Concentric Stimulation Electrode for Controlled Current Density
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing stimulation electrodes are prone to adverse effects such as burns due to high current density and lack of controlled electrical field delimitation, and their manufacturing complexity hinders the production of multi-field electrodes.
Innovation Solution
A stimulation electrode design featuring a dielectric substrate with concentric conductive areas, a dielectric layer, an adhesive layer, and a hydrogel layer, where the second conductive area encloses the first, allowing for controlled current flow and reducing edge effects, along with a multi-field electrode sheet and kit for cost-effective and reliable electrical stimulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional single-layer conductive electrodes are used, then manufacturing is simple, but electrical fields cannot be delimited and current density becomes uncontrolled causing burns
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode is divided into multiple conductive layers (first conductive layer with first conductive area, second conductive layer with second conductive area) separated by dielectric layers. This segmentation allows independent control of different conductive areas, enabling delimited electrical fields and controlled current density distribution to prevent burns.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a single-layer 2D conductive structure to a multi-layer 3D structure with dielectric layers interspersed between conductive layers. This dimensional change enables complex field patterns (including enclosed fields) that cannot be achieved in a single plane, providing better current density control.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If multi-layer electrodes with alternating conductive and dielectric layers are used to delimit fields, then electrical fields can be controlled, but manufacturing complexity increases and flexibility decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The dielectric layer serves multiple functions simultaneously: it electrically isolates adjacent conductive layers to prevent short-circuits, provides mechanical support for the multi-layer structure, and enables the formation of enclosed conductive areas for field delimitation. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized components.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrode structure employs nested concentric conductive areas where the first conductive area is enclosed by the second conductive area, with dielectric layers nested between them. This nested configuration creates delimited electrical fields while maintaining a compact, integrated structure that simplifies manufacturing compared to non-nested multi-layer designs.
3Ease of manufacture
If conductive tracks are placed in the same layer without overlapping, then manufacturing is easier, but complex multi-field electrode designs cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses multiple conductive layers stacked in the vertical dimension, allowing conductive tracks to be placed in different layers without overlapping in the horizontal plane. This enables complex multi-field electrode designs with enclosed conductive areas while maintaining manufacturing simplicity, as tracks in different layers do not require precise alignment or crossing techniques.
4Adaptability or versatility
If electrodes are made flexible to adapt to curved body surfaces, then attachment improves, but multi-layer structures become less flexible and more prone to detachment
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode employs thin-film construction for all layers (conductive and dielectric), allowing the entire multi-layer structure to flex and conform to curved body surfaces. The thin-film approach maintains flexibility while providing sufficient mechanical integrity to prevent detachment during movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The conductive and dielectric layers are combined into a single integrated multi-layer structure that moves and flexes as one unit. This merging ensures that the layers remain properly aligned and attached to each other during body movement, preventing relative displacement or detachment while maintaining adaptability to curved surfaces.
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 solution ensures controlled localization of electrical stimuli, reduces the risk of burns, and simplifies the manufacturing and attachment of electrodes, enabling effective and safe electrical stimulation with reduced risk of short-circuits and detachment.
Implementation Method 1
an electrically conductive hydrogel layer at least covering the first and second areas and the opening
Implementation Method 2
a dielectric layer at least covering the conductive tracks
Data Source
Figure 1A~2
Figure 3A~3E
Figure 4~5
AI summary
A stimulation electrode comprising: a dielectric substrate (10); an electrically conductive layer on the dielectric substrate (10), the electrically conductive layer comprising first and second electrically conductive areas (11a,11b,12a,12b), and first and second electrically conductive tracks (16,17) connected with the first and second areas (11a,11b,12a,12b), respectively; a dielectric layer (20) at least covering the conductive tracks (16,17); an adhesive layer (19) at least on a portion of the dielectric layer (20); and an electrically conductive hydrogel layer (18) covering at least each of: the first electrically conductive area (11a, 11b), the second electrically conductive area (12a,12b) and the opening (15); the second electrically conductive area (12a,12b) encloses the first electrically conductive area (11a,11b); and the second electrically conductive area (12a,12b) defining an opening (15) forming a passageway through which the first electrically conductive track (16) passes.