MAGNETICALLY CONNECTED ELECTRODE FOR MEASURING PHYSIOLOGICAL SIGNALS
The invention provides an electrode and associated electrode holder that are used for physiological measurements, e.g. measurements of signals that can be processed to generate ECG and TBI waveforms. The electrode and electrode holder connect to each other using a magnetic interface. In embodiments, for example, the magnetic interface includes oppositely polled magnets integrated in both the electrode and electrode holder. The magnets are typically rare earth magnets coated with a thin, electrically conductive metal film. This way, when the magnets come in contact with each other, the metal films touch to form both a mechanical and electrical connection. Thus the magnetic interface can replace conventional mechanisms used to connect rivet-based electrodes to leads, which are typically used to secure electrodes for physiological measurements.
1 . An electrode for measuring bioimpedance signals, comprising:
a first electrode region comprising: i) a first conductive gel: ii) a first Ag/AgCl film comprising Ag/AgCl in electrical contact with the first conductive gel; iii) a first metal film in electrical contact with the first Ag/AgCl film; and iv) a first magnet in electrical contact with the first metal film, the first electrode region further comprising an electrical connection to a first electrical circuit that injects an electrical current through the first electrode region; and
a second electrode region comprising: i) a second conductive gel: ii) a second Ag/AgCl film comprising Ag/AgCl in electrical contact with the second conductive gel; iii) a second metal film in electrical contact with the second Ag/AgCl film; and iv) a second magnet in electrical contact with the second metal film, the second electrode region further comprising an electrical connection to a second electrical circuit that measures a voltage related to the electrical current injected through the first electrode region.