Butterfly Hinge Subdermal Electrode for Secure Placement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Subdermal needle electrodes used in intraoperative neuromonitoring and EEG procedures face challenges with accidental needle sticks and the need for precise placement, often requiring adhesives or tape for secure positioning, which can be cumbersome and increase the risk of dislodging.
Innovation Solution
A butterfly hinge electrode with a protective housing and a coupling mechanism that allows for rapid deployment without adhesives, featuring a hinge structure with a nodule for locking and a compression assembly that includes a spring or elastic band to secure the needle electrodes into subdermal tissue, providing a secure and stable connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If adhesives and tape are used to attach subdermal needle electrodes, then the needles are securely positioned, but the complexity of the device increases and the time required for application increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the attachment function and the electrode holder into a single integrated adhesive patch. The patch includes an adhesive layer that directly secures the needle electrode assembly to the patient's skin, eliminating the need for separate tapes or additional attachment materials. This integration resolves the contradiction by maintaining secure positioning while reducing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The adhesive patch is pre-prepared with the needle electrode assembly attached before application to the patient. The patch includes pre-applied adhesive and protective layers that are removed just before use, allowing for rapid deployment without requiring practitioners to assemble multiple components during the procedure. This preliminary preparation resolves the contradiction by ensuring secure positioning is achieved without increasing operational complexity.
2Reliability
If adhesives and tape are used to attach subdermal needle electrodes, then the needles are securely positioned, but the time required for application increases
Solution Approach 1:
The adhesive patch is pre-assembled with the needle electrode assembly and pre-coated with adhesive material before sterilization and packaging. The protective release layers are pre-applied to prevent premature activation. This preliminary preparation allows the entire assembly to be applied as a single unit during the procedure, dramatically reducing application time while maintaining secure positioning through the integrated adhesive system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple functions (adhesive attachment, electrode holder, protective covering) into a single integrated patch structure. This consolidation allows the practitioner to apply one component rather than multiple separate items, reducing the time required for application while ensuring reliable secure positioning through the combined adhesive system.
3Measurement precision
If the needle electrode is exposed for precise positioning, then accurate placement is achieved, but the risk of accidental needle sticks increases
Solution Approach 1:
The needle electrode assembly is nested within the adhesive patch structure, with the needles housed in protective channels or recesses within the patch material. The protective release layers cover the needle tips during storage and transport. When applied, the needles are guided through controlled openings in the patch, allowing precise positioning while maintaining protection until the moment of insertion. This nested structure resolves the contradiction by enabling accurate placement through controlled exposure while minimizing accidental sticks through continuous protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The adhesive patch acts as an intermediary between the practitioner and the needle electrode. The patch includes protective layers and guided insertion pathways that control the exposure of needle tips. This intermediary structure allows precise positioning to be achieved through the designed insertion path while preventing accidental needle sticks by limiting direct access to the sharp tips until intentional insertion occurs.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If a protective housing is added to protect the needle assemblies, then accidental needle sticks are reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The protective housing function is merged with the adhesive patch structure itself. The patch material forms integrated protective channels and recesses that house the needle electrodes, rather than requiring separate external protective housings. The protective release layers are integrated into the patch assembly as thin film coatings. This merging resolves the contradiction by providing accidental stick protection through the patch structure itself without adding separate complex protective components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses flexible adhesive patch materials and thin protective release films to provide housing and protection for the needle electrodes. These thin, flexible protective layers conform to the needle assembly and provide adequate protection against accidental sticks while maintaining a simple, lightweight structure. This approach resolves the contradiction by providing effective protection through simple thin-film structures rather than complex rigid housings.
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 butterfly hinge electrode reduces the risk of accidental needle sticks and dislodging, allowing for quick and secure placement of subdermal needles, enhancing patient and practitioner safety while eliminating the need for adhesives, and facilitating efficient monitoring of electrical signals.
Implementation Method 1
a compression assembly that includes a spring or elastic band to secure the needle electrodes into subdermal tissue
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are various embodiments for a butterfly hinge electrode and uses thereof. A butterfly hinge electrode may have a first and second wing positioned adjacent to one another and connected through a coupling mechanism. The butterfly hinge electrode may have a first and second electrode assembly, the first electrode assembly positioned on the first wing and the second electrode assembly positioned on the second wing. The butterfly hinge electrode may further comprise a compression assembly. Further, the butterfly hinge electrode may be inserted into a subdermal layer of a patient for neurological monitoring through the use of the first and second electrode assemblies on the first and second wings.