Magnetic Swappable Electronics for Skin-Contacting ECG Patches
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current medical monitoring devices, such as patches for ECG, EEG, and EMG, face challenges in long-term use due to adhesive-related skin trauma, limited replaceability of electronics, and interference issues during activities like swimming or medical scanning.
Innovation Solution
A wireless patch system with a magnetic interface that allows for the easy removal and replacement of electronics, including a battery and radio, without disturbing the skin-contacting electrodes, using a flexible substrate and ferromagnetic connections for alignment and secure attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If the entire patch is removed and reapplied to a different site, then skin trauma from adhesive removal is avoided, but signal consistency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patch is divided into two separable components: a skin-contacting portion with electrodes that remains on the patient, and an electronic portion containing the battery, radio, and circuitry that can be removed and replaced. This segmentation allows the electrodes to stay on the skin for consistent signal acquisition while the electronic components can be swapped without removing the adhesive patch from the patient's body.
2Reliability
If the electronics are made replaceable to prevent damage during swimming or bathing, then device reliability improves, but connection stability between interface and electronic member deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical connection system is replaced with a magnetic connection system. Ferromagnetic materials are embedded in both the interface and the electronic member, creating a magnetic attraction force that securely holds the electronic member to the interface. This magnetic connection provides both easy replaceability (by simply pulling the electronic member away) and stable connection (through continuous magnetic attraction), resolving the contradiction between replaceability and connection stability.
3Reliability
If magnetic contact strength is increased to secure electronic member attachment, then connection reliability improves, but ease of removal and replacement deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic connection parameters are optimized to provide an intermediate strength that balances secure attachment with easy removal. The magnetic force is strong enough to hold the electronic member firmly during normal use and prevent accidental detachment, but weak enough to allow intentional removal by applying moderate force. This parameter optimization resolves the contradiction between connection reliability and ease of replacement.
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
Enables consistent and trauma-free long-term monitoring by allowing for the replacement of electronics without removing the skin electrodes, reducing discomfort and interference, and maintaining reliable signal collection during patient movement and medical procedures.
Implementation Method 1
The magnetic contact can be adaptable to slidably align and position the electronic member with respect to the interface
Implementation Method 2
The ferromagnetic metal can be located on the interface and form a connection with a magnet that is part of the electronic member
Data Source
AI summary
Provided herein is an electrode device comprising an interface comprising at least one magnetic contact. The interface can be adaptable to be in communication with an electronic member, wherein the magnetic contact on the interface is adaptable to align and position the electronic member with respect to the interface. The interface can be further adaptable to remain affixed to a patient while an electronic member is removed and/or inserted from the interface. Further provided herein are methods of using the electrode device and kits.