Saline Electrode Cap Buffer Member for EEG Monitoring

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current EEG monitoring technologies face limitations in long-term monitoring due to electrode cap designs that cause discomfort, rapid water loss, and complex installation processes, leading to poor signal conductivity and diagnostic accuracy.

Innovation Solution

A saline electrode cap with buffer members and a U-shaped sponge design that increases contact area, reduces water loss, and simplifies electrode positioning, combined with a method for long-term EEG monitoring that includes soaking the cap in saline and supplementing normal saline as needed to maintain impedance stability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a sponge soaked with saline is used in the electrode cap, then the electrode cap can be used for EEG monitoring, but the sponge easily loses water due to squeezing which affects monitoring effect

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemonitoring effectVSAvoidwater loss
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

A buffer member is设置在 between the sponge and the cap body to cushion the squeezing force. This buffer member prevents direct compression of the sponge, thereby reducing water loss while maintaining reliable electrical contact for EEG monitoring throughout the monitoring period

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

2Duration of action of stationary object

If the sponge is used for electrode contact, then the electrode cap can be assembled, but the sponge will gradually dry up with the increase of monitoring time, resulting in poor conductivity and unstable signals

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemonitoring timeVSAvoidsignal stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The buffer member continuously cushions the sponge from squeezing throughout the monitoring period, preventing progressive water loss. This ensures the sponge maintains adequate moisture levels and electrical conductivity for stable EEG signals over extended monitoring durations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

The electrode cap design allows the sponge to be replenished with saline through a filling hole, enabling the system to self-maintain its moisture levels. This self-service mechanism ensures continuous reliable operation without external intervention

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Measurement precision

If traditional measurement positioning is used to place electrodes, then the electrodes can be positioned accurately according to international 10-20 system, but the fixing way of electrodes is relatively cumbersome and results in waste of manpower and time

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrode positioning accuracyVSAvoidinstallation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The electrode positions are pre-marked on the cap body according to the international 10-20 system before assembly. This preliminary positioning allows for rapid and accurate electrode placement without requiring complex measurement and calculation procedures during the actual monitoring setup

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The cap body integrates the positioning function with the electrode mounting function. The electrode set installation holes are pre-positioned according to the 10-20 system, combining the measurement and fixation functions into a single integrated structure that simplifies the overall installation process

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Reliability

If conductive paste is coated on the electrode cap, then the monitoring effect is not affected and it is suitable for long-term monitoring, but the gel on the scalp is not easy to remove after monitoring and the cleaning is very troublesome

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemonitoring effectVSAvoidcleaning difficulty
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The sponge in the electrode cap is designed to be replaceable and is soaked with saline that can be easily replenished. This disposable-like approach allows for simple maintenance and cleaning compared to permanent conductive paste coatings, enabling easy removal and minimal cleaning effort while maintaining reliable monitoring throughout the period

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

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 solution reduces discomfort, prolongs monitoring time by preventing rapid water loss, and enhances diagnostic accuracy through improved signal conductivity and simplified operation.

Implementation Method 1

a buffer member, used to cushion the electrode set

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCushioning: Damping

Implementation Method 2

a sponge, used to increase the contact area between the electrode set and the scalp of the subject

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAbsorption: Absorption (physical)

Implementation Method 3

electrode conductive mediums, used to conduct electricity between the electrode slice and the scalp of the subject

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentUS20240099628A1Saline electrode cap for long-term electroencephalograph monitoring and long-term electroencephalograph monitoring method
Publication Date: 2024.03.28 QINGDAO TENOCOM MEDICAL TECH CO LTD
  • US20240099628A1 patent drawing
  • US20240099628A1 patent drawing
  • US20240099628A1 patent drawing

AI summary

The present application relates to a saline electrode cap for long-term EEG monitoring; the saline electrode cap comprises a cap body, electrode sets, and electrode conductive mediums, the cap body is provided with a plurality of electrode set installation holes which are distributed according to the international 10-20 EEG positioning system standard, the electrode sets are installed in electrode set installation holes; the electrode conductive mediums are arranged in electrode sets and is in contact with a scalp of a subject; buffer members are installed at an end of electrode sets where the electrode conductive medium is installed and are in contact with the scalp of the subject. The saline electrode cap of the present application can reduce the squeezing degree of the electrode cap and a head of the subject on the electrode conductive mediums, the electrode conductive mediums can be prevented from rapidly losing water due to squeezing.