Dual-Sided Electrode Current Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing transcutaneous electrodes face challenges in providing uniform current density and flexibility to accommodate varying skin contours and tissue impedance, often compromising flexibility to achieve adequate current distribution.
Innovation Solution
A dual-sided electrode system featuring a master electrode on the top side and slave electrodes on the bottom side, with optional opaque non-conductive sheets and shunts, allows for controlled current distribution and flexibility, using conductive ink patterns and hydrogel adhesives for uniform skin contact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If metallic mesh or foil is used to provide conductivity, then current density can be maintained, but electrode flexibility is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode divides current distribution into two independent sides: a top side with master electrode for current input and a bottom side with slave electrodes for current distribution. This segmentation allows each side to be optimized independently - the top side maintains structural integrity for conductivity while the bottom side provides flexibility through discrete slave electrode elements
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from traditional single-sided electrode design to dual-sided design, adding a vertical dimension to current distribution. Current enters through the top master electrode and distributes through the bottom slave electrodes, creating a three-dimensional current path that improves both current density control and flexibility accommodation
2Manufacturing precision
If electrode placement is fixed to ensure proper positioning, then current density control is improved, but adaptability to varying skin contours and movement is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode implements different functional zones: the top master electrode provides fixed, precise current input positioning, while the bottom slave electrodes are distributed to accommodate varying skin contours and tissue types. Each zone has optimized properties for its specific function - precision for current input, adaptability for skin contact
3Adaptability or versatility
If conductive gel is used to accommodate skin movement, then flexibility is improved, but current density uniformity may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The dual-sided design creates a controlled current path through the tissue volume between the top master electrode and bottom slave electrodes. This three-dimensional current distribution ensures uniform current density regardless of skin movement or gel variability, as the current is constrained to flow through the defined electrode spacing rather than spreading unpredictably at a single interface
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 system enhances current distribution and flexibility, improving tissue response by allowing for precise placement and adjustment of current density, accommodating skin movement and varying tissue impedance.
Implementation Method 1
a conductive flexible member having a top side and a bottom side. An electrically driven master electrode is provided for generating a current distribution in the conductive flexible member
Implementation Method 2
using conductive ink patterns and hydrogel adhesives for uniform skin contact
Data Source
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AI summary
A field controlling electrode for providing transcutaneous nerve and/or muscle stimulation to a user's body includes a conductive flexible member having a top side and a bottom side. An electrically driven master electrode, in combination with the conductive flexible member, is provided for generating a current distribution in the conductive flexible member; and an electrically undriven slave electrode disposed in a spaced apart relationship with the master electrode is provided, for focusing or controlling the generated current distribution over an area of a user's body.