Disposable Electrode Assembly with Double Plunger Ejection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing neurological monitoring electrodes face challenges in secure attachment and easy integration with monitoring equipment, particularly during procedures like MRI and CT scans, where small electrodes are required to remain in place without causing discomfort or detachment issues.
Innovation Solution
A disposable electrode assembly featuring a handle and holder with a double plunger system for secure ejection and attachment to the skin, along with catches to manage electrical conductors and prevent tension, facilitating easy integration with monitoring systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a resilient electrode is used for easy insertion and self-insertion into skin, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability of secure attachment deteriorates due to potential detachment during MRI/CT testing
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode system is divided into separate functional components: a resilient electrode element for skin penetration, a holder for secure retention, and a conductor management system. This segmentation allows the electrode to be easily inserted while the holder provides reliable securement during imaging procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The holder acts as an intermediary component between the resilient electrode and the monitoring equipment. It provides a stable interface that secures the electrode during MRI/CT testing while allowing the electrode itself to maintain its resilient properties for easy insertion.
2Adaptability or versatility
If electrical conductors are routed through the holder and handle, then integration with monitoring equipment is improved, but device complexity increases due to conductor management requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The holder and handle are designed with multi-functionality, serving both as structural support components and as conductor management elements. The catches in the handle provide both mechanical support and conductor routing functions, simplifying the overall system while maintaining integration capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The conductor management features are merged into the existing holder and handle structures rather than being separate components. The catches are integrated into the handle, and the conductor channel is formed as part of the holder, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining versatility.
3Reliability
If a double plunger system is used for controlled ejection, then reliability of attachment is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional mechanical components
Solution Approach 1:
The double plunger system introduces dynamic control to the ejection process, allowing sequential movement of the first and second plungers to achieve controlled electrode deployment. This dynamic mechanism ensures reliable attachment while managing the complexity through functional integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The holder is pre-configured with the double plunger system and conductor routing before use. The electrode is loaded in a deformed state within the holder, and the conductor is pre-routed through the channel and catches, allowing for controlled ejection while minimizing assembly complexity during actual application.
4Reliability
If catches are added to manage the conductor, then reliability of conductor connection is improved, but ease of manufacture deteriorates due to additional manufacturing steps
Solution Approach 1:
The conductor management features are merged into the existing holder and handle structures. The catches are integrated into the handle as unified components, and the conductor channel is formed as part of the holder geometry, reducing the number of separate manufacturing steps while maintaining reliable conductor connection.
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 electrode assembly ensures secure, comfortable attachment and easy integration with neurological monitoring systems, reducing the risk of electrode detachment and tangling, while being simple to manufacture for one-time use.
Implementation Method 1
These electrodes are resilient so that they may be easily deformed for insertion into an applicator and, when the applicator is applied to the skin of a patent and the electrode is ejected, the electrode springs resiliently back into its original configuration and, on so doing, self-inserts laterally into the skin of the patient.
Data Source
AI summary
An electrode assembly includes a handle, holder, and electrode with an electrical conductor. The electrode is loaded into the holder with its attached conductor. The holder includes a protective cap, a resilient button with a flange, an alignment ring, two plungers each with a spring, and a retention ring. The flange and retention ring both have plural holes in registration and with posts depending from the alignment ring in order to hold the retention ring in place. Inside the button are two plungers, one on top of the other, and each with its own spring resisting downward pressure. Once the cap is removed from the button, the holder is placed against the skin of a patient, and the button is pressed, the top plunger pushes the bottom plunger against the skin of the patient and then the electrode from the protection ring, thereby ejecting the electrode.