Electrode Connector Integrating Conductive Member for Signal Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

The placement of ECG electrodes on patients is inconvenient, time-consuming, and prone to inaccuracy due to the need for precise positioning, which existing technologies do not adequately address.

Innovation Solution

An electrode connector with an electrically conductive member and a housing that includes a lead wire terminal, a lever, and a biasing member to facilitate precise positioning of electrodes by detecting strong trace signals on the patient's skin, improving the accuracy and quality of biopotential signal measurement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If individual electrodes are used for ECG monitoring, then the device can be simple and easy to manufacture, but the electrode placement becomes inconvenient, time-consuming, and inaccurate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrode placement accuracyVSAvoidtime required for electrode placement

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the electrode connector with an electrically conductive member that can directly contact the patient's skin to detect biopotential signals. This merging of the connector and signal detection function eliminates the need for separate electrode placement, thereby improving placement accuracy while reducing the time required for setup.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The electrically conductive member serves multiple functions: it acts as both the connector housing and the signal-sensing electrode. This multi-functionality allows the device to both connect lead wires and detect biopotential signals simultaneously, resolving the contradiction between simplicity and placement accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If individual electrodes are used for ECG monitoring, then the device structure can be simple, but the placement procedure becomes inconvenient and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of electrode placementVSAvoidtime required for electrode placement

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

By merging the connector and electrode functions into a single integrated component, the device becomes easier to operate as clinicians only need to place one component rather than separately positioning electrodes and connecting lead wires. This integration directly addresses the ease of operation while reducing placement time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Measurement precision

If an electrically conductive member is added to the electrode connector, then electrode placement accuracy is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrode placement accuracyVSAvoidconnector structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent resolves the complexity issue by merging the electrically conductive member with the existing connector housing rather than adding it as a separate component. This integration approach improves placement accuracy while minimizing the increase in device complexity through functional consolidation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP2967396B1Electrode connector with a conductive member

Publication Date: 2019.02.13 KPR U S LLC

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AI summary

An electrode connector includes a housing, an electrically conductive contact plate, a lead wire terminal electrically connected to the contact plate and an electrically conductive member. The housing defines a first opening configured to receive at least a portion of an electrode therethrough. The contact plate defines a bore aligned with the first opening. The bore is configured and dimensioned to receive at least a portion of the electrode therein. The electrically conductive member is electrically coupled to the lead wire terminal. The electrically conductive member is supported on the housing and is spaced apart from the first opening.