Ear Electrode Arrangement With Curved Surface For Stable Contact
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrode arrangements for transcutaneous electrical stimulation of the ear face issues with mechanical stability, adaptability to individual ear sizes, and optimal contact quality, often resulting in irreparable damage and adverse effects on hearing.
Innovation Solution
The electrode arrangement features support sections and axis elements arranged at an angle between 140° and 180°, with cylindrical and spherical segment-shaped surface sections, and a holding rod with a linear guide, allowing for adjustable placement and secure attachment via a spring mechanism, ensuring stable contact and adaptability to different ear sizes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a very soft, supple material (silicone) is used for the holder to achieve adequate wearing comfort, then wearing comfort is improved, but mechanical stability of the connection deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the holder and electrode carrier into a single integrated component made of soft silicone material. This integration allows the soft material to provide both wearing comfort and sufficient mechanical stability for holding the electrode, eliminating the need for separate rigid holder and electrode components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses silicone as a composite material that combines the properties of softness for comfort with sufficient mechanical strength for stable electrode holding. The silicone material is formulated to provide both tactile comfort against the skin and structural integrity for mechanical connection.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the electrode arrangement is made small to fit in the ear, then adaptability to ear size is improved, but mechanical stability of the connection deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The integration of holder and electrode carrier into one piece eliminates weak connection points between separate components. The unified structure maintains mechanical stability while being small enough to fit in the ear, as there are no separate parts to disconnect or damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The use of silicone composite material allows the device to be miniaturized while maintaining sufficient mechanical strength. The material's properties enable small dimensions without compromising the structural integrity needed for stable electrode holding.
3Reliability
If the skin area acquired by the electrode is increased to improve contact quality, then contact quality is improved, but the device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode is designed with a spherical or curved surface that conforms to the contours of the ear. This curvature allows the electrode to maximize contact area with the skin surface without increasing the overall device volume, as the spherical shape naturally adapts to the ear's geometry.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrode design concentrates the contact surface area at the specific location where skin contact is needed, while keeping other parts of the device minimal in size. The spherical electrode portion is enlarged locally to improve contact quality without proportionally increasing the entire device volume.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to an electrode arrangement (1) for applying a transcutaneous electrical stimulus to the surface of a portion of the human ear (2), which comprises a holding element (3) at or in the ear (2) and at least one electrode (4, 5) arranged in or on an electrode support (6). The holding element (3) has a linear guide (7) in which a holding rod (8) is arranged in a linearly displaceable manner in the direction of a longitudinal axis (L) of the holding element (3), wherein the electrode support (6) is arranged on the holding rod (8). In order to achieve an improved transcutaneous stimulation, the invention provides that the electrode support (6) comprises at least one support portion (9) on which the electrode (4, 5) is arranged, wherein the electrode (4, 5) has at least one cylindrical (10) and/or spherical segment-shaped (11) and/or conical surface portion.