Multi-Electrode Mounting Tool for Bioimpedance Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for measuring moisture in a living body using bioelectrical impedance methods face inaccuracies due to varying current penetration depths depending on electrode placement, which can miss moisture in specific body locations, such as in pulmonary edema cases.
Innovation Solution
A mounting tool with multiple electrodes and a body shape estimation unit that determines the optimal electrode combination based on the user's body shape, using a tightening mechanism or expansion sensors to ensure accurate current penetration for impedance measurement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single electrode connection position is used for impedance measurement, then the device structure is simple, but the current penetration depth is insufficient to reach moisture storage positions in the living body
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the electrode system into multiple discrete electrodes (first electrode, second electrode, third electrode, fourth electrode) positioned at different locations on the mounting tool. This segmentation allows the current to be applied through multiple paths, increasing the penetration depth and coverage area to reach moisture storage positions in the living body that would be inaccessible with a single electrode connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic selection of electrode combinations based on estimated body shape. The control unit dynamically determines which electrode combination to use by referencing stored body shape information, allowing the system to adapt the measurement configuration to match the user's anatomy and optimize current penetration to the specific moisture storage location.
2Measurement precision
If electrode connection position is fixed, then the device operation is simple, but the current may not reach the position where moisture is contained in the living body
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary estimation of the user's body shape and stores this information in advance. The control unit references this pre-stored body shape information to automatically determine the appropriate electrode combination, eliminating the need for manual electrode selection during operation and simplifying the user interface while maintaining high measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the estimated body shape information is used to adjust and optimize the electrode combination selection. The system continuously references the stored body shape data to determine the most appropriate electrode configuration for accurate moisture measurement, creating a closed-loop system that adapts to individual user anatomy.
3Length of stationary object
If multiple electrodes are used for impedance measurement, then the current penetration depth increases, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions electrodes at specific locations on the mounting tool to optimize current penetration to particular body regions. Each electrode is placed at a predetermined position that corresponds to specific anatomical landmarks, allowing the current to penetrate to the appropriate depth and reach moisture storage positions in the living body while maintaining a relatively simple overall device structure.
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
This approach allows for more accurate measurement of moisture in the body by selecting the most suitable electrode combination for each user's anatomy, enhancing diagnostic precision.
Implementation Method 1
an expansion and contraction sensor configured to output an electric signal corresponding to an amount of expansion and contraction of the mounting tool
Implementation Method 2
a tightening portion that tightens at least a part of the mounting tool
Implementation Method 3
Devices for measuring moisture contained in a living body by causing current to flow therethrough to measure its impedance
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a mounting tool that is capable of executing measurement processing of impedance of a living body by applying a current to the living body and that is capable of being mounted on a user, the mounting tool including: three or more electrodes; a body shape estimation unit configured to estimate a body shape of the user mounted with the mounting tool; and a control unit configured to determine a combination of electrodes to be used for measuring the impedance of the living body among the three or more electrodes based on the body shape of the user estimated by the body shape estimation unit.