Disposable Skin Electrode Connector for Stable Bioimpedance Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional bioimpedance measurement systems face issues such as signal loss due to cable detachment during surgery, noise from external signals, and discomfort to patients, especially when electrodes are placed on the dorsal region, leading to potential pressure sores or injuries.
Innovation Solution
A device with a non-conductive substrate and disposable connector, designed for attachment to various body locations, featuring a thin, flat design to minimize discomfort and prevent pressure sores, along with an authentication tag and printed conducting lines for improved signal transmission and reduced noise, connected via a multi-connection cable to a bioimpedance measuring system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If electrodes are placed on the dorsal region for bioimpedance measurement, then measurement capability is improved, but patient comfort deteriorates due to potential pressure sores or injuries
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the electrode device by making it thin and flat in shape, which reduces the pressure exerted on the patient's skin when placed on the dorsal region. This parameter modification allows the electrode to maintain measurement functionality while minimizing harmful pressure effects.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a disposable electrode device that can be easily attached and removed. This disposable nature ensures that the electrode does not remain in place causing prolonged pressure, and allows for easy replacement without interrupting surgical procedures, thus preventing pressure sores while maintaining measurement capability.
2Device complexity
If conventional cable connections are used for electrode attachment, then device simplicity is maintained, but signal integrity deteriorates due to cable detachment and noise from external signals
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the connection system into segmented components: a disposable connector attached to the electrode, a reusable cable connector, and a multi-connection cable. This segmentation allows the cable connection to be secured at multiple points, preventing detachment while maintaining overall system simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary securing actions through the multi-connection cable design that establishes multiple connection points before signal transmission begins. This preliminary secure connection prevents cable detachment during surgery and reduces susceptibility to external noise interference.
3Ease of operation
If disposable connectors are used for electrode-cable connection, then ease of attachment and detachment is improved, but device cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the connector into two parts: a disposable connector attached to the electrode and a reusable cable connector. This segmentation allows the expensive cable connector to be reused multiple times while only the simpler disposable connector is replaced, reducing overall cost while maintaining ease of attachment and detachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies the disposable principle selectively to only the necessary component (the connector attached to the electrode) rather than the entire cable assembly. This selective disposability maintains ease of operation for attachment and detachment while minimizing waste and cost increase.
Data Source
AI summary
A device for transmitting and sensing signals comprises a non-conductive substrate adherable to a skin of a subject, two or more electrical contacts printed on the substrate, and a disposable connector, connectable to a compatible cable connector of a cable which receives signals from the contacts via the disposable connector. The disposable connector has a symmetric shape such that mating between the disposable connector and the compatible cable connector is established at either one of two flipped orientations.