Fluoroelastomer Electrode Assembly for Replaceable Skin Contact
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrode assemblies for Tumor Treating Fields (TTFields) therapy have a short lifespan due to degradation of the skin contact layer, necessitating the disposal of the entire assembly, which is inefficient and costly.
Innovation Solution
The electrode assembly is designed as a 2-part array comprising an electrode subassembly with a dielectric layer, such as fluoroelastomer, and a removable skin contact subassembly, allowing for the replacement of the skin contact layer while maintaining electrical conductivity through the dielectric layer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the skin contact layer is made integral to the electrode assembly, then the assembly structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the lifespan of the electrode assembly becomes short due to hydrogel degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode assembly is divided into separate components: a reusable electrode subassembly and a disposable skin contact subassembly. This segmentation allows the skin contact layer to be replaced independently when degraded, extending the overall lifespan of the electrode assembly while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through modular construction
Solution Approach 2:
The skin contact subassembly is designed as a disposable component that can be discarded after use or when degraded, while the more expensive electrode subassembly is recovered and reused. This approach eliminates waste of the durable electrode components while addressing the short lifespan issue of the hydrogel layer
2Reliability
If the entire electrode assembly is replaced upon hydrogel degradation, then electrical conductivity is maintained, but material loss and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the assembly into replaceable skin contact subassembly and reusable electrode subassembly, only the degraded skin contact portion needs replacement. This maintains electrical conductivity through the new skin contact layer while preventing loss of the durable electrode components
Solution Approach 2:
The disposable skin contact subassembly is discarded after use, while the electrode subassembly is recovered and reused. This ensures reliability by replacing the conductive path when degraded, while minimizing material loss by preserving the expensive electrode elements
3Duration of action of moving object
If the skin contact layer is made removable and replaceable, then the lifespan is extended, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The removable skin contact subassembly is designed as a simple modular unit that attaches to and detaches from the electrode subassembly through straightforward mechanical means. This segmentation extends lifespan by enabling replacement while minimizing complexity through simple, standardized connection interfaces
Solution Approach 2:
The disposable skin contact subassembly incorporates all necessary conductive elements in a pre-assembled unit that can be quickly attached and detached. This extends lifespan by allowing frequent replacement of the skin contact layer while keeping the overall device complexity low through a simple replaceable cartridge design
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
This design extends the lifespan of the electrode assembly by enabling the reuse of the electrode subassembly, reducing waste and costs associated with frequent replacements.
Implementation Method 1
a dielectric layer on the skin-facing side of the at least one electrode element. The dielectric layer comprises at least one fluoroelastomer
Implementation Method 2
The dielectric layer comprises at least one fluoroelastomer
Implementation Method 3
The skin contact conductive adhesive or gel is electrically coupled to the at least one electrode element when the skin contact subassembly is disposed against the skin-facing surface of the electrode subassembly
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for use in applying TTFields includes an electrode subassembly. The electrode subassembly includes at least one electrode element having a skin-facing side and a skin-facing surface and a dielectric layer on the skin-facing side of the at least one electrode element. The dielectric layer includes at least one fluoroelastomer. The electrode subassembly includes a skin-facing surface and the dielectric layer provides the skin-facing surface of the electrode subassembly. A skin contact subassembly is coupled to the electrode subassembly. The skin contact subassembly includes a skin contact conductive adhesive or gel configured to contact skin of a subject. The skin contact conductive adhesive or gel is electrically coupled to the at least one electrode element when the skin contact subassembly is disposed against the skin-facing surface of the electrode subassembly. The skin contact subassembly is releasably coupled to the electrode subassembly.