Flexible Sensor Array Mesh for Reconfigurable Electrode Placement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing sensor array systems have limited sensor repositioning capabilities, both in terms of modifying the position of the complete set of electrodes on the patient's body part and in reducing the total amount of electrodes in the array, which restricts their adaptability to different patient sizes and body types.

Innovation Solution

A flexible sensor array system comprising substrate nodes interconnected by straight portions of flexible material, allowing electrodes to be individually repositioned without disrupting the conductive paths, and featuring a mesh topology that maximizes void space for access and accommodates various patient sizes and shapes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If sensor strips are configured in columns and connected by connecting elements, then the structure provides a complete set of electrodes, but sensor repositioning is limited to complete strips only

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesensor repositioning capabilityVSAvoidstructure configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The sensor array is divided into individual sensor elements that can be independently repositioned. Each sensor can be moved separately rather than being constrained to move as part of a complete strip or column, enabling fine-grained customization of the electrode arrangement on the patient's body.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If a fixed array configuration is used, then manufacturing is simplified, but adaptability to different patient sizes and body types is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to patient sizesVSAvoidarray configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The sensor array transitions from a fixed configuration to a dynamic, reconfigurable structure. The connection elements can be selectively cut or removed to reposition sensors, allowing the same device to be adapted to various patient anatomies while maintaining a standardized manufacturing process for the base configuration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If complete strips of sensors are repositioned together, then conductive paths are maintained, but the total number of repositionable units is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveindividual sensor repositioningVSAvoidconductive path continuity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The array is segmented into individual sensors with separate connection elements for each sensor. This allows selective repositioning of single sensors while maintaining conductive paths to those specific sensors, rather than requiring movement of entire strips as rigid units.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

4Adaptability or versatility

If additional medical equipment needs to be attached to the patient, then access to body surface is required, but a dense electrode array blocks access

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccess to body surfaceVSAvoidelectrode array coverage

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The electrode array configuration can be dynamically adjusted by removing or repositioning specific sensors to create access pathways. This allows the array to be optimized for both comprehensive electrical signal acquisition and physical access for additional medical equipment or procedures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP4236802B1Sensor array and sensor array system for sensing electrical activity

Publication Date: 2025.09.17 CORIFY CARE SL

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AI summary

A device (1-4, 1', 2') for measuring electrical potentials of a body part of a patient, comprising: a plurality of substrate nodes (5) made of a flexible material, the plurality of substrate nodes (5) being configured to be disposed on the torso of the patient, wherein some pairs of substrate nodes of the plurality of substrate nodes (5) are interconnected by straight portions (6) of flexible material, the plurality of substrate nodes (5) and the straight portions (6) of flexible material forming a flexible substrate; a plurality of electrodes (7), wherein each electrode of the plurality of electrodes (7) is disposed on a respective substrate node (5) of the plurality of substrate nodes (5); and at least one connector (8). Each electrode is connected to the at least one connector (8) through a respective conductive path. Each conductive path is embedded in the flexible substrate formed by substrate nodes and straight portions. Only some straight portions (6) connecting two substrate nodes (5) have an embedded conductive path. The device (1-4, 1', 2') is configured to remove one or more substrate nodes (5) and corresponding electrodes (7) by cutting portions (6) which connect the one or more substrate nodes (5) with the remaining substrate nodes in the device, without interrupting the conductive paths of the remaining electrodes in the device.