ECG Lead Wire Single Cable Merging
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The use of multiple cables in electrocardiogram (ECG) measurements leads to detachment, entanglement, and snagging issues, resulting in prolonged or interrupted testing times and poor measurement results due to patient movement and increased cable clutter.
Innovation Solution
A single cable with multiple connectors along its length is used to transmit electrical signals from ECG electrodes, reducing the number of cables needed for a standard 12-lead ECG measurement from ten to two or even one, with movable connectors to prevent tension and kinking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple cables are used to connect each ECG electrode to the measuring device, then each electrode can be individually connected, but the number of cables increases leading to entanglement, detachment, and snagging issues
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple individual ECG cables are merged into a single multi-conductor cable assembly. The cable contains multiple insulated conductors that are bundled together, allowing multiple electrodes to be connected through one integrated cable rather than requiring separate cables for each electrode. This merging reduces cable clutter and eliminates entanglement issues while maintaining reliable individual electrode connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The single cable assembly serves multiple functions simultaneously - it provides electrical connection for multiple ECG electrodes, acts as a bundled organizational structure, and functions as a unified interface to the measuring device. The cable is designed to handle multiple signal paths within a single physical medium, making it a universal solution that replaces multiple specialized cables.
2Ease of operation
If multiple cables are draped across the patient's body, then all electrodes can be connected, but patient movement causes detachment and testing time is prolonged
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple separate cable management tasks are combined into a single operation. The bundled cable assembly moves as one unit across the patient's body, reducing the complexity of cable routing and making it easier to manage during patient movement. The integrated structure prevents individual cables from becoming detached or tangled during motion.
3Reliability
If ten cables are used for a standard 12-lead ECG measurement, then all electrodes can be connected, but cable entanglement and snagging increase
Solution Approach 1:
Ten separate cables that cause entanglement and snagging hazards are merged into a single bundled cable assembly. The insulated conductors are organized within a common outer sheath, eliminating the harmful effects of multiple loose cables interacting with the environment. This unified structure prevents entanglement while maintaining all necessary electrical connections for continuous measurement.
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus includes a conduit cable, a set of wires, a connector, a set of electrode connectors. Each wire of the set of wires is electrically insulated from every other wire and placed in the conduit cable. The connector is adapted for making physical and electrical contact with an ECG measuring device. The connector is physically connected to the conduit cable. The connector includes a separate electrical contact electrically connected to one end of each wire of the set of wires. Each connector of the set of electrode connectors is adapted for making physical and electrical contact with an ECG electrode. Each connector of the set of electrode connectors is electrically connected to a different wire of the set of wires. Each connector of the set of electrode connectors is physically connected to the conduit cable at a different location along the conduit cable.