Bioelectrode Preassembled Conducting Element for Reliable Skin Contact
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bioelectrodes face challenges in achieving a strong mechanical hold and reliable electrical contact, particularly with the layers that supply or remove current from the skin, leading to inconsistent current distribution and reduced flexibility.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a preassembled electrical conducting element with a flat, thermoplastic layer that is mechanically strong and electrically conductive, which is connected to the electrical connection cable, allowing for even current distribution and improved mechanical anchoring within the bioelectrode. This element can be formed by surrounding the cable end with a hardenable mass or thermally welding a thermoplastic layer, ensuring a larger conductive surface area and adjustable resistance profiles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional electrical connection cable is directly connected to the electrode layers, then the structure is simple, but the mechanical hold is weak and electrical contact is unreliable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-assembling the electrical conducting element with the connection cable end before integrating it into the electrode. The conducting element is prepared in advance with proper mechanical anchoring features and electrical conductivity, ensuring reliable connection before the final electrode assembly. This pre-preparation resolves the contradiction by establishing dependable electrical contact while maintaining a modular structure that doesn't significantly increase overall complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary component - the electrical conducting element - that mediates between the connection cable and the electrode layers. This intermediate layer provides both mechanical anchoring (through integration with cable and electrode structures) and electrical conductivity (through conductive material), thereby ensuring reliable electrical contact without requiring direct cable-to-layer connection that would simplify the structure.
2Reliability
If the conductive layer area is increased to improve current distribution, then current distribution improves, but the flexibility and adaptability of the electrode decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating a resistance profile that varies across the conductive layer - with lower resistance near the connection point and higher resistance toward the edges. This localized variation in electrical properties allows the conducting element to distribute current effectively across the electrode surface while maintaining a compact size that preserves flexibility and adaptability to body contours.
3Reliability
If the layer thickness is increased to ensure proper welding and mechanical strength, then welding reliability improves, but the flexibility and comfort of the electrode deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by optimizing the thickness of the electrical conducting element to a specific range (50-250 micrometers) that balances welding reliability with flexibility. This precise parameter control ensures that the layer is thick enough to accommodate proper welding procedures and provide mechanical strength, yet thin enough to maintain electrode flexibility and comfort during use.
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 solution provides a bioelectrode with enhanced mechanical hold, flexible design, and targeted areal current distribution, ensuring effective electrical contact and adaptability to the human body, while maintaining biocompatibility and reducing the risk of welding issues associated with layer thickness.
Implementation Method 1
thermally welding a thermoplastic layer to the end of the connecting cable
Implementation Method 2
The end of the connecting cable can, for example, be surrounded by a hardenable mass and thus form the preassembled electrical conducting element
Implementation Method 3
The electrically conductive surface of the electrical conducting element is larger in relation to the conductor of the connection cable. This allows the pre-assembled electrical conducting element to be well anchored in the bioelectrode
Data Source
Figure 1a~1c
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
The bioelectrode has a skin-side, an electrically conductive adhesive layer (7) and a flexible electrical connection cable (4), which comprises an electrical conductor (6) in an electrically insulating cable sheath (5), particularly in the form of a braiding comprising multiple individual wires or individual conducting fibers. The pre-assembled electrical conductor elements (2,3) are affixed on the electrode-side end (4a) of the connection cable, which is electrically connected to the electrical conductor of the connecting cable. An independent claim is also included for a method for manufacturing a bioelectrode.