Replaceable Skin Contact Subassembly for Reusable TTFields Electrodes
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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 assemblies are designed as a 2-part system comprising an electrode subassembly and a removably coupled skin contact subassembly, allowing the skin contact layer to be replaced independently, extending the lifespan and reusability of the electrode assembly.
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 disposed of when the skin contact layer degrades, increasing cost and waste
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode assembly is divided into two separable subassemblies: an electrode subassembly (containing electrode elements and conductive polymer layer) and a skin contact subassembly (containing the skin contact layer). This segmentation allows the skin contact subassembly to be replaced independently when degraded, while the electrode subassembly can be reused, thereby reducing waste without compromising structural integrity during use.
Solution Approach 2:
The skin contact subassembly is designed as a disposable component that can be removed and discarded after use, while the electrode subassembly is recovered and reused. This principle addresses the contradiction by allowing selective disposal of only the degraded skin contact layer rather than the entire assembly, reducing material waste while maintaining reliable electrical contact through the reusable electrode subassembly.
2Ease of manufacture
If the skin contact layer is made integral to the electrode assembly, then manufacturing and assembly are simplified, but the lifespan of the electrode assembly is limited by the skin contact layer degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode assembly is segmented into reusable electrode subassembly and replaceable skin contact subassembly. This allows the electrode subassembly to have an extended lifespan through multiple uses with different skin contact subassemblies, while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through modular design that can be assembled using standard bonding techniques.
Solution Approach 2:
The skin contact subassembly is extracted as a separate, replaceable component from the electrode subassembly. This extraction enables independent replacement of the skin contact layer when it degrades, extending the overall lifespan of the electrode assembly without complicating the manufacturing process, as the modular design allows for straightforward assembly and disassembly.
3Device complexity
If the skin contact layer is made integral to the electrode assembly, then the device structure is compact, but replacing the skin contact layer requires disposal and replacement of the entire assembly, increasing cost
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode assembly is segmented into two subassemblies that can be separated and reconnected. This segmentation enables replacement of only the skin contact subassembly when needed, reducing material loss compared to replacing the entire integral assembly, while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure through the use of bonding interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The skin contact subassembly is designed to be discarded after use while the electrode subassembly is recovered and reused with a new skin contact subassembly. This principle reduces material waste by allowing recovery of the expensive electrode components while only disposing of the consumable skin contact layer, addressing the cost issue without significantly increasing structural complexity.
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 enables the reuse of the electrode assembly by allowing the skin contact layer to be replaced, reducing waste and lowering costs while maintaining treatment effectiveness.
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.