Permeable Electrode Array for Stable Skin Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current electrode systems for electrical stimulation and biosignal detection suffer from inadequate contact, non-robust impedance characteristics, and subject discomfort, limiting their effectiveness across multiple paradigms.
Innovation Solution
A new electrode system featuring an array of permeable bodies that absorb and deliver a solution for electrical coupling, combined with a housing and electronics subsystem, providing a robust and non-invasive interface for electrical stimulation and biosignal detection, with optional invasive capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional electrode systems are used for electrical stimulation, then the device structure is simple, but the contact between electrode and subject is inadequate and impedance characteristics are non-robust
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode system is divided into multiple discrete electrodes arranged in an array, with each electrode being independently controllable. This segmentation allows for selective activation of specific electrode regions to match the spatial distribution of target nerves or muscles, improving contact reliability while enabling sophisticated stimulation patterns.
Solution Approach 2:
A conductive gel or electrolyte solution is introduced as an intermediary medium between the electrodes and the subject's skin or tissue. This intermediary enhances electrical coupling, reduces contact impedance, and ensures robust electrical connection, directly addressing the inadequate contact problem of traditional electrodes.
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional electrode systems are used, then the system is easy to operate, but subject discomfort occurs and versatility across multiple paradigms is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode array system is designed to support multiple stimulation paradigms including transcranial electrical stimulation, peripheral nerve stimulation, and muscle stimulation. The same physical electrode array can be configured for different applications by selectively activating specific electrode combinations, providing universal functionality across multiple paradigms while maintaining ease of operation through automated configuration protocols.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs dynamic control of electrode activation patterns, allowing real-time adjustment of which electrodes are active and at what intensity levels. This dynamic capability enables adaptation to different stimulation paradigms and subject responses, enhancing versatility while maintaining ease of operation through programmable control sequences.
3Reliability
If multiple electrodes are used to improve contact and impedance characteristics, then electrical connection reliability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple individual electrodes are integrated into a single unified electrode array structure that functions as one cohesive unit. The electrodes are combined on a common substrate or housing, allowing them to be applied and controlled together while maintaining individual electrical independence. This merging approach achieves reliable electrical connection through multiple contact points while managing complexity through integrated design.
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 system achieves reliable electrical connection and biosignal detection with improved comfort and versatility, supporting various stimulation forms and biosignal types, including transcranial electrical stimulation and biosignal detection.
Implementation Method 1
an array of permeable bodies configured to absorb and deliver a solution that facilitates electrical coupling between the system and a body region of the user
Data Source
AI summary
A system for electrically stimulating a user comprising: a first housing portion defining an array of openings; an array of permeable bodies with portions exposed through the array of openings and wetted with a solution that facilitates electrical coupling between the system and a body region of the user, wherein each permeable body has a cavity at a proximal portion and a distal portion and is configured to transmit the solution to the body region of the user; a substrate region defining an array of protrusions configured to support the array of permeable bodies and composed of a conductive polymer; and a set of conductors in communication with the substrate region and including a first conductor that provides a first subset of the array of permeable bodies with a first polarity and a second conductor that provides a second subset of the array of permeable bodies with a second polarity.