Electrode Array with Torsion Relief and Shielding

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electrode arrays for monitoring physiological electric signals are inconvenient and variable due to the need for multiple electrodes to be placed separately, and they often suffer from rigidity and interference issues.

Innovation Solution

The development of improved electrode arrays featuring hydrogel islands, a flexible insulating substrate, and a torsion relief region to enhance adherence and reduce bending stiffness, along with a shield conductor to minimize external interference, facilitating easier and more accurate signal measurement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If multiple electrodes are placed separately on the skin, then comprehensive physiological signal monitoring is achieved, but convenience and consistency of placement deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal monitoring consistencyVSAvoidplacement convenience

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple separate electrodes are merged into a single flexible array structure that can be applied to the skin as one unit. The array integrates multiple electrode contacts, conductors, and hydrogel layers into a unified device that maintains the functionality of individual electrodes while eliminating the need for separate placement of each electrode.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Reliability

If a rigid electrical connector is used in the electrode array, then stable electrical connection is achieved, but flexibility and conformability to skin deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical connection stabilityVSAvoidskin conformability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The electrical connector is constructed using flexible printed circuit board (FPCB) technology, replacing rigid connectors with a flexible thin film structure. This allows the connector to bend and conform to the contours of the skin while maintaining stable electrical connections between the electrodes and the external monitoring equipment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Adaptability or versatility

If the electrode array is made flexible for skin conformability, then adaptability to body contours is improved, but structural stability and signal quality deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebody contour adaptabilityVSAvoidsignal measurement quality

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The electrode array employs a composite structure combining flexible FPCB material with conductive traces, hydrogel layers, and metallic electrode contacts. This composite construction provides both the flexibility needed for skin conformability and the structural stability required for reliable signal measurement, as each material contributes its optimal properties to the overall system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

4Device complexity

If conductors are routed directly without shielding, then device simplicity is maintained, but susceptibility to external electromagnetic interference increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconductor routing simplicityVSAvoidelectromagnetic interference susceptibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A ground conductor is introduced as an intermediary element between the signal conductors and the external environment. This ground conductor acts as a shield that redirects electromagnetic interference away from the sensitive signal paths, reducing noise without significantly complicating the overall conductor routing structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 improved electrode arrays provide enhanced ease of use, improved adherence to the skin, and reduced interference, leading to more reliable and consistent monitoring of physiological electric signals.

Implementation Method 1

hydrogel islands (101a, 101b, 101c)...contact locations (109a, 109b, 109c) in a connector region (106)...adherence

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAdhesive: Adhesive

Implementation Method 2

shield conductor to minimize external interference

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic shielding: Faraday Cage

Data Source

PatentEP2892422B1Electrode array and method of measuring using it

Publication Date: 2022.04.06 LKC TECHNOLOGIES INC

Figure 1a~1c
Figure 2
Figure 3

AI summary

Electrode arrays have a plurality of electrodes. These arrays may have any combination of the following improvements. The arrays may have features that enable easier electrical connections and reduced bending stiffness by having a stop region and a torsion relief region, respectively. The arrays may have a shielding feature that may reduce electrical interference. The arrays may come in pairs that are designed to simplify measurements of electric signals of bilateral organs and tissues, such as eyes and ears.