Segmented Electrode for ECG Signal Acquisition
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Solution Overview
Problem
The complexity of cabling and the need for multiple electrodes in ECG systems for cardiac signal measurement lead to increased complexity and difficulty in attaching electrodes to the skin, especially when a large number of contacts are required.
Innovation Solution
The use of a segmented electrode with two contact regions, each with separate electrical connections, that can be coupled to a measuring apparatus via cables, reducing the number of electrodes needed by allowing multiple functions to be combined in a single electrode.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple separate electrodes are used for measurement contacts and auxiliary contacts, then electrical contact with skin is achieved, but cabling complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate electrodes (measurement contacts and auxiliary contacts) into a single integrated electrode unit. This single electrode has multiple contact regions that can establish electrical connections with the skin simultaneously, thereby reducing the number of separate cables needed while maintaining reliable electrical contact for all functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The single electrode is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously - it includes both measurement contact regions and auxiliary contact regions, allowing one electrode to replace what would traditionally require multiple separate electrodes. This multi-functional design reduces cabling complexity while maintaining all necessary electrical connections.
2Reliability
If multiple separate electrodes are used for measurement and auxiliary contacts, then all necessary electrical connections are established, but the number of electrodes to be attached increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple electrodes are merged into a single integrated electrode unit that contains all necessary contact regions (both measurement and auxiliary contacts). This reduces the number of separate attachment operations from multiple individual electrodes to a single electrode, thereby improving ease of operation while maintaining complete electrical connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The single electrode is designed as a universal contact unit that performs both measurement and auxiliary functions simultaneously. By integrating multiple functions into one attachable unit, the system reduces the number of attachment steps required while ensuring all necessary electrical connections are established.
3Measurement precision
If multiple electrodes are used for differential measurement and equipotential bonding, then measurement accuracy is improved, but the attachment process becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates both differential measurement contacts and equipotential bonding contacts into a single electrode unit. This allows all necessary contacts for accurate cardiac signal measurement (including differential pairs and neutral/RLD contacts) to be attached simultaneously as one unit, maintaining measurement precision while reducing attachment difficulty.
Solution Approach 2:
The single electrode is designed as a multi-functional contact unit that provides both differential measurement capability and equipotential bonding capability. By combining these functions in one attachable unit, the system maintains the measurement accuracy requirements while simplifying the attachment process.
Data Source
AI summary
An electrode for producing electrical contact with skin is provided. The electrode includes a first electrical connection, a second electrical connection that is electrically insulated from the first electrical connection, and a skin contact. The skin contact has a first contact region that is electrically coupled to the first electrical connection, and a second contact region that is electrically insulated from the first contact region and is electrically coupled to the second electrical connection. The skin contact is configured to produce electrical contact between the skin and the skin contact when the electrode is in a state placed on the skin.