Removable Electrode Subassembly for Replaceable Skin Contact Layers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrode assemblies for Tumor Treating Fields (TTFields) therapy have a short lifespan due to degradation of the skin contact layer, necessitating the disposal of the entire assembly, which is inefficient and costly.
Innovation Solution
The electrode assembly is designed as a two-part system comprising an electrode subassembly and a removable skin contact subassembly, where the skin contact layer can be replaced independently, allowing the electrode subassembly to be reused.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the skin contact layer is made integral to the electrode assembly, then the assembly structure is simple and reliable, but the entire assembly must be replaced when the skin contact layer degrades, increasing cost and waste
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode assembly is divided into two separable parts: the reusable electrode subassembly and the disposable skin contact subassembly. This segmentation allows the skin contact layer to be replaced independently when degraded, extending the overall system lifespan while maintaining reliable skin contact through each new subassembly application.
2Ease of manufacture
If the skin contact layer is made integral to the electrode assembly, then manufacturing and application are simplified, but replacement cost and waste increase due to disposing of the entire assembly
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the assembly into reusable and disposable components, material waste is reduced because only the skin contact subassembly is discarded after use, while the expensive electrode subassembly is reused across multiple applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The design enables selective discarding of only the consumable skin contact subassembly while recovering and reusing the electrode subassembly, optimizing resource utilization and reducing overall material waste.
3Device complexity
If the skin contact layer is made integral to the electrode assembly, then the device structure is simplified, but replacement frequency and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The segmented design allows rapid replacement of only the skin contact subassembly by peeling it off and applying a fresh one, significantly reducing replacement time compared to replacing an entire integral assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The skin contact subassembly is designed with dynamic, reversible adhesion properties that enable easy attachment and detachment, facilitating quick replacements without complex tools or procedures.
4Reliability
If the skin contact layer degrades from oil and dirt collection, then treatment effectiveness decreases, but the entire assembly must be replaced rather than just the skin contact layer
Solution Approach 1:
Segmenting the assembly isolates the skin contact function into a separate subassembly that can be independently replaced when contaminated, ensuring treatment effectiveness is maintained without requiring redesign of the entire electrode system.
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 design extends the lifespan of the electrode assembly by enabling the replacement of the skin contact layer, reducing waste and lowering costs associated with frequent replacements.
Implementation Method 1
The skin contact subassembly is removably coupled to the electrode subassembly by adhesion between the electrically conductive polymer layer and the conductive adhesive or gel layer
Implementation Method 2
The skin contact conductive adhesive or gel is electrically coupled to the at least one electrode element when the skin contact subassembly is disposed against the skin-facing surface of the electrode subassembly
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatuses for use in applying TTFields are disclosed. An apparatus comprises an electrode subassembly including at least one electrode element having a skin-facing side and a skin-facing surface. The apparatus further includes a skin contact subassembly comprising a skin contact conductive adhesive or gel configured to contact skin of a subject. One of the electrode subassembly or the skin contact subassembly comprises an electrically conductive polymer layer, and the other of the electrode subassembly or the skin contact subassembly comprises a second conductive adhesive or gel. The electrically conductive polymer layer is disposed against, and removably coupled to, the second conductive adhesive or gel, thereby removably coupling the electrode subassembly to the skin contact subassembly so that the skin contact conductive adhesive or gel is electrically coupled to the at least one electrode element.