Conductive Elastomer Conductor for Orthopedic Devices
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing orthopedic devices face challenges in arranging electrodes and conductors optimally due to space constraints and the susceptibility of silver conductors to corrosion and lack of elasticity, especially when integrated into elastic materials.
Innovation Solution
The use of a conductor with a core made of electrically conductive elastomer, coated with an electrically insulating material like parylene, which maintains the elastic properties and allows for effective signal transmission, and optionally features a shielding made of conductive elastomer, ensuring reliable signal transmission under mechanical and thermal loads.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If silver conductors are used in orthopedic devices, then electrical signal transmission is achieved, but the conductors are highly susceptible to corrosion and lack sufficient elasticity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a composite conductor structure consisting of a stainless steel core (providing corrosion resistance and structural integrity) combined with an elastomeric coating layer (providing elasticity and flexibility). This composite approach allows the conductor to simultaneously achieve both corrosion resistance and elastic properties required for orthopedic applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the material parameters by transitioning from pure silver (high conductivity but poor corrosion resistance and elasticity) to a stainless steel-elastomer composite system. This parameter change enables the conductor to meet multiple performance requirements including corrosion resistance, elasticity, and adequate electrical conductivity for myoelectric signal transmission.
2Reliability
If through-lines are used to render the orthopedic device electrically conductive, then electrode contact is established, but the electrodes cannot be arranged at the optimum point due to space constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs flexible elastomeric conductive elements that can be integrated into the orthopedic device structure. These flexible conductors can be routed to optimal electrode positions without the rigidity constraints of traditional through-line constructions, allowing electrodes to be placed at anatomically optimal locations for signal acquisition.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamically adaptable conductive pathways through the use of flexible elastomeric materials that can be configured and positioned according to specific application requirements. This dynamic positioning capability allows optimization of electrode placement for different patients and applications, rather than being fixed by rigid through-line structures.
3Reliability
If complex methods are used to arrange electrically conductive structures in the base body, then conductor integration is achieved, but the process becomes time-consuming and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the conductor integration process with the base body manufacturing process itself. The elastomeric conductive elements are incorporated during the molding or fabrication of the orthopedic device base body, eliminating the need for separate, complex post-processing steps to integrate conductors. This integrated approach reduces manufacturing time and cost while ensuring reliable conductor integration.
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
This solution enables easy integration of conductors into orthopedic devices without compromising elasticity, ensuring reliable and effective transmission of electrical signals and impulses, even under high mechanical and thermal loads, while maintaining optimal contact with the body part.
Implementation Method 1
the at least one conductor comprises a core made of an electrically conductive elastomer
Implementation Method 2
an electrically insulating coating
Data Source
AI summary
An orthopedic device with a base body made of an electrically insulating material and at least one electric conductor which is arranged on or in the base body. The at least one conductor comprises a core made of an electrically conductive elastomer and an electrically insulating coating.