Carbon Nanotube Electrode Vacuum Suction Skin Attachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electrodes for measuring biosignals, such as electrocardiograms and electromyographs, face challenges in long-term usage due to changes in electrical characteristics and potential allergic reactions for wet-type electrodes, and limited mobility and large size for dry-type electrodes.
Innovation Solution
A carbon nanotube composite electrode with a through-hole design and vacuum suction mechanism that attaches to the skin without adhesives or tools, utilizing a mixed material of carbon nanotubes and aPDMS for adhesion and conductivity, and an air discharge portion to create a vacuum for secure attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a wet-type Ag/AgCl electrode containing hydrogel and adhesive material is used, then ease of attachment and electrical properties are improved, but electrical characteristics change over time and allergic reactions may occur during elongated measurement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the hydrogel and adhesive materials from the electrode structure. The electrode consists only of conductive components (upper electrode, lower electrode, and connecting portion) without any adhesive or hydrogel layers, thereby eliminating the source of allergic reactions and electrical characteristic degradation over time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a vacuum suction mechanism to attach the electrode to the skin. The lower electrode includes a suction portion that creates negative pressure to hold the electrode firmly on the skin surface, replacing the need for adhesive materials and enabling long-term stable attachment.
2Reliability
If a dry-type electrode is fixed using a separate tool or clamping shape, then attachment is achieved, but the volume of the electrode becomes significantly large and movement is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the attachment function and the electrode function into a single integrated structure. The lower electrode simultaneously serves as both the conductive electrode and the attachment component through its suction portion, eliminating the need for separate fixation tools or clamps.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrode employs thin, flexible structures for both the upper and lower electrodes that can conform to the skin surface. The connecting portion is designed as a flexible bridge that allows the electrode to adapt to body contours without requiring bulky rigid components.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If vacuum suction is used to attach the electrode without adhesives or tools, then skin troubles are prevented and adhesion is maintained, but air must be discharged from the enclosed space and through-hole
Solution Approach 1:
The lower electrode is divided into functional regions including a through-hole portion and a suction portion. The air discharge holes are strategically positioned to allow vacuum formation while maintaining structural integrity and electrical conductivity of the electrode.
Solution Approach 2:
The lower electrode incorporates air discharge holes that enable controlled vacuum formation. These holes allow air to be evacuated from the enclosed space between the upper and lower electrodes, creating the negative pressure necessary for attachment while maintaining a simple structure without complex mechanisms.
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 CNT composite electrode maintains adhesion and prevents skin troubles during extended measurements, allowing for accurate biosignal detection without tools or adhesives and maintaining attachment even during intense exercise.
Implementation Method 1
an air discharge portion formed in at least one of the lower electrode and the upper electrode, and discharging air present in the enclosed space and the through-hole externally so as to be configured to allow the upper electrode and the lower electrode to be attached the skin of a subject body via vacuum suction
Data Source
AI summary
A Carbon NanoTube (CNT) composite electrode includes a lower electrode having a through-hole formed therein, and configured to be attached to the skin of a subject body to detect a biosignal, an upper electrode provided on one surface of the lower electrode to form an enclosed space between the lower electrode and the upper electrode, and configured to receive the biosignal detected by the lower electrode, and an air discharge portion formed in at least one of the lower electrode and the upper electrode, and discharging air present in the enclosed space and the through-hole externally so as to be configured to allow the upper electrode and the lower electrode to be attached to the skin of the subject body via vacuum suction.