Electrode Unit Layer Structure for Flexible E-Stimulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrostimulation devices face issues with electrode conductivity and durability, particularly in knitted fabric suits where electrodes become brittle and cytotoxic materials fail to meet safety standards, and the inability to adjust electrode positions post-manufacture.
Innovation Solution
A device with an electrode unit comprising a base layer and a firmly connected layer structure of knitted fabric and plastic, allowing for flexible and conductive electrodes that remain stable under mechanical stress, with embroidered conductive threads and optional conductive particles, enabling adjustable designs and long service life.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If electrodes are knitted into the face mask, then the face mask can be manufactured as a complete unit, but subsequent adjustment to different carriers with regard to the position of the electrodes is not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode unit is segmented into separate components: a base layer with electrodes, a knitted fabric layer, and a plastic layer. This segmentation allows the electrode position to be fixed in the base layer while the entire assembly can be adjusted and repositioned on different carriers, resolving the contradiction between manufacturing completeness and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrode unit is designed as a nested structure where the base layer with electrodes is embedded within the knitted fabric layer, which is then covered by the plastic layer. This nested arrangement allows the electrode position to be predetermined in the base layer while the entire nested assembly can be flexibly positioned on different carriers.
2Ease of manufacture
If polymer masses are used as contact electrodes, then the electrodes can be integrated into the suit, but the polymer masses easily become brittle and the electrodes are no longer functional
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode unit uses a composite structure combining the base layer with electrodes, knitted fabric layer, and plastic layer. This composite material approach provides both integration into the suit and resistance to brittleness, maintaining electrode functionality over time through the synergistic properties of the combined materials.
Solution Approach 2:
The plastic layer acts as a flexible protective shell that covers the knitted fabric layer and embedded electrodes. This flexible film structure protects the electrodes from becoming brittle while maintaining flexibility and functionality, resolving the durability issue of polymer masses.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the base layer and knitted fabric layer are separately manufactured, then customization of electrode positions is possible, but the connection between layers must be secure to maintain stability
Solution Approach 1:
The base layer with electrodes and the knitted fabric layer are merged into a single integrated electrode unit through firm connection. This merging allows customization of electrode positions in the base layer while ensuring stable connection between layers, maintaining both adaptability and structural strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The base layer with electrodes is prepared as a complete unit before being connected to the knitted fabric layer. This preliminary action allows customization of electrode positions to be established in advance, and the firm connection to the knitted fabric layer ensures stability is maintained while preserving the customized electrode arrangement.
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 provides stable, conductive, and adjustable electrodes that maintain functionality over time, even under severe mechanical stress, while meeting cytotoxicity requirements and allowing for customizable designs.
Implementation Method 1
The at least one electrode of the electrode unit is supplied with current and can therefore be used for electrical stimulation
Implementation Method 2
this layer structure remains stable, even if the basic shape of the base layer and the further layer are frequently changed, for example bent, kinked, stretched, compressed or the like
Implementation Method 3
The at least one plastic layer can have electrically conductive particles
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a device for electrical stimulation or for data acquisition of diagnostic devices with at least one electrode unit, wherein the electrode unit has the following layers: a) base layer with at least one electrode arranged in or on the base layer, and b) layer with one of the following layer structures: b1) - plastic layer and - knitted layer and - plastic layer or b2) - knitted layer and - plastic layer or b3) - plastic layer and - knitted layer and that the layers a) and b) are firmly connected to each other.