode plate 20 via the ventilation openings 33 of the inner packaging bag, thus ensuring a continuous and stable moisture supply. This prevents performance variations of the electrode plate 20 that could arise from uneven moisture release. Additionally, the thickness of 0.5 mm to 5 mm of the ambient gel film 32 gives it a degree of deformability, allowing it to adapt to inner packaging 31 and electrode pads 20 of different shapes and dimensions. During packaging, transport, or use, the ambient gel film 32 retains its structure and performance even under mechanical stress or vibration.Unlike solid materials, it does not tend to break, and compared to liquid materials, there is no risk of leakage. This increases the reliability and stability of the packaging structure.

[0036] In a specific embodiment, the conductive gel layer has a water content of 5% to 60%, while the surrounding gel film 32 has a water content of 6% to 70%.

[0037] Specifically, the ambient gel film 32 serves as a moisture compensation source. Its higher water content (6% to 70%) gives it a greater moisture storage capacity, enabling it to continuously release moisture to the conductive gel layer in a closed environment and maintain the system's moisture balance. Additionally, the moisture compensation provided by the ambient gel film 32 ensures that the conductive gel layer always maintains an optimal water content (5% to 60%). This ensures the long-term maintenance of its good electrical conductivity. Preferably, the conductive gel layer has a water content of 5% to 15%, and the ambient gel film has a water content of 25% to 40%.

[0038] In one embodiment, the surrounding gel film 32 consists of glycerin, water, hydroxyethyl methacrylate derivatives, polyacrylate derivatives, carboxylate derivatives, hydroxylate derivatives and amino derivatives.

[0039] Specifically, the weighed amounts of glycerol, hydroxyethyl methacrylate derivatives, polyacrylate derivatives, carboxylate derivatives, hydroxylate derivatives, and amino derivatives are added portion by portion to an appropriate amount of water. Under heating (e.g., 60–80 °C) and stirring, these are subjected to initial dissolution or homogeneous dispersion. The preliminary solution of the components is then combined and homogeneously mixed under continuous stirring for a specific period (e.g., 1–2 hours) to obtain a uniform solution. An appropriate amount of crosslinking agent (e.g., boric acid for systems containing hydroxyethyl methacrylate derivatives) is added to the solution to initiate a crosslinking reaction, thereby bonding the components together and forming a stable three-dimensional network structure. During the crosslinking reaction, the reaction conditions (e.g., temperature, pH) are controlled to ensure optimal crosslinking.The cross-linked solution is poured into molds and, depending on the requirements, subjected to either freeze-drying or natural moisture equalization. If freeze-drying is chosen, freezing takes place at low temperatures (e.g., -40 °C) for a specific period (e.g., 24–48 hours), followed by drying in a vacuum drying chamber to precisely control the water content. If natural moisture equalization is chosen instead, the gel is stored in a defined environment with a specific humidity (e.g., 60% to 80% relative humidity) and temperature (e.g., room temperature) until the desired water content range (25% to 40%) is reached.

[0040] Specifically, the environmental gel foil 32 consists of the following components: Glycerin 10-50%, Water 25-40%, Hydroxyethyl methacrylate 5-40%, Polyacrylate 5-40%, Carboxyl groups (-COOH) 5-40%, Hydroxyl groups (-OH) 5-40%, Amino groups (-NH2) 5-40%, Other 5-40%.

[0041] In one embodiment, the outer packaging cover is designed as an outer packaging bag.

[0042] Specifically, the outer packaging 10, being an outer packaging bag, consists of the same material as the inner packaging bag, except that the outer packaging bag has larger dimensions than the inner packaging bag. The electrode plate 20 and the ambient gel module 30 are arranged in an offset configuration within the outer packaging bag so that the moisture released by the ambient gel module 30 can replenish the moisture content of the electrode plate 20.

[0043] The embodiments described above represent the preferred implementations of the present utility model. Furthermore, the present utility model can also be implemented in other embodiments. All obvious modifications that do not deviate from the inventive concept of the present utility model fall within the scope of protection of the present utility model.

Claims

[1] Packaging structure for extending the shelf life of electrode pads, characterized by , comprising: an outer packaging cover (10) wherein an electrode plate (20) and an environmental gel module (30) are arranged in the outer packaging cover (10), wherein the environmental gel module (30) serves to moisten the electrode pads (20). [2] Packaging structure for extending the shelf life of electrode pads according to claim 1, characterized by , that the environmental gel module (30) comprises an inner packaging (31) with at least one breathing opening (33), wherein an environmental gel film (32) is arranged in the inner packaging (31). [3] Packaging structure for extending the shelf life of electrode pads according to claim 2, characterized by , that the surrounding gel film (32) is coated on its upper and lower surfaces with an adhesive protective film. [4] Packaging structure for extending the shelf life of electrode pads according to claim 2, characterized by, that the surrounding gel foil (32) has a semi-solid state. [5] Packaging structure for extending the shelf life of electrode pads according to claim 2, characterized by , that the inner packaging (31) is designed as an inner packaging bag. [6] Packaging structure for extending the shelf life of electrode pads according to claim 2, characterized by , that the surrounding gel foil (32) has a thickness of 0.5 mm to 5 mm. [7] Packaging structure for extending the shelf life of electrode pads according to claim 2, characterized by , that the electrode plate (20) has a conductive gel layer with a water content that is lower than the water content of the surrounding gel film (32). [8] Packaging structure for extending the shelf life of electrode pads according to claim 7, characterized by , that the conductive gel layer has a water content of 5% to 60% and the surrounding gel film (32) has a water content of 6% to 70%. [9] Packaging structure for extending the shelf life of electrode pads according to claim 2, characterized by , that the surrounding gel film (32) consists of glycerol, water, hydroxyethyl methacrylate derivatives, polyacrylate derivatives, carboxylate derivatives, hydroxylate derivatives and amino derivatives. [10] Packaging structure for extending the shelf life of electrode pads according to claim 1, characterized by , that the outer packaging cover (10) is designed as an outer packaging bag.

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