Flexible Electrode Carrier with Warpable X-Shaped Sections
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrode carriers for electrophysiological measurements are uncomfortable, time-consuming to set up, and require loose wiring and size adjustments, which can hinder monitoring and are not suitable for reuse without thorough cleaning and sterilization.
Innovation Solution
A flexible electrode carrier with inextendible sections connected by warpable members, providing a universal fit through elongation, integrated electrical connections, and a design that allows for easy placement and reuse without separate size adjustments or loose wiring, using conductive tracks and adhesive electrode linings for secure attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If electrode carriers use loose wiring and separate size adjustments, then they can accommodate different subjects, but they become bulky, uncomfortable, and time-consuming to set up
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode carrier is divided into multiple electrode sections that can be independently positioned and adjusted. Each section contains electrodes arranged in specific patterns (e.g., 10-20 system locations) that can be selectively activated, allowing the carrier to adapt to different subjects and measurement requirements without requiring complete reconfiguration
Solution Approach 2:
The carrier incorporates adjustable and reconfigurable elements that allow dynamic adaptation to different head sizes and shapes. The sections can be repositioned, and electrodes can be selectively connected or disconnected based on the subject's anatomy, providing versatility while maintaining a compact, integrated structure
2Productivity
If electrode carriers are designed for reuse with different subjects, then resource utilization improves, but thorough cleaning and sterilization are required
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode carrier is designed as a disposable single-use device that can be discarded after one use, eliminating the need for cleaning and sterilization between subjects. This ensures hygiene while maintaining productivity, as the carrier requires no complex cleaning procedures and can be immediately replaced for the next subject
Solution Approach 2:
The carrier integrates multiple functions including electrode mounting, signal routing, and subject adaptation into a single unified structure. This integration simplifies the overall system, making it easier to manufacture as a disposable unit while maintaining full functionality for reuse across different subjects
3Manufacturing precision
If electrode carriers require head size measuring and multiple sizes, then accurate fit is achieved, but storage and production complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode carrier is designed as a universal size that can accommodate a wide range of head sizes through its adjustable and reconfigurable sections. Rather than producing multiple size variants, the single universal design incorporates flexible positioning mechanisms that adapt to different anatomies, simplifying production and storage while maintaining fit accuracy
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 flexible electrode carrier provides a comfortable, quick setup for electrophysiological measurements across various body dimensions, reduces setup time, and allows for easy reuse and disposal, minimizing storage space while maintaining reliable electrical connections and hygiene.
Implementation Method 1
The substrate material of the warpable member can be warped by pulling apart the ends of the warpable member. This extending occurs when the inextendible portions of the electrode carrier are pulled apart, causing warping, i.e. elastically twisting, and/or bending of the warpable member.
Implementation Method 2
When the inextendible portions of the electrode carrier are released, the warping, or twisting and bending is reversed allowing the at least one warpable member, and thereby the extendible portion, to return to its original flat state.
Data Source
AI summary
Electrode carrier for electrophysiological measurements, including a flexible substrate, a plurality of contact pads attached to a substrate surface, wherein each contact pad includes conductive means for accommodating an electrode for electrophysiological measurement, first connecting means attached to the substrate for communicatively connecting the contact pads to a signal processing device. The first connecting means includes a plurality of conductive tracks on the substrate surface for electrically connecting the plurality of contact pads, wherein each conductive track corresponds to at least one contact pad. The substrate has at least two inextendible sections for accommodating the contact pads, wherein the sections interconnected by an extendible section. Each extendible section comprises at least one warpable member of flexible material. At least one of the warpable members accommodates at least one of the conductive tracks. The at least one warpable member includes a V-shaped portion of the substrate, and the extendible section includes four warpable members are arranged in an X-shaped fashion.