System for electrical stimulation
Inventors
Wingeier, Brett • Shain, Ian • Davis, Colin • Hammett, Victoria • Bagley, Mardis • Bagley, Phnam
Assignees
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Publication Number
US-10525255-B2
Publication Date
2020-01-07
Expiration Date
Abstract
In an embodiment, an electrical stimulation system can include one or more of an electrode assembly including one or more electrodes and an electronics subsystem. In some variations, each of the one or more electrodes can include a hydrophilic layer and a conductive layer. In some variations, the electronics subsystem can include one or more of a control module, power module, and a stimulus generator. In some variations, the electrical stimulation can further include one or more of an electrical attachment system, mechanical attachment system, head apparel assembly, flexible housing, and/or any other suitable component. The electrical stimulation system functions to apply electrical stimulation but can additionally or alternatively function to measure/and or record one or more biosignals from a user.
Core Innovation
The invention relates to an electrical stimulation system that includes an electrode assembly and an electronics subsystem for electrically stimulating a user. The electrode assembly includes a set of electrodes, where each electrode includes a hydrophilic foam supported by a support structure and a conductive polymer substrate in electrical communication with the hydrophilic foam. Each electrode further includes an electrical coupler.
A compliant base is configured to conform to a curvature of a forehead-region of the user during use. The compliant base retains each of the set of electrodes in position and separates the electrodes from each other, including separating the electrodes into set positions proximal to an F3 electrode region and a right supraorbital region. The compliant base architecture is coupled with an electronic coupling assembly that couples the set of electrodes to an electronics subsystem.
The electronic coupling assembly includes a first set of conductive polymer contacts and a second set of conductive polymer contacts on the electronics subsystem, with the conductive polymer contacts electrically connected through the compliant base. The first and second sets of conductive polymer contacts are vertically aligned along an inferior-superior axis. In described embodiments, the hydrophilic foam retains conductive solution, a salt is integrated into the hydrophilic foam, and the compliant base is configured from a hydrophobic material.
Claims Coverage
The independent claims cover an electrode assembly architecture that combines a hydrophilic-foam electrode construction, a compliant base conforming to forehead curvature, and an electronics-side coupling structure using vertically aligned conductive polymer contacts. Across the independent claims, the main inventive features number 6.
Hydrophilic foam electrode with conductive polymer substrate
A set of electrodes each comprising a hydrophilic foam, a support structure retaining the hydrophilic foam, a conductive polymer substrate in electrical communication with the hydrophilic foam, and an electrical coupler.
Compliant base conforming to forehead curvature to retain and separate electrodes
A compliant base configured to conform to a curvature of a forehead-region of the user during use, the compliant base retaining each of the set of electrodes in position and separating each of the set of electrodes from each other.
Electronic coupling assembly using electrically connected conductive polymer contacts
An electronic coupling assembly coupled to the electrical coupler of each of the set of electrodes through the compliant base and configured to couple the set of electrodes to an electronics subsystem, wherein the electronic coupling assembly comprises a first set of conductive polymer contacts, the first set of conductive polymer contacts electrically connected to a second set of conductive polymer contacts on the electronics subsystem.
Vertically aligned conductive polymer contacts along an inferior-superior axis
Wherein the first and second sets of conductive polymer contacts are vertically aligned along an inferior-superior axis.
Compliant base with defined electrode positions proximal to F3 and right supraorbital regions
A compliant base comprising a first base portion and a second base portion, the first and second base portions coupled together, the compliant base configured to conform to a curvature of a forehead-region of the user during use, the compliant base separating each of the set of electrodes from each other and retaining the set of electrodes in a set of positions, wherein a first of the set of positions is proximal to an F3 electrode region and a second of the set of positions is proximal to a right supraorbital region.
Sealed electrical connection in the electronic coupling assembly
An electronic coupling assembly coupled to the electrical coupler of each of the set of electrodes through the compliant base and configured to couple the set of electrodes to an electronics subsystem, the electronic coupling assembly comprising a sealing connection.
Across the independent claims, the claimed subject matter centers on a hydrophilic-foam electrode structure with conductive polymer substrate, a compliant base that conforms to forehead curvature to retain and separate electrodes into defined positions, and an electronic coupling assembly that couples electrodes to an electronics subsystem via electrically connected conductive polymer contacts that are vertically aligned along an inferior-superior axis. The second independent claim further specifies a sealing connection in the electronic coupling assembly and explicitly ties electrode positions to an F3 electrode region and a right supraorbital region.
Stated Advantages
Documented Applications
Not explicitly described in patent.
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