Flexible Wing Electrode Patch for Long-Term Skin Adhesion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medical devices struggle to maintain adhesion to the human body for extended periods beyond 24 hours due to factors such as device shape, size, weight, flexibility, and rigidity, as well as environmental conditions and interactions with the body.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a housing with flexible wings and electrodes, a selective adhesive application that avoids covering electronic components and areas of high rigidity, and includes flaps and connector segments to enhance flexibility and adhesion, allowing the device to conform to body movements while maintaining contact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If adhesive is applied to the entire bottom surface of the device, then adhesion strength is improved, but the device loses flexibility and cannot accommodate body movements
Solution Approach 1:
The adhesive layer is applied selectively only to specific regions of the device bottom surface, not the entire surface. This creates local adhesive zones that provide sufficient bonding strength while leaving other areas non-adhesive to maintain device flexibility and conformability to body contours during movement.
2Strength
If the device is designed with rigid housing for durability, then device strength is improved, but the device cannot conform to body movements and loses adhesion
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into distinct functional segments: a rigid housing containing electronic components for durability and protection, and flexible wings extending from the housing that can conform to body movements. The adhesive is applied to the flexible wings rather than the rigid housing, allowing each segment to perform its optimal function without compromising the other.
3Strength
If adhesive is applied over electrodes, then adhesion is improved, but electrode functionality is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The adhesive application pattern specifically excludes electrode regions, creating adhesive-free zones where electrodes remain exposed and functional. The adhesive is applied to surrounding areas to provide bonding while maintaining local electrode accessibility for electrical contact with the body.
4Adaptability or versatility
If device size is increased to accommodate more functional components, then device functionality is improved, but adhesion reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The device architecture separates heavy electronic components into a centralized rigid housing from the lighter flexible wings that contact the body. This segmentation allows the housing to contain larger functional components while the wings maintain a smaller adhesive footprint, preserving adhesion reliability despite increased overall device functionality.
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 design enables long-term adhesion by accommodating body movements and environmental conditions, reducing the risk of dislodgment and enhancing the device's durability and functionality over extended wear times.
Implementation Method 1
An adhesive layer is provided for adhesion to a surface of the mammal
Data Source
Figure 1~1A
Figure 1B~1C
Figure 1D~1E
AI summary
There is provided an electronic device for long-term adhesion to a mammal, the device comprising: a flexible first wing and a flexible second wing extending laterally from a housing without overlapping, wherein each wing includes a hinge portion adjacent the housing; a first electrode positioned on the bottom surface of the first wing and a second electrode positioned on the bottom surface of the second wing, the electrodes electronically connected to a rigid physiologic data collection circuit; an adhesive layer on the bottom surface of each wing, the adhesive layer providing adhesion to the surface of the mammal; and a floating section forming a water-tight enclosure and comprising the rigid physiologic data collection circuit, the floating section configured to float above the surface of the mammal in response to movement of the mammal; wherein the rigid physiologic data collection unit extends along only a portion of the distance between the electrodes.