Flexible Spherical Electrode for Iontophoresis Skin Contact
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for treating axillary hyperhidrosis via iontophoresis face challenges in achieving optimal shape conformity and effectiveness due to rigid electrodes that require bending, leading to suboptimal treatment outcomes.
Innovation Solution
A combined electrode comprising a flexible, spherical metal electrode enclosed in a conductive, water-absorbent transfer layer, eliminating the need for water to ensure electrical continuity and allowing direct current application to sweat pores, with improved skin contact and reduced current leakage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a rigid metal electrode is used, then electrical conductivity is ensured, but shape conformity to the armpit is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies this principle by replacing the rigid metal electrode with a flexible electrode made of conductive polymer material that can conform to the curved surface of the armpit. The flexible electrode maintains electrical conductivity while adapting to the body's anatomy, eliminating the need for bending rigid plates.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite materials by combining conductive polymer particles within a flexible matrix material. This composite structure provides both electrical conductivity (through the conductive particles) and flexibility (through the matrix), resolving the contradiction between rigidity for conductivity and flexibility for shape conformity.
2Reliability
If water is used to ensure electrical continuity, then conductivity is achieved, but sweat accumulation occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the water component from the electrical continuity system and replaces it with a self-contained conductive polymer electrode. This eliminates the need for external water application while maintaining electrical conductivity, thereby preventing sweat accumulation that would occur with water-based systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a disposable flexible electrode that is pre-formed with conductive properties, eliminating the need for reusable water-based conductivity systems. The electrode is designed to be discarded after use, avoiding the sweat accumulation issue associated with reusable water-based systems.
3Shape
If a flexible electrode is used, then shape conformity is improved, but electrical conductivity may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses composite materials by combining conductive polymer particles within a flexible matrix material. This composite structure provides both electrical conductivity (through the conductive particles) and flexibility (through the matrix), resolving the contradiction between rigidity for conductivity and flexibility for shape conformity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by using conductive polymer materials with specific electrical conductivity parameters that are optimized for both flexibility and conductivity. The material properties are tuned to maintain adequate electrical conductivity while providing the necessary flexibility for armpit conformability.
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, conductive electrode design enhances treatment efficacy by ensuring better contact with the armpit shape and reduced sweat accumulation, providing more effective current delivery to sweat glands.
Implementation Method 1
The transfer layer 104 can be made of a sponge-like water-absorbent material. The thickness of the transfer layer 104 is of the order of 0.5 to 3 mm. The absorbent material is by nature electrically insulating but when it is soaked in water, it becomes conductive.
Implementation Method 2
Hyperhidrosis has been treated for many years by iontophoresis. The electric current delivered by the electric generator then has a preferential path towards the sweat glands.
Data Source
AI summary
The electrode (100) has a metal electrode (102) in the form of a ball and comprising a wire. A transfer layer (104) is utilized for covering the metal electrode, where the transfer layer is made of a conductive material. The transfer layer includes a water absorbing material, and a flexible insulating material i.e. foam, where the transfer layer is charged with electrically conducting particles i.e. carbon microparticles, and the insulating material to form a matrix. An independent claim is also included for a device for treatment of axillary hyperhidrosis.