Rotatable ECG Electrode Cylinder Prevents Cable Bending
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Solution Overview
Problem
ECG device cables frequently fail due to bending, leading to inaccurate signals and increased maintenance costs, as existing solutions focus on enhancing cable durability rather than preventing flexing.
Innovation Solution
A medical electrode design featuring a conductive metal base with a rotatable conductive support cylinder, which includes features like recesses, bearings, elastic strips, and universal joints to allow for cable rotation without bending, preventing cable failure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the cable is made thicker to increase durability, then the cable strength is improved, but the patient comfort deteriorates and device cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the bending stress from the cable by introducing a rotatable support cylinder between the cable and electrode. The cable is isolated from bending forces and only experiences axial tension, while the rotation function is performed by the support cylinder mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotatable support cylinder acts as an intermediary element between the cable and electrode assembly. It mediates the mechanical connection by absorbing rotational movements and transmitting only axial forces to the cable, protecting it from bending damage.
2Reliability
If the cable is made thicker to prevent bending damage, then the reliability is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic rotational capability to the electrode assembly through the support cylinder. This dynamic element allows the assembly to adapt to movements and maintain proper cable orientation, preventing bending stresses that would compromise reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrode assembly is segmented into distinct functional components: the electrode element, the rotatable support cylinder, and the cable connection interface. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, with the support cylinder specifically designed to handle rotational movements.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the electrode is fixed rigidly to prevent movement, then the electrical connection stability is improved, but the cable bending increases causing failure
Solution Approach 1:
The support cylinder provides controlled rotational movement while maintaining electrical connection stability. The electrode can rotate within the cylinder to accommodate movements without creating bending stresses on the cable, preserving both stability and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the degree of freedom parameter from fixed (zero degrees of freedom) to rotatable (one degree of freedom for rotation). This parameter change allows the electrode assembly to adapt to movements while the cable remains under constant axial tension only.
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 solution effectively prevents cable bending and failure, ensuring accurate ECG signals and reducing maintenance costs by allowing the cables to rotate with the electrode, thus maintaining signal integrity and reducing downtime.
Implementation Method 1
the conductive support cylinder is rotatably mounted to the conductive metal base while remaining in electrical communication with the conductive metal base
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a medical electrode comprising a conductive metal base comprising a plate element and a boss formed on the plate element and a conductive support cylinder separate from the conductive metal base. The conductive support cylinder is rotatably mounted to the conductive metal base while remaining in electrical communication with said conductive metal base. The present invention also provides a limb clamp for an ECG device. According to the present invention, it is possible to prevent bending of the cable connecting with the medical electrode, thereby avoiding cable failure.