Flexible Torso Electrode Array for Consistent ECG Placement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional ECG electrode placement methods lack consistency and accuracy, particularly across varying body types, which can affect the quality of biopotential signal acquisition.
Innovation Solution
A disposable sensor array apparatus with a flexible substrate that conforms to the torso, featuring central, upper, and lower segments with medical electrodes and connectors, allowing for secure attachment via straps and ensuring precise electrode placement relative to each other.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional electrode placement methods are used, then electrode placement can be completed, but placement consistency and accuracy vary across different body types
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible substrate is divided into multiple segments that can independently conform to different body contours, allowing the electrode array to adapt to various torso shapes while maintaining precise electrode positioning relative to anatomical landmarks
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a flexible substrate that can bend and conform to the patient's torso surface, enabling consistent electrode placement across different body types while maintaining the structural integrity and relative positioning of the electrode array
2Adaptability or versatility
If a rigid electrode array structure is used, then manufacturing precision can be maintained, but the array cannot conform to body surfaces of various sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode array transitions from a rigid structure to a dynamically flexible one, allowing the substrate to adapt its shape to different body surfaces while the embedded electrode positions remain precisely defined relative to each other and to anatomical reference points
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameter of substrate rigidity to flexibility, enabling the array to conform to various body surfaces while maintaining manufacturing precision through controlled flexibility and structured design elements
3Productivity
If manual electrode placement is performed, then flexibility in positioning is achieved, but time consumption and placement consistency decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode array is pre-configured with electrodes positioned at optimal locations relative to anatomical landmarks, and the flexible substrate is designed to align with these landmarks, enabling rapid application while maintaining consistent and accurate electrode placement without requiring time-consuming manual positioning
Data Source
AI summary
A sensor array apparatus for monitoring medical signals includes a flexible substrate adapted for positioning relative to the torso of a patient. The flexible substrate includes a central segment defining a central axis and is adapted to generally conform to an area extending along the sternum of a patient. The flexible substrate further includes an upper segment extending traversal across the central segment and adapted to generally conform to the chest area of a patient and a lower segment extending traversal across the central segment and adapted to generally conform to the abdominal area of the patient. The apparatus further includes a medical electrode disposed on at least one of the segments and a connector in electrical communication with the medical electrode and adapted to connect to an electronic monitoring system.