Disposable Electrode Pad with Adhesive Sleeve for Hygienic Probe Attachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrode pads for transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulators and microcurrent electrical therapy are difficult to apply and remove hygienically, often requiring direct contact with the skin and struggling to maintain attachment during traction, and lack efficient storage solutions.
Innovation Solution
A ball-shaped probe electrode pad made of soft, inexpensive materials like felt or cotton, with a central hole and a sleeve attached using double-sided adhesive tapes, designed to securely fit a ball-shaped probe head and stored in a compartmentalized box for easy handling and replacement, ensuring secure attachment and hygiene.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a rigid stem with ear swab is used in the electrical jack, then the electrode pad can be attached to the probe head, but the attachment becomes difficult to apply and remove hygienically
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode pad assembly is divided into separate components: a reusable probe head and a disposable electrode pad with adhesive backing. This segmentation allows the electrode pad to be easily attached and removed without direct hand contact with the probe head, maintaining hygiene while simplifying operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrode pad is designed as a disposable component with a short service life, replaced after each use to maintain hygiene. The pad includes an adhesive backing that allows easy attachment and removal, eliminating the need for complex reusable components that would require cleaning and sterilization.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the electrode pad is made of soft material to cushion skin, then comfort is improved, but the attachment strength during traction forces decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode pad is segmented into two functional layers: a soft cushioning layer for skin comfort and a separate adhesive backing layer for strong attachment. This segmentation allows each layer to optimize its specific function without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrode pad uses a composite structure combining soft materials (cotton, felt, or foam) with adhesive materials. This composite design provides both the cushioning needed for skin comfort and the attachment strength required to withstand traction forces during use.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the electrode pad is designed for one-time use for hygiene, then infection risk is reduced, but the cost per use increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into a reusable probe head and a disposable electrode pad. This allows the expensive probe head to be used multiple times while the inexpensive pad is replaced after each use, optimizing the cost per use while maintaining hygiene standards.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrode pad is designed as a low-cost disposable component that is replaced after each use to maintain hygiene. This approach reduces the cost per use compared to cleaning and sterilizing reusable components, while still preventing infection through proper disposal.
4Reliability
If the electrode pad must remain in position during movement and twisting, then treatment effectiveness is maintained, but the attachment mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment mechanism is simplified through segmentation: the electrode pad includes an adhesive backing that directly bonds to the probe head surface. This eliminates the need for complex mechanical fastening systems while maintaining reliable attachment during movement and twisting.
Solution Approach 2:
The adhesive backing uses materials with optimized bonding parameters that provide strong attachment under various conditions. The adhesive properties are specifically tuned to maintain bond strength during dynamic use, including movement and twisting, without requiring complex mechanical structures.
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 solution allows for easy, hygienic attachment and removal of electrode pads, maintaining contact during treatment and providing a secure, comfortable interface, while the storage box facilitates efficient handling and use without direct hand contact, addressing hygiene and attachment issues of prior art.
Implementation Method 1
a sleeve (14) attached to said pad (12) by double-sided adhesive tapes (24, 26)
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The present invention is directed to a unique, user-friendly, disposable electrode to be used on metallic probes which are used in electromedical devices, such as transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulators (TENS) and microcurrent electrical therapy (MET) devices and other electrical simulators for applying electricity through the skin to the human or animal body. Additionally, the present invention describes a box for the storage and retrieval of the probe.