Modular Waterproof Defibrillator Electrodes With Replaceable Conductive Gel
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cardiac monitoring and treatment devices, such as defibrillators, often require single-use therapy electrodes due to conductive gel evaporation, limiting reuse and necessitating frequent replacement, and lack waterproofing for continuous use during activities like bathing or showering.
Innovation Solution
A modular, waterproof therapeutic electrode component with a reusable enclosure and fluid deployment device, allowing conductive fluid release onto the skin to reduce impedance, and featuring removable circuitry for easy servicing and replacement of expired or defective parts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If single-use therapy electrodes with conductive gel are used, then electrical therapy can be delivered to the subject, but the electrodes must be replaced frequently due to conductive gel evaporation and cannot be reused
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode system is divided into separate reusable components (electrode body, circuitry enclosure) and replaceable consumable components (conductive gel reservoir). This segmentation allows the gel reservoir to be replaced independently when depleted, while the main electrode structure can be reused, thereby resolving the contradiction between maintaining electrode functionality and enabling reuse.
Solution Approach 2:
The conductive gel is contained in a replaceable reservoir that can be discarded when depleted, while the electrode body and circuitry are recovered and reused. This principle directly addresses the contradiction by separating the consumable gel from the reusable electrode structure, allowing frequent gel replacement without discarding the entire electrode system.
2Ease of operation
If traditional non-waterproof electrodes are used, then therapy delivery is possible, but the devices cannot be used during water exposure activities like bathing or showering
Solution Approach 1:
The circuitry is enclosed in a waterproof enclosure that protects internal components from water ingress while allowing the electrode to function during water exposure activities. This waterproof barrier enables usage flexibility during bathing or showering without compromising the electrical therapy delivery capability.
3Ease of manufacture
If integrated non-modular electrode design is used, then device structure is simple, but servicing and replacement of expired parts requires complete device replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode system is segmented into modular components including a reusable electrode body with circuitry and replaceable gel reservoirs. This modular architecture enables selective replacement of only the expired gel reservoir while retaining the functional electrode body and circuitry, improving ease of repair without significantly complicating the overall device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrode system transitions from a static integrated design to a dynamic modular design where components can be independently replaced. The gel reservoir is designed as a separate replaceable unit that can be serviced without affecting the rest of the electrode system, enabling flexible maintenance while maintaining manufacturing simplicity.
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 the reuse of therapy electrode components, provides continuous monitoring and therapy during water exposure, and reduces waste by allowing non-destructive disassembly and replacement of worn parts, enhancing cost-effectiveness and usability.
Implementation Method 1
a gas generator configured to supply pressurized gas to the reservoir
Implementation Method 2
the conductive fluid onto the conductive surface to reduce electrical impedance between the conductive surface and skin of a subject
Data Source
AI summary
A modular waterproof therapeutic electrode component for preventing water ingress and for easy servicing. The component comprises a substrate comprising a conductive surface, a reservoir of conductive fluid mounted on the substrate, a reusable waterproof enclosure comprising circuitry, the reusable waterproof enclosure comprising circuitry configured to be removably coupled to the substrate, and a fluid deployment device in electrical communication with the circuitry and mounted on the substrate, the fluid deployment device configured to cause the reservoir to release the conductive fluid onto the conductive surface to reduce electrical impedance between the conductive surface and skin of a subject.