Adhesive Hydrogel Composition for Electrode Pads

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Solution Overview

Problem

Adhesive hydrogels used for electrode pads suffer from reduced adhesive strength upon repeated use and cause skin irritation, with existing solutions requiring complex rinsing procedures to maintain adhesiveness and failing to prevent skin reddening.

Innovation Solution

A composition for adhesive hydrogel comprising a polymeric matrix former, water, and a polyhydric alcohol, specifically including (meth)acrylic acid derivatives, (meth)acrylamide derivatives, N-vinyl-2-caprolactam, and a cross-linkable monomer, which maintains adhesiveness without the need for rinsing and reduces skin irritation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If water-soluble polymer is used to improve adhesive strength, then adhesive strength is improved, but adhesive strength is reduced after repeated attachment and detachment

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadhesive strengthVSAvoiddurability in repeated use
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the chemical composition parameters of the hydrogel by incorporating specific amino acid derivatives ( glycine, alanine, valine, leucine, isoleucine, serine, threonine, asparagine, glutamine, proline, hydroxyproline) at controlled concentrations (0.1-10 mmol/g dry weight) alongside cross-linking agents. This compositional parameter change creates a more stable adhesive matrix that maintains strength through repeated use cycles.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention creates a composite hydrogel material combining multiple components: base polymer, amino acid derivatives, cross-linking agents, and water. This composite structure provides both initial adhesive strength and durability through the synergistic interaction of components, particularly the amino acid derivatives that reinforce the polymer network against degradation during repeated attachment-detachment cycles.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If adhesive hydrogel is used for electrode pads, then electrode function is achieved, but skin turns reddish and irritation occurs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrode functionalityVSAvoidskin irritation
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The invention modifies the chemical composition of the hydrogel by incorporating specific amino acid derivatives and controlling cross-linking density, which changes the physical-chemical parameters at the hydrogel-skin interface. These parameter changes reduce irritation while maintaining electrode functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention uses amino acid derivatives, which are naturally occurring and biocompatible substances, to convert the potentially harmful adhesive interaction into a beneficial one. These amino acids modify the hydrogel surface properties to reduce skin irritation and inflammation while preserving the necessary adhesive strength for electrode attachment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

3Strength

If adhesive strength is recovered by rinsing with water, then adhesive strength is restored, but user operation becomes complicated

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadhesive strength recoveryVSAvoidease of maintenance
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The invention creates a hydrogel that performs self-maintenance through its inherent compositional stability. The amino acid derivatives and cross-linked structure enable the hydrogel to naturally resist adhesive degradation without requiring external rinsing or maintenance actions by the user, thus achieving self-service functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The invention creates an electrode pad with extended service life through improved adhesive durability, reducing the frequency of replacement. The enhanced stability from amino acid incorporation allows the product to function through multiple use cycles without degradation, effectively extending the useful life of what would otherwise be a short-lived disposable product.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The adhesive hydrogel exhibits high and durable adhesiveness in repeated use, reducing skin irritation and extending product lifetime, while being economical and resource-efficient.

Implementation Method 1

a polymeric matrix former comprising at least: (a) (meth)acrylic acid, a (meth)acrylic acid derivative or a vinyl derivative having 2 carboxyl groups and 4 or 5 carbon atoms; (b) (meth)acrylamide or a (meth)acrylamide derivative; (c) N-vinyl-2-caprolactam and/or N-vinyl-2-valerolactam; and (d) a cross-linkable monomer

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPolymerization:

Implementation Method 2

a cross-linkable monomer

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCross-linking:

Implementation Method 3

a hydrogel is a highly hydrophilic polymer swelling in an aqueous medium

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHydrophilic swelling: Hydrogel

Data Source

PatentEP2662429B1Composition for adhesive hydrogel and use thereof
Publication Date: 2015.06.10 SEKISUI PLASTICS CO LTD
  • EP2662429B1 patent drawing

AI summary

A composition for an adhesive hydrogel, comprising at least: a polymeric matrix former; water; and a polyhydric alcohol; the polymeric matrix former comprising at least: (a) (meth)acrylic acid, a (meth)acrylic acid derivative or a vinyl derivative having 2 carboxyl groups and 4 or 5 carbon atoms; (b) (meth)acrylamide or a (meth)acrylamide derivative; (c) N-vinyl-2-caprolactam and/or N-vinyl-2-valerolactam; and (d) a cross-linkable monomer, wherein the content percentage of the (b) in the composition for an adhesive hydrogel is 2 to 20% by weight.