Hydrogel Electrode Sensor with Integrated Adhesive and Conductive Functions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrode sensors have a large footprint and require conductive pastes that leave residues, making them inconvenient for electrophysiological testing applications like EEG, EMG, and ECG, as they are difficult to apply and remove, especially on hairy skin areas.
Innovation Solution
A compact electrode sensor with a hydrogel pellet that serves as both a conductive and adhesive element, housed in a flexible receptacle with flange elements for easy application and removal, eliminating the need for conductive pastes and reducing exposure to the atmosphere.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of moving object
If traditional electrode sensors with conductive paste are used, then electrical signal collection is achieved, but the footprint is large and residue is left on skin making removal difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the conductive function and adhesive function into a single hydrogel material. The hydrogel contains conductive particles dispersed in an adhesive polymer matrix, eliminating the need for separate conductive paste application and reducing the electrode footprint while maintaining both electrical conductivity and skin adhesion.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrode utilizes a composite hydrogel material consisting of conductive particles (such as silver, silver chloride, or carbon black) dispersed within an adhesive polymer matrix (such as polyacrylonitrile or carboxymethyl cellulose). This composite structure provides both electrical conductivity and adhesive properties in a single integrated material layer.
2Reliability
If conductive paste is used for electrical conduction, then signal collection is effective, but residue is left on skin requiring cleanup
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the conductive particles and adhesive polymer into a single hydrogel matrix that is applied as one uniform layer. This integrated approach eliminates the separate conductive paste that would otherwise require cleanup, as the entire electrode material can be cleanly removed from the skin without leaving residue.
Solution Approach 2:
The hydrogel material undergoes parameter changes in its physical state during application and removal. When applied, the hydrogel is in a soft, conformable state that adheres to skin. After use, the adhesive bonds can be broken by stretching or peeling, allowing clean removal without residue. The material's viscoelastic properties enable this reversible bonding behavior.
3Ease of manufacture
If hydrogel is exposed to atmosphere, then application is simple, but hydrogel dehydrates and loses conductivity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flexible barrier film or encapsulation layer that covers the hydrogel conductor when not in use. This thin film barrier prevents atmospheric exposure and dehydration of the hydrogel, maintaining its electrical conductivity and adhesive properties during storage and transport while allowing simple application when the barrier is removed.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrode is pre-packaged with the hydrogel conductor protected by a barrier film that prevents dehydration before application. This preliminary protective action ensures the hydrogel maintains its optimal conductive and adhesive properties until the moment of use, when the barrier is simply peeled away for application.
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 compact design and hydrogel pellet ensure efficient signal collection with reduced residue and ease of use, even on hairy skin, while protecting the hydrogel from dehydration and environmental exposure.
Implementation Method 1
hydrogel at least partially covering the conductive sensor area, wherein the hydrogel is conductive
Implementation Method 2
the hydrogel is conductive and adheres to skin
Data Source
AI summary
An electrode sensor is provided. The electrode sensor can include a conductive sensor area that is at least partially covered by hydrogel. The hydrogel can be conductive and adhere to skin. A receptacle can form an open container surrounding the conductive sensor area and the hydrogel.