Flexible Cutaneous Electrode with Protruding Connectors for Adaptable Stimulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electrostimulation devices are not versatile and can only be used for specific stimulation zones due to fixed distances between electrodes and rigid structures, limiting their adaptability and configurability for different areas of the human body.
Innovation Solution
A flexible cutaneous electrode device with a planar body made from electrically insulating material, featuring protruding portions for mechanical and electrical connection to an electric pulse generator, allowing for adjustable placement and use on various body zones, combined with a flexible electric pulse generator design that includes magnetic connecting means for secure attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional electrostimulation devices use fixed distances between electrodes and rigid structures, then the device structure is simple and reliable, but the adaptability to different stimulation zones is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode device is divided into separate modular components: a flexible body, detachable electrodes, and a pulse generator. This segmentation allows each component to be independently optimized and reconfigured for different stimulation zones without requiring a complete device redesign, thereby improving adaptability while managing complexity through modularity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic adjustability through movable electrodes that can be repositioned along the flexible body, and a stretchable conductive element that adapts its configuration. This dynamic capability enables the same device structure to serve multiple stimulation zones effectively, resolving the contradiction between structural simplicity and adaptability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional devices use cables measuring several tens of centimeters to connect electrodes to the unit, then the electrodes can be placed on various body parts, but the device becomes bulky and rigid
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces rigid cables with a flexible body made of elastomeric or polymeric materials that can conform to body contours. The conductive element within this flexible body can stretch and deform, allowing the device to adapt to various body parts without requiring bulky external cables, thus maintaining placement flexibility while reducing overall device bulk.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrodes and conductive elements are integrated within the flexible body structure itself, creating a nested configuration where the functional components are contained within the flexible housing. This nesting eliminates the need for separate external cables and reduces the overall device footprint while maintaining the ability to reach various body locations.
3Ease of operation
If adhesive electrodes are used to keep the device on the patient's skin, then the device can be easily attached, but the fixed distance between anode and cathode limits the addressable stimulation zones
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode assembly is segmented into detachable electrodes that can be independently positioned on the flexible body. This segmentation allows the electrodes to be reconfigured for different stimulation zones while maintaining easy skin attachment through the adhesive properties of the flexible body, resolving the contradiction between ease of attachment and adaptability to different zones.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates dynamic positioning capability where electrodes can be moved to different locations on the flexible body. This dynamic reconfigurability allows the same adherent device to address multiple stimulation zones effectively, overcoming the limitation of fixed electrode distances while preserving the ease of skin attachment provided by the adhesive flexible body.
Data Source
AI summary
A cutaneous electrode device intended for being connected to an electrical pulse generator including a planar body and an electrically insulating material on which at least one electrode, at least one means for connecting to the electrical pulse generator and at least one conductive element electrically connecting said electrode to said connection means are formed. The at least one electrode ends at an inner surface of the body and the at least one connection means ends at an outer surface of the body. The body also has at least one projecting portion that is mechanically connecting an electrode and a connection.