Force Applicators for Wearable Cardiac Electrode Placement

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wearable cardiac devices face challenges in effectively monitoring and treating cardiac arrhythmias, particularly due to interference from breast tissue, which can disrupt the proper placement and function of ECG sensing electrodes and therapy electrodes.

Innovation Solution

The ambulatory patient monitoring and treatment device incorporates cardioprotective apparel with a cardioactive band and shoulder harnesses that shift breast tissue away from electrode placement regions, ensuring these electrodes lie flush with the skin for optimal function.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If cardioprotective apparel is worn to support electrodes, then electrode placement accuracy is improved, but breast tissue interference with electrode contact deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrode placement accuracyVSAvoidbreast tissue interference

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The force applicators extract and remove breast tissue from the electrode placement area by applying localized compressive forces that shift tissue laterally, clearing the path for accurate electrode positioning on the chest wall

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The cardioprotective apparel acts as an intermediary device between the patient's anatomy and the electrodes, using force applicators to mechanically manipulate tissue position and create optimal contact conditions for electrode-skin interface

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If force applicators are used to shift breast tissue, then electrode-skin contact is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrode-skin contact consistencyVSAvoidapparel structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The cardioprotective apparel integrates multiple functions into a single garment: it provides mechanical compression via force applicators, supports and positions electrodes, and maintains skin contact consistency, eliminating the need for separate positioning devices

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The apparel uses flexible, conformable materials that adapt to patient anatomy while incorporating force applicators, allowing the device to maintain electrode contact through tissue manipulation without rigid structural elements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Measurement precision

If shoulder harnesses with force applicators are implemented, then monitoring precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecardiac activity detection accuracyVSAvoiddevice donning and adjustment

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The force applicators incorporate elastic or adjustable components that dynamically adapt to different patient body types and breast tissue characteristics, automatically adjusting compression force and tissue displacement to achieve optimal electrode contact

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 solution enables the device to accurately detect and treat cardiac arrhythmias by maintaining consistent contact between electrodes and the skin, improving the effectiveness and reliability of the monitoring and treatment process.

Implementation Method 1

Each of the at least two shoulder harnesses includes a force applicator having an elasticity configured to shift breast tissue of the upper torso region of the patient away from at least one of the anterior therapy electrode placement region on the patient or at least one of the predetermined ECG sensing anatomical regions on the patient

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS20250057478A1Force applicators for upper torso tissue in wearable cardiac devices

Publication Date: 2025.02.20 ZOLL MEDICAL CORPORATION

AI summary

An ambulatory patient monitoring and treatment device configured to be worn continuously is provided. The device includes sensing electrodes, therapy electrodes, and cardioprotective apparel for wear about the torso. The cardioprotective apparel includes a cardioactive band configured to support the sensing electrodes and anterior therapy electrode(s) such that, when worn, the sensing electrodes are disposed on predetermined sensing anatomical regions and the anterior therapy electrode(s) are disposed on an anterior therapy electrode placement region. The cardioprotective apparel also includes at least two shoulder harnesses. Each of the at least two shoulder harnesses includes a force applicator having an elasticity configured to shift breast tissue away from at least one sensing anatomical region and/or the anterior therapy electrode placement region, thereby facilitating the anterior therapy electrode(s) and the sensing electrodes in lying flush with a patient's skin. The device also includes a controller and associated circuitry operably connected to the electrodes.