Stretchable Electrode for Reliable Limb Contact
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electrodes for physiologic measurements, such as impedance plethysmography, often fail to provide reliable low impedance electrical contact with the skin, especially when circumferential contact is required, and are not reusable, leading to inaccurate measurements and hygiene issues with adhesive or paste-coated disposable electrodes.
Innovation Solution
A stretchable conductive electrode made from a tubular stainless steel braid with an elastic core, allowing for reliable, continuous electrical contact without adhesives or pastes, and capable of being sterilized, which can be adapted for various physiologic measurements including impedance plethysmography.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If adhesive-coated electrodes are used, then electrical contact with skin is achieved, but patient comfort deteriorates and cleanup is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the adhesive coating from the electrode design entirely. Instead of using adhesive to secure the electrode to the skin, the invention uses a stretchable conductive material that can be directly applied to the skin without any adhesive layer, eliminating the need for cleanup and improving patient comfort while maintaining electrical contact reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a disposable electrode design where the entire electrode assembly (conductive material, substrate, and adhesive layer) is discarded after single use. This eliminates the need for cleaning and reuse issues, providing a simple, comfortable, and reliable solution for electrical contact measurements
2Reliability
If paste-coated electrodes are used, then electrical contact is achieved, but measurement accuracy deteriorates and cleanup is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the conductive paste coating that often fails to provide sufficient electrical contact. Instead, it uses a stretchable conductive material that forms direct, reliable contact with the skin, improving both measurement accuracy and eliminating the need for cleanup
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state and application method of the conductive material from a paste coating to a stretchable material that can be mechanically applied and conform to the skin surface, ensuring better electrical contact and more accurate measurements
3Object-affected harmful factors
If disposable electrodes are used, then hygiene is maintained, but cost increases for frequent measurements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a disposable electrode design that is both hygienic and cost-effective for frequent measurements. The inexpensive stretchable conductive material allows for economical disposal after single use, maintaining hygiene while reducing costs compared to reusable electrodes requiring sterilization
4Productivity
If reusable electrodes are used, then cost is reduced, but sterilization capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adopts a disposable approach with inexpensive stretchable conductive material that eliminates sterilization requirements. This is particularly suitable for frequent measurements where hygiene is maintained through single-use disposal rather than sterilization, reducing costs while avoiding the complexity of sterilization processes
5Reliability
If conventional metal electrodes are used, then electrical contact is attempted, but contact reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material properties from rigid conventional metal electrodes to a stretchable conductive material that can deform to match the skin surface. This parameter change in material flexibility enables reliable electrical contact where rigid metals fail, while the stretchable nature allows for comfortable wear and consistent contact quality
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 stretchable electrode ensures uniform and continuous electrical contact along the circumference of a limb, reducing measurement inaccuracies and allowing for reusable and cost-effective solutions in medical diagnostic procedures.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic or stretchable core... when the tubular braid is elongated or stretched along its longitudinal axis, the core provides a restoring force along such axis that returns the tubular braid to its original, unstretched length
Data Source
AI summary
A stretchable electrode for use in physiologic measurements on a human body, such as peripheral impedance plethysmography, is disclosed. One embodiment of the stretchable electrode comprises an uninsulated stainless steel wire braid formed into a tubular conductor surrounding an elastic core and attached to an elastic substrate or base. Other embodiments of the stretchable electrode include a garter spring, a flat braided or woven conductor and an undulating wire. The electrode is placed about a limb of a human body and elastically stretched so that the conductor is in substantially continuous circumferential electrical contact with the skin of the limb. A method of attaching the stretchable electrode to the limb of a human body is also disclosed.