Tool-less Biosignal Adapter and External Support Structure

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing biosignal measurement systems face issues with electrode wear and complicated, expensive replacement processes due to unpredictable skin contacts and mechanical instability.

Innovation Solution

A biosignal measurement system with a separate external support structure and adapter wire connections using tool-less connectors and counter connectors, which are easily connectable and disconnectable, ensuring reliable and secure contact with the skin while allowing for quick replacement of electrodes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If electrodes are integrated into the support structure, then mechanical stability is improved, but electrode replacement becomes complicated and expensive

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemechanical stabilityVSAvoidelectrode replacement

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The system is divided into separate functional modules: the support structure with integrated connectors remains stable and reusable, while the electrode array is a separate, replaceable component. This segmentation allows the support structure to maintain mechanical stability while enabling simple electrode replacement by disconnecting and reconnecting modular components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Tool-less connectors serve as intermediary components between the support structure and electrodes. These connectors provide stable mechanical attachment while enabling tool-free disconnection and reconnection, thus maintaining both mechanical stability and ease of electrode replacement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If electrodes are replaced frequently, then skin contact reliability is maintained, but system complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveskin contact reliabilityVSAvoidreplacement process complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The tool-less connector design enables users to perform electrode replacement themselves without requiring specialized tools or complex procedures. The self-service capability simplifies the replacement process while maintaining reliable skin contact through frequent, easy electrode changes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The electrode arrays are designed as disposable or easily replaceable components, while the expensive support structure with integrated electronics is reused. This approach maintains reliability by allowing frequent electrode replacement while minimizing overall system cost and complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Adaptability or versatility

If active electronics are added to the adapter, then functionality is improved, but system size increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovefunctionalityVSAvoidsystem size

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The adapter is designed with universal connectors and modular architecture that can accommodate different electrode configurations and additional electronic functions without requiring a completely new design. This multi-functionality approach enhances adaptability while keeping the base platform compact and reusable.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

Electronics and functional components are integrated into the compact adapter structure, with smaller components nested within the adapter housing. This nesting approach allows active electronics to be added without significantly increasing the overall system size, as components are efficiently packed within the existing form factor.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Data Source

PatentUS11517237B2Adapter and external support structure for biosignal measurement system, biosignal measurement system and connection method

Publication Date: 2022.12.06 BITTIUM BIOSIGNALS OY

AI summary

A biosignal measurement system comprises an adapter for a biosignal measurement device, and an external support structure separate from the adapter. The adapter comprises tool-less connectors, which are repeatedly connectable to and disconnectable from their counter connectors of the external support structure, and a device connector, which has an electrical connection with the tool-less connectors and which has a connection with the biosignal measurement device that the adapter carries. The external support structure comprises an electrode support structure with electrodes and tool-less counter connectors, the electrodes and the tool-less counter connectors having an electrical connection therebetween. The electrodes form an electrical contact with skin for receiving the biosignal. The counter connectors are in electrical contact with the connectors of the adapter for transferring the biosignal to the biosignal measurement device through the adapter.