Device for monitoring the state of an electrode pair

Abstract

The invention relates to a device (1) for monitoring the state of an electrode pair, in particular for defibrillation devices, comprising - a support (2) with a first face (3) and a second face (4), the first face (3) of which can be equipped with a first electrode (5) of the electrode pair and the second face (4) of which can be equipped with a second electrode (6) of the electrode pair, - said support (2) being equipped with at least one connecting element (7), via which an electrical connection can be established between the first electrode (5) and the second electrode (6), preferably between contact media (5a, 6a) of the first electrode (5) and the second electrode (6), and which comprises an electrically conductive gel, preferably consists of an electrically conductive gel.

Description

[0001] Device for monitoring the condition of a pair of electrodes

[0002] The present invention relates to a device for monitoring the condition of an electrode pair, in particular for defibrillation devices, comprising a carrier with a first side and a second side, wherein a first electrode of the electrode pair can be arranged on the first side and a second electrode of the electrode pair can be arranged on the second side, wherein at least one connecting element is provided in the carrier, via which an electrical connection can be established between the first electrode and the second electrode, preferably between contact media of the first electrode and the second electrode. The invention further relates to an arrangement comprising such a device and an electrode pair with a first electrode and a second electrode, and to a method for producing such an electrode.

[0003] A condition monitoring system for electrode pairs in defibrillation, sometimes permanent, is often provided, especially in high-quality systems designed for use by laypersons in so-called fully automatic defibrillation devices. The goal of this condition monitoring system is to monitor the condition of the electrode pairs over their service life, usually three to five years, and to issue an appropriate warning in the event of any deviations.

[0004] Condition monitoring typically uses capacitive and electrical measurements, such as impedance measurements, to draw conclusions about the properties of the contact medium, usually in the form of an electrically conductive gel, such as moisture content, conductivity, or the like, via an evaluation unit. It is necessary for the first and second electrodes of the electrode pair to be electrically connected to each other in a suitable manner.

[0005] For this type of condition monitoring, current technology frequently uses metal-based connectors that connect the two electrodes of the electrode pair via their contact media. A closed electrical circuit can thus be formed via a cable and connector system, with which the electrodes are or can be connected to a defibrillation device. These metal-based connectors are usually integrated into the carrier to which the electrodes are attached.

[0006] Due to the nature of the contact media used, particularly electrically conductive gels, in terms of pH, salt content, and chemical composition, also in conjunction with a conductive material beneath the contact medium, adverse interactions can occur between the components of the electrodes and the metal-based connecting element. This has the consequence that the measurements performed for condition monitoring are impaired. In addition, the functionality of the electrodes can be limited if chemical reactions occur that bind or react with free (tin) ions of the electrode.

[0007] To solve these problems, the current state of the art suggests, among other things, switching to precious metals. This can minimize or even eliminate the risk of unwanted interaction between the connecting element and the electrodes. However, the selected material must also be suitable for the carrier, which is usually manufactured using injection molding, in order to integrate the connecting element into the carrier. This makes the production of such a device time-consuming and costly, with even small differences making a significant difference for mass-produced items such as defibrillation electrodes.

[0008] Another known solution is to electrically connect the two electrodes on the contact medium side via openings in their cover elements by directly bonding them together. However, the resulting bond is not very mechanically stable.

[0009] If this composite is supplemented with a rigid plastic element in the middle for mechanical stabilization, a gap is created between the two contact media, which then no longer reliably touch each other. This can be counteracted, for example, by additional spring elements in the corresponding receiving opening of a defibrillator, although this would require additional effort.

[0010] The object of the invention is to at least partially eliminate the disadvantages described above and to present a measuring device for condition monitoring which is improved compared to the prior art and which offers clear advantages both in terms of material costs and in terms of the manufacturing process.

[0011] This object is achieved by the features of claims 1, 6 and 11.

[0012] According to the invention, in a device as mentioned above, the at least one connecting element comprises an electrically conductive gel, preferably consists of an electrically conductive gel.

[0013] In other words, an electrical connection is established between the electrodes of the electrode pair via an electrically conductive gel. It has been shown that such an electrical connection enables sufficiently accurate measurements for monitoring the condition of the electrode pair, while avoiding the aforementioned disadvantages.

[0014] The connecting element according to the invention thus makes it possible, on the one hand, to establish a reliable electrical connection between the electrodes and, on the other hand, to prevent undesirable interactions between the connecting element and the electrodes. Furthermore, a device according to the invention can be manufactured simply and cost-effectively.

[0015] In an arrangement according to the invention it is provided that the first electrode is arranged on the first side of the carrier and the second electrode is arranged on the second side of the carrier, and that the first electrode and the second electrode, preferably the contact media of the first electrode and the second electrode, are electrically connected to one another via the at least one connecting element.

[0016] A method according to the invention comprises the following steps: providing a carrier, and introducing the at least one connecting element into the at least one opening.

[0017] Further advantageous embodiments of the invention are defined in the dependent claims.

[0018] It can be provided that the carrier has at least one opening, wherein the at least one connecting element is arranged substantially in the at least one opening, preferably wherein the at least one opening extends through the first side and through the second side. A spatial connection between the first side and the second side of the carrier can be established in a simple manner via the at least one opening, so that the connecting element can contact both electrodes.

[0019] It can further be provided that a support structure for holding the at least one connecting element in the at least one opening is provided in the at least one opening, preferably wherein the support structure is concave at least in some regions.

[0020] The support structure can provide a better hold for the connecting element in the carrier.

[0021] The support structure can be designed such that an opening remains at least in the central region, thus providing both medical electrodes with at least one common contact surface. The remaining opening can have a diameter of 4 mm to 18 mm, preferably 6 mm to 14 mm.

[0022] In principle, the support structure can also be designed so that openings for contacting the electrodes remain across its entire surface. For example, the support structure could also be designed in the shape of a spider web, in the form of several spokes, or something similar.

[0023] Preferably, it can also be provided that the support structure is formed integrally with the carrier.

[0024] Thus, the carrier and the support structure can be manufactured together, for example, by an injection molding process. In a further embodiment, the electrically conductive gel can be a hydrogel and / or polymerizable.

[0025] In particular, if the electrically conductive gel is polymerizable, a simple production of a connecting element is possible.

[0026] In principle, however, all suitable types of electrically conductive gels are conceivable.

[0027] The first side and the second side of the carrier can be opposite sides and / or aligned parallel to each other.

[0028] With regard to an arrangement according to the invention, it can be provided that the carrier is of the same size or larger than the first electrode and the second electrode.

[0029] This allows the carrier to mechanically support the electrodes across their entire surface. If the carrier is larger than the electrodes, it can protect them from damage by extending beyond them.

[0030] Preferably, it can be provided that the first electrode and the second electrode each have a contact medium for contacting a human skin, wherein the contact medium is preferably an electrically conductive gel, particularly preferably the same electrically conductive gel as in the at least one connecting element.

[0031] This further prevents unwanted reactions between the connecting element and the contact media, especially if the same electrically conductive gel is used for the connecting element and the contact media.

[0032] In a further embodiment, it can be provided that the first electrode and the second electrode each have a cover element arranged on the contact medium, wherein the cover elements each have at least one opening, wherein the openings are arranged at least partially, preferably completely, in a region of the at least one connecting element.

[0033] The cover element protects the respective contact medium. However, the opening still allows contact to be made with the contact media via the connecting element.

[0034] In principle, however, it is also conceivable for the electrodes to be arranged directly on the carrier with the contact medium. In this case, the carrier also functions as a covering element.

[0035] It can further be provided that the arrangement has an evaluation unit which can be electrically connected to the first and the second electrode, preferably wherein the evaluation unit is integrated into a defibrillation device associated with the electrode pair.

[0036] The evaluation unit can be designed to send electrical signals to the electrodes via the cable connector system or to evaluate the resulting signals. In other words, signals coming through the conductive connecting element and / or

[0037] Changes are evaluated by the evaluation unit. The first electrode and the second electrode can be essentially identical.

[0038] With regard to a method according to the invention, it can be provided that the electrically conductive gel of the connecting element is already in polymerized form before the introduction of the connecting element, or is in the form of a monomer mixture and is polymerized after introduction into at least one opening, preferably by means of UV light.

[0039] Both of these alternative process steps allow for simple and cost-effective production of a device according to the invention. Depending on the type and design of the device or the electrodes, the most suitable manufacturing process can be selected.

[0040] Furthermore, it can also be provided that, prior to the introduction of the at least one connecting element, a first electrode is arranged on a first side of the carrier. The first electrode can provide additional support for the connecting element during the manufacturing process. This is particularly helpful with the alternative using the monomer mixture, since this is usually in liquid form and only hardens to a certain degree through polymerization.

[0041] In particular, it can be provided that first the cover element of the first electrode is arranged on the first side of the carrier and only then the electrode itself is arranged on the cover element.

[0042] Finally, it can also be provided that, after the introduction of at least one connecting element, a second electrode is arranged on a second side of the carrier. Thus, an arrangement according to the invention is essentially already realized.

[0043] Further details and advantages of the invention are explained in more detail below with reference to the figures and the drawings, in which:

[0044] Fig. 1 is a schematic exploded view of an embodiment of an inventive

[0045] Device,

[0046] Fig. 2 is a schematic exploded view of an embodiment of an arrangement according to the invention,

[0047] Fig. 3a is a schematic plan view of a further embodiment of an arrangement according to the invention.

[0048] Fig. 3b shows section AA of Fig. 3a,

[0049] Fig. 4a-d an embodiment of a method according to the invention, and

[0050] Fig. 5a-d a further embodiment of a method according to the invention.

[0051] Fig. 1 shows a schematic exploded view of a device 1 according to the invention. A substantially rectangular support 2 is visible, which has an opening 8. In this embodiment, no support structure 9 is provided in the opening 8.

[0052] The connecting element 7 is in the form of an already polymerized "gel coin" made of an electrically conductive gel. The electrically conductive gel is a hydrogel.

[0053] The carrier 2 further comprises a first side 3 and a second side 4. The two sides 3, 4 are essentially parallel to each other and lie opposite each other.

[0054] The opening 8 therefore extends through both the first side 3 and the second side 4 .

[0055] In this exemplary embodiment, only one opening 8 and one connecting element 7 are shown. In principle, however, two or more openings 8 and connecting elements 9 can also be provided.

[0056] Fig. 2 shows a schematic exploded view of an embodiment of an arrangement 10 according to the invention. The arrangement 10 comprises a support 2. In this embodiment, the support 2 is rectangular, with one of the corners being chamfered.

[0057] The carrier 2 has an opening 8 for the connecting element 7, wherein a support structure 9 is arranged in the opening 8. The support structure 9 can better hold the connecting element 7 in the opening 8.

[0058] On the first side 3, a cover element 5b of a first electrode 5 can be seen. The cover element 5b has an opening 5c, which lies in the region of the connecting element 7.

[0059] The cover element 5b subsequently covers the contact medium 5a of the first electrode 5. The first electrode 5 further comprises a carrier 5d, a conductor 5e and a connection point 5f. The conductor 5e, the connection point 5f and the contact medium 5a are arranged on the carrier 5d. An electrical connection can be established between the connection point 5f and the contact medium 5a via the conductor 5e. The second electrode 6 likewise comprises a carrier 5d, a conductor 5e, a connection point 5f, a contact medium 5a and a cover element 5b. The first electrode 5 and the second electrode 6 are essentially identical in this exemplary embodiment.

[0060] By means of the connecting element 7, which is in contact with the contact media 5a, 5b via the openings 5c, 6c, an electrical connection can be established between the electrodes 5, 6.

[0061] Using the connection points 5f, 6f, the electrodes 5, 6 can be connected to an evaluation unit 11 via a cable connector system 13. In this exemplary embodiment, the evaluation unit 11 is designed to send signals to the electrodes 5, 6 and to receive signals from the electrodes 5, 6. Subsequently, the state of the electrodes 5, 6 can be determined from the received signals via the evaluation unit 11.

[0062] Advantageously, the evaluation unit 11 can be integrated into a defibrillation device.

[0063] Fig. 3a shows a schematic plan view of a further embodiment of an arrangement 10 according to the invention and Fig. 3b shows the section AA of Fig. 3a.

[0064] In Fig. 3a, it can be seen that pictograms for the correct positioning of the electrodes on a human body can be applied to the carrier of the electrodes 5, 6. The pictograms on the first electrode 5 and the second electrode 6 generally differ because the positioning of the electrodes 5, 6 is different. It can also be seen that the carrier 2 is larger than the electrodes 5, 6 and therefore protrudes beyond the electrodes 5, 6. The carrier 2 therefore also fulfills a protective function for the electrodes 5, 6.

[0065] In principle, it is also conceivable that the carrier 2 has a protruding edge, so that the electrodes 5, 6 are arranged at least partially sunk into the carrier 2.

[0066] In section AA according to Fig. 3b, it can be seen that the structural section 9 has a concave shape in sections. In the section, the support structure 9 protrudes into the connecting element 7, thereby additionally mechanically anchoring it to the support 2.

[0067] It can also be seen that the carrier 2 and the support structure 9 are formed integrally with one another. This allows the carrier 2 and the support structure 9 to be manufactured together in a single step.

[0068] In this embodiment, no cover elements 5b, 6b are provided, so that the carrier 2 also takes on the function of a cover element.

[0069] Figures 4a to 4d show an exemplary embodiment of a method according to the invention. In a first step (Fig. 4a), a carrier 2 is provided, and a first electrode 5 is arranged on the first side 3 of the carrier 2. Either the electrode 5 as a whole or first the cover element 5b and then the remaining electrode 5 can be arranged on the carrier 2.

[0070] In a further step (Fig. 4b), the connecting element 7 is provided. In this embodiment, the connecting element 7 is made of a gel roll 7a in the required

[0071] The connecting element 7 is therefore already in polymerized form.

[0072] In the next step (Fig. 4c), the connecting element 7 is then inserted into the opening 8 of the carrier 2. Finally (Fig. 4d), the second electrode 6 is arranged on the second side 4 of the carrier. This can be done analogously to the arrangement of the first electrode 5.

[0073] Figures 5a to 5d show a further embodiment of a method according to the invention. As in the method according to Figs. 4a to 4d, in a first step (Fig. 5a), a first electrode 5 is arranged on the first side 3 of the carrier 2. In this embodiment, a support structure 9 is again arranged in the opening 8.

[0074] In a further step, a monomer mixture 12 in liquid form is introduced into the opening 8 via an application device 14. The electrode 5 additionally supports the monomer mixture 12.

[0075] Subsequently, the monomer mixture 12 is polymerized via a curing device 15 and thereby at least partially cured, forming a connecting element 7 made of conductive gel (Fig. 5c). In the present case, this is done by irradiation with UV light 15a. Finally (Fig. 5d), a second electrode 6 is again arranged on the second side 4 of the carrier. Reference symbol lists:

[0076] 1 device

[0077] 2 carriers

[0078] 3 First page

[0079] 4 Second page

[0080] 5 First electrode

[0081] 5a Contact medium

[0082] 5b Cover element

[0083] 5c Opening

[0084] 5d carrier

[0085] 5th ladder

[0086] 5f junction

[0087] 6 Second electrode

[0088] 6a Contact medium

[0089] 6b Cover element

[0090] 6c Opening

[0091] 6d carrier

[0092] 6th ladder

[0093] 6f junction

[0094] 7 Connecting element

[0095] 7a Gel roller

[0096] 8 Opening

[0097] 9 Support structure

[0098] 10 Arrangement

[0099] 11 Evaluation unit

[0100] 12 Monomer mixture

[0101] 13 Cable connector system

[0102] 14 Application device

[0103] 15 Curing device

[0104] 15a UV light

Claims

Patent claims:

1. Device (1) for monitoring the condition of a pair of electrodes, in particular for defibrillation devices, comprising - a carrier (2) having a first side (3) and a second side (4), wherein a first electrode (5) of the electrode pair can be arranged on the first side (3) and a second electrode (6) of the electrode pair can be arranged on the second side (4), - wherein at least one connecting element (7) is provided in the carrier (2), via which an electrical Connection between the first electrode (5) and the second electrode (6), preferably between contact media (5a, 6a) of the first electrode (5) and the second electrode (6), can be produced, characterized in that the at least one connecting element (7) comprises an electrically conductive gel, preferably consists of an electrically conductive gel.

2. Device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the carrier (2) has at least one opening (8), wherein the at least one connecting element (7) is arranged substantially in the at least one opening (8), preferably wherein the at least one opening (8) extends through the first side (3) and through the second side (4).

3. Device (1) according to claim 2, wherein in the at least one opening (8) a support structure (9) for holding the at least one connecting element (7) in the at least one opening (8) is provided, preferably wherein the Support structure (9) is at least partially concave.

4. Device (1) according to claim 3, wherein the support structure (9) is formed integrally with the carrier (2).

5. Device according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the electrically conductive gel is a hydrogel and / or is polymerizable.

6. Arrangement (10) comprising a device (1) according to one of the preceding claims and a pair of electrodes with a first electrode (5) and a second electrode (6), wherein - the first electrode (5) is arranged on the first side (3) of the carrier (2) and the second electrode (6) is arranged on the second side (4) of the carrier (2), and wherein - the first electrode (5) and the second electrode (6), preferably the contact media (5a, 6a) of the first Electrode (5) and the second electrode (6), via which at least one connecting element (7) are electrically connected to one another.

7. Arrangement (10) according to claim 6, wherein the carrier (2) is the same size as or larger than the first electrode (5) and / or the second electrode (6).

8. Arrangement (10) according to one of claims 6 or 7, wherein the first electrode (5) and the second electrode (6) each have a contact medium (5a, 6a) for contacting a human skin, wherein the contact medium (5a, 6a) is preferably an electrically conductive gel, particularly preferably the same electrically conductive gel as in the at least one connecting element (7).

9. Arrangement (10) according to claim 8, wherein the first electrode (5) and the second electrode (6) each have a cover element (5b, 6b) arranged on the contact medium (5a, 6a), wherein the cover elements (5b, 6b) each have at least one opening (5c, 6c), wherein the Openings (5c, 6c) are arranged at least partially, preferably completely, in a region of the at least one connecting element (7).

10. Arrangement (10) according to one of claims 6 to 9, wherein the arrangement (10) has an evaluation unit (11) which is electrically connectable to the first electrode (5) and the second electrode (6), preferably wherein the evaluation unit (11) is integrated into a defibrillation device associated with the electrode pair.

11. A method for producing a device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 5, comprising the following steps: - Providing a carrier (2) , and - Inserting the at least one connecting element (7) into the at least one opening (8).

12. The method according to claim 11, wherein the electrically conductive gel of the connecting element (7) - is already in polymerized form before the connecting element (7) is inserted, or - in the form of a monomer mixture (12) which is introduced into the opening (8) and subsequently polymerized, preferably by means of UV light (15a).

13. Method according to one of claims 11 or 12, wherein before the introduction of the at least one connecting element (7) a first electrode (5) is arranged on a first side (3) of the carrier (2).

14. Method according to one of claims 11 to 12, wherein after the introduction of the at least one connecting element (7), a second electrode (6) is arranged on a second side (4) of the carrier (2).

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