Multi-electrode Patch for Fetal Signal Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fetal electrocardiogram (fECG) detection technologies face challenges such as fixed electrode spacing limitations, noise from leads, high costs due to integrated electronics, and discomfort from skin preparation, which affect flexibility, accuracy, and cost-effectiveness in monitoring.
Innovation Solution
A flexible substrate patch with adjustable electrode placement, silver-containing conducting tracks, and a separate readout device that minimizes noise and reduces skin preparation discomfort, using a modular design with a secure adhesive and graphite layers to reduce triboelectric charging, and a wireless readout device for real-time data transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a fixed patch arrangement with fixed electrode spacing is used, then measurement repeatability is improved, but flexibility in electrode placement is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the electrode positions adjustable rather than fixed. The patch includes electrodes that can be repositioned along conductive tracks or flexible substrates, allowing the spacing and placement to be dynamically changed to match different anatomical configurations while maintaining measurement quality
2Adaptability or versatility
If lead wires are used to connect electrodes to readout circuit, then electrode placement flexibility is improved, but noise interference increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the lead wires from the system by integrating the readout circuit directly into the patch substrate. This eliminates the external cables that generate noise from electromagnetic interference, cable microphony, and triboelectric effects, while maintaining electrode flexibility through integrated conductive pathways
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the electrodes and readout circuit into a single integrated patch unit. The electrodes are directly connected to the readout circuitry through conductive tracks on the same flexible substrate, eliminating the need for separate lead wires and reducing noise interference
3Object-affected harmful factors
If integrated electronics are included in the patch, then lead-related noise is reduced, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs disposable single-use patches with integrated electronics that can be mass-produced at low cost. Each patch is designed to be discarded after a single use, eliminating the need for expensive sterilization and maintenance of reusable components while providing adequate performance for the intended application duration
4Measurement precision
If skin abrasion is performed to improve electrical contact, then signal quality is improved, but subject comfort decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical and chemical parameters of the electrode-skin interface by using conductive gels or adhesives that reduce skin impedance without mechanical abrasion. The electrodes incorporate materials or coatings that enhance electrical contact through chemical or physical properties rather than mechanical removal of skin layers
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 flexible and comfortable fetal monitoring with reduced noise interference, improved accuracy, and cost-effectiveness by allowing adjustable electrode placement and eliminating the need for lead wires, while maintaining high-quality signal detection and processing.
Implementation Method 1
graphite layers to reduce triboelectric charging
Implementation Method 2
silver-containing conducting tracks
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention concerns a multi-electrode patch for abdominal electrophysiological detection. The patch has a flexible substrate interconnecting multiple electrodes and a module unit for removably engaging with an electronic readout device for detecting a maternal and/or fetal electrophysiological signal from the electrodes. The module has a mechanical module unit for removable mechanical engagement with a housing of the readout device, and an electrical module unit for making an electrical connection from the electrodes to the readout device. Engaging the patch with the readout device comprises engaging both the mechanical module unit and the electrical module unit. The patch may be flexible in a manner that allows variation in the relative positioning between the electrodes. The patch and/or electronic readout device may comprise a security device for communication of an authentication code.