Method and device for quick press on EEG electrode
Inventors
Wilson, Scott B. • Scheuer, Mark • Johnson, Dale • Clear, Scott
Assignees
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Publication Number
US-8112141-B2
Publication Date
2012-02-07
Expiration Date
Abstract
Embodiments relate to methods and systems for monitoring bioelectric potentials. In some instances, an electrode is applied to a patient's skin. The electrode may be at least partly inserted into the patient's skin, such as by inserting at least part of one or more teeth underneath the skin.
Core Innovation
The invention relates to an electrode for biopotential recording that includes a main portion defining a plane, with legs extending away from the plane and a plurality of protrusions extending from each leg. The electrode comprises a shape memory material, and the legs are configured to bend, upon application of a force, to define a substantially flat shape in an attack configuration and to return towards an initial configuration upon release of the force.
In an electrode construction, the main portion, legs, and protrusions lie in an initial configuration in the plane, and the legs are configured to bend away from the plane upon application of a force to an attack configuration in which the legs do not lie in the plane. When the electrode is placed against skin of a patient, the protrusions insert into the skin upon returning from the attack configuration to the initial configuration and secure the electrode to the skin.
The document also describes an electrode system and associated devices that include a wearable headpiece system and an electrode removal tool. The system includes a support structure and wiring, with a wireless transmitter and a receiver for signals while worn on a patient's head, and optional signal-processing components including an amplifier, filters, and an A/D converter.
Claims Coverage
The provided claim set includes four independent claims. Each independent claim centers on reversible, force-induced bending between an initial configuration and an attack configuration, the resulting insertion of protrusions into patient skin, and the use of shape memory material for the electrode behavior; additional independent-claim structure adds stabilization upon attaching to a patient or removal-tool mechanics.
Force-bend planar electrode in attack configuration with shape memory material
An electrode comprising a main portion defining a plane; a plurality of legs extending from the main portion and away from the plane; and a plurality of protrusions extending from each of the legs, wherein the legs are configured to bend, upon application of a force, towards the plane so as to define a substantially flat shape in an attack configuration and to return towards an initial configuration upon release of the force, wherein the electrode comprises a shape-memory material.
Stabilizing protruding portions on bent-return legs with shape-memory material
An electrode comprising a main portion defining a plane; a plurality of legs extending from the main portion and away from the plane; and a plurality of protruding portions extending from each of the legs and configured to stabilize the electrode upon attaching the electrode to a patient, wherein the legs are configured to bend, upon application of a force, towards the plane so as to define a substantially flat shape in an attack configuration and to return towards an initial configuration upon release of the force, wherein the electrode comprises a shape-memory material.
Removal tool electrode system with bend-return attack configuration and shape-memory material
An electrode system comprising a removal tool and an electrode including a main portion defining a plane; a plurality of legs extending from the main portion and away from the plane; and a plurality of protruding portions extending from each of the legs and configured to stabilize the electrode upon attaching the electrode to a patient, wherein the legs are configured to bend, upon application of a force, towards the plane so as to define a substantially flat shape in an attack configuration and to return towards an initial configuration upon release of the force, wherein the electrode comprises a shape-memory material.
Radially arranged legs and protrusions inserting into skin upon return using shape-memory material
An electrode comprising a main portion defining a plane; a plurality of legs extending radially from the main portion; and a plurality of protrusions extending radially from each of the legs, wherein the main portion, the legs and the protrusions lie in the plane when in an initial configuration, wherein the legs are configured to bend away from the plane upon application of a force to the electrode from the initial configuration to an attack configuration wherein the legs do not lie in the plane, and to return towards the initial configuration upon release of the force, whereby, when the electrode is placed against skin of a patient, the protrusions insert into the skin of the patient upon the electrode returning from its attack configuration to its initial configuration and secure the electrode to the skin of the patient, wherein the electrode comprises a shape memory material.
Across the independent claims, the core inventive coverage is a shape-memory electrode whose legs reversibly change configuration under applied force between an attack configuration and an initial configuration, producing protrusion insertion and stabilization on patient skin, and in one independent claim additionally providing an electrode system including a removal tool.
Stated Advantages
Stable recordings without conductive gel.
Improved ease/consistency of application.
Documented Applications
Wearable headpiece/biopotential recording system on a patient's head using a wireless transmitter and a receiver.
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