Hexagonal Electrode Array for Electrical Impedance Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current electrical impedance imaging techniques using rectangular grids of electrodes require physical rotation to achieve rotational resolutions less than 90°, limiting measurement precision and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus and method employing electrodes arranged on an electrode carrier with a unit of repetition that has an angle of rotational symmetry less than 90°, allowing for rotational displacement without physical rotation, enabling finer resolution and flexible measurement patterns for improved imaging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If electrodes are arranged in a rectangular grid, then the electrode carrier structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but rotational resolution less than 90° requires physical rotation of the electrode carrier
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by using a hexagonal grid pattern instead of a symmetric rectangular grid. The hexagonal arrangement with units of repetition having rotational symmetry of 60° (less than 90°) enables rotational resolution without requiring physical rotation of the electrode carrier, thus improving measurement precision while maintaining structural simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a two-dimensional rectangular grid to a two-dimensional hexagonal grid, changing the geometric dimensionality of the electrode arrangement. This dimensional change in the grid pattern enables rotational resolution through the inherent rotational symmetry of the hexagon rather than requiring physical rotation in the third dimension
2Measurement precision
If physical rotation of electrode carrier is used to achieve rotational resolution, then measurement precision is improved, but imaging speed is reduced due to mechanical rotation requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical rotation system with a static hexagonal electrode arrangement. Instead of physically rotating the electrode carrier to achieve rotational resolution, the hexagonal grid's inherent rotational symmetry of 60° provides the necessary rotational information through electrode positioning alone, eliminating mechanical movement and improving imaging speed
3Measurement precision
If more electrodes are used to improve resolution, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and number of electrodes increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the electrode arrangement into repeating hexagonal units of repetition. Each unit contains a specific number of electrodes arranged in a hexagonal pattern, and these units tile the entire electrode carrier surface. This segmentation allows for systematic electrode placement that improves resolution while controlling the total number of electrodes through the repeating pattern
Solution Approach 2:
The hexagonal unit of repetition serves multiple functions: it provides rotational symmetry for angular resolution, defines the spatial distribution of electrodes for imaging, and creates a self-repeating pattern that efficiently covers the entire electrode carrier. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional electrodes while maintaining high resolution
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 approach enhances the resolution and speed of electrical impedance imaging by allowing for non-rotational electrode positioning, facilitating comparison and detailed examination of regions with reduced electrode numbers and increased imaging speed.
Implementation Method 1
The measured values of the voltage depend on the electrical impedance of the body tissue
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for electrical impedance imaging has electrodes arranged on an electrode carrier in an arrangement including a unit of repetition. The unit of repetition repeats over the electrode carrier and has an angle of rotational symmetry less than 90°. Specifically, the unit of repetition is an equilateral triangle or a hexagon.