Multi-Plane Electrode Belt for 3D Impedance Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electrical impedance tomography systems are limited to generating two-dimensional images within a single plane of electrodes, which restricts the ability to monitor regions outside the electrode planes effectively, limiting the accuracy and completeness of impedance measurements.
Innovation Solution
The system employs an electrode belt with electrodes arranged in multiple vertically spaced planes, along with a data acquisition system that injects excitation currents and measures voltage responses, using finite element meshes and reconstruction matrices to generate images for regions both within and outside the electrode planes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If electrodes are arranged in a single plane, then the device complexity is reduced and ease of manufacture is improved, but the measurement precision and imaging completeness for regions outside the electrode plane deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from conventional single-plane (2D) electrode arrangement to multi-plane (3D) electrode configuration. Multiple electrode planes are stacked vertically with spacing between them, enabling impedance measurements to be performed on regions both within and outside the original electrode planes. This dimensional expansion allows reconstruction of impedance values in three-dimensional space, significantly improving measurement precision for regions previously inaccessible to single-plane systems.
2Loss of information
If electrodes are arranged in multiple vertically spaced planes, then the imaging completeness and measurement accuracy for regions outside electrode planes are improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode system is divided into multiple discrete electrode planes, each functioning as an independent measurement layer. Each plane contains complete sets of electrodes that can be manufactured and tested separately before assembly. This segmentation allows for modular manufacturing, where each plane can be produced using standard single-plane techniques, then stacked and connected to form the complete multi-plane system, thereby reducing overall manufacturing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple electrode planes are nested vertically within a compact assembly structure. The planes are stacked one above another with controlled spacing, creating a compact three-dimensional electrode array. This nested configuration allows the multi-plane system to be manufactured by assembling smaller, manageable components into a complete unit, making the manufacturing process more manageable despite the increased complexity of having multiple planes.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional single-plane electrodes are used, then the device structure is simple and ease of operation is maintained, but the ability to monitor regions outside electrode planes is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The multi-plane electrode system serves multiple functions: it can monitor impedance within each individual electrode plane and simultaneously monitor impedance in regions between and outside the planes. The system provides universal coverage for three-dimensional impedance imaging, making it adaptable to various monitoring needs without requiring separate systems for different regions, thereby enhancing versatility while maintaining a unified operational interface.
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 enables the reconstruction of detailed, multi-dimensional images that provide real-time monitoring of impedance values outside the electrode planes, enhancing the accuracy and completeness of impedance tomography imaging.
Implementation Method 1
Electrical impedance tomography (EIT) is an imaging technique involving the positioning electrodes via an electrode belt placed around a region of a patient's body, injecting electrical excitation signals through a pair of electrodes, and measuring the induced response signals detected by the other electrodes
Data Source
AI summary
Electrical impedance tomography devices and systems having a multi-dimensional electrode arrangement are disclosed including a related method for operating the devices and systems. The reconstructed images may correspond to the planes of the multi-dimensional electrode arrangements as well as one or more images corresponding to a region outside of the electrode planes. Such reconstruction may be performed by application of a finite element mesh having multiple layers defined for the different regions for generating the images.