Ear Clip Electrode Pole and Shroud Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Prior art ear clip electrode pads used for transmitting electrical currents to the ear lobes for treating anxiety, insomnia, and depression tend to become dislodged due to the degradation of double-sided adhesive tape with moisture, leading to inadequate contact and ineffective treatment.
Innovation Solution
The ear clip design incorporates a pair of longitudinally shaped plastic pieces with metallic plates and poles made of stainless steel, which are mechanically fixed to the ear clip electrode pads using double-sided adhesive tape, ensuring secure attachment to the ear lobes and preventing displacement, along with plastic shrouds to protect the metallic plates from dirt and grease.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If double-sided adhesive tape is used to attach ear clip electrode pads to ear lobes, then the ear clip can be easily applied, but the adhesive tape degrades with moisture causing the electrode pads to become dislodged
Solution Approach 1:
A metallic pole is introduced as an intermediary element between the electrode pad and the ear lobe. The pole passes through a hole in the electrode pad and makes contact with the ear lobe, providing a stable mechanical attachment that does not rely on adhesive tape. This intermediary structure prevents the electrode pad from becoming dislodged while maintaining ease of application.
2Reliability
If metallic plates are exposed to the environment, then electrical current transmission is effective, but dirt and grease contaminate the metallic plates affecting operability
Solution Approach 1:
A plastic shroud is used to cover the metallic plate, creating a protective barrier that prevents dirt and grease from contacting the metallic surface. The shroud is formed with an opening that allows the metallic plate to remain electrically exposed for current transmission while protecting the rest of the metallic surface from contamination. This flexible shell approach maintains electrical reliability while preventing harmful contamination.
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 improved ear clip maintains firm contact with the ear lobes, ensuring effective transmission of electrical currents for treating anxiety, insomnia, and depression, while the plastic shrouds prevent contamination and maintain the clip's operability.
Implementation Method 1
metallic plates and poles made of stainless steel, which are mechanically fixed to the ear clip electrode pads using double-sided adhesive tape, ensuring secure attachment to the ear lobes and preventing displacement
Implementation Method 2
mechanically fixed to the ear clip electrode pads using double-sided adhesive tape
Data Source
AI summary
An ear clip electrode used to conduct a minute amount of electricity from a stimulator to the ear lobes of a patient. The ear clip electrode is provided with an inner and outer plastic piece onto which separate metallic plates are placed. Both the metallic plate as well as the plastic pieces are provided with a circular end onto which a metallic pole is placed. Electrode pads are placed upon these metallic poles and electricity is conducted from each of the plates to the electrode pad and then to the patient's ear lobe. A plastic shroud is placed over a substantial length of each of the metallic plates. Plastic material also covers the end surface of each of the metallic poles. The ear clip electrode is connected to a source of minute electrical energy.