Flexible Patch Electrode Connector for Reliable Bio-Signal Attachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bio-signal measurement devices face challenges in achieving reliable and mechanical fixation with disposable patch electrode arrangements, often requiring complex electromechanical parts that include metal components and assembled electrical connectors.
Innovation Solution
A bio-signal receiving device with a flexible patch electrode structure that employs a first mechanical connector with an asymmetrical plate structure and a second mechanical connector with an asymmetrical hole and wedge structure, allowing for secure and repeatable attachment and detachment without the need for complex electromechanical parts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If complex electromechanical parts with metal components and assembled electrical connectors are used to connect the bio-signal receiving device with the patch electrode arrangement, then reliable electrical and mechanical connection is achieved, but the device complexity and structural sophistication increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the complex electromechanical parts, metal components, and assembled electrical connectors from the connection system. Instead, it uses a simplified single-piece plastic connector structure that integrates both mechanical attachment and electrical connection functions, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining connection reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the mechanical connector and electrical connector functions into a single integrated plastic component. The connector structure combines mechanical attachment features (lugs, slots, engagement protrusions) with electrical contact elements (contact pieces, springs) in one unified piece, eliminating the need for separate electromechanical assemblies
2Reliability
If complex electromechanical parts are used for connecting the bio-signal receiving device, then secure connection is achieved, but the manufacturing process becomes more difficult and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes complex electromechanical components and multi-step assembly processes from the manufacturing workflow. The single-piece plastic connector can be manufactured using injection molding or similar processes, significantly simplifying production compared to assembling multiple metal and electrical components
Solution Approach 2:
By combining mechanical and electrical connector functions into one component, the patent reduces the number of parts to be manufactured and assembled. This integration streamlines the manufacturing process, reduces assembly steps, and lowers production costs while maintaining connection security
3Ease of manufacture
If disposable patch electrode arrangements are used with non-disposable bio-signal measurement devices, then cost-effectiveness is improved, but the connection and attachment structure becomes more complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the system into disposable (patch electrode arrangement) and non-disposable (bio-signal receiving device) components, allowing the expensive parts to be reused while the consumable parts are discarded. The simplified connector design makes this segmentation practical by enabling easy attachment and detachment without complex electromechanical interfaces
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the complexity from the connection structure, eliminating the need for sophisticated electromechanical parts that would be required to support disposable arrangements. The simple plastic connector structure enables cost-effective disposable usage while avoiding the complexity that would otherwise be necessary
Data Source
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AI summary
A first mechanical connection part (100) associated with a bio-signal receiving device (200) is connected with a second mechanical connection part (102) of a flexible patch electrode structure (18). An asymmetrical plate structure (114) of a first mechanical connection part (100) is inserted through a correspondingly asymmetrical hole (152) of the second mechanical connection part (102) of a flexible patch electrode structure (18). The asymmetrical plate structure (114) is integrated with a bar (112) and another side of the bar (112) being coupled with a plane arrangement (110) of the first mechanical connection part (100). The asymmetrical plate structure (114) and the plane arrangement (110) having a non-zero distance therebetween. Connection and orientation between the first mechanical connector (100) and the second connection part (102) is limited to those with acceptance of the asymmetry. The bio-signal receiving device (200) and the flexible patch electrode structure (18) are rotated with respect to each other round a rotational axis (RA) that is parallel to a longitudinal axis (LA) of the at least one bar (112) in order to move an upper surface (114) of the asymmetrical plate structure (114) against the flat structure (150), the lower surface (116) facing the plane arrangement (110), and the rotation causing a mechanical and electrical connection between the bio-signal receiving device (200) and the flexible patch electrode structure (18).