Functional attachment for bioelectrode

Abstract

The disclosure relates to a functional attachment for an electrode structure. The functional attachment may comprise a structure with an abrasive area. Further, the functional attachment may comprise another structure with, for example, an adhesive area or a disinfecting area. The functional attachment may prepare the skin prior to the electrode structure placement leading to the improved quality of the measured signal.

Description

[0001] FUNCTIONAL ATTACHMENT FOR BIOELECTRODE

[0002] FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0003] The disclosure relates to an attachment for a bioelectrode.

[0004] BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0005] When measuring electrical signals from the skin with a bioelectrode, quality of the raw signal is a crucial factor contributing to the accurate and rapid interpretation of the measurement results. The greatest source of measurement errors and motion artefacts is an interface between the bioelectrode and the skin. The interface may be improved by (1 ) properly preparing the skin by, for example, hair removal, abrading and disinfecting the skin, and (2) stabilizing the contact between the skin and the bioelectrode.

[0006] Several bioelectrode manufacturers have tried to integrate skin preparation tools into the bioelectrode design. For example, a commercially available product Red Dot Soft Cloth Monitoring Electrode 2255-50 comprises a built-in abrader disc for abrading the skin prior to the electrode placement without separate abrasive tool. However, combining abrasive element with adhesive or disinfecting elements may further improve quality of the raw signal.

[0007] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0008] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a functional attachment for a bioelectrode so as to solve the above problems.

[0009] The object of the disclosure is achieved by the functional attachment characterized by what is stated in the independent claims. The preferred embodiments of the disclosure are disclosed in the dependent claims.

[0010] The disclosure is based on the idea of using the functional attachment for preparing the skin prior to the electrode structure placement, and for improving the measured signal. The functional attachment may comprise a structure with an abrasive area. Further, the functional attachment may comprise another structure. Another structure may comprise, for example, an adhesive area or a disinfecting area. An advantage of the arrangement of the disclosure is that one functional attachment for the electrode structure comprises not only the abrasive area but also another functionalized area which further improves the interface between the skin and the electrode structure for better quality of the measured signal.

[0011] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] In the following the disclosure will be described in greater detail by means of preferred embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0013] Figure 1 a illustrates a functional attachment of a first independent claim positioned between the skin and a wearable electrode structure;

[0014] Figure 1 b is a three-dimensional representation of the functional attachment of the first independent claim and the electrode structure;

[0015] Figure 1c illustrates an embodiment of the functional attachment of the first independent claim with open areas and fold areas marked;

[0016] Figure 1 d illustrates a second structure of the functional attachment of the first independent claim with an abrasive film in a non-shaped form;

[0017] Figure 2 illustrates a method of using the functional attachment of the first independent claim;

[0018] Figure 3a illustrates a functional attachment of a second independent claim, wherein a first structure and a second structure of the functional attachment are positioned between the skin and an electrode structure;

[0019] Figure 3b illustrates an embodiment of the functional attachment of the second independent claim attached to the electrode structure;

[0020] Figure 3c illustrates another embodiment of the functional attachment of the second independent claim attached to the electrode structure;

[0021] Figure 4 illustrates the electrode structure of a second independent claim;

[0022] Figures 5 illustrates an embodiment of the functional attachment of a second independent claim where the second structure comprises no functionalized area;

[0023] Figures 5a - 5d illustrate different embodiments of the functional attachment of a second independent claim; Figure 6 illustrates different placement of the first and the second structures in relation to the electrode structure of a second independent claim;

[0024] Figure 7 illustrates an exemplary dimension of the structures of the functional attachment of the second independent claim;

[0025] Figure 8a illustrated an exemplary method of use of the functional attachment of the second independent claim with the abrasive area in the second structure.

[0026] Figure 8b illustrated an exemplary method of use of the functional attachment of the second independent claim with the abrasive area in the first structure.

[0027] Figure 9 illustrates an example of an electrode structure with a functional attachment.

[0028] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0029] In this disclosure, a functional attachment is described. The purpose of the functional attachment may be (1) to improve the contact between a electrode structure and the skin, (2) to prepare the skin before signal measurements, and (3) reduce motion artefacts by reducing the motion of the electrode against the skin. Some parts of the functional attachment may be removed prior to the electrode structure use, and other parts may be removed after use.

[0030] A term “electrode structure” refers to the electrode which may be configured to acquire biological signals from the body. The electrode structure may acquire electrocardiogram (ECG) and electromyogram (EMG) biopotential signals from the skin. The electrode structure may alternatively be used in impedance cardiography (IGC) measurements. The electrode structure may be configured to attach to the skin with one of its surfaces. The term “bioelectrode” may refer to the electrode structure with the functional attachment attached to it.

[0031] Functional attachment of independent claim 1

[0032] A functional attachment for a wearable electrode structure comprising:

[0033] - a first structure comprising a liner film and an adhesive film, wherein the liner film and the adhesive film comprise a top and a bottom surface, and wherein the bottom surface of the liner film is at the top surface of the adhesive film, and wherein the adhesive film is attachable to the electrode structure with its top surface; - and a second structure comprising an abrasive film, and the abrasive film is shaped so that it comprises a first portion and a second portion, wherein the first portion is above the second portion, and wherein the first portion is interconnected with the second portion, and wherein the first portion and the second portion comprise a top surface and a bottom surface, and wherein the adhesive film is between the top surface of the first portion of the abrasive film and a bottom surface of the liner film, and wherein the abrasive film comprises an abrasive area; and wherein

[0034] - the liner film and the second structure are removable from the adhesive film.

[0035] Description of the functional attachment

[0036] A functional attachment 100 of this disclosure comprises two structures as illustrated in Figure 1 a. A first structure 101 comprises two superimposed films: a first film is a liner film 103, and a second film is an adhesive film 104. The liner film 103 is above the adhesive film 104. Both the liner film and the adhesive film may comprise a top surface and a bottom surface. The adhesive film may be configured to be at least partly attached to an electrode structure 109. The top surface of the adhesive film 104 may be configured to attach to the bottom surface of the liner film. At least part of the top surface of the adhesive film 104 may be adhesive. At least part of the bottom surface of the adhesive film 104 may be adhesive. The top and the bottom surfaces of the adhesive film 104 may be adhesive. The top and the bottom surfaces of the liner film 103 may be non-adhesive.

[0037] A second structure 102 comprises a thin film which is called an abrasive film 108. The abrasive film 108 is shaped so that it comprises a first portion 105 and a second portion 106. The first portion 105 is above the second portion 106. The first portion 105 is interconnected with the second portion 106. One end of the first portion may be interconnected with the closest end of the second portion. In other words, the abrasive film 108 may be configured to fold and lay the first portion 105 over the second portion 106 while keeping the ends of each portion connected at one side of the second structure as visualized in Figure 1 b.

[0038] Each portion of the abrasive film 108 may comprise a top surface and a bottom surface. The bottom surface of the first portion 105 of the abrasive film 108 may be facing the top surface of the second portion 106 of the abrasive film 108. The bottom surface of the first portion 105 may be in contact with the top surface of the second portion 106.

[0039] The functional attachment, wherein the abrasive area is at a bottom surface of the second portion of the abrasive film. The functional attachment, wherein the abrasive area is at a top surface of the first portion of the abrasive film.

[0040] An abrasive area 107 may be at least at the bottom surface of the second portion 106 of the abrasive film 108 and facing downwards towards the skin 110 as in Figure 1 a. Alternatively, the abrasive area 107 may be at the top surface of the first portion 105 of the abrasive film 108 and facing upwards toward the wearable electrode structure 109 as in Figure 1c. Alternatively, the abrasive area 107 may cover the entire abrasive film 108 so that it is at the bottom surface of the second portion 106 and at the top surface of the first portion 105 of the abrasive film 108 (not illustrated). The bottom surface of the second portion 106 may be configured to temporarily contact the skin 110. The second portion 106 may be configured to be pulled to remove the abrasive film 108 from below the adhesive film 104.

[0041] The top surface of the first portion 105 of the abrasive film 108 may be attached to the bottom surface of the adhesive film 104 as in Figures 1 b - 1c. Specifically, the top surface of the first portion 105 of the abrasive film 108 may removably adhere to the bottom surface of the adhesive film 104.

[0042] Materials of the first structure and the second structure

[0043] An example of the adhesive film 104 may be commercial contact adhesive Omni-Wave Fl- 502 produced by Flexcon. Alternatively, the adhesive film 104 may be an electrically conductive adhesive. The adhesive film 104 may be biocompatible. The adhesive film 104 may be compatible with human skin.

[0044] The material of the liner film 103 may be paper. The material of the liner film 103 may be paper coated with silicon. The material of the liner f ilm 103 may be Polyethylene (PE). The liner film 103 may have different finish at its top and bottom surfaces. For example, the top surface may be roughened, and the bottom surface may be polished. The material of the abrasive film 108 may be paper. Alternatively, the material of the abrasive film 108 may be fabric. Alternatively, the material of the abrasive film 108 may be plastic sheet.

[0045] The abrasive area 107 may be at the abrasive film. The material of the abrasive may be Silicon Carbide. The Silicon Carbide may be deposited at the abrasive film 108. Alternatively, the abrasive may be an abrasive sheet. The abrasive sheet may be glued to the abrasive film 108. The abrasive may alternatively be a roughened portion of the abrasive film 108.

[0046] Open and fold areas of the second structure

[0047] The second structure 102 may comprise an open area 114 as in Figure 1 c. The open area 114 is a region of the structure which extends away from below the electrode structure. The top and the bottom surfaces of the open area 114 may have no contact with other portions of both structures 101 and 102. The open area 114 may only comprise the abrasive film 108 as in Figure 1c. Alternatively, the open area may comprise the abrasive film and the abrasive area 107 as in Figure 1 a (the open area 114 is not marked).

[0048] The second structure 102 may also comprise a fold area 113 as in Figure 1 c. The fold area 113 is formed between portions of the structure 102. In other words, the fold area 113 is a region of the structure which connects the two portions 105 and 106 together. The fold area 113 may extend away from below the first structure 101 as in Figure 1c.

[0049] The second structure 102 may comprise at least one open area 114 and at least one fold area 113 as in Figures 1 a-c. In some embodiments, the second structure 102 may comprise more than one fold area (not illustrated in Figures 1 a-c).

[0050] The fold area 113 and the open area 114 of the same structure may be on the opposite sides of the functional attachment as in the second structure 102 in Figures 1 a-c.

[0051] Description of the electrode structure

[0052] The functional attachment 100 may be used with a wearable electrode structure 109 which is schematically illustrated in Figures 1 a-b. The wearable electrode structure 109 may be, for example, a belt electrode. Alternatively, the wearable electrode structure 109 may be a wrist band electrode. Alternatively, the wearable electrode structure 109 may be integrated into clothing such as shirt or pants. The wearable electrode structure 109 may be configured with a surface which is configured to form contact with the skin. Such surface may be called an outermost surface. In other words, the outermost surface may form contact with the skin when the wearable electrode structure 109 is worn by a user. An example of the outermost surface 119 of the wearable electrode structure 109 is illustrated in Figure 1 a.

[0053] The wearable electrode structure 109 used with the functional attachment 100 may comprise no adhesive at the outermost surface 119. The wearable electrode structure 109 without the functional attachment 100 of this disclosure may be attached to the skin by means of external fasteners, such as bands or straps. In other words, the wearable electrode structure 109 without the functional attachment 100 may form direct contact with the skin without permanent adhesive layer in between.

[0054] The wearable electrode structure 109 may comprise a conductive element configured to register the electrical signals from the skin (not illustrated). The signals may be processed by an electronics circuit. Both the conductive element and the electronics circuit may be enclosed into the enclosure. At least one part of enclosure which forms contact with the skin may be electrically conductive to transfer the electrical signal from the skin to the conductive element.

[0055] Dimensions of the functional attachment

[0056] The dimensions of the functional attachment 100 may correspond to the dimensions of the wearable electrode structure 109. The liner film 103 and the adhesive film 104 of the first structure 101 may have same dimensions as the wearable electrode structure 109. For example, a length and a width of the adhesive film 104 may be same as a length 117 and a width 118 of the electrode structure 109. Alternatively, the length and the width of the adhesive film 104 may be smaller than the length 117 and the width 118 of the electrode structure 109. A length and a width of the liner film 103 may be same as the length and the width of the adhesive film 104. Alternatively, the length and the width of the liner film 103 may be larger than of the adhesive film 104.

[0057] An exemplary width 116 and an exemplary length 115 of the second structure 102 are illustrated in Figure 1d. To properly illustrate the dimensions, the second structure 102 is presented in a non-shaped (unfolded) form. The length 115 of the abrasive film 108 in nonshaped form may be 20 - 80 mm. The length 115 of the abrasive film 108 in non-shaped form may be more than 20 mm, more than 40 mm, more than 60 mm. The length 115 of the abrasive film 108 in non-shaped form may be less than 80 mm, less than 75 mm, less than 55 mm, less than 35 mm. The width 116 of the abrasive film 108 in non-shaped form may be 20 - 80 mm. The width 116 of the abrasive film 108 in non-shaped form may be more than 20 mm, more than 40 mm, more than 60 mm. The width 116 of the abrasive film 108 in non-shaped form may be less than 80 mm, less than 75 mm, less than 55 mm, less than 35 mm.

[0058] The abrasive area 107 may at least partly fill the abrasive film 108 in a portion which corresponds to the bottom surface of the second portion of the abrasive film 108 in its shaped form. The abrasive area 107 may alternatively at least partly fill the abrasive film 108 in a portion which corresponds to the top surface of the first portion of the abrasive film in its shaped form. Alternatively, the abrasive area 107 may at least fill the abrasive film 108 in portions which corresponds to the bottom surface of the second portion of the abrasive film and to the top surface of the first portion of the abrasive film in its shaped form. The abrasive area may cover 10 - 100 % of the surface of the abrasive film 108 illustrated in Figure 1d. The abrasive area may cover more than 10 %, more than 30 %, more than 50 %, more than 70 %, more than 90 % of the surface of the abrasive film 108 illustrated in Figure 1d. The abrasive area may cover less than 100 %, less than 80 %, less than 60 %, less than 40 %, less than 20 % of the surface of the abrasive film 108 illustrated in Figure 1d.

[0059] Method of using the functional attachment with the electrode structure

[0060] The functional attachment may function in the following way as illustrated in Figure 2:

[0061] (a) The liner film 103 may be pulled in the direction 201 and removed from the adhesive film 104.

[0062] (b) The adhesive film 104 with the second structure 102 attached to the bottom surface may then be attached to the electrode structure 109 with the top surface. The electrode structure 109 with the adhesive film 104 and the second structure 102 may be placed to the skin 110 with the bottom surface of the second portion of the abrasive film 108.

[0063] (c) The abrasive film 108 may be pressed against the skin 110 and pulled from below the electrode structure 109. The abrasive film 108 may then be fully removed from the adhesive film 104. Specifically, the open area 114 of the abrasive film 108 may be configured to be pulled to remove the second structure 102 from below the electrode structure 109. When pulling, the abrasive area 107 may abrade the non-treated skin layer 111 and expose a treated skin region 112.

[0064] (d) The electrode structure 109 with the adhesive film 104 may then be pressed against the treated skin region 112 to adhere the adhesive film 104.

[0065] The electrode structure with the adhesive film

[0066] The adhesive film between the electrode structure and the skin may improve raw signal quality without abrading the skin prior to the electrode structure placement. Thus, the functional attachment may comprise a first structure comprising two superimposed films, wherein an adhesive film is below a liner film, and wherein the adhesive film is attachable to the electrode structure. The functional attachment may further comprise a second structure comprising a protective film below the adhesive film. In other words, the adhesive film may comprise a top surface and a bottom surface. The liner film may be attached to the top surface of the adhesive film. The protective film may be attached to the bottom surface of the adhesive film. The protective film and the liner film may be configured to be removed from the adhesive film. The adhesive film may be configured to attach to the electrode structure and be between the electrode structure and the skin. The function of the adhesive film in this case may be to adhere the electrode structure to the skin and to improve the signal quality. The functional attachment may in this case function in the following way:

[0067] (1 ) Remove the liner film and attach the adhesive film to the outermost surface of the electrode structure.

[0068] (2) Remove the protective film from the adhesive film and attach the electrode structure to the skin with the adhesive film in between.

[0069] Functional attachment of the independent claim 4

[0070] A functional attachment for an electrode structure comprising:

[0071] - a first structure comprising a first film, and the first film is shaped so that it comprises a first portion and a second portion, and wherein the first portion is above the second portion, and wherein the first portion is interconnected with the second portion, and wherein the first portion and the second portion comprise a top surface and a bottom surface, and wherein at least part of the top surface of the first portion of the first film is attachable to the electrode structure,

[0072] - and a second structure comprising a second film, wherein the second structure comprises a topmost surface and a bottommost surface, and at least part of the second film is attached to the second portion of the first film, and wherein

[0073] - one of the first and second structures comprises an abrasive area,

[0074] - and the second structure is configured to be removed from the first structure, and the first structure is configured to be removed from the electrode structure, and the first and the second structure are configured to be removed successively.

[0075] Description of the functional attachment

[0076] A functional attachment 300 of this disclosure comprises two superimposed structures as illustrated in Figure 3a. A first structure 301 is above a second structure 305.

[0077] The first structure of the functional attachment

[0078] The first structure 301 may contain a first film 302. The first film 302 is folded to comprise a first portion 303 of the first film 302 and a second portion 304 of the first film 302. The first portion 303 of the first film 302 is above the second portion 304 of the first film 302. The first portion 303 of the first film is connected with the second portion 304 of the first film.

[0079] The first and the second portions 303-304 of the first film 302 may comprise a top surface and a bottom surface. The top surface of the first portion 303 of the first film 302 may correspond to a topmost surface of the entire first structure 301 . The bottom surface of the second portion 304 of the first film 302 may correspond to a bottommost surface of the entire first structure 301 . The topmost surface of the first structure 301 may be attachable to an outermost surface of an electrode structure 400. In other words, at least part of the top surface of the first portion 303 of the first film 302 may be configured to attach to the at least part of the outermost surface of the of the electrode structure 400. The electrode structure 400 is discussed later in this disclosure. At least one portion of the first film 302 may comprise a functionalized area 307 as in Figure 3a.

[0080] The second structure of the functional attachment

[0081] The second structure 305 of the functional attachment 300 may comprise a second film 306. The second structure 305 may comprise a topmost surface and a bottommost surface. The at least part of the second structure 305 may be attached to the at least part of the second portion 304 of the first film 302. For example, the nearest edges of the second structure 305 and the second portion 304 of the first film 302 may be attached. Alternatively, the topmost surface of the second structure 305 may be attached to the bottommost surface of the first structure 301 . In other words, the topmost surface of the second structure 305 may be attached to the bottom surface of the second portion 304 of the first film 302. Additionally, the topmost surface of the second structure 305 may be attached to the at least part of the outermost surface of an electrode structure 400. The second structure 305 may be configured to be removed from the first structure 301 and the outermost surface of the electrode structure 400 prior to the attachment of the outermost surface of the electrode structure 400 to the skin. Specifically, the first structure 301 and the second structure 305 may be configured to be removed from the outermost surface of the electrode structure 400 when the electrode structure 400 is pressed against the skin. Alternatively, the bottommost surface of the second structure 305 may be configured to attach to the skin 110 prior to the removal of the second structure 305. In this case, the bottommost surface of the second structure 305 may comprise a functionalized area 308 as in Figure 3a.

[0082] The second film 306 may be in a non-shaped form. Thus, the second film may be described as a flat sheet of material. Alternatively, the second film 306 may be in a shaped form. In this case, the second film 306 may be folded to comprise at least two portions. Both examples are presented later in this disclosure.

[0083] Functionalized areas

[0084] A term “functionalized area” may refer to, for example, an abrasive area, an adhesive area, or a disinfecting area. One of the first and second structures comprises an abrasive area. In other words, the first structure may comprise the abrasive area. Alternatively, the second structure may comprise the abrasive area. The abrasive area may be configured to remove part of the skin. In other words, the functionality of the abrasive area may be to treat the skin by abrading and removing part of the skin when the abrasive area is moved against the skin surface. The structure which comprises the abrasive area may additionally comprise other functionalized areas.

[0085] The structure which comprises no abrasive area may comprise other functionalized areas such as the adhesive area and / or the disinfecting area. The purpose of the adhesive area may be to further clean the surface of the skin by adhering loose parts of the skin or the contamination. The purpose of the disinfecting area may be to sterilize the surface of the skin. The disinfecting area may be alternatively called a disinfecting pad.

[0086] Description of the electrode structure

[0087] The electrode structure 400 may comprise the following components illustrated in Figure 4:

[0088] - A carrier 401 which comprises a top surface and a bottom surface.

[0089] - A conductive element 402 extending through the carrier to the bottom surface. The conductive element 402 may comprise: o A conductive core 412 which may be a metallic pin extending from the top to the bottom surface of the carrier. The conductive core 412 may extend beyond the bottom surface of the carrier 401 . o Optionally a connector snap 413 at the top surface of the carrier connected to the conductive core 412. The connector snap 413 may be connected to the measurement cables (not illustrated).

[0090] The conductive element 402 may alternatively extend through the carrier 401 from the top surface to the bottom surface. Other options of how the conductive element 402 may be integrated into the carrier 401 are possible. The conductive element 402 may be electrically conductive.

[0091] An adhesive layer 405 at the bottom surface of the carrier, which helps to secure the electrode structure in place during monitoring. The adhesive layer may at least partly cover the bottom surface of the carrier. The adhesive layer may cover 10 - 100 % of the bottom surface of the carrier. The adhesive layer may cover more than 10%, more than 25%, more than 50%, more than 75% of the bottom surface of the carrier. The adhesive layer may cover less than 100%, less than 65%, less than 40%, less than 15% of the bottom surface of the carrier. The adhesive layer 405 may comprise at least one of the following components: o A carrier adhesive 403 may be deposited at the bottom surface of the carrier. The carrier adhesive 403 helps to improve the adhesion between the electrode structure and the skin and reduce movement of the electrode structure. The carrier adhesive 403 may cover the entire bottom surface of the carrier around the conductive core 412. It may alternatively cover part of the bottom surface of the carrier. The carrier adhesive 403 may be electrically non-conductive. Alternatively, the carrier adhesive 403 may be electrically conductive and called a conductive carrier adhesive. In that case, the carrier adhesive 403 may also cover the conductive core 412. o A conductive layer 404 may be applied at the bottom surface of the carrier 401 in contact with the conductive core 412. The conductive layer 404 may be electrically conductive. The conductive layer 404 helps to improve the core’s conductivity and reduce interference which may arise from the movement of the electrode structure on the skin. The conductive layer 404 may partly cover the bottom surface of the carrier 401 as illustrated in Figure 4. Alternatively, the conductive layer 404 may cover the entire bottom surface of the carrier 401 or the entire surface of the carrier adhesive 403 (not illustrated). The conductive layer may be adhesive. Thus, the conductive layer may be called a conductive adhesive.

[0092] The carrier adhesive 403 and the conductive layer 404 may be combined to form part of the adhesive layer 405. In other words, the adhesive layer 405 may comprise the carrier adhesive 403 and the conductive layer 404. o The conductive layer 404 may cover part of the bottom surface of the carrier 401 and form contact with the conductive core 412 as in Figure 4. The carrier adhesive 403 may cover another part of the bottom surface of the carrier 401 around the conductive layer 404. In this case, both carrier adhesive and the conductive layer may be configured to be in contact with the skin. o The carrier adhesive 403 may cover at least part of the bottom surface of the carrier 401 around the conductive core 412. The conductive layer 404 may cover the entire carrier adhesive 403. In this case, the conductive layer 405 may be adhesive and may be configured to adhere to the skin.

[0093] The adhesive layer 405 may further comprise other layers of elements which are not presented in this disclosure. Importantly, the electrode structure 400 may also comprise other elements and parts not described above or below.

[0094] The electrode structure 400 may comprise the outermost surface 414. The outermost surface 414 may be defined as the surface of the electrode structure which is configured to be in contact with the skin. Depending on the electrode structure, the outermost surface 414 may be at least partly formed by the adhesive layer 405. In other words, a combination of the carrier adhesive and the conductive layer may form the outermost surface 414 of the electrode structure 400. Alternatively, only the conductive layer 404 may form the outermost surface 414 of the electrode structure 400. The at least part of the outermost surface 414 of the electrode structure 400 may be adhesive. Further, the at least part of the outermost surface 414 of the electrode structure 400 may be electrically conductive.

[0095] The electrode structure 400 may be disposable. The electrode structure 400 may be reusable.

[0096] The shape and the size of the electrode structure 400 may be defined by the size and shape of the carrier. The electrode structure 400 may have a rectangular shape. The length of the edge of the rectangular electrode structure 400 may be 10 - 60 mm. For example, neonatal size of the rectangular electrode structure 400 may be 15 x 22 mm. The adult size of the rectangular electrode structure 400 may be 43 x 50 mm. The length of the edge of the rectangular electrode structure 400 may be more than 10 mm, more than 15 mm, more than 25 mm, more than 35 mm, more than 45 mm, more than 55 mm. The length of the edge of the rectangular electrode structure 400 may be less than 60 mm, less than 50 mm, less than 40 mm, less than 30 mm, less than 20 mm, less than 12 mm. The electrode structure 400 may have a circular shape. The diameter of the circular electrode structure 400 may be 10 - 70 mm. For example, neonatal diameter of the circular electrode structure 200 may be 12 mm. The adult diameter of the circular electrode structure 400 may be 55 mm. The diameter of the circular electrode structure 400 may be more than 10 mm, more than 15 mm, more than 25 mm, more than 35 mm, more than 45 mm, more than 55 mm, more than 65 mm. The diameter of the circular electrode structure 400 may be less than 70 mm, less than 60 mm, less than 50 mm, less than 40 mm, less than 30 mm, less than 20 mm, less than 12 mm.

[0097] Four sides of the electrode structure 408-411 may be defined by the nominal intercrossed orthogonal lines 406-407 passing through a centre of the electrode structure 400 as in Figure 4.

[0098] Electrode structure with the functional attachment

[0099] As was discussed above, the topmost surface of the first structure 301 may be attachable to the outermost surface 414 of an electrode structure 400. In other words, at least part of the top surface of the first portion 303 of the first film 302 may be configured to attach to the outermost surface 414 of the of the electrode structure 400. For example, the at least part of the top surface of the first portion 303 of the first film 302 may be configured to be glued to the at least partially adhesive outermost surface 414 of the of the electrode structure 400.

[0100] Embodiments of the functional attachment

[0101] The functional attachment, wherein the second film is shaped so that it comprises a first portion and a second portion, and wherein the first portion is above the second portion, and wherein the first portion is interconnected with the second portion, and wherein the first portion and the second portion comprise a top surface and a bottom surface, and wherein the bottommost surface of the second structure corresponds to the bottom surface of the second portion of the second film.

[0102] (1 ) The second structure with the abrasive area

[0103] The functional attachment, wherein the second structure may comprise the abrasive area at the bottommost surface. The functional attachment, wherein the first structure may comprise a disinfecting area at the bottom surface of the second portion of the first film.

[0104] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the second film 306 may comprise the abrasive area 308 at least at its bottom surface as in Figures 3a-3c. The second film 306 may be in the non-shaped form as in Figure 3a. The second film 306 in this case may comprise a top surface and a bottom surface which correspond to the topmost and the bottommost surface of the second structure 305. In this example, the abrasive area 308 may at least be at the bottom surface of the second film 306. The abrasive area 308 may be facing downwards towards the skin in this case.

[0105] Alternatively, in any embodiments described below, the second film 306 of the second structure may be shaped to comprise two interconnected portions: a first portion 309 above a second portion 310 as in Figures 3b-3c. Each portion may comprise a top surface and a bottom surface. Thus, the bottommost surface of the second structure 305 may correspond to the bottom surface of the second portion 310 of the second film 306. The top surface of the first portion 309 of the second film 306 may be in contact with the bottommost surface of the first structure 301. In other words, the top surface of the first portion 309 of the second film 306 may be configured to attach to the bottom surface of the second portion 304 of the first film 302. In this example, the abrasive area 308 may at least be at the bottom surface of the second portion 310 of the second film 306. The abrasive area 308 may be facing the skin in this case.

[0106] Optionally, the top surface of the first portion 309 of the second film 306 may further comprise another functional area such as a dry patch area 311 as illustrated in Figure 3c. The purpose of the dry patch area 311 may be to dry the skin after contact with the abrasive area 308.

[0107] Further, the second film 306 may be shaped to comprise more than two portions. In that case, a third portion may be below the second portion (not illustrated).

[0108] The first structure 301 of the embodiment of Figures 3a-3c may comprise a disinfecting area 307 at least at the bottom surface of the second portion 304 of the first film 302.

[0109] In the embodiments of Figures 3a-3c, the second structure 305 may be configured to be removed first, and the first structure 301 may be configured to be removed after the removal of the second structure 305. In other words, removal of the functional attachment may comprise two steps: removal of the second structure 305 first, and removal of the first structure 301 afterwards. In the first step, removal of the second structure 305 may abrade the skin. In the second step, removal of the first structure 301 may disinfect the skin by wiping it with the disinfecting area 307 during removal. (2) The first structure with the abrasive area

[0110] The functional attachment, wherein the first structure may comprise the abrasive area at the bottom surface of the second portion of the first film.

[0111] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the first structure 301 may comprise the abrasive area 308 as in Figures 5 and 5a - 5d. The abrasive area 308 may be at the bottom surface of the second portion 304 of the first film 302. The abrasive area 308 may be facing downwards towards the skin in this case. The abrasive area 308 may alternatively be at the top surface of the first portion 303 of the first film 302. Further, the abrasive area 308 may extend from the bottom surface of the second portion 304 to the top surface of the first portion 303 of the first film 302 (not illustrated).

[0112] In the embodiments where the first structure 301 comprises the abrasive area 308, the second film 306 may be in the non-shaped form as in Figures 5 and 5a. The second film 306 in this case may comprise a top surface and a bottom surface which correspond to the topmost and the bottommost surfaces of the second structure 305.

[0113] In one embodiment, illustrated in Figure 5, the second film 306 may comprise no functionalized area. In other words, the second film 306 may be a film attached to the first structure 301. In this case, one of the sides of the second film 306 may be adhesive. Alternatively, both sides of the second film 306 may be non-adhesive. The function of such film may be to protect the first structure 301 and the abrasive area 308.

[0114] The second film in any of the embodiments may be partially attached to the outermost layer of the electrode structure as Figure 5 illustrates. The purpose of such arrangement may be to ensure that the electrode structure may be attached to the skin after removal of the second structure and prior to removal of the first structure.

[0115] (2.1) Functional attachment with disinfecting area

[0116] The functional attachment, wherein the second structure may comprise a disinfecting area at the bottommost surface of the second structure.

[0117] In other embodiments of this disclosure, the second structure 305 may comprise a disinfecting area 501 at least at the bottom surface of the second film 306 as in Figure 5a. Alternatively, the second film 306 may be shaped to comprise two interconnected portions: a first portion 502 and a second portion 503 as in Figure 5b. The first portion 502 may be above the second portion 503. Each portion may comprise a top surface and a bottom surface. Thus, the bottommost surface of the second structure 305 may correspond to the bottom surface of the second portion 503 of the second film 306. The top surface of the first portion 502 of the second film 306 may be in contact with the bottommost surface of the first structure 301 . In other words, the topmost surface of the second structure 305 may be configured to attach to the bottom surface of the second portion 304 of the first film 301 . In this case, the disinfecting area 501 may be at the bottom surface of the second portion 503 of the second film 306.

[0118] In the embodiments of Figures 5 and 5a-b, the second structure 305 may be configured to be removed first, and the first structure 301 may be configured to be removed after the removal of the second structure 305. In other words, removal of the functional attachment may comprise two steps: removal of the second structure 305 and removal of the first structure 301 afterwards. In the first step, removal of the second structure 305 may disinfect the skin by wiping it with the disinfecting area 501 during removal. In the second step, removal of the first structure 301 may abrade the skin with the abrasive area.

[0119] (2.2) Functional attachment with adhesive area

[0120] The functional attachment, wherein the second structure may comprise an adhesive area at the bottommost surface of the second structure.

[0121] In the embodiments where the first structure 301 comprises the abrasive area 308, the second structure 305 may comprise an adhesive area 504 at least at the bottom surface of the second portion 503 of second film 306. Specifically, the adhesive area 504 may be at the bottom surface of the second portion 503 of the second film 306 as in Figure 5c. Alternatively, the embodiment of the Figure 5b may comprise the adhesive area instead of the disinfecting area 501 .

[0122] Further, the second film 306 may be shaped to comprise more than two portions. In that case, a third portion 505 may be below the second portion 503 as in Figure 5d. In this case, the adhesive area 504 may be at the bottom surface of the third portion 505 of the second film 306.

[0123] In the embodiments of Figures 5c - 5d, the second structure 305 may be configured to be removed first, and the first structure 301 may be configured to be removed after the removal of the second structure 305. In other words, removal of the functional attachment may comprise two steps: removal of the second structure 305 and removal of the first structure 301 afterwards. In the first step, removal of the second structure 305 may clean the skin by adhering undesired particles on the skin by the adhesive area 504. In the second step, removal of the first structure 301 may abrade the skin with the abrasive area 308.

[0124] In any of the embodiments above where the abrasive area 308 at the bottom surface of the second portion of the first or the second film, the abrasive area 308 may alternatively be at the top surface of the first portion of the first or the second film and facing upwards toward the electrode structure (not illustrated). Alternatively, the abrasive area 308 may cover the entire first or the second film so that it is at the bottom surface of the second portion and at the top surface of the first portion of the first or the second film (not illustrated).

[0125] Open and fold areas

[0126] Each structure may comprise an open area 506 as in Figure 5d. The open area 506 is a region of the structure which extends away from the electrode structure 400. The top and the bottom surfaces of the open area 506 may have no contact with other portions of both structures 301 and 305.

[0127] Each structure may also comprise a fold area 507 as in Figure 5d. The fold area 507 is formed between portions of one structure. In other words, the fold area 507 is a region of the structure which connect the two portions together.

[0128] The structure which comprises at least two portions may comprise at least one open area 506 and at least one fold area 507 as in the first structure 301 in Figures 3a-b, 5 and 5a- d. One of the structures may comprise only one open 506 area as the second structure 305 in Figures 3a and 5a. In some embodiments, one structure may comprise more than one fold area 507 as in Figure 5d.

[0129] The fold area 507 and the open area 506 of the same structure may be on the two opposite sides out of four sides 408-411 of the electrode structure 400. Different arrangements of the structures in relation to the sides 408-411 of the electrode structure are illustrated in Figures 3a-c, 5, 5a-d and 6. The fold area 507 of the first structure 301 may be at the same side as the fold area 507 of the second structure 305 as in Figure 5c. Alternatively, the fold area 507 of the first structure 301 and the fold area 507 of the second structure 305 may be at the opposite sides as in Figures 3b and 5b. The open area 506 of the first structure 301 may be at the opposite side from the open area 506 of the second structure 305 as in Figure 3b and 3d. Alternatively, the open area 506 of the first structure 301 may be at the same side as the open area 506 of the second structure 305 as in Figure 5c. If one structure comprises more than one fold areas, they may be at the opposite sides as in the second structure 305 of Figure 5d.

[0130] Figure 6 further illustrates that a) the open areas 506 of the first 301 and the second 305 structure may be at the opposite sides of the electrode structure 400 such as 410 and 411 , and b) the open areas 506 of the first 301 and the second 305 structure may be at the adjacent sides of the electrode structure such as 409 and 411 .

[0131] Pulling configuration

[0132] The open area 506 may be configured to be pulled to remove the corresponding structure from below the electrode structure 400. In other words, if the open areas 506 of the first 301 and the second 305 structure are on the opposite sides of the functional attachment, the first 301 and the second 305 structures may be configured to be pulled to different sides. Alternatively, if the open areas 506 of the first 301 and the second 305 structure are on the same side of the functional attachment, the first 301 and the second 305 structures may be configured to be pulled to the same side. Further, the open area 506 of the first structure 301 and open area 506 of the second structure 305 may be configured to be pulled together at the same time when attached to each other as in Figure 5c.

[0133] Alternatively, the fold area may be configured to be pulled to remove the structure from below the electrode structure 400. If the electrode structure comprises more than one fold area, one of the fold areas may be configured to be pulled to remove the structure from below the electrode structure, as the fold area 508 in the embodiment of Figure 5d.

[0134] Materials of the first structure and the second structure

[0135] The material of the first film may be Polyethylene (PE) coated with silicon.

[0136] The material of the second film may be PE coated with silicon. Further, one side of the second film may be adhesive.

[0137] The first film and the second film may be attached together with an adhesive. Specifically, the first film and the second film may be attached together with a glue. The first film may be attached to the electrode structure with adhesive. Alternatively, the first film may be attached to the electrode structure with the glue.

[0138] The abrasive area may contain an abrasive. The material of the abrasive may be silicon carbide. Such abrasive area may be called a dry abrasive. Alternatively, the material of the abrasive may be an abrasive gel. Such abrasive area may be called a wet abrasive.

[0139] The adhesive area may be, for example, an adhesive patch.

[0140] The disinfecting area may, for example, be a textile patch saturated with isopropyl alcohol.

[0141] Dimensions of the first structure and the second structure

[0142] The dimensions of the first and the second structure may be defined by the dimensions of the electrode structure they are used with.

[0143] An exemplar dimensions are illustrated in Figure 7. A structure 700 may represent the first structure 301 or the second structure 305 in non-shaped form. Thus, the illustrated surface of the structure 700 may correspond to, for example, the bottommost area of the second structure or to the top surface of the first portion and the bottom surface of the second portion of the first film of the first structure in non-shaped form. An area 701 may represent the abrasive area, the adhesive area or the disinfecting area.

[0144] A length 702 of the structure 700 may be 40 - 80 mm. A length 702 of the structure 700 may be more than 40 mm, more than 60 mm. A length 702 of the structure 700 may be less than 80 mm, less than 70 mm, less than 50 mm.

[0145] A width 703 of the structure 700 may be 40 - 80 mm. A width 703 of the structure 700 may be more than 40 mm, more than 60 mm. A width 703 of the structure 700 may be less than 80 mm, less than 70 mm, less than 50 mm.

[0146] The area 701 may comprise 20 % - 100 % of the illustrated surface of the structure 700. The area 701 may comprise more than 20 %, more than 40 %, more than 60 %, more than 80 % of the illustrated surface of the structure 700. The area 701 may comprise less than 100 %, less than 75 %, less than 50 %, less than 25 % of the illustrated surface of the structure 700.

[0147] Method of use of the functional attachment

[0148] An exemplary method of using the functional attachment with the disinfecting area 307 in the first structure and the abrasive area in the second structure is illustrated in Figure 8a: a) Pressing the electrode structure 400 with the first structure 301 of the functional attachment and the second structure 305 of the functional attachment against the skin 110. b) Removing the second structure 305 by pulling the open area. While pulling, the abrasive area 308 abrades the skin underneath by removing the non-treated skin layer 111 and exposing the treated skin region 112. The bottom surface of the second portion of the first film is exposed after removal of the second structure 305. c) Pressing the electrode structure 400 with the first structure 301 of the functional attachment against the treated skin region 112 and pulling the open area. While pulling the first structure, the disinfecting area 307 swipes the treated skin region 112. d) Pressing the electrode structure to the treated skin region 112 to adhere it to the skin with its outermost surface.

[0149] The above method may be adjusted depending on the configuration of the functional attachment. In all embodiments where the abrasive area is in the second structure, the abrading of the skin may be performed in the step b). In step c), the first structure may then disinfect the skin with the disinfecting area. Alternatively, in the embodiments where the abrasive area is in the first structure, abrading of the skin may be performed in the step c). In step b), the second structure may then disinfect the skin with the disinfecting area or treat the skin with the adhesive area. Alternatively, when the first structure comprises the abrasive area and the second structure comprises no functionalized area, the method of applying the electrode structure may look as illustrated in Figure 8b: a) Removing the second structure 305 by pulling the open area of the second film 306. Removal of the second structure 305 exposes the part of the outermost layer of the electrode structure and the bottom surface of the second portion 304 of the first film 302. The bottom surface of the second portion 304 of the first film 302 may comprise the abrasive area 308. b) Pressing the electrode structure 400 with the exposed outermost layer and the first structure 301 of the functional attachment against the skin 110. c) Pressing the electrode structure 400 with the first structure 301 of the functional attachment against the skin 110 and pulling the open area 506. While pulling, the abrasive area 308 abrades the skin underneath by removing the non-treated skin layer 111 and exposing the treated skin region 112. d) Pressing the electrode structure 400 to the skin 110 with its outermost surface. The electrode structure 400 may partially attach to the treated skin region 112 and partially to the non-treated skin layer 111.

[0150] A bioelectrode

[0151] A bioelectrode may comprise the functional attachment and the electrode structure of this disclosure. Specifically, the bioelectrode may comprise the functional attachment comprising

[0152] - a first structure comprising a first film shaped to comprise a first portion above a second portion, wherein the first portion may be interconnected with the second portion, and wherein the first portion and the second portion may comprise a top surface and a bottom surface,

[0153] - and a second structure with a second film, wherein the second structure may comprise a topmost surface and a bottommost surface, and at least part of the second film is attached to the second portion of the first film, and wherein

[0154] - one of the first and second structures may comprise an abrasive area,

[0155] - and the second structure may be configured to be removed from the first structure, and the first structure may be configured to be removed from the electrode structure, and the first and the second structure may be configured to be removed successively.

[0156] The bioelectrode may further comprise the electrode structure comprising

[0157] - a carrier with a top surface and a bottom surface,

[0158] - a conductive element extending through the carrier from the top surface to the bottom surface, an adhesive layer which may at least partly cover the bottom surface of the carrier and form at least part of an outermost surface of the electrode structure. At least part of the top surface of the first portion of the first film may be attached to the outermost surface of the electrode structure.

[0159] In other words, the bioelectrode may be a combination other the functional attachment and the electrode structure described in this disclosure. The functional attachment may be attached to the electrode structure and may be configured to be removed prior to use of the electrode structure. The second structure and the first structure may be configured to be removed successively.

[0160] An example of an electrode structure with a functional attachment

[0161] Figure 9 illustrates an example of an electrode structure 400 with a functional attachment 300. A functional attachment for an electrode structure, illustrated in Figure 9, wherein the electrode structure may comprise an adhesive layer, and wherein the adhesive layer may comprise at least a first opening and a second opening aligned with each other; wherein the functional attachment may comprise a first film and a functionalized area, wherein the functionalized area may cover at least portion of the first film, and wherein the first film may comprise a first end and the second end opposite to each other; and wherein the first film may be configured to pass through the first opening in the adhesive layer of the electrode structure, and the first end of the first film may be configured to engage into the second opening in the adhesive layer of the electrode structure, and the and the second end of the first film may extend away from beneath the electrode structure.

[0162] The electrode structure 400, as was described above in this disclosure, may comprise at least two openings, such as a first opening 906 and a second opening 907 in Figure 9 b). The openings 906-907 may be in the adhesive layer 905 of the electrode structure 400. Specifically, the openings 906-907 may be on the opposite sides in relation to the conductive element. The openings 906-907 may have same length. The openings 906- 907 may have same width.

[0163] The first and the second openings 906-907 may be aligned relative to one another along a y-direction. The openings 906-907 may be on the opposite sides in relation to the conductive element along a y-direction. The openings 906-907 may be aligned along the edge of the electrode structure 400, which extends along a x-direction. The openings 906- 907 may be spaced along the x-direction. The openings 906-907 may be aligned so that the distance from each end of each opening is equally distant from two opposite edges of the electrode structure 400 along the y-direction. Alternatively, in addition to the first and the second openings, the adhesive layer of the electrode structure may comprise a third opening. Alternatively, the adhesive layer of the electrode structure may comprise more than three openings.

[0164] The functional attachment 300 of this example may comprise a first film 910. The first film 910 may comprise a topmost surface and a bottommost surface. The first film 910 may comprise a first end 912 and a second end 913. The first end 912 and the second end 913 may be opposite to each other along the length of the film. The first film 910 may be positioned so that it passes through the openings 906-907 in the adhesive layer 905 of the electrode structure 400. The topmost surface of the first film 910 may therefore be partially attached to the adhesive layer 905 of the electrode structure and partially attached to the carrier 901 of the electrode structure 400. The first end 912 of the first film 910 may be configured to engage into the first opening 906 in the adhesive layer. 905. The first end 912 of the first film 910 may be under electrode structure 400 when it is attached to the skin. The first end 912 of the first film 910 may be between the electrode structure 400 and the skin when the electrode structure is adhered to the skin. The second end 913 of the first film 910 may extend away from the edge of the electrode structure 400. The second end 913 of the first film 910 may extend away from underneath the electrode structure 400 when it is attached to the skin.

[0165] The functional attachment 300 may comprise a functionalized area 911 . The functionalized area 900 may be defined according to the description provided earlier in this disclosure. For example, it can be an abrasive area. The functionalized area 911 may cover the portion of the first film which is between the second and the third openings as in Figure 9 a). Alternatively, the functional area 911 may cover the entire first film 910 of the functional attachment 300.

[0166] Parameters of the first film 910, such as materials and dimensions, may correspond to the parameters of the first and the second structures described earlier in this disclosure. Parameters of the functionalized area 911 may correspond to the parameters of the functionalized area described earlier in this disclosure.

[0167] In this example, the electrode structure 400 with the functional attachment 300 attached to it may be configured to be adhered to the skin first. The portion of the adhesive layer 905 that is not covered by the functional attachment 400 may be attached to the skin. The functional attachment 300 may then be pulled from below the electrode structure 400 by pulling the second end 913 of the first film 910 which extends away from in-between the electrode structure 400 and the skin. The functionalized area 911 may treat the skin under the electrode structure 400. For example, it may abrade the skin if the functionalized area 911 is abrasive. The entire surface of the adhesive layer 905 of the electrode structure 400 may be attached to the skin after removal of the functional attachment 300.

Claims

CLAIMS1 . A functional attachment for a wearable electrode structure comprising:- a first structure comprising a liner film and an adhesive film, wherein the liner film and the adhesive film comprise a top and a bottom surface, and wherein the bottom surface of the liner film is at the top surface of the adhesive film, and wherein the adhesive film is attachable to the electrode structure with its top surface;- and a second structure comprising an abrasive film, and the abrasive film is shaped so that it comprises a first portion and a second portion, wherein the first portion is above the second portion, and wherein the first portion is interconnected with the second portion, and wherein the first portion and the second portion comprise a top surface and a bottom surface, and wherein the adhesive film is between the top surface of the first portion of the abrasive film and a bottom surface of the liner film, and wherein the abrasive film comprises an abrasive area; and wherein- the liner film and the second structure are removable from the adhesive film.

2. The functional attachment of claim 1 , wherein the abrasive area is at least at the bottom surface of the second portion of the abrasive film.

3. The functional attachment of claim 1 or 2, wherein the abrasive area is at the top surface of the first portion of the abrasive film.

4. A functional attachment for an electrode structure comprising:- a first structure comprising a first film, and the first film is shaped so that it comprises a first portion and a second portion, and wherein the first portion is above the second portion, and wherein the first portion is interconnected with the second portion, and wherein the first portion and the second portion comprise a top surface and a bottom surface, and wherein at least part of the top surface of the first portion of the first film is attachable to the electrode structure,- and a second structure comprising a second film, wherein the second structure comprises a topmost surface and a bottommost surface, and at least part of the second film is attached to the second portion of the first film, and wherein- one of the first and second structures comprises an abrasive area,- and the second structure is configured to be removed from the first structure, and the first structure is configured to be removed from the electrode structure, and the first and the second structure are configured to be removed successively.

5. The functional attachment of claim 4, wherein the second structure comprises the abrasive area at the bottommost surface.

6. The functional attachment of claim 5, wherein the first structure comprises a disinfecting area at the bottom surface of the second portion of the first film.

7. The functional attachment of claim 4, wherein the first structure comprises the abrasive area at the bottom surface of the second portion of the first film.

8. The functional attachment of claim 7, wherein the second structure comprises a disinfecting area at the bottommost surface of the second structure.

9. The functional attachment of claim 7, wherein the second structure comprises an adhesive area at the bottommost surface of the second structure.

10. The functional attachment according to claims 4-9, wherein the second film is shaped so that it comprises a first portion and a second portion, and wherein the first portion is above the second portion, and wherein the first portion is interconnected with the second portion, and wherein the first portion and the second portion comprise a top surface and a bottom surface, and wherein the bottommost surface of the second structure corresponds to the bottom surface of the second portion of the second film.11 . A bioelectrode comprising the functional attachment of any preceding claim.

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