Dry Electrode Integrated with Garment for NMES Therapy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrodes for neuro muscular electrical stimulation (NMES) require manual application and removal, limiting the number of therapy sessions due to skin irritation, especially for immobile patients, and are not suitable for long-term use.
Innovation Solution
A dry electrode integrated with a garment, comprising a layered structure with a polymeric interface layer, a conductive layer, and a silicone encapsulation layer with higher impedance, allowing for long-term wear without skin irritation and enabling automatic NMES sessions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If known electrodes are used for NMES therapy, then skin irritation is avoided by removing electrodes after therapy, but the number of therapy sessions is limited due to tedious manual mounting and removal processes
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode is merged with the garment by integrating it into the fabric structure. The conductive threads are woven or knitted directly into the garment material, creating a unified structure that eliminates the need for separate electrode application and removal steps. This allows the garment itself to serve as the electrode carrier during NMES therapy.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrode functionality is built into the garment before use, so that when the patient wears the garment, the electrodes are already in position and connected to the skin. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for manual electrode placement at the start of each therapy session and removal at the end, enabling more frequent therapy sessions.
2Productivity
If electrodes are left on skin for long periods to enable frequent therapy sessions, then productivity increases, but skin irritation occurs requiring electrode removal
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode is constructed using flexible conductive threads integrated into a fabric garment that conforms to the body's surface. This flexible structure distributes contact pressure evenly and allows the skin to breathe, reducing irritation compared to rigid or adhesive electrodes that remain in constant direct contact with the skin.
Solution Approach 2:
The garment material contains porous structures that allow air circulation and moisture wicking between the skin and the electrode surface. This porosity prevents maceration and reduces skin irritation, enabling the electrode to remain in place for extended periods during frequent therapy sessions.
3Reliability
If manual electrode application process is used, then skin irritation is prevented, but time is lost and therapy effectiveness is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
By combining the electrode function with the garment structure, the system eliminates the separate electrode application and removal steps. The garment is worn like normal clothing, and the integrated electrodes are automatically positioned and activated, saving significant time while maintaining skin protection through the gentle fabric contact.
Solution Approach 2:
The garment with integrated electrodes serves itself by being worn as regular clothing without requiring separate electrode application procedures. The patient simply puts on the garment, and the electrodes are automatically in place, eliminating the need for manual intervention and reducing time loss while maintaining skin protection.
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 integrated dry electrode facilitates efficient NMES therapy over extended periods without manual intervention, reducing skin irritation and maintaining muscle mass in hospitalized patients.
Implementation Method 1
the third layer comprises a rubber material, such as silicone, with electrically conductive particles therein, so as to provide a higher electrical impedance than the second layer
Implementation Method 2
a first layer comprising a polymeric material, wherein the first layer has a lower side serving to adhere to the garment
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2a~2c
Figure 3~5
AI summary
The invention provides a dry electrode integrated with a garment to be worn by a subject, e.g. a compression stocking. The dry electrode is formed by a layered structure with at least three layers. A first layer of a polyurethane material with a lower side serving to adhere to the garment. A second layer of an electrically conductive material is arranged on, e.g. printed on, an upper side of the first layer. A third layer is in contact with the skin of the subject when wearing the garment. The third layer provides a higher electrical impedance than the second layer, is in contact with the second layer and covers an area large enough to cover both of the first and second layers, so that an edge portion of the third layer adheres directly to the garment. The dry electrode is suitable for neuromuscular electrical stimulation.