Biomedical Electrode With Embedded Conductive Wire

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Solution Overview

Problem

Biomedical electrodes with metallic portions can cause pain and discomfort due to rigidity, while those with conductive resin layers may experience noise generation and resistance variations during deformation, affecting wearing and measurement stability.

Innovation Solution

A biomedical electrode design featuring a conductive resin layer at the distal end of an elastic pillar portion, combined with a conductive wire internally connected from the distal end to the base, enhances flexibility and reduces noise and resistance variations, improving stability and comfort.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a metallic portion is used at the distal end of the pillar portion, then electrical conductivity is improved, but the subject feels pain or discomfort due to rigidity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical conductivityVSAvoidpain or discomfort
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The distal end of the pillar portion is formed with a composite structure combining a metallic portion (for electrical conductivity) and a flexible portion made of elastomer material (for comfort and followability). This composite design allows the electrode to maintain good electrical contact while reducing pain and discomfort during wear.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Adaptability or versatility

If a conductive resin layer is used at the distal end of the pillar portion, then flexibility and followability are improved, but noise is generated due to disconnection during deformation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflexibility and followabilityVSAvoidsignal stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The pillar portion is constructed as a composite structure with an elastomer base material and embedded conductive wires. The conductive wires are linearly arranged within the elastomer from the distal end toward the base end, providing continuous electrical connection that prevents noise and signal instability during deformation while maintaining flexibility and followability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

3Area of stationary object

If a conductive resin layer is used at the distal end of the pillar portion, then contact area increases, but internal resistance varies caused by elongation and contraction

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontact areaVSAvoidinternal resistance stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The electrode uses a composite structure where conductive wires are embedded within the elastomer material of the pillar portion. This configuration provides stable electrical connection that maintains consistent internal resistance during elongation and contraction, while the elastomer material ensures adequate contact area with the measurement target.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

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 electrode achieves improved wearing and measurement stability by minimizing discomfort and noise, allowing for effective detection of bioelectrical signals such as brain waves, heartbeats, and muscular activity with reduced pain and increased durability.

Implementation Method 1

the contact area with the distal end increases such that the contact resistance can be reduced

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical Conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Implementation Method 2

an elastic pillar portion; the followability to a measurement target is improved

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 3

arranging a conductive wire in the pillar portion from a distal end side toward a base end side

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical Conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentEP3878359B1Biological electrode, biological sensor, and biological signal measurement system
Publication Date: 2024.09.11 SUMITOMO BAKELITE CO LTD
  • EP3878359B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1B
  • EP3878359B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2B
  • EP3878359B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3F

AI summary

A biomedical electrode of the present invention includes: a plate-shaped support portion; an elastic pillar portion that is provided on a first surface of the plate-shaped support portion; a conductive resin layer that is formed to cover a distal end of the elastic pillar portion; and a conductive wire that is electrically connected to the conductive resin layer and is arranged in the elastic pillar portion from a distal end side toward a base end side.