Flexible Electrode Patch with Segmented Substrate for Precise ECG Application
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional ECG devices, especially those with multiple electrodes, face challenges in quick and accurate application due to cumbersome designs and excess substrate material, which can lead to discomfort, signal interference, and inconsistent electrode placement.
Innovation Solution
An electrode patch monitoring device with a flexible substrate featuring a unitary structure and adjustable sizing, where electrodes are formed on one side of the substrate for direct skin contact, and a method for applying it by aligning anatomical indicia for precise positioning, reducing the need for individual alignment of finger-like projections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple electrodes are placed on a flexible substrate to provide comprehensive cardiac monitoring, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases and application becomes cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into multiple finger-like substrate portions, each containing a specific arrangement of electrodes. This segmentation allows the complex multi-electrode array to be applied in manageable sections rather than as a single large complex structure, reducing application difficulty while maintaining comprehensive cardiac monitoring capability
Solution Approach 2:
The electrodes and conductive traces are pre-configured on the flexible substrate in predetermined patterns before application. This preliminary arrangement eliminates the need for complex real-time positioning during application, allowing clinicians to simply attach the pre-configured substrate portions to the patient's chest
2Adaptability or versatility
If adjustable lateral spacing between substrate portions is implemented to accommodate various chest sizes, then adaptability is improved, but application time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible substrate portions are designed with adjustable lateral spacing that can be dynamically configured during application. The substrate material itself is flexible and can be stretched or positioned to accommodate different chest sizes, allowing the device to adapt to various patient anatomies without requiring multiple fixed-size devices
Solution Approach 2:
The physical parameters of the substrate (flexibility, stretchability) are optimized to allow easy adjustment of lateral spacing. This enables the same device to be adapted to different chest sizes by simply changing the spacing configuration rather than using entirely different devices
3Manufacturing precision
If excess substrate material is used to ensure complete electrode coverage, then manufacturing precision is improved, but patient comfort deteriorates and signal reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
Excess substrate material is removed or trimmed to the precise dimensions needed for each patient's chest size and shape. This extraction of unnecessary material eliminates the sources of discomfort and signal interference while retaining all necessary electrodes for complete cardiac monitoring coverage
Solution Approach 2:
The substrate is configured with varying properties in different regions - areas with electrodes have precise, fixed configurations for manufacturing precision, while inter-electrode areas are minimized or removed to eliminate excess material. This local optimization ensures electrode placement accuracy without the harmful effects of excess substrate
Data Source
AI summary
An electrode patch monitoring device that enables fast and accurate application is described. According to some embodiments, the electrode patch monitoring device comprises an array of electrodes for monitoring bioelectrical data that are formed on a flexible substrate. The electrode patch monitoring device may be available in a plurality of sizes, and various methods are provided for selecting an appropriate size according to the physiology of a patient. Methods for applying the electrode patch monitoring device to the patient's body are also provided.