Shape Memory Electrode Tip via Physical Vapor Deposition
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electrodes for measuring and emitting electrical signals in the body are rigid, limiting their flexibility and ability to securely contact body tissue, which inhibits muscle movement and affects signal transmission.
Innovation Solution
An electrode with a flexible, electrically insulated line connected to a crystalline shape memory material electrode tip, produced by physical vapor deposition, allowing for pseudo-elastic properties and improved mechanical and electrical conductivity, enabling secure contact and efficient signal transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the electrode tip is made rigid for structural stability, then mechanical strength is improved, but flexibility deteriorates and the electrode cannot adapt to vessel or organ shapes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by utilizing the phase transformation properties of shape memory material. The material transitions between austenite (rigid) and martensite (flexible) phases through temperature or stress changes, allowing the electrode tip to dynamically adjust its mechanical properties. This enables the electrode to be rigid during implantation for structural stability and flexible during operation for adaptability to vessel or organ shapes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite materials by combining shape memory material with other materials to create an electrode tip that exhibits both rigidity and flexibility. The shape memory material serves as a supporting structure within the electrode tip, providing the necessary mechanical strength while allowing overall flexibility through its pseudo-elastic properties. This composite approach resolves the contradiction between strength and adaptability.
2Ease of manufacture
If conventional manufacturing methods are used for the electrode tip, then production simplicity is maintained, but material inhomogeneities and lattice defects increase, reducing electrical conductivity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical manufacturing methods (such as wire drawing or extrusion) with physical vapor deposition. This substitution eliminates mechanical working that introduces lattice defects and material inhomogeneities. The PVD process deposits the shape memory material in a controlled manner, producing a more homogeneous structure with fewer defects, thereby improving electrical conductivity while maintaining production feasibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes an inert atmosphere during the physical vapor deposition process to prevent oxidation and contamination of the shape memory material. By conducting the deposition in a vacuum or inert gas environment, the material is deposited in a controlled manner without exposure to atmospheric contaminants, resulting in higher purity and fewer lattice defects, which improves electrical conductivity.
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 flexible electrode adapts to vessel and organ shapes, enhances mechanical properties, and improves conductivity, reducing lattice defects and inhomogeneities, resulting in uniform and efficient signal transmission and reception.
Implementation Method 1
Martensite formation can also occur from mechanical stress at a temperature above the austenite finish temperature (stress-induced martensite)
Implementation Method 2
The advantage of the crystalline shape-memory material is that the shape-memory material can be used to achieve a pseudo-elastic change in shape of the support structure of the electrode tip
Implementation Method 3
The shape memory material of the support structure is at least partially formed by physical vapor deposition in such a way that precipitations in the shape memory material have a maximum size of 500 nm
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3a~3b
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The invention relates to an electrode for measuring electrical activities of a living body and/or for outputting electrical signals into the living body, with an electrically insulated and flexible line, which is connected fixedly or releasably to a distally arranged and electrically conductive electrode tip (10), wherein the electrode tip (10) is designed for insertion into the body. The invention is characterized in that at least one support structure of the electrode tip (10) comprises at least one crystalline shape-memory material, and the electrode tip (10) is flexible on account of the shape-memory material, wherein the shape-memory material of the support structure is formed at least partially by physical vapour deposition, in such a way that precipitations in the shape-memory material have a maximum size of 500 nm.