Bioimpedance Sensor Kit with Thin Connectors and Shielding

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing bioimpedance measurement technologies face issues such as signal loss due to cable detachment during surgery, discomfort to patients, and noise interference from external signals, particularly when electrodes are placed on the dorsal region of the body.

Innovation Solution

A kit comprising disposable devices with non-conductive substrates, thin disposable connectors, and printed conducting lines that are adherable to the skin, reducing discomfort and noise interference by minimizing the thickness of connectors and using floating conducting lines for electrical shielding, along with an authentication tag for ensuring proper connection and replacing devices after a recommended usage period.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional electrodes with thicker connectors are used, then connection reliability is improved, but patient comfort deteriorates due to pressure sores

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoidpressure sores
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the thickness parameter of the connector from conventional dimensions to less than 4mm, fundamentally altering the physical dimension to reduce pressure on the patient's skin while maintaining adequate electrical connection reliability for bioimpedance measurements

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Measurement precision

If electrodes are placed on the dorsal region for signal measurement, then measurement capability is improved, but noise interference from external signals worsens

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal measurement capabilityVSAvoidnoise interference
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces floating conducting lines as intermediary shielding elements between the signal-carrying conducting lines and the external environment. These floating lines act as a protective mediator that blocks external noise interference while allowing the dorsal placement configuration to maintain its signal measurement capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Device complexity

If conducting lines are exposed without shielding, then device complexity is reduced, but signal integrity deteriorates due to cross-talk

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructure simplicityVSAvoidsignal integrity
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces floating conducting lines as intermediary shielding elements between the signal-carrying conducting lines. These floating lines act as a protective mediator that blocks external noise interference while allowing the dorsal placement configuration to maintain its signal measurement capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses thin conducting lines printed on the substrate to provide electrical shielding. The conducting lines are arranged in a layered configuration where floating lines shield the signal lines, creating a protective structure that maintains signal integrity without adding substantial thickness or complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

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 enhances patient comfort by reducing pressure sores and noise interference, maintains signal integrity by minimizing cross-talk, and allows for efficient attachment and detachment without interrupting surgical procedures.

Implementation Method 1

noise interference by minimizing the thickness of connectors and using floating conducting lines for electrical shielding

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical shielding: Faraday Cage

Data Source

PatentEP3993699B1Device for sensing signals from a body
Publication Date: 2023.07.26 BAXTER INT INC
  • EP3993699B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1C
  • EP3993699B1 patent drawingFigure 2A
  • EP3993699B1 patent drawingFigure 2B

AI summary

A kit for transmitting and sensing signals comprises: a multi-connection cable having a plurality of cable connectors at a distal end of the cable for establishing electrical communication between each of the cable connectors and a system for measuring bioimpedance that is connectable to a proximal end of the cable, and a plurality of devices for transmitting and sensing signals. Each device comprises a non-conductive substrate adherable to a skin of a subject, a first and a second electrical contacts printed on the substrate, and a disposable connector. Each disposable connector is connectable to a compatible cable connector of the cable in a manner that a combined thickness of the disposable connector and the compatible cable connector, once connected, is less than 4 mm.