Sealed Medical Electrode Package Design
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medical electrode packages require external protective packaging that needs to be removed before use, which complicates deployment and increases production costs, while failing to provide a cost-effective and simple solution for protecting the conductive gel layers from the environment.
Innovation Solution
A sealed medical electrode package design where the conductive layers are face-to-face with separable backing sheets forming a gas-impermeable enclosure, eliminating the need for external packaging and using a method that reduces production costs, allowing for easy and rapid deployment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If external protective packaging is used to protect conductive layers, then protection against environment is improved, but device complexity and production cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The protective packaging function is merged with the electrode backing sheets themselves. The backing sheets are sealed together to form a gas-impermeable enclosure that simultaneously serves as structural support and environmental protection, eliminating the need for separate external packaging layers.
Solution Approach 2:
The backing sheets perform multiple functions: they provide mechanical support for the conductive layers, act as barriers against environmental factors, and form the sealed enclosure. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated external packaging components.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If external protective packaging is used, then shelf life is maintained, but ease of operation deteriorates due to removal requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The sealed enclosure is designed with a separable connection between the two backing sheets, allowing the package to be easily opened by separating the sheets. This segmentation enables rapid deployment without complex opening mechanisms while maintaining sealed protection during storage.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If traditional packaging methods are used, then protection is ensured, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The protective function is combined with the existing electrode structure (backing sheets), eliminating the need for separate packaging materials and assembly steps. This reduces material costs and simplifies the manufacturing process.
Solution Approach 2:
The backing sheets themselves provide the protective function without requiring external packaging components. The structure is self-sufficient, using its own components (backing sheets sealed together) to provide environmental protection.
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 provides a cost-effective and simple method to protect the conductive layers, maintaining shelf life and enabling easy deployment without external packaging, while ensuring the electrodes remain environmentally sealed.
Implementation Method 1
the backing sheets form a substantially gas-impermeable enclosure containing the conductive layers
Implementation Method 2
their backing sheets separably sealed together around their peripheral edges
Data Source
AI summary
A sealed medical electrode package comprises first and second electrodes each comprising a conductive layer (14) disposed on one major surface of a flexible nonconductive backing sheet (10). The electrodes are disposed with their conductive layers (14) face-to-face and their backing sheets separably sealed together around their peripheral edges so that the backing sheets form a substantially gas-impermeable enclosure containing the conductive layers. In an alternative embodiment (FIG. 6) a respective electrical contact extends through each backing sheet into electrical contact with the respective conductive layer, and a substantially gas-impermeable packaging material encloses the electrodes. The packaging material has a respective aperture exposing each electrical contact, the periphery of each aperture being sealed to the backing sheet around the respective contact.