Flexible Conductive Adhesive Electrode for Stable Nerve Stimulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrodes for transcutaneous nerve and muscle stimulation are prone to skin irritation and 'hot spots' due to insufficient flexibility and uneven contact, leading to a high incidence of skin rashes and electrode displacement caused by skin movement and perspiration, which compromises the effectiveness of the treatment.
Innovation Solution
A flexible electrode with conductive fabric and a flexible conductive adhesive that surrounds the perimeter to prevent frayed edges and provides a secure, even contact, combined with a non-conductive sheet to prevent electrical contact and a second adhesive for additional skin adherence, ensuring stability and conductivity during skin movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If prior art electrodes utilize metallic mesh or foil to provide conductivity, then electrical signal transmission is improved, but flexibility is reduced causing skin irritation and hot spots
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode utilizes a flexible conductive adhesive layer instead of rigid metallic mesh or foil. This adhesive layer can stretch and flex with skin movement while maintaining electrical conductivity, eliminating the rigidity that causes skin irritation and hot spots during nerve and muscle stimulation treatments
Solution Approach 2:
The electrode employs a composite structure combining conductive fabric with flexible conductive adhesive. This composite material provides both the electrical conductivity needed for signal transmission and the flexibility required to accommodate skin movement without causing irritation
2Reliability
If electrode size is increased for nerve and muscle stimulation, then stimulation effectiveness is improved, but perspiration disruption increases causing electrode displacement
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode incorporates a perimeter border of conductive adhesive that extends beyond the active stimulation area. This preliminary structural design prevents perspiration from penetrating to the edges and disrupting the electrode before treatment begins, maintaining stability throughout the procedure
Solution Approach 2:
The extended perimeter adhesive border acts as a protective barrier against perspiration and skin movement. This cushioning structure is built in advance to prevent electrode displacement and maintain secure contact throughout the treatment duration
3Ease of operation
If conductive gel is used to accommodate movement between electrode and skin, then flexibility is improved, but gel displacement occurs reducing useful life
Solution Approach 1:
The conductive adhesive serves dual functions by both adhering the electrode to the skin and providing electrical conductivity. This merging of adhesive and conductive properties eliminates the need for separate gel layers that can displace, extending the electrode's useful life while maintaining flexibility
4Reliability
If electrode is made rigid to provide uniform current density, then electrical coupling is improved, but skin irritation increases due to inability to flex with skin movement
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode employs a flexible conductive adhesive layer that can stretch and conform to skin movement. This flexibility prevents the formation of hot spots and skin irritation while maintaining uniform electrical coupling across the electrode surface during nerve and muscle stimulation
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 prevents 'hot spots' and skin irritation by maintaining even contact and stability, reducing the incidence of skin rashes and ensuring precise positioning of the electrode, thereby enhancing the effectiveness and comfort of transcutaneous nerve and muscle stimulation treatments.
Implementation Method 1
A flexible conductive adhesive is provided and disposed within the interstitial areas on one side of the conductive fabric for both adhering the electrode to the skin of the patient and providing an electrical conductive contact therebetween
Implementation Method 2
The adhesive has dimensions greater than corresponding dimensions of the conductive fabric in order to provide a border around the conductive fabric... providing an electrical conductive contact therebetween
Data Source
AI summary
A flexible transcutaneous electrical nerve and/or stimulation electrode includes a conductive fabric and a flexible conductive adhesive with a barrier portion surrounding a perimeter of the fabric for preventing extending and/or extendable frays of the fabric from extending exterior to the adhesive. An electrical lead wire interconnects the conductive fabric with an electrical stimulation device and a non-conductive sheet is disposed on another side of the conductive fabric for preventing undesirable electrical contact with the conductive fabric and providing a border seal.