Folding ECG Device with Integrated Electrodes and Pivot Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing portable ECG devices with integrated electrodes are bulky, complicated to handle, and expose electrodes to damage and dirt, limiting their compactness and usability for recording and transmitting three ECG leads effectively.
Innovation Solution
A hand-held folding three-lead ECG device with integrated electrodes, featuring a pivot mechanism that adjusts the casing angle for ergonomic fit and stability, protecting electrodes when folded, and enabling reliable recording and transmission without additional cables or rods, allowing for compact storage and use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the device dimensions are reduced, then portability is improved, but the distance between chest electrodes cannot be maintained at 100-120 mm
Solution Approach 1:
The device employs a foldable casing structure with hinges that allows the chest electrodes to be positioned at an appropriate distance (100-120 mm) during ECG recording, while the device can be folded into a compact form for portability. The dynamic configuration enables the electrode spacing to be adjusted to match patient morphology requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The device transitions from a two-dimensional flat configuration during recording to a three-dimensional folded configuration for storage. By utilizing the third dimension (folding along hinges), the device achieves compact portability while maintaining the required electrode spacing when deployed.
2Reliability
If the chest electrodes are made sufficiently high (8-10 mm) to accommodate patient morphology, then contact stability is improved, but device height increases limiting further dimension reduction
Solution Approach 1:
The device uses a foldable structure where the chest electrodes achieve sufficient height (8-10 mm) relative to the folding hinges when the device is in its open recording configuration, ensuring stable contact with patient morphology. When folded for portability, the overall device height is reduced as the components collapse into a compact form.
Solution Approach 2:
The device casing is divided into multiple segments connected by hinges, allowing the chest electrode section to be positioned at an elevated angle relative to the base during recording, providing the necessary 8-10 mm height for stable contact while keeping the folded profile compact.
3Ease of operation
If electrodes are exposed at all times for easy access, then ease of operation is improved, but electrodes are vulnerable to dirt and damage during carrying and storage
Solution Approach 1:
The device features a foldable casing where the chest electrodes are exposed and accessible when the device is open for recording, but are protected when the device is folded for carrying and storage. The dynamic folding action automatically covers the electrodes, preventing exposure to dirt and damage during transport.
Solution Approach 2:
The protective cover and the device body are merged into a single foldable structure. The rear part of the casing serves dual purposes: as a structural component when open and as a protective cover when folded, eliminating the need for separate protective elements.
4Reliability
If additional cables and rods are used for electrode connection, then electrode stability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device integrates the electrodes directly into the casing structure, eliminating the need for separate cables and rods. The chest electrodes are mounted on the inner side of the casing, and the finger electrodes are incorporated into the foldable arms, creating a unified structure that reduces component count while maintaining connection stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The casing structure serves multiple functions: it provides mechanical support, houses the electrodes, and acts as the connection medium between electrodes and the recording circuitry. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated cables and rods, simplifying the overall device design.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
Pocket-size folding device with integrated electrodes for recording, processing and transmission with three ECG leads is a hand held ECG device with integrated electrodes used to measure, process and transmit three ECG leads to the remote diagnostic center. When in closed position and not in use the device is more compact and robust so it can be carried in a pocket or a pouch while electrodes are protected from getting dirty or damaged. When opening it into a measuring position it becomes ergonomic. It is well adapted to the shape of a user's chest which ensures stable and reliable contact between chest electrodes (4-6) and chest surface. Finger electrodes (7,8) are designed for a contact with left hand and right hand thumbs as well as supporting the device and ensuring sufficient pressure to the chest without intense use of user's arms. The device is compact, it doesn't use cables or levers which makes it very easy to use.