Dry Electrode Moisture-Removing Layer for Long-Term Skin Contact
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrodes for electrophysiological measurements require moisture for proper function, leading to issues such as poor connection, detachment, and skin irritation due to excessive moisture buildup during long-term wear.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of a moisture-removing layer or groove structure between the electrode and the skin, combined with conductive spokes or direct electrode contact, to manage moisture and improve adhesion and comfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of stationary object
If dry electrodes are used for electrophysiological measurements, then the electrode can maintain contact with the skin for extended periods, but moisture accumulates between the electrode and skin leading to poor connection, detachment, and skin irritation
Solution Approach 1:
A breathable membrane layer is introduced as an intermediary between the electrode and the skin. This membrane allows water vapor to pass through while blocking liquid water, enabling moisture management without direct contact between the electrode and moisture-prone skin surfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The breathable membrane is designed with a porous structure that permits selective passage of water vapor. The porosity allows the membrane to be both waterproof to liquid water and breathable to water vapor, effectively managing moisture accumulation during extended wear.
2Reliability
If hydrogel electrodes are used, then the electrode provides good initial contact with the skin, but the electrode detaches and causes skin colorization after three or more days of wear
Solution Approach 1:
The breathable membrane serves as a protective intermediary layer that prevents direct contact between the electrode and skin moisture. This eliminates the conditions that lead to detachment and skin colorization while maintaining electrical contact quality throughout the wear period.
Solution Approach 2:
The breathable membrane is implemented as a flexible thin film that conforms to the skin surface while providing protective functionality. This flexible barrier maintains the electrode-skin interface integrity without causing the adverse effects associated with prolonged hydrogel contact.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a layer is added between the electrical contact and electrode to remove moisture, then moisture accumulation is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The breathable membrane utilizes a porous material structure that achieves moisture management functionality through its inherent physical properties. This approach adds moisture removal capability without requiring complex mechanical or electrical systems, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The membrane's selective permeability parameters are optimized to allow water vapor passage while blocking liquid water. By carefully controlling the pore size and material properties, the membrane achieves effective moisture removal with minimal structural complexity.
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
Enhances electrical connections, reduces skin irritation, and improves the durability and mobility of electrodes by effectively managing moisture, ensuring better adhesion and comfort during prolonged use.
Implementation Method 1
The layer is adapted to remove moisture from a region around the electrode
Implementation Method 2
The layer is adapted to remove moisture from a region around the electrode
Implementation Method 3
The electrode comprises a groove adapted to remove moisture from a region around the electrode
Implementation Method 4
the gap is adapted to remove moisture from a region beneath the electrical contact
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatuses for making electrical connections in electrophysiological measurements and monitoring are disclosed. One such apparatus includes a first side having an electrical contact; a second side opposing the first side and having an electrode disposed over the second side; and a layer disposed between the first side and the second side. The layer is adapted to remove moisture from a region around the electrode. The apparatus also has an electrode line in electrical contact with the electrode disposed over the layer on the first side and extending over the layer on the second side. The electrode line is electrically connected to the electrical contact.