Integrated Electrode Organizer for Bio-Impedance Hydration Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for estimating hydration state in patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis are inaccurate and cumbersome, particularly for self-use by patients outside professional settings, due to the complexity and dependency on proper electrode placement during bio-impedance measurements.
Innovation Solution
Integration of electrodes with a surface organizer for bio-impedance measurement, allowing for easy and accurate hydration assessment through a connected bio-impedance analyzer or body composition monitor, with automatic measurement initiation and result processing, and optional wireless data transmission for remote monitoring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional bio-impedance measurement methods are used with separate electrodes, then measurement capability is provided, but ease of operation deteriorates due to complex electrode placement requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple electrodes into a single integrated organizer device that patients can simply hold. The organizer integrates all necessary electrodes (including reference electrodes) into one unit, eliminating the need for separate electrode placement on multiple body parts. This merging approach directly resolves the contradiction by maintaining measurement capability while dramatically improving ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The organizer serves multiple functions: it acts as both the measurement device housing and the electrode carrier, and can be used for both hands simultaneously. This multi-functionality allows a single device to replace multiple separate electrodes, reducing operational complexity while maintaining comprehensive measurement capability.
2Measurement precision
If traditional bio-impedance measurement methods are used, then hydration state measurement capability is provided, but measurement precision deteriorates due to incorrect electrode placement
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating all electrodes into a single organizer that patients hold, the system ensures correct electrode positioning is automatically maintained. The organizer's design guarantees proper spacing and configuration of electrodes, eliminating placement errors that would compromise measurement precision while keeping the device simple to use.
Solution Approach 2:
The organizer is designed to be self-positioning when held by the patient. The electrodes are fixed in correct positions within the organizer structure, so the act of holding the device automatically achieves proper electrode placement without requiring patient knowledge or skill, thus ensuring measurement precision.
3Productivity
If frequent hydration measurements are enabled, then patient compliance improves, but device complexity increases due to integration requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The organizer merges multiple functional components (electrodes, housing, connection interface) into a single integrated unit that patients can easily handle. This consolidation enables frequent measurements by eliminating the complexity barrier, as the integrated design requires no assembly or complex setup, making frequent use practical for patients.
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
Enhances patient compliance and measurement accuracy by simplifying the use of bio-impedance measurement devices, enabling frequent and reproducible hydration assessments, and facilitating remote monitoring and treatment adjustments.
Implementation Method 1
The estimation of the patient's hydration (also referred to as the patient's hydration state) before a dialysis treatment session using bio-impedance analysis can be a useful step toward revealing the patient's hydration status.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to electrodes (10) for a bio-impedance measuring device (30) or a body composition monitor, the electrodes (10) being integral with or being attached to a surface of at least one device belonging to a group of electronic and/or non-electronic devices used in the preparation of a dialysis treatment or during dialysis, in particular during peritoneal dialysis, the group preferably consisting of organizers (20) of a continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis system (CAPD), automated peritoneal dialysis devices, automated peritoneal dialysis-cyclers (APD-Cycler) (40), bioelectrical impedance analyzers (BIA) (30), body composition monitors (BCM), hand-held electrodes holders (50) for the electrodes, and dialysis apparatuses. The invention also relates to devices and methods used during dialysis.