Electrode Clamp and PCB Coupling for Stable Bioelectric Signals

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing technologies face challenges in reliably connecting and disconnecting electrodes from electrical components, which hinders the efficient collection and transmission of bioelectric signals.

Innovation Solution

The development of an electrical connector system that includes an electrode connection system, an electrical connector body, an electrode clamp, and metal dowels to establish a stable and reliable electrical connection between electrodes and printed circuit boards (PCBs).

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If existing connection technologies are used to connect electrodes to electrical components, then the connection can be established, but the reliability of connection and disconnection is poor

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoidconnection and disconnection ease
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system is divided into separate modular components: an electrode connector system with PCB assembly, and an electrical component with electrode. The PCB assembly includes separate contact pads for different electrodes, allowing independent connection and disconnection of each electrode while maintaining overall system reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The electrode is nested within the electrode clamp, which is part of the electrical component assembly. The PCB assembly is inserted into the electrode connector system housing. This nested structure ensures proper alignment and secure connection, improving reliability while allowing straightforward assembly and disassembly operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Productivity

If existing connection technologies are used, then electrodes can be connected to electrical components, but the process is inefficient for signal collection and transmission

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal collection efficiencyVSAvoidconnection stability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The PCB assembly is pre-configured with contact pads positioned at specific locations before final assembly. The electrode connector system housing includes pre-formed recesses and alignment features. This preliminary preparation ensures that when components are assembled, electrical connections are established immediately and reliably, improving both productivity and reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The PCB assembly acts as an intermediary between the electrode and the electrical component. It provides a stable platform with multiple contact pads that can simultaneously connect to multiple electrodes, enabling efficient signal collection while maintaining reliable connections through its rigid structure and controlled impedance traces.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If a stable electrical connection is established between electrodes and PCBs, then signal transmission is reliable, but the connection system becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical connection stabilityVSAvoidconnector system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The electrode clamp, electrical component housing, and connection mechanism are merged into a single integrated electrical component assembly. The PCB assembly is combined with the electrode connector system housing. This merging reduces the number of separate components and interfaces, simplifying the overall system while maintaining stable electrical connections through the integrated design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS12237603B2Systems and methods for coupling electrodes and electrical components
Publication Date: 2025.02.25 VERITAS IP LLC
  • US12237603B2 patent drawing
  • US12237603B2 patent drawing
  • US12237603B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Disclosed herein are systems and methods for coupling electrodes to electrical components that may be utilized in a variety of applications to collect data from the electrodes. In one embodiment, an electrode connection system to couple an electrode to an electrical component. The electrode connection system includes the electrical connector body comprising a PCB assembly cavity and an electrode channel. An electrode clamp coupled to the electrical connector body may include an engaging mechanism and at least one electrode clamp pad protrusion to couple an at least one electrode pad to an at least one connector pad. The PCB assembly may include at least one connector pad. The electrode may comprise at least one electrically active electrode pad. The electrical component may collect data from the electrode or stimulate tissue utilizing the electrode.