ECG Electrode with Deposited Ink Resistive Element
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wearable medical devices (WMDs) for monitoring and treating heart-related issues, such as arrhythmias, face challenges in managing high voltage applications and electrostatic noise due to the presence of separate resistor components, which can increase the device's size and complexity.
Innovation Solution
The integration of resistive ink to form resistor components within the electrodes of WMDs, such as those in wearable cardioverter defibrillators, simplifies manufacturing, reduces device thickness, and enhances voltage management by locating the resistor components at the electrode level, thereby minimizing voltage from high defibrillation pulses and reducing electrostatic noise.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate resistor components are used in wearable medical devices, then voltage management and electrostatic noise protection are improved, but device size and structural complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the resistor component with the electrode structure by depositing resistive ink directly onto the electrode substrate, creating an integrated electrode-resistor assembly. This merging eliminates the need for separate resistor components while maintaining voltage management and electrostatic noise protection functions, thereby reducing device complexity without compromising reliability
2Reliability
If separate resistor components are used in wearable medical devices, then voltage management and electrostatic noise protection are improved, but device thickness increases
Solution Approach 1:
The resistor is integrated into the electrode by depositing resistive ink directly on the electrode substrate, creating a multi-functional layer structure. This consolidation eliminates the need for additional thickness from separate resistor components, mounting structures, and interconnections, thereby maintaining voltage management capability while reducing overall device thickness
3Reliability
If separate resistor components are used in wearable medical devices, then electrostatic noise protection is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode and resistor are manufactured as a single integrated component using a sequential deposition process. First, the conductive electrode material is deposited, then resistive ink is deposited directly onto the electrode substrate in the desired resistor pattern. This integrated manufacturing approach eliminates separate resistor fabrication, component sourcing, and assembly steps, thereby simplifying the supply chain and manufacturing process while maintaining electrostatic noise protection
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes resistive ink with specific electrical resistance properties to create the resistor component. By controlling the deposition parameters of the resistive ink (such as ink composition, deposition thickness, and heating treatment), the desired resistance value is achieved directly during the electrode fabrication process, eliminating the need for separate resistor component manufacturing and simplifying production
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
This approach results in a smaller form factor, simplified supply chains, reduced electrostatic noise, and improved voltage management, enabling effective monitoring and treatment of heart conditions like ventricular fibrillation and tachycardia while preventing sudden cardiac arrest.
Implementation Method 1
the resistive ink may be deposited on a surface of a substrate included in the electrodes
Data Source
AI summary
Technologies and implementations for a wearable medical device (WMD). The WMD includes electrocardiogram (ECG) electrodes and/or therapy electrodes having resistor components formed utilizing resistive ink.