Contact system for making electrical contact with an object - Patent Application 20070122997

Abstract

The present invention relates to a contact system (1) for providing electrical contact to human skin, the contact system (1) comprising a reservoir (10) having a fluid (11) and a conductive layer (30). The reservoir (10) comprises a permeable layer (12) configured to provide a defined permeation of vapor and / or vapor-like substances, the permeable layer (12) and the conductive layer (30) being arranged relative to one another such that permeation of the vaporous portion of the fluid through the permeable layer (12) can provide humidification of the conductive layer (30).

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a contact unit, in particular an electrode, for bringing an electrical contact into contact with an object, for example human skin, and to the transmission of an electrical signal from the object to a signal receiver and / or from a signal generator to the object.

[0002] Background technology The measurement of electrical body signals, such as ECG (electrocardiogram), EEG (electroencephalogram), and EMG (electromyogram), are widely used measurement methods for deriving body signals. Today, ECG is typically used in the medical field with Ag / AgCl gel electrodes that are glued to the skin around the chest. These electrodes are more or less standard and are used worldwide for the measurement of ECG in the medical field.

[0003] The drawback of these electrodes is that they only function for a limited time, up to approximately 24 or 72 hours. After that, they dry out and no longer provide a suitable signal. However, long-term measurements may also be necessary. In such situations, it may be important to monitor the ECG for several days, preferably more than seven days, using a special logger. For this purpose, new dry electrodes suitable for ECG measurement have appeared on the market. For example, embroidered electrodes and sensor shirts are known. Such electrodes function during physical activity and provide a good signal, especially when the person is sweating and the skin is therefore moist.

[0004] As soon as the electrodes dry out, measurements are no longer possible. These electrodes cannot be used for long-term measurements in the entire medical field, where the skin is dry rather than moist. However, this field may be interesting from a scientific and medical point of view, for example, in monitoring cardiac risk patients or elderly people, where dry skin is usually present.

[0005] Another problem with dry electrodes is movement artifacts and the relatively high pressure of the electrodes on the skin. With dry skin, movement is particularly significant; even slight movements of the arm or chest can result in very high artifacts, making it extremely difficult to remove a reasonable ECG signal from these.

[0006] To overcome the above drawbacks, US Patent No. 5,057,072 proposes an electrode with a reservoir containing a chemical or ionic liquid, the liquid being on the skin side and the electrode being located behind it, where the fact that wetting comes from the skin side is considered to be a drawback.

[0007] U.S. Patent No. 6,263,226 describes disposable electrodes that are disposed of after 8 to 12 hours. This is not practical; electrodes are preferably used continuously for several weeks. Furthermore, a conductive gel is required between the skin and the actual electrical electrode. This appears to be a drawback if the (stick) electrode is not placed directly on the skin and requires a gel or sponge between the skin and the electrode.

[0008] Electrodes intended for impedance tomography are known from WO 2004 / 017829. However, for electrocardiography, these electrodes appear to be unsuitable. Here too, a gel is introduced between the electrode and the skin, which should be avoided for the intended continuous use.

[0009] From EP 510,786 an electrode based on a hydrogel layer is known, which is combined with a non-conductive material layer and connected to a reusable clamp. No humidification device is provided. The device of EP 510,786 is based on the principle of a hydrogel-based electrolyte layer.

[0010] The above approaches have in common that they can only be used for a very limited time and / or represent relatively complex electrodes.

[0011] Object of the invention SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is therefore an object of the present invention to propose an improved contact unit which is able to at least reduce the described drawbacks of the prior art.

[0012] It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved contact unit for providing electrical contact to a person's skin.

[0013] It is a further object of the present invention to provide an improved contact unit which allows long term measurements and is easy to use.

[0014] These objects are achieved at least in part by implementing the features of the independent claims. Features which further develop the invention in alternative or advantageous ways are set out in the dependent patent claims.

[0015] Summary of the Invention The present invention relates to a contact system, particularly an electrode, for providing electrical contact to human skin. The contact system may also be referred to as an electrode. The contact system includes a reservoir having a fluid and a conductive layer. The reservoir includes a permeable layer. The permeable layer is configured to provide a predetermined permeability of fluid and / or fluid-based vapor and / or vapor-like substance and / or vaporous substance. The permeable layer and the conductive layer are positioned relative to each other such that a vapor portion of the fluid can pass through the permeable layer, thereby humidifying the conductive layer.

[0016] In particular, the permeable layer is embodied to provide a defined permeability, which can be tailored to the particular fluid contained in the reservoir, i.e., the permeable layer and the fluid can be selected or designed relative to each other to allow a particular amount of fluid and / or fluid-based vapor to pass through the permeable layer.

[0017] In one embodiment of the present invention, the reservoir may comprise—at least in its intact state—a fluid-containing enclosure, The enclosure may be configured to rupture upon a defined external influence or exposure; The encapsulation body, the permeable layer, and the conductive layer may be arranged relative to one another such that—in the event of rupture of the encapsulation body—wetting of the permeable layer by the fluid may occur and humidification of the conductive layer may occur due to permeation of the fluid and / or vaporous portion of the fluid through the permeable layer.

[0018] By the term ruptured under a defined external influence (or exposure) is understood not only physical rupture, i.e., rupture of the surface of the inclusion under the influence of a force (caused, for example, by bending or pressing the surface with a finger or by hitting the surface with a hammer of some kind), but also any method known to those skilled in the art for opening a surface by external influence or exposure.

[0019] The inclusions can also be split open, for example, by a pulling motion (e.g., with two fingers), whereby the surface of the inclusion can be pulled either directly or into a portion that protrudes from the surface of the inclusion, i.e., a type of flap.

[0020] Breaking of the enclosure can also be achieved, for example, by scratching, cutting or perforating the enclosure with an edge or blade or tip (i.e., a breaking element) or any other protruding part attached to the tilting or sliding element.

[0021] In a further embodiment, in an intact state, the enclosure can provide fluid separation from the permeation layer. An intact state should be understood to provide the enclosure in an at least essentially fluid-tight and vapor-tight state. In an intact state, the enclosure does not contain any leaks.

[0022] In a further embodiment, the enclosure may comprise a flexible packaging material, and in particular the enclosure may be made from a water vapor impermeable material, in particular comprising aluminium. The enclosure may be flexibly disposed inside the reservoir.

[0023] In a further embodiment, the enclosure may comprise or be made from a separating layer, in particular a foil. For example, the reservoir may be provided by a volume enclosed by the walls of the reservoir and the separating layer.

[0024] In a further embodiment, the enclosure can be configured to be ruptured by snapping the enclosure, which can cause a pressure increase inside the enclosure, resulting in the enclosure rupturing once a certain resistivity of the enclosure is exceeded.

[0025] In a further embodiment, the contact system may comprise a rupture element configured to rupture the enclosure upon application of a defined external influence.

[0026] In a further embodiment, the rupture element may be disposed between the enclosure and the transmission layer.

[0027] In a further embodiment, the breaking element may be disposed in the enclosure.

[0028] In a further embodiment, the rupture element may include a piercing portion configured to effect piercing of the enclosure and arranged to pierce the enclosure upon application of a defined external influence.

[0029] In further embodiments, the piercing portion may include a tapered end, edge, or needle.

[0030] The rupture element can be any structure that—when interacting with the inclusion—facilitates rupture of the inclusion.

[0031] In further embodiments, the transmission layer may comprise a fabric or a polymer.

[0032] In a further embodiment, the transmission layer may be provided by a textile layer and / or a polymer layer.

[0033] In a further embodiment, the transmission layer can be configured to allow vapor transmission based on the principle of partial pressure.

[0034] In further embodiments, the transmission layer may be configured to allow fluid transmission at a defined permeability rate, in particular the transmission layer may include perforations (holes) or respectively tailored fabrics, providing filter properties.

[0035] In one embodiment, the permeable layer may be a membrane, in particular a semi-permeable membrane.

[0036] It is particularly advantageous to provide the permeable and / or conductive layers as polymer layers, for example, as perforated polymer bands. Perforated polymer layers can be directly glued or hot-pressed onto the reservoirs, thus eliminating a manufacturing step. On the other hand, textiles must first be clamped and stretched before being placed on the contact system (e.g., electrodes). Therefore, the polymer layer can be better bonded to the reservoirs (e.g., by gluing or melting) while simply pressing the textile layer.

[0037] Another advantage of using a polymer layer instead of a textile layer to provide the permeable and / or conductive layer is that the conductive textile itself absorbs many fluids, especially water, and thus transports them to areas where skin contact does not occur. Since suitable polymers do not absorb fluids (e.g., water), the fluid remains where applied. Using a conductive polymer layer reduces the amount of fluid required. The reservoir can be made smaller, and therefore the electrodes can be made smaller and / or flatter. This, in turn, allows for a more comfortable fit against the body.

[0038] Another advantage of using polymer layers instead of textile layers to provide the transmission and / or conductive layers is that the polymer layers can be constructed as a stiffer conductive porous material compared to flexible textiles, making them easier to handle, particularly during manufacturing.

[0039] Furthermore, the surface of the conductive polymer can be integrated into the contact unit during the injection molding process.

[0040] In a further embodiment, the conductive layer may be provided by a transparent layer, the transparent layer comprising a conductive material.

[0041] In a further embodiment, the conductive layer may comprise conductive elements, in particular conductive threads or conductive synthetic materials, in particular those made of metal or metallized synthetic materials, in particular yarns.

[0042] In a further embodiment, the transmission layer can be configured to be water vapor permeable and water impermeable to liquid water.

[0043] In a further embodiment, the contact system may be provided with a contact layer configured to provide adhesion of the contact system to a surface, in particular human skin. The contact layer may comprise an adhesive to provide adhesion.

[0044] In further embodiments, the contact layer may surround the conductive layer or may be provided by the conductive layer.

[0045] In a further embodiment, the reservoir can be provided by a housing, in particular a flexible or elastic housing, for example the reservoir can comprise an essentially rigid side wall and a flexible upper wall intended to be subjected to an external influence in order to rupture the enclosure.

[0046] In a further embodiment, the reservoir may be provided by a flexible cover, in particular a foil. For example, the reservoir may be provided in the form of a pad which is inserted into the respective holder or receptacle.

[0047] In a further embodiment, the fluid is Liquids, especially highly viscous liquids, gels, especially hydrogels, solutions, in particular aqueous or alcoholic solutions, emulsions, and / or ·oil, may include at least one of:

[0048] An example of an alcohol-based solution is a solution consisting of ethanol and water, where the percentage of ethanol can vary.

[0049] The present invention further provides a reservoir comprising: a transmission layer configured to provide a predetermined transmission of fluids and / or fluid-based vapors at a predetermined permeability; an inclusion body that contains the fluid in at least an intact state and provides separation of the fluid from the permeable layer; Including, The encapsulation is configured to rupture upon a defined external influence / exposure; the enclosure and the permeable layer are arranged relative to one another in such a way that—in the event of rupture of the enclosure—wetting of the permeable layer by the fluid and permeation of the fluid and / or the vaporous part of the fluid through the permeable layer can be achieved, A reservoir for a contact system according to any of the preceding embodiments.

[0050] In a further embodiment, the reservoir may be provided by a flexible cover.

[0051] The present invention further relates to a wearable element, in particular a garment or clothing or part thereof, for a contact system according to any of the previous embodiments, the wearable element comprising: In certain cases, a reservoir containing segment; a conductive layer; Including, The reservoir containing segment and the conductive layer are arranged relative to each other such that - when a reservoir described in any of the preceding embodiments is provided in the reservoir containing segment and when the reservoir enclosure is ruptured - wetting of the permeable layer by the fluid can occur and humidification of the conductive layer can occur by permeation of the fluid and / or vaporous portions of the fluid through the permeable layer.

[0052] The present invention further provides a method of operating a contact system according to any one of the preceding embodiments, the method comprising: Providing a contact system such that the conductive layer is positioned adjacent to or in contact with the person's skin; and - a step of successively disrupting the inclusion bodies by applying at least a defined external influence to the inclusion bodies, Includes:

[0053] The method of activating the contact system provides the advantage that the user of the contact system can activate the electrodes after attaching them to, for example, the user's skin.

[0054] The invention will now be described in more detail, purely by way of example, with reference to examples that are diagrammatically illustrated in the drawings, in which identical elements are provided with the same reference numerals. The described embodiments are generally not drawn to scale, nor should they be construed as limiting the invention. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0055] [Figure 1] 1 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a contact system according to the present invention. [Figure 2] 1 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a contact system according to the present invention. [Figure 3a] 1 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a contact system according to the present invention. [Figure 3b] 1 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a contact system according to the present invention. [Figure 4a] 1 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a contact system according to the present invention. [Figure 4b] 1 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a contact system according to the present invention. [Figure 5a] 1 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a contact system according to the present invention. [Figure 5b] 1 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a contact system according to the present invention. [Figure 6a]1 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a contact system according to the present invention. [Figure 6b] 1 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a contact system according to the present invention. [Figure 7] 1 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a contact system according to the present invention. [Figure 8] 1 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a contact system according to the present invention. [Figure 9a] 1 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a contact system according to the present invention provided with a wearable. [Figure 9b] 1 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a contact system according to the present invention provided with a wearable.

[0056] MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION 1 shows an embodiment of a contact system 1 according to the invention. The contact system 1 comprises a reservoir 10 and a conductive layer 30.

[0057] Reservoir 10 further comprises fluid 11 and a permeable layer 12 configured to provide a defined permeation of vapor and / or vapor-like substances. In particular, permeable layer 12 is provided as a layer that is permeable to the vapor of the fluid but impermeable to the liquid fluid, particularly when the fluid is water or an aqueous solution. Permeable layer 12 is preferably designed to allow a defined amount of vapor to permeate through layer 12 in a defined period of time.

[0058] In one embodiment, the permeable layer 12 is provided as a layer that is permeable to fluids so as to allow a defined amount of fluid to pass through in a defined period of time, whereby the permeable layer 12 can provide the functionality of a filter.

[0059] The permeable layer 12 can be provided by a permeable fabric or by a perforated polymer layer, respectively.

[0060] The contact system 1 is placed on an object 5. The object 5 may be human skin. The contact system 1 is placed so that the conductive layer 30 is in contact with the object 5. In particular, the contact system 1 adheres to the object 5 by means of a particular adhesive and / or fastening means which may be provided by a respective contact layer (not shown).

[0061] The (electrically) conductive layer 30 is configured to receive and transmit electrical signals provided by the object 5. This makes the contact system 1 a system for acquiring electrical signals from the object. In particular, if the object 5 is represented by human skin, the contact system 1 makes possible the transmission of electrical signals generated by a particular organ, such as the human heart, and / or transmitted by a particular nerve or tissue. Such electrical signals can be detected at the human skin.

[0062] Alternatively or additionally, the conductive layer 30 may be configured to transmit an electrical signal to the subject 5. Such a configuration may be used, for example, to provide stimulation of the subject 5, for example, a muscle.

[0063] Conductors can be connected to the conductive layer 30 for transmitting the collected signals to a respective receiving unit, for example an ECG (electrocardiogram) device, or to the subject 5 .

[0064] The transmission layer 12 and the conductive layer 30 are positioned relative to one another such that passage of the fluid 11 or a vaporous portion of the fluid through the transmission layer 12 results in humidification of the conductive layer 30 .

[0065] The arrangement and design of layers 12 and 30 allows the conductive layer 30 to remain wet for a relatively long period of time. This is achieved by the controlled diffusion of fluid 11 in vapor-like form, i.e., from the reservoir, through the permeable layer 12 and wetting the conductive layer 30. In other words, continuous permeation of portions of the fluid can occur, either as vapor from the fluid or as gaseous droplets of the fluid (e.g., liquid).

[0066] In particular, the construction of the transmission layer 12 is tailored to the type of fluid 11 so as to provide the desired wetting of the conductive layer 30. In particular, the transmission layer 12 includes specially designed perforations or a dense weave or knit, respectively.

[0067] As a result of the conductive layer 30 becoming wet, electrical conductivity is established between the subject 5 and the conductive layer 30 and / or within the conductive layer 30, which can be maintained for a relatively long period of time due to the slow diffusion or permeation of the administered fluid.

[0068] Figure 2 shows a further embodiment of a contact system 1 according to the invention. In contrast to the embodiment of Figure 1, the reservoir 10 of the contact system 1 now comprises an enclosure 13. The enclosure 13 contains a fluid 11. In the embodiment shown, the enclosure 13 is provided by a reservoir wall and a separating layer 14. The separating layer 14 provides a separation of the fluid 11 from the permeation layer 12 in order to prevent unwanted wetting of the permeation layer 12 and / or the conductive layer 30. In other words, the separating layer 14 is configured to be gas-tight, in particular air-tight, with respect to the fluid 11 and acts as a seal.

[0069] The separation layer 14 may be a foil or may be made of any material that provides the respective sealing properties.

[0070] The enclosure 13, and in particular the separation layer 14, are configured to rupture upon a defined external influence or exposure. In the illustrated embodiment, the properties of the enclosure 13 make it possible to intentionally damage the enclosure 13 by applying a specific force to the reservoir 10 or to the enclosure 13. As indicated by arrow A, a force can be applied to the top of the contact system 1, i.e. to the top wall of the enclosure 13, which generates a respective force or pressure on the separation layer 14. The separation layer 14 is configured to rupture when exposed to a defined force or stress.

[0071] Such an arrangement makes it possible to provide a contact system 1 that can be activated on demand, i.e., when pressing on the contact system 1. Activation in this context should be understood as initiating and resulting in wetting of the transmission layer 12 and / or the conductive layer 30 as described above.

[0072] 3a and 3b show a further embodiment of a contact system 1 according to the invention. In contrast to the embodiment of FIG. 2, the contact system 1 comprises a breaking element 15. Furthermore, here the conductive layer 30 is provided by the transparent layer 12, which comprises a conductive material. However, even when shown here in this way, it should be understood that the arrangement of the breaking element 15 and the combination of the transparent conductive layer as shown can be implemented independently of each other in the respective embodiments.

[0073] In particular, the transmission layer 12 comprises a conductive portion that provides a conductive layer. In particular, the bonding layer is provided by a fabric having conductive threads, for example the conductive threads are woven into the fabric.

[0074] The breaking element 15 is arranged between the encapsulation 13, in particular the separating layer 14, and the associated transparent conductive layer. The breaking element 15 is therefore arranged at the bottom of the electrode 1, this part being intended to face the object in use.

[0075] The breaking element 15 comprises a perforating portion (sharp edge) on its upper surface facing the separation layer 14 for damaging, piercing or breaking the separation layer 14. In another embodiment, the perforating portion can be embodied as a needle-like extension for damaging, piercing or breaking the separation layer 14.

[0076] The contact system 1 according to this embodiment is provided as an embodiment intended to be activated before placing the contact system 1 on an object. Thanks to the breaking element 15, activation can be achieved by applying a relatively low pressure or force from below, as indicated by arrow A. As can be seen in FIG. 3b, the separation layer is broken after applying a predetermined external pressure to the breaking element 15. Therefore, activation can be performed more easily by applying less pressure.

[0077] Figures 4a and 4b show a further embodiment of a contact system 1 according to the invention. In contrast to the embodiment of Figures 3a and 3b, the breaking element 15 is arranged on the opposite side of the separating layer 14. Here, the breaking element 15 is arranged inside the enclosure 13.

[0078] The rupture element 15 is configured to bring about perforation of the enclosure 13, in particular the separation layer 14, and comprises a perforating portion 16 arranged to perforate the separation layer 14 upon application of a defined external influence to the top of the contact system 1.

[0079] As can be seen in FIG. 4b, an actuation force can be applied to the upper surface of the enclosure 13, as indicated by arrow A. The upper surface is made elastic, resulting in bending of the surface. Thus, when the actuation force is applied, the upper surface of the enclosure 13 first contacts the rupture element 15, which then moves the rupture element 15 toward the separation layer 14, resulting in the perforation portion 16 interacting with the separation layer 14. As the rupture element 15 moves forward, the separation layer 14 is intentionally damaged, i.e., perforated, broken, or cracked. As a result, the sealing properties of the separation layer 14 are lost, and the fluid 11 can then pass through the separation layer 14 and contact the permeable layer 12.

[0080] As discussed above, after the fluid 11 damages the separation layer 14, it wets and passes through or permeates the transmission layer 12, thereby initiating and / or causing wetting of the conductive layer 30.

[0081] Activation from above (e.g., triggering a break mechanism) provides the advantage that activation of the contact system 1 can be performed even if activation was forgotten before attaching the contact system 1 (e.g., electrodes) to the skin (e.g., adhering the electrodes). Thus, a healthcare provider or patient can activate the contact system 1 (e.g., electrodes) retroactively.

[0082] The contact system 1 also comprises conductive wires 31 connected to the conductive layer 30. The conductive wires 31 provide for connection of the electrodes 1 to an external device such as an ECG device.

[0083] Figures 5a and 5b show a further embodiment of a contact system 1 according to the invention. In contrast to the embodiment of Figure 2, the enclosure 13 is here provided by a flexible cover which in an intact state (see Figure 5a) encloses the fluid 11. The enclosure 13 is therefore provided in the form of a pad with the fluid 11 inside.

[0084] Also connected to the conductive layer 30 are electrical conductors 31. Interfaces or pins 32 are connected to the electrical conductors 31 to provide easy connection to measurement or stimulation equipment.

[0085] The pad 13 is configured to be broken by applying pressure to the top of the electrode 1 (see FIG. 5b). Preferably, the pad 13 is damaged by an edge provided on the housing of the reservoir 10.

[0086] 6a and 6b show a further embodiment of a contact system 1 according to the invention. The contact system 1 comprises a reservoir 10 and a conductive layer 30.

[0087] Reservoir 10 comprises a permeable layer 12 configured to provide a predetermined permeation rate of vapor and / or vapor-like substances and / or vapor-like substances, and an enclosure 13 surrounding fluid 11. Permeable layer 12 is provided as a layer that is permeable to the vapor of the fluid but impermeable to the liquid fluid, particularly when the fluid is water or an aqueous solution. Permeable layer 12 is designed to allow a predetermined amount of vapor to permeate through layer 12 in a predetermined period of time.

[0088] The permeable layer 12 can be provided by a permeable fabric or by a perforated polymer layer, respectively.

[0089] The containment body 13 is provided by a fluid-tight sheath (cover) that provides a gas-tight enclosure for the fluid 11. The contact system 1 also comprises at least two rupture elements 15a, here provided in the form of pyramidal protuberances with pointed ends. The containment body 13 is arranged on top of the rupture elements 15a. The cover of the containment body 13 is configured in such a way that the containment body 13 is not damaged by the rupture elements 15a and maintains its fluid-tightness in an inactivated state, i.e. as long as no external actuation force A is applied to it, in particular from above.

[0090] 6b shows the contact system 1 after activation by applying pressure to the upper wall of the reservoir 10. By applying pressure in the direction according to arrow A, the containment body 13 is pressed against the rupture element 15a and cracks due to interaction with the rupture element 15a. This causes the fluid 11 to flow out of the containment body 13 and contact the permeation layer 12. The fluid 11 causes wetting of the permeation layer 12 and the vapor-like part of the fluid passes through the permeation layer 12, causing wetting of the contact layer 30.

[0091] 7 and 8 show further embodiments of a contact system 1 according to the invention. Both embodiments include an actuation system provided by an enclosure 13 and a breaking element 15a for piercing the enclosure 13 upon application of at least a defined actuation force (indicated by arrow A). The embodiments differ in the arrangement of the breaking element 15a, as well as the size and configuration of the permeable and / or conductive layers.

[0092] 7, the rupturing element is arranged between the enclosure 13 and the permeable layer 12, and the electrode 1 is intended to be activated by pressing from below, i.e., from the side of the contact layer, before placing the electrode 1 on the human skin. The permeable layer 12 is provided as a ring surrounding the rupturing element 15a. Alternatively, the permeable layer 12 is provided by specific permeable segments.

[0093] The conductive layer 30 is constructed to completely cover the transmission layer 12 to provide advantageous wetting and improved conductivity to the skin.

[0094] According to Fig. 8, the enclosure 13 is arranged between the rupturing element 15a and the permeable layer 12. Here, the electrode 1 is intended to be activated from above, i.e. by pressing directly against the upper wall of the reservoir 10 to which the rupturing element 15a is attached. The electrode 1 of Fig. 8 can be easily activated after being placed on the human skin.

[0095] 9a and 9b show a further embodiment of a contact system 1 according to the invention. The contact system 1 comprises a reservoir 10 provided by a flexible cover, in particular a foil or a fabric. Here, the reservoir 10 is preferably embodied as a pad.

[0096] The reservoir 10 includes an enclosure 13. The enclosure 13 has a fluid 11 disposed therein. The enclosure 13 is configured to be tight relative to the contained fluid 11. Furthermore, the enclosure 13 is configured to be rupturable upon exposure to an external force, thereby allowing for the escape of fluid (see FIG. 9b), i.e., the enclosure 13 can be ruptured when pressing and / or snapping, squeezing, or cracking the enclosure 13.

[0097] At least a portion of the reservoir 10 is made from a permeable material, thereby providing a permeable layer 12. In the illustrated embodiment, the bottom surface (facing the conductive layer 30) is provided with a permeable layer 12. The permeable layer 12 becomes wet when the enclosure 13 is ruptured.

[0098] The contact system 1 also comprises a conductive layer 30 connected to a wire 31 to provide electrical conductivity between it and a contact pin 32 .

[0099] The conductive layer 30 is provided by the wearable element 40, i.e., by the garment. In particular, the conductive layer 30 is provided by conductive yarns woven into the wearable element 40. Alternatively, the conductive layer 30 can be provided by an additional textile or polymer layer that is glued or sewn to the wearable element 40.

[0100] The wearable element 40 comprises a reservoir-containing segment 41, in particular a case or bag. The bag 41 is configured to receive the reservoir 10. In particular, the reservoir 10 can be inserted into the reservoir-containing segment 41. The enclosure 13 is preferably ruptured after insertion to allow wetting of the conductive layer 30, if necessary.

[0101] The reservoir accommodating segment 41 and the conductive layer 30 are positioned relative to each other such that - when the reservoir 10 is provided in the reservoir accommodating segment 41 and when the enclosure 13 of the reservoir 10 is ruptured - wetting of the permeable layer 12 by the fluid 11 results, and humidification of the conductive layer 30 results from permeation of the vaporous portion of the fluid 11 through the permeable layer 12.

[0102] The reservoir 10 can be removed from the reservoir containing segment 41 when the fluid 11 is consumed and can no longer provide wetting of the conductive layer 30. Furthermore, a further (new, undamaged) reservoir 10 (pad) can then be inserted into the bag 41 to continue wetting the conductive layer 30.

[0103] Wearable element 40 may be provided as a shirt or pants, or may be any other wearable element that is intended to be worn and that comes into contact with a person's body.

[0104] While the present invention has been illustrated above in part with reference to certain preferred embodiments, it will be understood that numerous modifications and combinations of the different features of the embodiments can be made, all of which fall within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A contact system (1), in particular an electrode, for providing electrical contact to human skin, comprising: a reservoir (10) containing a fluid (11); a conductive layer (30); Equipped with the reservoir (10) comprises a permeable layer (12), the permeable layer (12) being configured to provide a defined permeation of the fluid and / or fluid-based vapor at a defined permeability; and the permeable layer (12) and the conductive layer (30) are positioned relative to one another such that permeation of the vaporous portion of the fluid through the permeable layer (12) can result in humidification of the conductive layer (30); A contact system (1) characterized by:

2. The reservoir (10) comprises an enclosure (13) containing the fluid (11) at least in an intact state, the enclosure (13) is configured to be ruptured under a defined external influence; the enclosure (13), the permeable layer (12) and the conductive layer (30) are arranged relative to one another in such a way that, in the event of rupture of the enclosure (13), wetting of the permeable layer (12) by the fluid can be effected and humidification of the conductive layer (30) can be effected by permeation of the fluid and / or the vaporous part of the fluid (11) through the permeable layer (12), A contact system (1) according to claim 1.

3. In the intact state, the encapsulation body (13) provides separation of the fluid (11) from the permeable layer (12). A contact system (1) according to claim 2.

4. The inclusion body (13) is and / or comprising flexible packaging made from materials, including in particular aluminium; a separating layer (14), in particular comprising or made from a foil, and / or It is configured to be broken by snapping the enclosure (13). A contact system (1) according to claim 2 or 3.

5. the contact system comprises a rupture element (15) configured to rupture the enclosure (13) upon application of the defined external influence; A contact system (1) according to any one of claims 2 to 4.

6. the rupture element (15) is disposed between the enclosure (13) and the permeable layer (12), or The breaking element (15) is disposed in the enclosure (13). A contact system (1) according to claim 5.

7. the breaking element (15) is configured to bring about a perforation of the enclosure (13), and comprises a perforating portion (16) configured to perforate the enclosure (13) upon application of the defined external influence, in particular the perforating portion (16) comprising a tapered end, edge or needle; A contact system (1) according to claim 5 or 6.

8. The transparent layer (12) and / or comprising textiles or polymers provided by textile and / or polymer layers; and / or configured to be water vapor permeable and water impermeable to liquid water; A contact system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. The conductive layer (30) is provided by the transparent layer (12), the transparent layer (12) comprising a conductive material; A contact system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. said conductive layer (30) comprises conductive elements, in particular conductive threads or conductive synthetic materials, in particular made of metal or metallized synthetic materials, in particular yarns; A contact system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. The reservoir (10) comprises: provided by a housing, in particular a flexible or elastic housing, or said reservoir (10) being provided by a flexible cover, in particular a foil; A contact system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

12. The fluid (11) Liquids, especially highly viscous liquids, gels, especially hydrogels, solutions, in particular aqueous or alcoholic solutions; emulsion, or oil, 12. A contact system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, comprising at least one of:

13. A reservoir (10), a transmission layer (12), said transmission layer (12) configured to provide a predetermined transmission of fluids and / or fluid-based vapors at a predetermined permeability; an enclosure (13) containing a fluid (11) at least in its intact state and providing separation of said fluid from said permeable layer (12); Including, the enclosure (13) is configured to be ruptured under a defined external influence; the enclosure (13) and the permeable layer (12) are arranged relative to one another in such a way that—in the event of rupture of the enclosure (13)—wetting of the permeable layer (12) by the fluid can be effected and permeation of the fluid and / or the vaporous part of the fluid through the permeable layer (12) can be effected, In particular, said reservoir (10) is provided by a flexible cover, A reservoir (10) for a contact system according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

14. A wearable element (40), said wearable element (40) comprising: In a particular case, a reservoir containing segment (41); a conductive layer (30); Including, The reservoir accommodating segment (41) and the conductive layer (30) are arranged relative to one another in such a way that when a reservoir (10) according to claim 13 is provided in the reservoir accommodating segment (41) and when the enclosure (13) of the reservoir (10) is ruptured, wetting of the permeable layer (12) by the fluid and humidification of the conductive layer (30) by permeation of the fluid and / or the vaporous part of the fluid through the permeable layer (12) can occur. A wearable element (40) for a contact system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

15. Providing the contact system (1) so that the conductive layer (30) is placed in close proximity to or in contact with a person's skin; - a step of successively rupturing said enclosure (13) by applying at least said defined external influence to said enclosure (13); A method for operating a contact system (1) according to any one of claims 2 to 7, comprising:

Images