Electrode Harness Lockable Connectors and Shielding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrode harnesses for biopotential measurements are limited by non-releasable connectors, lack adjustable connection points, inadequate shielding from defibrillator voltages, and lack trimable electrodes, leading to separation issues, complexity, and variability in measurement systems.
Innovation Solution
The electrode harness features lockable connectors, adjustable connection points, electrical shielding, and trimable electrodes, allowing for secure attachment, precise positioning, and reduced complexity in biopotential measurements, with the option of using dry electrodes for enhanced usability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If electrodes are permanently mounted on the harness, then electrode placement is simplified, but the harness cannot be disposed of in one piece and electrode separation occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode positions are pre-marked on the harness with indicators showing exactly where to place each electrode. This preliminary preparation simplifies the placement process while maintaining secure attachment, as electrodes are placed at predetermined optimal locations rather than being permanently mounted or requiring complex adjustment mechanisms.
2Ease of manufacture
If the harness is designed for a fixed number of electrodes, then manufacturing is simplified, but the harness cannot be adapted to different sized subjects or applications
Solution Approach 1:
The harness is designed with modular segments that can be separated at predefined break points. This allows the harness to be divided into smaller sections to accommodate different sized subjects while maintaining a simple standardized manufacturing process for the complete harness. The segmentation enables versatility without requiring custom manufacturing for each application.
Solution Approach 2:
The harness incorporates adjustable connection points that allow dynamic reconfiguration of electrode positions and harness length. This dynamic adaptability enables the same harness design to fit various subject sizes and application requirements while maintaining a fixed manufacturing process.
3Measurement precision
If standard gel electrodes are used, then signal quality is improved, but skin preparation and conductive gel application are required
Solution Approach 1:
The conductive gel is integrated directly into the electrode structure, combining the electrode and gel into a single pre-assembled component. This eliminates the need for separate skin preparation and gel application steps while maintaining the signal quality benefits of gel electrodes. The gel is applied to the electrode during manufacturing, simplifying the overall process.
4Ease of manufacture
If the harness lacks electrical shielding, then manufacturing is simpler, but the electrodes are vulnerable to defibrillator voltages and noise interference
Solution Approach 1:
The harness incorporates electrical shielding that converts potentially harmful electromagnetic interference and defibrillator voltage spikes into harmless signals by directing them to ground through shielded pathways. This protection is integrated into the harness design without significantly complicating manufacturing, as the shielding follows standard practices for medical equipment.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to an electrode harness and more particularly to an electrode harness with various features, which enhance the use and performance of the electrode harness. The present invention further relates to a method of taking biopotential measurements. The electrode harness and methods of the present invention allow for use with most applications where biopotential measurements are taken. The electrode harness can be used in ECG (or EKG), EEG, EMG, and other such biopotential measurement applications. Because of the versatility of various embodiments of the present invention, preferably the electrode harness can be adjusted for different applications or for application to various sized and shaped subjects. The electrode harness is further preferably part of a system, which includes either wireless or tethered bridges between the electrode harness and a monitor, and preferably includes various forms of processors for analyzing the biopotential signal.