Waterproof Modular Electrode Assembly for Reusable Defibrillator Wear
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cardiac monitoring and treatment devices, such as defibrillators, often require single-use therapy electrodes due to conductive gel evaporation, limiting their reuse and necessitating disposal, and lack waterproofing for continuous use during activities like bathing or showering.
Innovation Solution
A modular, waterproof therapeutic electrode component with a reusable enclosure and conductive fluid reservoir, featuring a fluid deployment device to reduce impedance and a detachable circuitry system for easy servicing, allowing components to be replaced or refurbished without damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If single-use therapy electrodes with conductive gel are used, then electrical therapy can be delivered to the subject, but the electrodes must be discarded after each use due to gel evaporation, increasing waste and replacement costs
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode system is divided into separate components: a reusable waterproof enclosure containing the circuit board and a detachable base plate with conductive fluid reservoir. This segmentation allows the conductive fluid to be replenished without replacing the entire electrode, resolving the contradiction between maintaining functionality and preventing gel loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables recovery and reuse of the reusable enclosure and circuit board components after the conductive fluid is replenished. This transforms the single-use disposable model into a reusable system, reducing waste while maintaining reliable electrode function through fluid replacement.
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional non-waterproof electrodes are used, then therapy delivery is possible, but the devices cannot be used during bathing or showering activities, limiting continuous monitoring and treatment capabilities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a waterproof enclosure design that protects the circuit board from water damage, enabling the device to be used during bathing or showering. This waterproofing approach allows continuous monitoring and treatment capabilities without requiring expensive complex sealing mechanisms, making the device adaptable for continuous use while resisting water ingress.
3Reliability
If entire electrode assemblies are replaced after use, then functionality is ensured, but serviceability is reduced and costs increase due to inability to refurbish components
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode system is segmented into serviceable components including a reusable enclosure, circuit board, and detachable base plate with fluid reservoir. This segmentation enables easy replacement of only the conductive fluid or specific components rather than the entire assembly, improving ease of repair while ensuring reliable performance through component refurbishment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables recovery of valuable components such as the waterproof enclosure and circuit board for refurbishment and reuse. This component-level serviceability allows the system to maintain reliable performance while reducing disposal requirements and enabling cost-effective maintenance through selective component replacement.
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
Enables the reuse of therapy electrode components, providing continuous monitoring and treatment capabilities while preventing water ingress, reducing waste, and lowering replacement costs.
Implementation Method 1
The fluid deployment device includes a gas generator configured to supply pressurized gas to the reservoir
Implementation Method 2
the conductive surface and skin of a subject. The fluid deployment device is configured to cause the reservoir to release the conductive fluid onto the conductive surface to reduce electrical impedance
Data Source
AI summary
A modular waterproof therapeutic electrode component for preventing water ingress and for easy servicing. The component comprises a substrate comprising a conductive surface, a reservoir of conductive fluid mounted on the substrate, a reusable waterproof enclosure comprising circuitry, the reusable waterproof enclosure comprising circuitry configured to be removably coupled to the substrate, and a fluid deployment device in electrical communication with the circuitry and mounted on the substrate, the fluid deployment device configured to cause the reservoir to release the conductive fluid onto the conductive surface to reduce electrical impedance between the conductive surface and skin of a subject.