Biomedical Electrode Composite with Overcharge Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conductive pressure-sensitive adhesives for biomedical applications face challenges in maintaining both adhesive strength and electrical conductivity, as high concentrations of conductive particles disrupt adhesion, and existing hydrogel-based solutions have poor adhesion and are sensitive to water content, making them unsuitable for applications like defibrillation and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation.
Innovation Solution
A composite for biomedical electrodes that includes a binder material, a polar material dispersed within, and electrically conductive particles that migrate via electrophoresis to form conductive paths when exposed to overcharge voltages, providing capacitive coupling and overcharge protection without forming a conductive network initially.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If high concentrations of conductive particles are added to provide good electrical conductivity, then electrical conductivity is improved, but adhesive strength and flexibility deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The conductive particles are pre-dispersed uniformly throughout the adhesive matrix at low concentrations before application. This preliminary uniform distribution ensures that when voltage is applied, the particles can effectively migrate along field lines without needing high initial concentrations, thus maintaining both conductivity and adhesion properties
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the concentration parameter of conductive particles from high to low levels. Instead of using high particle concentrations that compromise adhesion, the system uses low concentrations combined with voltage-induced migration to achieve effective conductivity, resolving the contradiction between electrical performance and adhesive strength
2Strength
If conductive particles are dispersed at low concentrations to maintain adhesion, then adhesive properties are preserved, but electrical conductivity is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
Conductive particles are pre-dispersed uniformly throughout the adhesive at low concentrations before application. This preliminary uniform distribution ensures that when voltage is applied, the particles can effectively migrate along field lines to form conductive paths without needing high initial concentrations
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates a virtual conductive network through voltage-induced particle migration rather than relying on a physical conductive network from high particle concentrations. The migrating particles effectively 'copy' the function of a dense conductive network while maintaining the benefits of low concentration dispersion
3Reliability
If hydrogel materials are used to provide ionic conduction, then electrical conductivity is improved, but adhesion properties deteriorate and water content sensitivity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses a disposable adhesive composition where conductive particles are suspended in a non-hydrogel matrix. This approach avoids the need for expensive hydrogel materials and their associated water content sensitivity issues, providing a more stable and cost-effective solution for electrical conduction in adhesive applications
Solution Approach 2:
The invention substitutes the ionic conduction mechanism of hydrogels with a particle-based conduction mechanism in a non-hydrogel matrix. Instead of relying on mobile ions in water-based gels, the system uses voltage-induced migration of conductive particles, eliminating water content sensitivity while maintaining conductivity
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 composite achieves reduced impedance, allowing for effective signal conduction and overcharge protection, meeting standards for biomedical applications by maintaining adhesive properties and electrical performance, including passing AAMI EC12-2000-4.2.2.4 for defibrillation overload recovery.
Implementation Method 1
the electrically conductive particles are not of sufficient concentration to form a conductive network through the composite, yet will provide an overcharge protection in the event, for example, of a defibrillation procedure. In accordance with an embodiment, the overcharge protection is provided by having the electrically conductive particles migrate via electrophoresis to form electrically conductive paths through the composite.
Implementation Method 2
The composite includes a binder material, a polar material that is substantially dispersed within the binder material, and electrically conductive particles within the binder material. The polar material is responsive to the presence of an alternating electric field
Data Source
AI summary
An alternating electric field responsive biomedical composite is disclosed that provides capacitive coupling through the composite. The biomedical composite includes a binder material, a polar material that is substantially dispersed within the binder material, and electrically conductive particles within the binder material. The polar material is responsive to the presence of an alternating electric field, and the electrically conductive particles are not of sufficient concentration to form a conductive network through the composite unless and until the composite becomes overcharged.