Medical Electrode Layering for Current Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medical electrodes with multiple layers of different materials face issues where electrical currents from the layer with a lower electrochemical potential window directly flow toward the target living tissue, limiting the potential of the layer with a higher electrochemical potential window, and existing insulating solutions are not effective in preventing such direct flow due to detachment or fluid permeation.
Innovation Solution
A medical electrode design with a first layer made of nanoporous reduced Graphene Oxide encapsulating a second layer, an electrically insulating layer covering the second layer, and an electrically conductive but water-impermeable additional layer interposed between the first and second layers, along with an insulating material encapsulating connecting tracks and vias to prevent direct current flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an electrically insulating layer is provided to prevent direct flow of electrical current from the second layer toward the target living tissue, then the electrochemical potential window of the first layer is preserved, but the insulating layer may detach or allow fluid permeation creating bypass paths
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a nested multi-layer structure where the first electrode layer is positioned over the second electrode layer, the electrically insulating layer covers both electrode layers, and the seal layer is positioned over the insulating layer. This nested arrangement ensures that each layer is contained and protected by the subsequent layers, preventing detachment and fluid permeation while maintaining the electrical insulation function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a composite structure combining multiple materials with different properties: a conductive material for the first electrode layer, a material with lower electrochemical potential window for the second electrode layer, an electrically insulating material for the insulating layer, and a seal material for the seal layer. This composite approach allows each layer to perform its specific function while working together to prevent current bypass and fluid penetration.
2Power
If a second layer with lower electrochemical potential window is used to provide electrical connection, then electrical conductivity is ensured, but it limits the overall electrochemical potential window of the electrode
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the electrical connection function to the second electrode layer while isolating it from direct contact with the target living tissue. By positioning the first electrode layer over the second layer and covering both with an electrically insulating layer, the second layer's conductivity is utilized without allowing it to directly interface with tissue, thus preventing it from limiting the overall electrochemical potential window.
Solution Approach 2:
The first electrode layer acts as an intermediary between the second electrode layer and the target living tissue. It provides the electrochemical interface with the tissue while the second layer provides electrical connection through the first layer. The electrically insulating layer further mediates by preventing direct current flow from the second layer to the tissue, allowing the system to benefit from both layers' properties without the drawbacks.
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
Effectively prevents direct electrical current flow from the second layer with a lower electrochemical potential window to the target tissue, maintaining electrical connection while blocking water and bodily fluids, thus preserving the potential of the first layer.
Implementation Method 1
an electrically conductive but water-impermeable additional layer interposed between the first and second layers
Implementation Method 2
Each of the materials has its own maximum current, which depends on the maximum electrochemical potential window for that specific material
Implementation Method 3
Effectively prevents direct electrical current flow from the second layer with a lower electrochemical potential window to the target tissue, maintaining electrical connection while blocking water and bodily fluids
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a medical electrode (100), including: a first layer (10) made of a first material having a first electrochemical potential window, especially a first charge injection limit, and at least one second layer (12) made of a second material having a second electrochemical potential window, especially a second charge injection limit, wherein the first layer (10) and the second layer (12) are located on a base substrate (14), wherein the second electrochemical potential window is lower than the first electrochemical potential window, and wherein the first layer (10) is provided on top of the second layer (12) and encapsulates the second layer (12), so that no electrical current directly flows from the second layer (12) toward a target tissue.