Soft Multi-Segmented Polymer Electrodes for Robust Skin Contact
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing skin surface electrodes face challenges in producing multi-channel electrodes with sufficient robustness and softness for optimal fit, particularly in applications like the ear, where prior art methods struggle to combine high elasticity and robustness effectively.
Innovation Solution
A body comprising at least one first polymer segment with specific porosity and electrical conductivity, seamlessly integrated with a further polymer segment of different porosity and conductivity, achieved through 3D-printing, allowing for the creation of a cohesive material with adjustable porosity and conductivity, suitable for use in skin surface electrodes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conductive materials are simply coated onto a non-conductive support, then the electrode can be produced with basic functionality, but the robustness and softness for optimal fit are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses composite polymer materials where a conductive polymer (such as PEDOT:PSS) is integrated within a soft, elastic polymer matrix. This composite structure provides both the electrical conductivity needed for robust signal transmission and the softness required for comfortable skin contact and optimal fit, particularly in applications like ear electrodes.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrode structure incorporates regions with different properties: highly conductive regions for effective signal transmission and softer, more elastic regions for comfortable skin contact and conformability. This local differentiation of material properties allows the electrode to simultaneously achieve robustness in conductivity-critical areas and softness in contact-critical areas.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multi-channel electrodes are produced with conductive materials coated on non-conductive support, then basic electrode functionality is achieved, but producing multiple electrodes in close neighborhood becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple electrode channels into a single cohesive polymer structure. The conductive polymer pathways are embedded within the same elastic polymer matrix, allowing multiple electrodes to be produced in close proximity without requiring separate support structures or coating processes for each channel, thereby simplifying manufacturing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adjusts the conductivity and elasticity parameters of the polymer material to enable multi-channel functionality. By controlling the concentration and distribution of conductive polymer within the matrix, multiple conductive pathways can be created in close neighborhood while maintaining the overall structural integrity and manufacturability of the electrode.
3Reliability
If the electrode pathway is applied onto the surface of a non-conductive support, then the electrode structure can be formed, but sufficient robustness is difficult to realize
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a composite material where the conductive polymer is integrated within the polymer matrix itself, rather than being applied as a separate coating on a non-conductive support. This integration simplifies the structure while enhancing robustness, as the conductive pathways are inherently protected and supported by the surrounding polymer matrix.
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 enables the production of skin surface electrodes that are both highly elastic and robust, suitable for long-term use, with improved fit and conductivity, addressing the limitations of prior art by creating a seamless transition between segments with varying properties.
Implementation Method 1
A contribution to at least one of the above objects is given by the independent claims. The invention also relates to a process for the preparation of a body
Data Source
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Figure 2A~2B
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a body, comprising i) at least one first polymer segment having a porosity p1 and an electrical conductivity c1, and ii) at least one further polymer segment being in seamless contact with the at least one first polymer segment and having a porosity p2 ≠ p1 and an electrical conductivity c2 ≠ c1. The invention also relates to a process for the preparation of a body, to a body obtainable by such a process, to the use of a body for electrophysical measurements or as a biosensor and to a therapeutic current delivery or current receiving system comprising the body according to the present invention.