Spiral-Wire Conductive Fabric Electrode to Reduce Tissue Pressure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Biological electrodes made of hard metals apply pressure to tissues, causing discomfort to the wearer.
Innovation Solution
A biological electrode composed of a conductive fabric formed from base fibers filled with or adhered to a conductor, a thin metallic wire in a spiral shape covered by the fabric, and a filling material supporting the fabric and wire, with the conductor connected to the wire.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a hard metal electrode portion is used, then electrical conductivity and electrode function are improved, but pressure is applied to biological tissue causing discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces hard metal electrode portions with flexible conductive fabrics made of base fibers filled with or adhered to conductive materials. This flexible fabric structure eliminates the rigid pressure application to biological tissues while maintaining electrical conductivity through the conductive fibers embedded in the fabric matrix.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite structures combining base fibers (providing mechanical flexibility and tissue conformity) with conductive materials (providing electrical conductivity). This composite approach allows the electrode to simultaneously achieve soft tissue compatibility and functional conductivity without the harsh pressure of hard metals.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a flexible conductive fabric is used instead of hard metal, then pressure on tissue is reduced, but structural strength and stability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The conductive fabric combines base fibers with conductive materials to achieve both flexibility and structural integrity. The composite structure allows the fabric to conform to tissue shapes while maintaining sufficient strength through the synergistic combination of fiber matrix and conductive filler materials.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different properties to different components: base fibers provide mechanical strength and flexibility, while conductive materials provide electrical conductivity. This local differentiation of material properties allows the fabric to simultaneously achieve tissue compatibility and structural sufficiency for electrode function.
3Reliability
If a thin metallic wire is added for electrical connection, then conductivity is improved, but the complexity of the electrode structure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the thin metallic wire with the conductive fabric through covering and filling operations, creating a unified multi-layer structure. The wire is embedded within the fabric layers and gap-filled material, merging the electrical connection function into the overall fabric structure rather than adding a separate, complex assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The thin metallic wire is nested within the conductive fabric structure, with the fabric covering the wire and gap-filled material surrounding both. This nested arrangement allows multiple functions (conductivity, flexibility, structural support) to be integrated in a compact, non-additive manner that minimizes overall complexity.
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
Reduces pressure on biological tissues while maintaining electrode function, providing flexibility and conductivity.
Implementation Method 1
a conductive fabric (2) formed of base fibers which are filled with a conductor and/or to which the conductor is adhered
Data Source
AI summary
The present biological electrode includes a conductive fabric (2) formed of base fibers which are filled with a conductor and/or to which the conductor is adhered, a thin metallic wire (3) formed into a spiral shape and covered with the conductive fabric (2) from a side of a distal end in an axis direction, and a filling material (5) with which a gap between the conductive fabric (2) and the thin metallic wire (3) is filled and which supports the conductive fabric (2) and the thin metallic wire (3), and the conductor is electrically connected with the thin metallic wire (3).