Electrode Segment Perforated Adhesive Design for Peel Stress Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electrode systems for electrocardiographic and bioimpedance measurements face challenges such as peel stress, inadequate adhesion to varying body shapes, and limited scalability and structural versatility, leading to detachment and signal distortion.

Innovation Solution

The electrode segment and array feature a measuring electrode surrounded by a perforated area free from adhesive, with the perforated area surrounded by a surface-continuous adhesive area. This design reduces peel stress and ensures better contact with the skin, while allowing for flexible adaptation to different body shapes and configurations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If a flexible sheet with larger surface area is used to attach electrodes to the patient's body, then the adhesion area is increased, but the electrode array cannot be easily applied to non-planar surfaces and requires the patient to be in a recumbent position

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadhesion areaVSAvoidadaptability to body surfaces
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The electrode array is divided into multiple electrode segments that can be independently positioned and adapted to the patient's body contours. Each segment contains electrodes arranged in specific patterns, allowing the array to conform to non-planar surfaces such as the chest wall while maintaining adequate adhesion area through the distributed segments

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The electrode array incorporates three-dimensional positioning capabilities with electrodes arranged at different heights and angles relative to the support layer. This dimensional flexibility allows the array to adapt to the curved surfaces of the body while maintaining sufficient contact area through the combined effect of multiple segments in spatial distribution

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Reliability

If electrodes are arranged on flat areas of the body in recumbent position, then proper adhesion is ensured, but the measurement cannot be performed under different patient positions and on diverse anatomical surfaces

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadhesion reliabilityVSAvoidmeasurement condition flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The electrode array is designed with dynamic adaptability features including flexible support layers and adjustable electrode segment positions that allow the array to maintain proper contact with the skin regardless of patient position. The segments can be independently positioned to accommodate supine, seated, or lateral positions while ensuring reliable adhesion through the flexible mounting mechanism

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of manufacture

If adhesive layer is applied immediately surrounding the electrode, then localized adhesion is achieved, but peel stresses cause electrode detachment and the adhesive ring thickness creates manufacturing problems

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadhesive application simplicityVSAvoidelectrode attachment reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The adhesive layer is strategically positioned in specific zones rather than uniformly surrounding each electrode. Adhesive regions are placed at the periphery of the electrode array segments where mechanical stresses are lowest, while central regions remain adhesive-free to prevent interference with electrode-skin contact. This localized adhesive placement reduces peel stresses on electrodes while maintaining secure array attachment

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

A mounting layer is introduced as an intermediary between the electrodes and the adhesive layer. This mounting layer provides mechanical support to the electrodes, distributes stresses away from the electrode edges, and allows the adhesive to bond to the mounting layer rather than directly to the electrode, thereby reducing peel stresses that cause detachment while simplifying manufacturing

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Strength

If the adhesive layer thickness is increased, then adhesion strength is improved, but electrode contact with the patient's skin is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadhesion strengthVSAvoidelectrode-skin contact precision
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The adhesive layer is applied only in specific peripheral zones of the electrode array segments rather than uniformly across the entire array. This localized application ensures strong adhesion at the boundaries where mechanical stresses occur, while the central electrode regions remain thin and flexible to maintain precise contact with the skin surface, thereby simultaneously achieving adhesion strength and contact precision

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP4111972B1Electrode segment and electrode matrix for electrocardiographic and/or bioimpedance measurements
Publication Date: 2025.01.22 WOJSKOWA AKAD TECHNI
  • EP4111972B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1B
  • EP4111972B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2B
  • EP4111972B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4B

AI summary

The object of the present invention is an electrode segment (100) for electrocardiographic and/or bioimpedance measurements and an electrode array (200) comprising at least two electrode segments (100). The electrode segment (100) for electrocardiographic and/or bioimpedance measurements comprises a measuring electrode (110) comprising a connector element (190) for connecting an electrical signal wire and a sensor element (195) for collecting measurement signals from the patient's body, the measuring electrode (110) being situated in a mounting layer (220) covered with an adhesive layer (230). Moreover, the measuring electrode (110) situated in the mounting layer (220) is surrounded by a perforated area (145) which is free from the adhesive layer (230), and the perforated area (145) is in turn surrounded by a surface-continuous area (160) which is covered with the adhesive layer (230).