Medical Electrode Self-Lifting Tab via Shrinkable Layer

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Solution Overview

Problem

The placement and attachment of multiple medical electrodes for diagnostic and monitoring applications are time-consuming and require dexterity, as existing electrodes do not facilitate easy handling and connection.

Innovation Solution

A medical electrode design featuring a shrinkable layer attached to a backing layer, which causes the electrode to flex towards the practitioner, simplifying placement and attachment by automatically lifting a tab for easier handling and electrical connection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If traditional medical electrodes are used without self-lifting tabs, then the electrode structure remains simple and stable, but the placement and attachment process becomes time-consuming and requires significant practitioner dexterity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of electrode placement and attachmentVSAvoidtime required for electrode placement and attachment

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The shrinkable layer is pre-applied to the backing layer during manufacturing, but the actual lifting action is deferred until use. When the practitioner applies heat (e.g., from body heat or external source), the shrinkable layer automatically shrinks and lifts the tab, performing the lifting action in advance of the connection step, thereby reducing the time and dexterity required during the actual placement procedure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The electrode structure is designed to be self-actuating through the shrinkable layer's automatic response to thermal stimulus. The tab automatically lifts itself when exposed to heat, eliminating the need for the practitioner to manually manipulate or lift the tab, thereby reducing the dexterity requirement and time needed for electrode attachment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Productivity

If a shrinkable layer is added to create self-lifting tabs, then electrode placement and attachment become easier and faster, but the device structure and manufacturing complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveefficiency of electrode placement and attachmentVSAvoidcomplexity of electrode structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The shrinkable layer is applied only to specific portions of the backing layer where tabs are located, rather than covering the entire electrode surface. This localized application adds the self-lifting function only where needed, minimizing the increase in overall device complexity while achieving the productivity improvement in tab manipulation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The electrode incorporates a composite structure combining the backing layer with a shrinkable layer having different thermal properties. This composite material approach enables the self-lifting functionality through material selection rather than complex mechanical mechanisms, thereby improving productivity without excessively increasing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Ease of operation

If the backing layer is made more flexible to enable lifting, then the tab can be easily manipulated, but the structural stability and support of the electrode may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of tab manipulationVSAvoidstructural stability of electrode

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The backing layer is segmented into different regions with different flexibility requirements. The shrinkable layer is applied only to the tab portions that need to be lifted, while the main body of the backing layer maintains its original stiffness for structural stability. This segmentation allows easy tab manipulation without compromising overall electrode structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 self-lifting tab design reduces the time and effort required for electrode placement and attachment, enhancing efficiency and reducing the risk of damage or contamination.

Implementation Method 1

Shrinkage of the shrinkable layer causes a portion of the backing layer to flex, or bend, in a direction toward the shrinkable layer

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal contraction: Thermal Contraction

Data Source

PatentUS8428684B2Medical electrode with self-lifting tabs

Publication Date: 2013.04.23 KPR U S LLC

AI summary

A medical electrode includes a backing layer having a top face and a bottom face, and a shrinkable layer covering at least a portion of the top face of the backing layer. Shrinkage of the shrinkable layer results in flexing of a portion of the backing layer to aid placement and attachment of the electrode to the patient.