Bioimpedance Electrode Positioning via Movable Support Element

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing bioimpedance measurement devices face challenges in achieving precise and comfortable measurements due to difficulties in maintaining correct electrode positioning relative to the user's anatomy, leading to suboptimal electrical contact and potential measurement inaccuracies.

Innovation Solution

The device incorporates a positionable support element with adjustable height, horizontal directional component, and rotatable design, allowing for optimal electrode placement and user posture, combined with a guide element that can be displaced along a rail for precise alignment and mechanical resilience, ensuring good electrical contact and comfortable use.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If fixed electrode positions are used, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates due to inability to adapt to different user anatomies

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrode contact precisionVSAvoidelectrode positioning system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The support element for hand electrodes is made movable along a guide element, allowing dynamic adjustment of electrode position. This enables adaptation to different user anatomies while maintaining a relatively simple overall device structure, resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If adjustable support elements are added, then adaptability to user anatomy is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveanatomy adaptation capabilityVSAvoidsupport structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The guide element serves multiple functions: it guides the movable support element, provides structural support, and defines the adjustment path. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, achieving adaptability while controlling device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of operation

If hand electrodes are positioned in fixed locations, then ease of operation is reduced, but device complexity is minimized

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrode contact easeVSAvoidelectrode arrangement complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The movable support element allows users to adjust electrode positions to achieve comfortable and correct contact. This dynamic adjustment capability significantly improves ease of operation while adding only moderate complexity through the guide element mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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

This configuration enables accurate and comfortable bioimpedance measurements by adapting to user anatomy, preventing lateral contact and ensuring precise electrode positioning, resulting in reliable fat content determination.

Implementation Method 1

the electrical resistance of such adipose tissue is significantly greater than the electrical resistance of muscles or body fluids. This fat content can therefore be determined by means of a corresponding resistance or impedance measurement

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical resistance: Electrical Resistance

Data Source

PatentEP2575612B1Device for measuring bioimpedances
Publication Date: 2020.08.19 SECA AG
  • EP2575612B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2575612B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2575612B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The device is used to measure bioimpedances and has in each case at least one measurement electrode for each foot and each hand of a person who is to be measured. The electrodes are connected to an evaluation unit. In addition, at least one balance is used to determine a body weight of the person who is to be measured. The hand electrodes, provided for contact with the hands of the person who is to be measured, are arranged in the area of at least one positionable support element.