Dry Electrode Adhesive for Biosignal Monitoring

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current biosignal monitoring electrodes face limitations in prolonged use due to drying out, skin irritation, and poor signal quality, with existing gel electrodes having high salt and water content leading to short-term measurements and adhesive issues.

Innovation Solution

An ionically conductive pressure-sensitive adhesive composition comprising a (meth)acrylate resin with a high content of hydroxyl groups and a non-toxic ionic liquid, which forms a dry film for long-term biosignal monitoring without skin irritation and maintaining signal quality.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If gel electrodes with high salt and water content are used to achieve low impedance and good signal quality, then signal quality is improved, but the electrodes dry out over time and cannot be used for prolonged measurements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal qualityVSAvoidmeasurement duration
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the fundamental parameters of the electrode composition by replacing water-based gel with an ionic liquid-based adhesive. This parameter change (from aqueous to non-aqueous ionic liquid) allows the electrode to maintain low impedance and good signal quality without the water content that causes drying out, thereby extending measurement duration indefinitely.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses a composite material system combining ionic liquid with (meth)acrylate resin containing hydroxyl groups. This composite provides both the ionic conductivity needed for low impedance (replacing the salt-water gel function) and the adhesive properties for skin attachment, while eliminating the drying issue through the use of non-volatile ionic liquid.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Measurement precision

If high salt concentration is used in gel electrodes to achieve low impedance, then signal quality is improved, but skin irritation occurs in many patients

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal qualityVSAvoidskin irritation
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The ionic liquid acts as an intermediary substance that provides ionic conductivity (replacing the salt function) without causing skin irritation. The (meth)acrylate resin with hydroxyl groups serves as another intermediary, providing adhesion and a biocompatible matrix that interfaces between the ionic liquid and skin, eliminating direct contact with irritating components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the chemical composition parameters by replacing inorganic salts in water with organic ionic liquids in a polymer matrix. This parameter change maintains the ionic conductivity function while eliminating the skin irritation caused by high salt concentrations and water content in traditional gel electrodes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Duration of action of moving object

If carbon black is used as conductive filler in pressure sensitive adhesive to eliminate water content, then drying out is prevented, but adhesion is lost and signal quality deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement durationVSAvoidadhesion
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of moving objectVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical/conductive filler approach (carbon black) with an ionic liquid-based conductive system. Instead of relying on carbon black particles for conductivity and accepting adhesion loss, the ionic liquid provides both ionic conductivity and maintains strong adhesion through its molecular interactions with the (meth)acrylate resin and skin.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a composite material where ionic liquid is integrated with (meth)acrylate resin containing hydroxyl groups. This composite provides a triple function: ionic conductivity (replacing carbon black), strong adhesion (improving upon carbon black formulations), and prevention of drying out (through non-volatile ionic liquid), simultaneously resolving all three issues.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

4Strength

If gel electrodes with high water content are used to maintain adhesion, then initial adhesion is good, but the electrodes dry out and signal quality decreases over time

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveadhesionVSAvoidmeasurement duration
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the volatile content parameter by replacing water (volatile) with ionic liquid (non-volatile) in the adhesive formulation. This parameter change allows the adhesive to maintain its adhesion properties through the hydroxyl-containing polymer matrix while eliminating the drying out problem that limits measurement duration in water-based gels.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 adhesive composition provides low impedance and excellent skin compatibility, allowing for extended biosignal monitoring without drying out or causing skin irritation, while maintaining signal quality and adhesion properties.

Implementation Method 1

an ionic liquid... providing ionic conductivity

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectIonic conductivity: Conduction (electrical)

Implementation Method 2

a (meth)acrylate resin comprising at least 10% of a (meth)acrylate monomer comprising OH-group (hydroxyl group)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHydrogen bonding: Chemical Bonding

Data Source

PatentEP3935119B1Dry electrode adhesive
Publication Date: 2024.01.24 HENKEL KGAA
  • EP3935119B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3935119B1 patent drawingFigure 3a~3b
  • EP3935119B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

The present invention relates to an electrode adhesive, which is an ionically conductive (meth)acrylate based pressure sensitive adhesive allowing prolongated biosignal monitoring times without skin irritation and loss of signal quality.