Laser-Patterned Medical Electrode Without Detachable Coatings
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Solution Overview
Problem
Medical electrodes with high double layer capacitance coatings face adhesion issues, leading to potential inflammation in body tissue, and existing electrode preparation processes are energy-intensive and costly.
Innovation Solution
A monolithic substrate electrode with a continuous pattern of hollow lines formed by laser ablation, eliminating the need for coatings and simplifying the preparation process using a laser fume and/or laser dust removal system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If low impedance coatings such as TiN or fractal Ir-coatings are applied on the electrode surface to increase double layer capacitance, then the charge storage capacity is improved, but the coating adhesion deteriorates leading to potential detachment and inflammation in body tissue
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the coating layer entirely and instead creates a continuous pattern directly on the monolithic electrode surface through laser ablation. This extracts the problematic coating component while retaining the functional benefit of increased double layer capacitance through the patterned surface structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the chemical/coating-based approach with a laser-based physical process. Laser ablation creates the continuous pattern by removing material in a controlled manner, substituting the coating deposition process with a direct surface structuring method that integrates the pattern into the base material.
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple materials and complex assembly steps are used to create structured electrodes, then the electrical properties can be improved, but the manufacturing complexity and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into a single monolithic electrode structure. The continuous pattern is created directly on the electrode surface through laser ablation, merging the electrode base material and the functional pattern into one integrated component, eliminating separate coating and assembly steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical assembly processes with laser-based direct structuring. The continuous pattern is formed in-situ on the electrode surface through laser ablation, substituting multi-step mechanical assembly and coating processes with a single laser processing step.
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 electrode achieves excellent charge storage capacity and electrical properties while minimizing the risk of coating detachment and inflammation, and the process is energy-efficient and cost-effective.
Implementation Method 1
b) continuously laser ablating the at least one surface to obtain a continuous pattern
Data Source
Figure 1A~1D
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
The present invention refers to an electrode for a medical device comprising a monolithic substrate having at least one surface comprising a continuous pattern, wherein the continuous pattern is formed by at least one set of hollow lines, and wherein the at least one set of hollow lines forms the boundaries of repeating elements. The present invention further relates to a medical device comprising the electrode according to the invention, and to a process for preparing the electrode according to the invention.