Shielded Biomedical Electrode Patch for Signal Accuracy

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Solution Overview

Problem

Biomedical electrodes attached to ambulatory patients are susceptible to noise interference from clothing-generated static electric fields, which can obscure physiological signals being monitored.

Innovation Solution

A biomedical electrode patch with a conductive shield layer isolated from the contact portion on its upper surface, combined with a non-conductive dielectric layer and a ground trace, to reduce interference from external electric fields.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a conductive electrode is placed on the skin to monitor physiological signals, then the electrode can detect electrical signals from the body, but the electrode becomes susceptible to interference from external electric fields such as clothing-generated static

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal accuracyVSAvoidelectric field interference
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A conductive shield layer is introduced as an intermediary element between the electrode and external electric fields. This shield layer is electrically connected to ground through a ground trace, allowing it to intercept and divert external electric field interference to ground, thereby protecting the physiological signal measurement without affecting the electrode's ability to detect body signals

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The electrode structure is segmented into functionally distinct layers: a contact portion for skin attachment, a conductive shield layer for electromagnetic interference protection, and a ground trace for grounding the shield. This segmentation allows each layer to perform its specific function independently, with the shield layer specifically addressing external field interference while the contact portion maintains signal detection capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Duration of action of stationary object

If the electrode remains attached to the skin for extended periods to monitor patient conditions, then continuous monitoring is achieved, but the electrode is continuously exposed to ambient electric fields that interfere with signal accuracy

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment durationVSAvoidambient electric field exposure
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of stationary objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The conductive shield layer and ground trace are pre-configured on the electrode structure before application to the patient. This preliminary shielding arrangement is already in place when the electrode is attached to the skin, providing continuous protection against ambient electric fields throughout the extended monitoring period without requiring additional actions or adjustments

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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 electrode patch effectively shields against ambient electric fields, enhancing the accuracy of physiological signal measurement by minimizing noise interference.

Implementation Method 1

A biomedical electrode patch with a conductive shield layer isolated from the contact portion on its upper surface, combined with a non-conductive dielectric layer and a ground trace, to reduce interference from external electric fields

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic shielding: Faraday Cage

Implementation Method 2

combined with a non-conductive dielectric layer and a ground trace

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical insulation: Dielectric

Data Source

PatentEP2164389B1Shielded biomedical electrode patch
Publication Date: 2013.06.19 KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS NV
  • EP2164389B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2164389B1 patent drawingFigure 2~5
  • EP2164389B1 patent drawingFigure 6~8

AI summary

A biomedical electrode patch having improved resistance to capacitive coupling to extraneous electric fields. The patch includes a conductive shield and a contact portion formed on an upper surface thereof. The contact portion extends through the film layer and contacts an electrode formed of a material suitable for conducting electrical signals from a patient. Conductive traces formed on the lower surface of the tab extend to contact pads. A nonconductive layer is printed over the traces and can have a shield formed thereon.