Portable Multi-lead ECG Device with Three Metal Contacts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electrocardiogram devices, especially portable ones, lack the capability to detect acute myocardial infarction and other myocardial ischemia-related diseases due to limited lead measurements, and are either too costly or not portable enough for widespread use.
Innovation Solution
A portable multi-lead electrocardiogram device with three metal contacts that allow simultaneous measurement from two different directions, enabling the capture of a three-dimensional vector of the heart's electrical activity, similar to a professional 12-lead electrocardiogram, while being compact and lightweight for easy use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a professional 12-lead electrocardiogram device is used to detect acute myocardial infarction, then detection accuracy is improved, but device portability and cost are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the electrocardiogram measurement function into modular components: a portable handheld device for acquiring signals and a separate processing system for analysis. This segmentation allows the measurement function to be portable while maintaining professional-grade detection capability through the distributed architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from traditional 12-lead electrocardiography to a three-dimensional vector-based measurement approach using only three metal contacts. By measuring electrical activity in three spatial dimensions rather than through multiple fixed leads, the system achieves comprehensive cardiac monitoring with minimal contacts, resolving the contradiction between measurement completeness and device simplicity.
2Device complexity
If a watch-style electrocardiogram device with two metal contacts is used, then device portability is improved, but detection capability for acute myocardial infarction is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enhances the watch-style device by adding a third metal contact to create a three-dimensional measurement capability. This allows the device to capture vector information from multiple directions simultaneously, enabling detection of acute myocardial infarction while maintaining wrist-worn portability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs the portable device to perform multiple functions: it can detect various types of cardiac arrhythmias, identify acute myocardial infarction through three-dimensional vector analysis, and provide comprehensive cardiac monitoring. This multi-functionality allows a single portable device to replace both consumer watches and professional equipment.
3Loss of information
If three metal contacts are used to measure from two different directions, then vector information is improved, but device structure is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent arranges three metal contacts in a triangular configuration that enables measurement from three different spatial directions. This geometric arrangement captures complete vector information about cardiac electrical activity, preserving all necessary directional data while using only three contacts instead of twelve.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the functions of multiple electrocardiogram leads into a unified three-contact system. By merging the measurement capabilities of what would traditionally require 12 separate leads into a single three-contact arrangement, the system reduces structural complexity while maintaining comprehensive vector information capture.
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 device enhances detection accuracy for cardiac arrhythmia, acute myocardial infarction, and other myocardial ischemia-related diseases, offering a portable solution that preserves more vector information than single-lead devices, allowing timely monitoring and diagnosis.
Implementation Method 1
The electrical signal is transmitted to the skin surface of a human body, which generates small electrical potential changes on the skin
Data Source
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AI summary
A portable multi-lead electrocardiogram device includes a holding case (10), a signal processing module (20) and three metal contacts (30). The signal processing module (20) is located in the holding case (10). The metal contacts (30) are located on an exterior surface of the holding case (10) and are electrically connected to the signal processing module (20). The metal contacts (30) are respectively a body contact (31), a left hand contact (32) and a right hand contact (33). The device can measure the electrical activities of the heart beat from two different directions, which greatly improves detecting capability. Professional 12-lead electrocardiogram can also be performed by multiple times of measuring. This portable device allows patients with history of myocardial infarction to perform electrocardiogram test timely when feeling ill and to seek medical attention early.