Flexible ECG Electrode Patch with Integrated Wires
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current ECG monitoring systems are limited by their inability to provide long-term, continuous, and cost-effective recording of cardiac activity, especially in ambulatory settings, due to issues with electrode adhesion, discomfort, and high costs, which hinders the diagnosis of sporadic cardiac arrhythmias and rhythm disorders.
Innovation Solution
A lightweight wearable monitor with a flexible extended wear electrode patch and a reusable recorder that snaps into a receptacle, featuring a hydrocolloid adhesive and interlaced flexible wires for improved adhesion and structural support, allowing for extended wear without discomfort and reducing manufacturing complexity and costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of stationary object
If conventional ECG electrodes are used for extended wear, then long-term monitoring capability is achieved, but electrode adhesion deteriorates due to skin contaminants and perspiration
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode assembly is divided into modular components including a reusable monitor unit and disposable electrode patches. This segmentation allows the adhesive interface to be replaced periodically while retaining the electronic monitoring components, thereby maintaining reliable adhesion over extended monitoring periods without requiring replacement of the entire system.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrode patch incorporates a disposable adhesive interface that is designed for single-use or limited-wear applications. After the adhesive loses effectiveness due to skin contaminants and perspiration, the entire electrode patch is discarded and replaced with a fresh one, ensuring continuous reliable adhesion while keeping the expensive electronic components reusable.
2Reliability
If inflexible electrode fastening is used, then electrode stability is improved, but patient comfort deteriorates due to dislodgment and skin irritation
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode patch utilizes a flexible adhesive interface that can accommodate skin movements and contours without causing irritation or dislodgment. The flexible nature of the adhesive layer allows it to move with the patient's skin while maintaining electrical contact, thereby providing both stability and comfort during extended wear.
3Manufacturing precision
If complex electrode assembly construction is used, then manufacturing precision is improved, but manufacturing cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode assembly is segmented into modular components that can be manufactured independently using standardized processes. The reusable monitor unit and disposable electrode patches are produced separately and then assembled through simple interfaces, reducing overall manufacturing complexity while maintaining precision through dedicated manufacturing processes for each module.
Solution Approach 2:
The reusable monitor unit serves multiple functions including signal acquisition, processing, and storage, while the disposable electrode patch provides both adhesive attachment and electrical contact. This universal design allows a single reusable unit to work with multiple electrode patches, simplifying the overall system architecture and reducing manufacturing complexity.
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 enables long-term, comfortable, and cost-effective ECG monitoring, enhancing the recording of cardiac signals, particularly atrial activity, and improving the diagnosis of arrhythmias and cardiac rhythm disorders by maintaining continuous data collection and reducing patient discomfort.
Implementation Method 1
featuring a hydrocolloid adhesive and interlaced flexible wires for improved adhesion
Data Source
AI summary
A method for constructing physiological electrode assembly with integrated flexile wire components is provided. A flexible backing is formed from a stretchable woven textile material, the flexible backing having a proximal flexible backing end and a distal flexible backing end. A set of flexile wires is integrated into the proximal flexible backing end to form a set of electrical contact surfaces shaped to interface with a monitor recorder on a side of proximal electrical backing end opposite the contact side of the proximal flexible backing end. An electrocardiographic electrode is positioned on the contact side of the distal flexible backing end. A further electrocardiographic electrode is positioned on the contact side of the proximal flexible backing end. One of the electrical contact surface of the set of electrical surfaces is connected to the electrocardiographic electrode. Another one of the electrical contact surface of the set of electrical contact surfaces is connected to the further electrocardiographic electrode.