Cutaneous Medical Device With Removable Electrode Recognition
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electrostimulation devices are bulky and inflexible, lacking the ability to adjust inter-electrode distance and recognize removable electrodes, limiting their versatility and effectiveness in treating various pathologies and morphologies.
Innovation Solution
A cutaneous medical device with a base and plug system that includes conductive means and control mechanisms for recognizing removable skin electrodes, allowing for adjustable inter-electrode distance and automatic detection of electrode types and connections, ensuring proper program execution and user safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional bulky pulse generators are used, then the device structure is simple and reliable, but the device is not portable and requires long electrical cables
Solution Approach 1:
The pulse generator is constructed with a flexible printed circuit board (FPC) as the substrate, replacing traditional rigid enclosures. The FPC supports all electronic components and provides both structural support and electrical connectivity, enabling the device to be thin and conformable for skin mounting while maintaining functional integrity
Solution Approach 2:
The housing structure, electrical connections, and circuit board are merged into a single integrated FPC assembly. The FPC serves simultaneously as the structural backbone, electrical conductor, and mounting platform for components, eliminating the need for separate housing and cable assemblies
2Adaptability or versatility
If the inter-electrode distance is fixed in the patch design, then the manufacturing is simple, but the device cannot be adjusted for different pathologies and morphologies
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode array is divided into multiple independently positionable electrodes rather than fixed pairs. Each electrode can be selectively connected to different bases through removable plugs, allowing the inter-electrode distance and configuration to be adjusted by the user based on treatment requirements without modifying the patch structure
Solution Approach 2:
The electrode configuration transitions from static to dynamic through the use of removable electrode plugs. Users can attach and detach different electrode plugs to change the effective electrode positions and distances, enabling adaptation to various treatment protocols while keeping the base patch design relatively simple
3Adaptability or versatility
If removable electrodes are used for different programs, then the versatility is improved, but the device cannot recognize which electrodes are connected
Solution Approach 1:
Each electrode plug incorporates identification elements (such as RFID tags, barcodes, or electrical identification circuits) that automatically communicate with the pulse generator when connected. The generator reads this information to identify which specific electrodes are attached, their intended configuration, and associated treatment parameters, eliminating manual configuration errors
Solution Approach 2:
The electrode plugs are self-identifying through integrated identification markers or electronic tags. When plugged into the base, they automatically provide information about their type, position, and associated program parameters to the generator, allowing the system to self-configure without user intervention
4Ease of operation
If thin flexible pulse generators are used, then the portability is improved, but the waterproofing and protection of electronic components becomes more challenging
Solution Approach 1:
A flexible waterproof coating or lamination is applied over the entire FPC assembly, creating a moisture barrier that conforms to the thin profile of the device. This flexible protective layer maintains the conformability of the patch while providing reliable protection against water and sweat penetration
Solution Approach 2:
The FPC material and coating are selected to provide multiple functions simultaneously: electrical conductivity, mechanical flexibility, and waterproofing. This multi-functional approach integrates protection into the structural layers rather than adding separate protective components that would increase thickness
Data Source
Figure 1A~3B
Figure 4A~4B
Figure 5
AI summary
The invention relates to a cutaneous medical device (130) comprising: a main part (131) containing an electrical energy source that can generate an electric current and electronic components, forming part of an electric circuit; at least one removable cutaneous electrode comprising an electric plug, said electrode being intended to be in electric contact with a user; and at least one base (120) which is positioned on a first face of the main part and can be electrically connected to the at least one removable cutaneous electrode. In addition, the device also comprises conducting means (124, 125) in the at least one base and, in the plug, a means for controlling the flow of current between the conducting means, the conducting means and the control means forming an electric switch having a function allowing recognition of the at least one removable cutaneous electrode.