Integrated EIT Electrode Harness with On-Board Control Unit
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current Electrical Impedance Tomography (EIT) systems are bulky, expensive, and introduce errors due to the use of discrete electronic components and long leads, which limit their widespread use and accuracy, especially in assuming two-dimensional models for three-dimensional chest impedance measurements.
Innovation Solution
An integrated electrode harness with a control unit mounted on or within the electrode support, featuring multiple electrodes arranged in rings around the body part, made from elasticated material for better contact and using self-abrading electrodes to reduce skin preparation needs, eliminating the need for separate data collection circuitry and long wires.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If discrete electronic components and long leads are used for data collection, then the system is easier to manufacture with standard components, but the system becomes bulky, expensive, and introduces measurement errors through stray capacitance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the control unit directly into the electrode support structure, combining the data collection circuitry with the electrode array. This integration eliminates long leads between electrodes and measurement circuitry, reducing stray capacitance effects and improving measurement accuracy while simplifying the overall system structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrode support serves multiple functions: it mechanically positions the electrodes, provides structural support for the control unit, and acts as part of the measurement system itself. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components and long connecting leads, thereby reducing measurement errors.
2Measurement precision
If a single ring of 16 electrodes is used, then the system is simpler and less expensive, but the reconstructed images contain errors due to assuming two-dimensional current flow in a three-dimensional chest
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a single-ring (effectively 2D) electrode arrangement to a multi-ring three-dimensional electrode configuration. This allows the system to capture current flow in three dimensions, enabling more accurate reconstruction of internal impedance distributions without requiring complex inverse mathematics for 2D-to-3D transformation.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrode array is divided into multiple rings at different positions around the chest, with each ring containing multiple electrodes. This segmentation allows independent measurement of current flow through different regions, improving the accuracy of three-dimensional impedance reconstruction by providing more spatial information.
3Ease of manufacture
If traditional benchtop EIT systems are used, then the electronic hardware is reliable with discrete components, but the system is bulky and expensive to produce
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit is integrated into the electrode support, combining what were previously separate components (electrodes, positioning structure, and control electronics) into a single compact unit. This integration dramatically reduces system size and production cost while maintaining reliability through reduced connection points and stray capacitance.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrode support appears to use flexible or thin-film construction, allowing the entire assembly to be compact yet adaptable to the body contour. This approach reduces material usage and system bulk while maintaining functional integrity.
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 provides a compact, cost-effective, and accurate EIT system with improved resolution and ease of use, capable of delivering high-quality impedance measurements without the errors associated with traditional systems, enabling wider application and more precise monitoring of body functions.
Implementation Method 1
Electrical impedance tomography (EIT) is a medical imaging method which enables reconstructed tomographic images of the internal impedance of the subject to be obtained
Implementation Method 2
The electrode support may comprise or be formed from elasticated or stretchable material
Data Source
AI summary
An electrode harness for use in carrying out Electrical Impedance Tomography (EIT) on a human or animal subject is disclosed. The electrode harness includes an electrode support a plurality of electrodes on the electrode support for contacting a surface of an external body part of the subject, a plurality of connectors, each connector coupled to a respective electrode of the plurality of electrodes, and a control unit. The control unit includes an interrogator for coupling to the electrodes via the connectors, the interrogator being configured to selectively provide electrical signals to multiple groups of electrodes of the plurality of electrodes and for measuring, in response to the provided electrical signals, electrical response signals at at least some electrodes of the plurality of electrodes, and communication circuitry for transmitting information associated with the electrical response signals to an external computing device. A system and method are also disclosed.