Disposable TENS Electrode with Access Windows for Immediate Analgesia
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for reducing pain during injections and similar procedures are inadequate, as existing technologies are cumbersome, provide delayed analgesia, or require one-handed operation, limiting their effectiveness and user dependency.
Innovation Solution
A specialized skin electrode with multiple conductive surfaces and an attachable TENS/vibration generating unit that allows for simultaneous electrical and vibration stimulation, enabling immediate analgesia while allowing both hands for procedure performance and being disposable for hygiene and convenience.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple separate electrodes are used for TENS therapy, then electrical stimulation can be delivered to the skin, but the application becomes cumbersome and requires multiple separate components that are difficult to apply and remove
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate electrodes into a single integrated electrode assembly that can be applied as one unit. This assembly includes multiple conductive elements arranged in a specific pattern, allowing simultaneous electrical stimulation at multiple locations without requiring separate electrode application and removal steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The single electrode assembly serves multiple functions: it provides electrical stimulation for analgesia, allows access to underlying skin for procedures, and can be configured for both hands operation. The integrated design eliminates the need for multiple separate electrodes while maintaining the ability to deliver effective TENS therapy.
2Reliability
If conventional electrodes are used for TENS therapy, then electrical stimulation can be provided, but they do not allow access to the underlying skin surface for performing procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode assembly is designed with segmented conductive elements arranged in a pattern that allows access to underlying skin areas. The electrode structure includes openings or gaps between conductive elements, enabling penetration of needles or other instruments through the electrode assembly while maintaining electrical contact with the skin for pain reduction.
3Reliability
If TENS therapy is applied to provide analgesia, then pain can be reduced through electrical stimulation, but the effect is delayed and requires waiting for the anesthetic to take effect
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode assembly is designed to be applied immediately before the painful procedure, with electrical stimulation activated at the moment of need. This preliminary positioning and immediate activation eliminates the delay associated with waiting for topically applied anesthetics to take effect, providing instant analgesia when the procedure begins.
4Productivity
If reusable electrodes are used for TENS therapy, then the device can be used multiple times, but sterilization between uses is required which adds complexity and time
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode assembly is designed as a disposable single-use component. Each electrode assembly is sterile-packaged and intended for single use only, eliminating the need for sterilization between patients. After use, the entire assembly is discarded, and a new sterile assembly is applied to the next patient, simplifying the workflow and reducing contamination risks.
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 immediate and effective pain relief during procedures like injections, immunizations, and blood glucose checks, enhancing patient compliance and procedural efficiency by allowing both hands for operation and eliminating the need for sterilization between uses.
Implementation Method 1
TENS stimulates large diameter sensory nerve fibers with mild repetitive electrical impulses via electrodes applied to the skin. This stimulation acts to close the gate in the dorsal horn and results in the inhibition of pain transmission.
Implementation Method 2
Vibration therapy and TENS used together may be able to more completely stimulate the sensory receptors found in the skin and result in a more effective blocking of pain signals.
Data Source
Figure 1~5
Figure 6~10
AI summary
The present invention is an electrode with one or more conductive surfaces and one or more access windows allowing needles, lancets and other similar objects to pass through or near the electrode and into the underlying skin layer. The electrode adheres to skin and surrounding mild electrical and vibration stimulation acts to mask the pain signals caused when sharp objects penetrate the skin. The stimulation is delivered by an attachable electrical unit designed to generate both the TENS and vibration stimuli while connected to the electrode. In addition, a flap which is attached to the electrode may serve as a bandage type dressing by flipping down over the access window(s) once the procedure is done. The present invention is an electrode with one or more electrically isolated conductive surfaces coupled to a TENS and vibration generating unit. It is designed to allow access to underlying skin and is meant to be easily produced, with the electrode being disposable after each patient use.