Garment-Integrated Dry Electrode for Long-Term NMES Therapy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrodes for neuro muscular electrical stimulation (NMES) require manual application and removal, limiting the number of therapy sessions and causing skin irritation, especially for immobile patients needing long-term therapy.
Innovation Solution
A dry electrode integrated with a garment, comprising a layered structure with a polymeric interface layer, a conductive layer, and a silicone encapsulation layer with higher impedance, allowing for long-term wear without skin irritation and enabling automatic NMES sessions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual application and removal of electrodes is used, then ease of operation is improved, but productivity deteriorates due to limited number of therapy sessions
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode is merged with the garment to form an integrated unit. The garment serves as both the wearable item and the electrode carrier, eliminating the need for separate electrode application. This integration allows the electrode to remain in place during multiple therapy sessions without manual reapplication, thereby increasing productivity while maintaining ease of use.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrode is pre-positioned on the garment during manufacturing, so that when the garment is worn, the electrode is already in the correct position for therapy. This preliminary placement eliminates the need for manual positioning during each therapy session, enabling multiple sessions without repetitive manual intervention and thus improving productivity.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If manual removal of electrodes is performed, then skin irritation is reduced, but loss of time increases due to repeated mounting and removal
Solution Approach 1:
By combining the electrode with the garment, the system eliminates the repeated cycle of manual removal and reapplication. The integrated design allows the electrode to remain in place throughout the therapy period without causing skin irritation from frequent handling, while simultaneously reducing the time lost to mounting and removal operations.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If electrodes are removed after each session, then skin irritation is prevented, but device complexity increases due to manual intervention requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The garment-electrode integration system is designed to be self-sustaining through multiple therapy sessions without requiring manual intervention for electrode management. The system serves itself by maintaining proper electrode positioning and eliminating the need for repeated manual removal and reapplication, thereby reducing operational complexity while preventing skin irritation.
4Adaptability or versatility
If thin and resilient layered structure is used, then adaptability is improved for garment stretching, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode is constructed using thin, flexible layers that can stretch and deform with the garment without losing electrical functionality or structural integrity. These thin films maintain adaptability to various garment configurations and stretching movements. While manufacturing precision is required to ensure proper layer alignment and electrical continuity, the use of flexible materials allows for tolerance in dimensional variations, balancing precision requirements with adaptability.
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 integrated dry electrode facilitates efficient NMES therapy over extended periods with minimal patient disturbance and reduced personnel intervention, preserving muscle mass and preventing edema.
Implementation Method 1
the third layer comprises a rubber material, such as silicone, with electrically conductive particles therein, so as to provide a higher electrical impedance than the second layer
Implementation Method 2
a first layer comprising a polymeric material, wherein the first layer has a lower side serving to adhere to the garment
Data Source
AI summary
The invention provides a dry electrode integrated with a garment to be worn by a subject, e.g. a compression stocking. The dry electrode is formed by a layered structure with at least three layers. A first layer of a polyurethane material with a lower side serving to adhere to the garment. A second layer of an electrically conductive material is arranged on. e.g. printed on, an upper side of the first layer. A third layer is in contact with the skin of the subject when wearing the garment. The third layer provides a higher electrical impedance than the second layer, is in contact with the second layer and covers an area large enough to cover both of the first and second layers, so that an edge portion of the third layer adheres directly to the garment. The dry electrode is suitable for neuromuscular electrical stimulation.