Mono-layer Electrode Sensor with Trimmed Geometry
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current electrode sensors are not optimally suited for collecting electrophysiological signals from various anatomical sites due to suboptimal geometry and sensing area configurations, leading to inefficiencies in applications like EEG, EOG, EMG, fEMG, ERG, and VEP testing, and are often costly and uncomfortable for patients.
Innovation Solution
A flexible, conductive mono-layer electrode sensor with a large curvilinear or rectangular shape, enhanced with Ag/AgCl treatment, and covered with bio-compatible hydrogel, allowing for customization by medical professionals to match specific anatomical sites, thereby improving signal collection and patient comfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a disposal snap skin electrode with standard geometry is used, then the electrode is low cost and easy to manufacture, but the geometry is suboptimal for testing certain body structures and the sensing area is too small
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode sensor allows dynamic adjustment of its sensing area through trimming by a medical professional. The conductive film can be cut to custom shapes and sizes to match different anatomical structures, transforming a static standard geometry into a dynamically adaptable configuration for various testing applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the parameters of the electrode by allowing modification of the conductive film's shape, size, and sensing area configuration. This enables the same base electrode structure to be adapted for different anatomical sites and testing requirements without changing the fundamental manufacturing process.
2Ease of manufacture
If a disposal snap skin electrode with small sensing area is used, then the electrode is low cost, but the sensing area is not advantageous for testing certain body structures
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode sensor allows dynamic adjustment of its sensing area through trimming by a medical professional. The conductive film can be cut to custom shapes and sizes to match different anatomical structures, transforming a static standard geometry into a dynamically adaptable configuration for various testing applications.
3Measurement precision
If a contact lens encapsulated electrode is used, then the electrode is physically close to the source of retinal ERG energy, but the electrode has high per unit cost due to complex encapsulated manufacturing method
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces expensive, complex, reusable contact lens encapsulated electrodes with a simple, disposable electrode sensor. The disposable nature eliminates the need for complex sterilization and manufacturing processes while maintaining effective signal collection through the large, flexible conductive film that can be placed close to the target anatomy.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses a flexible conductive film instead of a rigid contact lens structure. This thin film can be easily shaped, trimmed, and placed close to the target body structure, achieving effective signal collection without the complexity of lens encapsulation and precious metal construction.
4Measurement precision
If a contact lens encapsulated electrode with circular sensing area is used, then the electrode is good for ERG testing, but the sensing area is not optimal for testing other body structures
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode sensor allows dynamic adjustment of its sensing area through trimming by a medical professional. The conductive film can be cut to custom shapes and sizes to match different anatomical structures, transforming a static standard geometry into a dynamically adaptable configuration for various testing applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates a universal electrode sensor that can be adapted for multiple testing applications (ERG, EEG, EOG, EMG, fEMG, VEP) by simply trimming the conductive film to different shapes and sizes, replacing the need for different specialized electrodes for different applications.
5Measurement precision
If a precious metal thread or loop electrode is used, then the electrode effectively eliminates the insulating characteristics of the eyelid for ERG signal collection, but the electrode has high per unit cost and may require topical anesthesia
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces expensive, invasive precious metal thread electrodes with a simple, disposable electrode sensor that uses a flexible conductive film. This eliminates the need for inserting threads into the eyelid and reduces patient discomfort while maintaining effective signal collection.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses a flexible conductive film instead of rigid precious metal threads. This thin film can be placed on the skin surface without requiring insertion or anesthesia, eliminating the harmful effects of invasive procedures while maintaining close proximity to the target anatomy for effective signal collection.
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 sensor effectively collects small microvolt electrical signals from multiple anatomical sites with enhanced sensitivity and comfort, reducing the need for precise placement indicators and minimizing patient discomfort, while being cost-effective for disposable use.
Implementation Method 1
a conductive mono-layer electrode sensor treated with silver/silver chloride
Implementation Method 2
covered with bio-compatible hydrogel
Data Source
AI summary
A mono-layer electrode sensor suitable for a multitude of electrophysiology testing applications is disclosed. The electrode sensor can include a mono-layer of conductive film shaped with a soft-form geometry that is modifiable to a targeted size tailored to a patient. The conductive film includes a sensing area that is complementary to a size and morphology of a body structure of the patient. The conductive film can have a connector coupled to the sensor, and the skin adherent side can have a bio-compatible hydrogel coated there over including a non-conductive material formed over the connector portion of the conductive film.