Spring-Loaded Connector for Electrode Support in Iontophoresis

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electrostimulation and iontophoresis devices are bulky, expensive, and require complex electronic systems for long-term current application, making them costly and difficult to modify for different active ingredients, with a need for single-use or low-cost solutions that are user-friendly and efficient.

Innovation Solution

A compact device with a removable support and spring-loaded electrical connectors for easy assembly and disassembly, allowing for single-use or low-cost production, featuring a refill mechanism to maintain the support in connection with the case, and an electronic module for controlled current delivery.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional electrostimulation and iontophoresis devices use integrated current sources and electronic control devices, then reliable current delivery is achieved, but device size becomes large and bulky

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecurrent delivery reliabilityVSAvoiddevice size
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The device is divided into separate functional modules: a reusable case containing the current source and electronic control, and disposable supports with electrodes. This segmentation allows the bulky electronic components to be isolated in a separate case, enabling the application element to be compact and flexible while maintaining reliable current delivery through the modular connection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of manufacture

If expensive integrated devices are reused for multiple patients, then cost efficiency is improved, but health safety risks increase due to cleaning and sterilization requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecost efficiencyVSAvoidhealth safety risks
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The support with electrodes is designed as a disposable, low-cost component that can be discarded after single use. This eliminates the need for cleaning and sterilization between patients, ensuring health safety while maintaining cost efficiency. The reusable case contains the expensive electronic components, which are protected from contamination.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Reliability

If traditional devices use fixed electronic control systems, then current control is reliable, but adaptability to different active ingredients and treatments is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecurrent control reliabilityVSAvoidtreatment adaptability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The electronic control system is designed to be programmable and adaptable, allowing current parameters to be adjusted for different treatment protocols and active ingredients. The modular design with replaceable supports enables easy reconfiguration for different applications while maintaining reliable current control through the programmable electronic module in the case.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 provides a cost-effective, user-friendly, and adaptable device for electrostimulation and iontophoresis, enabling efficient and safe single-use applications with controlled current delivery, reducing the need for extensive cleaning and sterilization, and allowing easy modification for different active ingredients.

Implementation Method 1

The box comprises electrical connection means, said electrical connection means being at least one electrical connector, optionally spring-loaded, arranged on a first face of the box and intended to ensure the electrical connection with the support

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpring-loaded connector: Spring

Implementation Method 2

Cellular stimulation by an electric field or electrostimulation is used in many applications... Iontophoresis, on the other hand, is a technique which can be used for cosmetic and/or medical purposes to introduce active substances into the dermis of the skin by means of a current

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical current: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentEP3242710B1Device for electrostimulation and/or iontophoresis comprising a support and a box
Publication Date: 2019.06.12 FEELIGREEN SA
  • EP3242710B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3242710B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3242710B1 patent drawingFigure 4~8

AI summary

The invention relates to a device for electrostimulation and/or iontophoresis comprising a box (8) comprising an electronic module and a removable support exhibiting a first face intended to be placed opposite the skin of a user and bearing electrodes (4) configured to be in contact with the skin and a second face opposite the first, the support is intended to be connected electrically to the box (8), characterized in that the box (8) comprises electrical means of connection comprising at least one spring connector (9) arranged on a first face (11a) of the box (8) and intended to ensure electrical connection with the support. The invention relates to techniques consisting in submitting dermal cells to an electric field to increase their activity and/or in using an electric current to facilitate the transdermic diffusion of active substances, and relates more particularly to an electrostimulation and/or iontophoresis device.