Fluoroelastomer Electrode Assembly With Replaceable Skin Contact Layer
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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 upon contamination, which is inefficient and costly.
Innovation Solution
The electrode assemblies are designed as a 2-part array comprising an electrode subassembly with a dielectric layer and a removable skin contact subassembly, where the dielectric layer, made of materials like fluoroelastomer or silicone rubber, allows for the replacement of the skin contact layer while maintaining electrical conductivity through capacitance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the skin contact layer is made integral to the electrode assembly, then the assembly provides complete skin contact and electrical conductivity, but the entire assembly must be disposed of when the skin contact layer degrades
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode assembly is divided into two separable parts: a reusable electrode subassembly containing the electrode elements and dielectric layer, and a disposable skin contact subassembly containing the conductive hydrogel layer. This segmentation allows the skin contact layer to be replaced without discarding the entire assembly, resolving the contradiction between maintaining electrical conductivity and extending assembly lifespan.
Solution Approach 2:
The skin contact subassembly is designed as a disposable component that can be discarded after use or when degraded, while the electrode subassembly is recovered and reused. This principle directly addresses the contradiction by allowing selective disposal of only the contaminated portion rather than the entire assembly.
2Ease 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 frequent replacement of the entire assembly increases costs and waste
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the assembly into reusable and disposable portions, the patent reduces waste material loss. The electrode subassembly with its dielectric layer and electrode elements is preserved and reused, while only the contaminated skin contact subassembly is discarded, significantly reducing material waste compared to disposing of the entire integral assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
This principle enables selective recovery of the electrode subassembly while discarding only the skin contact subassembly. The recovery and reuse of the electrode subassembly reduces both material waste and manufacturing costs associated with producing entirely new assemblies for each use cycle.
3Reliability
If the skin contact layer is made integral to the electrode assembly, then the assembly provides complete skin contact, but the entire assembly must be replaced upon contamination reducing productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The segmentation into separate subassemblies allows quick replacement of only the skin contact portion when contaminated or depleted. This maintains reliable skin contact effectiveness while minimizing treatment interruptions, as the reusable electrode subassembly remains in place and only requires attachment of a new skin contact subassembly.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple skin contact subassemblies can be prepared in advance and stored ready for use. When one becomes contaminated or depleted, a pre-prepared replacement can be quickly attached to the electrode subassembly, maintaining treatment continuity without requiring disposal and replacement of the entire assembly.
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 assemblies by enabling the reuse of the electrode subassembly, reducing waste and costs associated with frequent replacements.
Implementation Method 1
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
Implementation Method 2
The dielectric layer has a dielectric constant of at least 10 and comprises at least one polymer
Data Source
AI summary
In one aspect, an apparatus comprises an electrode subassembly. The electrode assembly comprises 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 has a dielectric constant of at least 10 and comprises at least one polymer. The electrode subassembly comprises a skin-facing surface. 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 comprises 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.