Stretchable Bands for Adhesive-Free Electrode Assembly Placement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tumor treating field (TTFields) therapies using electrode assemblies are hindered by skin irritation and discomfort due to self-adhesive surfaces that adhere to the subject's skin, leading to reduced patient compliance.
Innovation Solution
The use of stretchable bands connected to electrode assemblies to secure them against the body, allowing for comfortable and secure placement without adhesive irritation, using materials like breathable fabrics and adjustable fasteners.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If self-adhesive surfaces are used to hold electrode assemblies against the subject's body, then the electrode assemblies can be securely positioned for extended periods, but skin irritation and discomfort occur reducing patient compliance
Solution Approach 1:
A stretchable band is introduced as an intermediary component between the electrode assembly and the subject's body. The band applies pressure to hold the electrode assembly in place without requiring self-adhesive surfaces to contact the skin, thereby eliminating skin irritation while maintaining secure positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The self-adhesive surface is extracted from direct contact with the subject's body. Instead of the electrode assembly's adhesive surface touching the skin, the stretchable band contacts the body, removing the harmful adhesive-skin interaction while preserving the electrode assembly's positioning function.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If stretchable bands are used to hold electrode assemblies, then skin irritation is reduced and comfort is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A stretchable band, which is a flexible component, is used to replace complex adhesive mechanisms. The band can be made from elastic materials or knit fabrics, providing a simple yet effective solution that reduces skin irritation without requiring complex structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The stretchable band provides dynamic adjustment capability, allowing the electrode assembly to be secured at different tension levels to accommodate various body shapes and sizes. This dynamic feature simplifies the overall system by replacing fixed adhesive solutions with an adaptable mechanical constraint.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the stretchable band is made from breathable material, then comfort is improved by allowing perspiration to pass through, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The stretchable band is constructed from breathable material with porous structure that allows perspiration to pass through. This eliminates moisture buildup and improves comfort while the porous structure can be achieved through standard textile manufacturing processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The stretchable band may be made from composite materials that combine breathability with elastic properties. These composite materials can be manufactured using established techniques, balancing the requirements for moisture permeability and mechanical functionality.
Data Source
AI summary
Alternating electric fields can be applied to a target region in a subject's body using an apparatus that comprises a plurality of electrode assemblies and one or more stretchable bands. Each of the of electrode assemblies is configured to impose an alternating electric field in the target region of the subject's body. The one or more stretchable bands are connected to the plurality of electrode assemblies, and are collectively shaped and dimensioned to press the plurality of electrode assemblies against respective locations of the subject's body so that the target region will be positioned between the plurality of electrode assemblies.