WO2003028803A1

WO2003028803A1 - Finger electrode and support structure

Info

Publication number: WO2003028803A1
Application number: PCT/SE2002/001787
Authority: WO
Inventors: Daniel Larsson; Thomas Lundeberg
Original assignee: Cefar Matcher Ab
Priority date: 2001-10-03
Filing date: 2002-10-02
Publication date: 2003-04-10
Also published as: SE0103293D0

Abstract

An electrode for use with a sensation matching apparatus comprising an electrical contact member for electrically connecting the electrode to an electrical energy source; a contact surface having stimulation output transmitting means; and an electrode attachment means for detachably attaching the electrode to an electrode support structure that is provided with a mating electrode attachment means. An electrode support structure having an electrical contact member and an electrode attachment means for attaching a detachable electrode.

Description

FINGERELECTRODEAND SUPPORT STRUCTURE

Field of invention

The present invention relates generally to apparatuses and methods for assessing the level of a sensation experienced by a person by means of stimulation/sensation matching. More specifically the invention relates to a stimulation output interface in the shape of a finger electrode.

Background When performing stimulation/sensation matching it has been found that the arrangement of the stimulation surfaces that conveys a particular sensation stimulus to a persons body is an important factor for achieving a reliable and efficient assessment of sensation levels. Furthermore, it has been found that the arrangement, shape and consistency of such stimulation surfaces ought to be adapted to the specific conditions of individuals and to the specific purpose of the sensation assessment. Specifically this is important when the stimulus is conveyed to a person through the fingers or the hand of the person.

For example, the individual person being the subject of the assessment should be supported by the arrangement of grasping structures for him/her to hold during an assessment session. There is therefore a need for an interface that facilitates a simple handling of the instrument and at the same time facilitates the applying of said stimulus to the body of a person in a convenient and repeatable manner.

Prior Art Examples of prior art sensation/stimulation matching is found in the patent publications:

DE G 92 04 961.3 (Gebrauchmuster) to Miiller;

WO 97/2406_.8 to Laserow

WO 01/13793 to Cefar Painmatcher AB et al; and in WO 01/13987 to Cefar Painmatcher AB et al.

The general structure of apparatuses and methods for sensation/stimulation matching is described in the mentioned pieces of prior art.

The mentioned prior art document WO 97/24068 to Laserow contains a brief description of a stimulation output interface designed for supporting a tweezer's grip of the stimulation output electrodes between the fingers of a user.

Object : . o υ off tt mhheee i u innvvveeeninttiiiiouonin

T Thhee oobbjjeecctt o < f the present invention is to solve the problem of achieving a stimula attiioonn oouuttppuutt interface that supports a precise, homogeneous and repeatable stimulus induced sensation and assessment of matched sensation. Aspects of the problem are inter alia:

- the wear and tear of the contact surface of the interface;

- hygienic considerations in situations were the sensation stimulation apparatus is used by a plurality of people;

- the mechanical arrangement of electrodes on or with an apparatus.

Summary of the invention

The above described problem is solved according to the present invention by a stimulation output interface in the shape of an electrode having a certain shape and electrical conductivity to serve its purpose as a finger contact electrode in a stimulation/sensation matching apparatus.

An electrode for use with a stimulation/sensation matching apparatus thus comprises an electrical contact member for electrically connecting the electrode to an electrical energy source, a contact surface having stimulation output transmitting means, and an electrode attachment means for attaching the electrode to an electrode support structure that is provided with a corresponding or mating electrode attachment means.

A stimulation/sensation matching apparatus within the inventive concept comprises an electrical contact member for electrically connecting an electrical energy source to an electrode, and an electrode support structure having an electrode attachment means for attaching an electrode that is provided with a mating electrode attachment means.

An inventive electrode support structure for use with a stimulation/sensation matching apparatus comprises an electrical contact member for electrically connecting an electrical energy source to an electrode, and an electrode attachment means for attaching an electrode that is provided with a mating electrode attachment means.

In other embodiments of the invention, the finger electrode is made removable from the housing of the stimulation/sensation matching apparatus or from an electrode support structure in order to be easily replaceable. The finger electrode is preferably manufactured as a disposable article to be used for a limited period of time or until it is worn out.

An aspect of the invention is correspondingly to the above that the housing or the electrode support structure is adapted to receive a removable electrode. Therefore, an electrode for use with a stimulation/sensation matching apparatus thus comprises an electrical contact member for electrically connecting the electrode to an electrical energy source, a contact surface having stimulation output transmitting means, and an electrode attachment means for detachably attaching the electrode to an electrode support structure that is provided with a corresponding or mating electrode attachment means.

A stimulation/sensation matching apparatus within the inventive concept comprises an electrical contact member for electrically connecting an electrical energy source to a detachable electrode, and an electrode support structure having an electrode attachment means for detachably attaching an electrode that is provided with a mating electrode attachment means

An inventive electrode support structure for use with a stimulation/sensation matching apparatus comprises an electrical contact member for electrically connecting an electrical energy source to a detachable electrode, and an electrode attachment means for detachably attaching an electrode that is provided with a mating electrode attachment means

Further embodiments and advantages thereof are described below in the detailed description.

Brief description of the drawings

The invention will be further explained with reference to the following drawings, where:

Fig 1 shows schematically a sensation matching apparatus having an instrument body or housing;

Fig 2 shows a front view of an electrode;

Fig 3 shows a rear view of an electrode;

Fig 4 shows a cross sectional view of an electrode support structure

Fig. 5 shows an electrical circuit involving the electrodes; Fig. 6 shows a housing of a sensation matching apparatus;

Fig. 7A and B shows an electrode support structure;

Fig. 8 shows an embodiment of a housing of a sensation matching apparatus;

Fig. 9 shows another embodiment of a housing of a sensation matching apparatus; Fig. 10 shows a side view of an electrode with a self-adhesive surface; and

Fig. 11 shows a side view of an electrode with a Velcro® adhesion surface.

Fig. 12A, B and C shows a twin electrode in a folded and an unfolded position.

Detailed description of embodiments of the invention

Figure 1 shows a sensation matching apparatus 100, having an instrument body or housing 110 with a front side 120, two long sides, one of which 130 is shown, and a near short side 140 and a far short side (not shown in the drawing). A display 125 is made part of said front side 120. A stimulation output interface in the shape of a finger contact piece or a finger electrode 150 according to an embodiment of the invention is placed at the front side 120 of the sensation matching apparatus 100, near the short side 140 and extending to and in this embodiment partly covering said short side 140. The finger electrode is made attachable to and detachable or removable from a house or an electrode support structure by means of an electrode attachment mechanism having a part on the housing or support structure that mates with a corresponding part on part on the electrode.

Figure 2 shows in perspective the upside of an electrode 200 according to an embodiment of the invention. The electrode has a substantially round upper surface with a size appropriate for accommodating the tip of a finger, i.e. with a diameter in the range of about 1 to about 5 cm wide. Furthermore, this embodiment of the electrode is substantially flat with a thickness of a few millimeters, i.e. in the range of about 0.5 to 10 millimeters. The electrode 200 is provided with a finger contact surface 210 which preferably is arranged as a shallow recess or indentation as to make smooth contact with a persons finger and approximately correspond to the form of the fingertip being pressed towards or against the finger contact surface 210. In other embodiments the outer peripheral shape of the electrode has other geometrical shapes, for example substantially square, oblong, oval or triangular. The electrode 200 is also provided with a stem 220 preferably having an oblong recess similar to a valley formed to fit a finger beneath the fingertip. In one embodiment, the stem 220 is provided for conveying a stimulus which can be an electrical current, from the interior of the stimulation matching apparatus 100 to the finger contact surface 210. In one embodiment the stem is a part of the contact surface that conducts stimulation energy to the finger thereby increasing the contact surface with the skin while forming a natural a comfortable grip. In another embodiment the stem is instead isolated from the stimulation output and thus the stimulation is concentrated to a contact surface adapted to stimulate only the fingertip while comfortably supporting the part of the finger beneath the fingertip. In another embodiment the stem is having a recess having a shape preventing it from making contact to a finger beneath the fingertip when the tip of said finger is pressed against the contact surface 210. In still another embodiments the stem can have other shapes such as having a round, square, triangular or saddle-like profile, the main function stilt being to convey a stimulus of some kind some of the way from a source to the contact surface 210.

The shown electrode is further provided with a flange 230 around a part or the whole of its peripheral edge. The flange is intended to mate with a corresponding recess in a house or an electrode support structure and thus preventing the electrode from falling off. In a not shown embodiment the peripheral edge is provided with a double flange with an intermediate track between the flanges, such that a mating edge of an electrode support structure is received in the track and the upper flange covers the mating edge.

In the shown embodiment of the finger electrode a small orientation mark in the form of a protrusion or prominence is provided in the center of the finger contact surface 210. The protrusion helps a person to sensory find the center of the electrode and thereby to achieve an evenly balanced contact with the electrode when pressing the finger against the fmger contact surface. The protrusion preferably has a height in the range of a tenth of a millimeter to about 2 millimeters. In another embodiment the electroe is provided with a hole. An orientation mark in the form of a hole can serve the same purpose as a protrusion for the person to find the middle of the electrode. Another advantage with a hole is that it is also easy to remove the electrode by applying a hook or a tool formed as a hook in the hole and pull out the electrode from its recess in the support structure or in the stimulation/sensation matching apparatus .

Figure 3 shows in perspective the underside of an electrode 300 as described in fig. 2. The stem 220 has a bottom side 320, which is provided with an electrical contact member 310 for electrically connecting the electrode 200 with an electrical energy source inside the stimulation matching apparatus 100. The contact member 310 is preferably provided with a female contact member 312 for connecting to a corresponding male contact member in the housing or the electrode support unit. The contact members are provided for making contact with e.g. one or two terminal pins for providing electrical current to the electrode from an electrical energy source of the sensation matching apparatus. The electrode 200, 300 is preferably at least partly manufactured in a flexible and/or resilient, electrically conductive material, such as silicon doped rubber or a conductive elastomer. Alternatively or additionally the fmger contact surface may be covered or coated by an electrically conductive material coupled to the contact member. The consistency is preferably like rubber. A semi-soft material will adapt slightly to the shape of the finger and the area of a contact surface between the electrode and the fmger will be increased when the fmger is pressed against the electrode. Such a shape adaptation is not absolutely necessary since the fmger itself possesses such an ability to adjust its shape, and therefore the electrode may in one embodiment be made in a non-resilient material, i.e. in a stiff or even hard material. However, an advantage of making the electrode in a flexible material is the fact that when the electrode 200, 300 is placed in contact with an electrical, mechanical or electromechanical part of the stimulation matching apparatus 100, the electrode will allow a certain amount of flexibility and movement. This effect occurs especially in the area where the stem 220 joins the part of the electrode that holds the fmger contact surface 210.

Wear and deposits may deteriorate mechanical or electrical properties of the electrode and thereby as well as hygienic reasons consume the electrode. It is therefore an advantage to be able to remove an old electrode and replace it with a new fresh one. The electrode 200, 300 is provided with a design that makes it easily exchangeable, particularly in the resilient embodiment. The flexibility is such that said electrode 200, 300, is easily removed from the housing or the housing 110 of the stimulation matching apparatus 100. This is shown in detail in figure 4, which shows a cross sectional view of an electrode support structure 400. Such a structure 400 could be a part of a sensation matching apparatus or a stand-alone unit. The flange 410 of the electrode 405 and the recess in an electrode support structure or in a housing are arranged such that the flange 410 snuggly fits under a jutting part 420, 430 of the housing or the support structure 440.

Figure 4 also shows a pressure plate 450 arranged under the electrode 405 for averaging and distributing or rather taking up the pressure forces arising from a persons fmger being applied to the contact surface. The pressure plate is further devised to direct said forces towards an electrical switch 455 mounted on a circuit board 460. The pressure plate is in one embodiment integrated with the electrode and in another embodiment integrated with the electrode support structure or the stimulation/sensation matching apparatus itself. In yet another embodiment the pressure plate is devised as a structural support for the finger electrode. This becomes necessary for thin electrodes of elastic materials because the forces from a persons fmger otherwise easily could bend and/or break the electrode.

In a preferred embodiment, when the electrode 405 is depressed, also the pressure plate 450 is depressed and consequently the switch is depressed and an electrical circuit is thereby closed, see fig. 5. The circuit is closed as long as the switch is pressed and is broken when the switch is released. This circuit involves the electrodes 405, 406 and the result is that the electrical circuit, also involving an current source 510, is closed only when there is enough pressure on the electrode 405. Correspondingly, a second electrode 406 is arranged at the opposite side of the apparatus 100 to facilitate a tweezers-like grip of the apparatus 100 between the electrodes 405, 406. In a preferred embodiment of a stimulation/sensation matching apparatus the stimulation output interface is arranged by providing in a symmetrical manner two similar removable fmger electrodes on the mutually opposing sides of a housing or support structure.

In an embodiment the current source 510, 740 are controlled from control means residing outside the electrode support structure for example in a stimulation/sensation matching apparatus main unit, and control signals are transmitted to the support structure via cable, infrared or short distance radio communication. Said current source receives its energy from batteries or accumulators inside said support. In another embodiment said energy are supplied from an external power source e.g. a mains outlet via a transformer or the like via a cable. In another embodiment the current source 510, 740 are controlled from control means inside the stimulation/sensation matching apparatus which in this case also comprises batteries/accumulators.

In figure 6 is shown a housing of a sensation/stimulation matching apparatus, said housing having means for attaching said electrode 200, 300, said means comprising an electrode attachment surface 610 for mating with and accommodating the main part of the electrode; a recess 620 for mating with and accommodating the flange 230 of the electrode; and a jutting part 630, 420, 430 for keeping the electrode in place.

In fig 7A is shown an electrode supporting unit 700 having means for accommodation electrodes 710 as described above, and having means 720 for communication data or control signal to or from a main unit of a sensation/stimulation matching apparatus. Said means for communication are in different embodiments an electrical connection 720 or wireless communication of the infrared or radio frequency type. In the wireless variety, the electrode support unit would preferably comprise an electrical energy source 740, whereas a control unit and/or a communication input/output interface would be housed in a separate unit. Electrical energy is conveyed to the electrode 750 via an electrical connector 730 having pin terminals making good electrical contact with the electrode 750.

In fig 8 is shown a cross sectional view of a housing of a sensation matching apparatus or an electrode support unit 800. The electrode attachment surface 610, 810 is shown from the side with an electrode 850 on top of it. The electrode attachment surface 810 is preferably manufactured in a conductive material, eliminating the need for special contacts for supplying the electrode with electric current. In the case of thermal stimulation, the electrode attachment surface is made thermally conductive.

In fig 9 is shown a side-view of an embodiment of a house of a sensation matching apparatus or an electrode support structure 900. The housing or electrode support structure comprises an electrode housing unit 930 having a shape in the form of a side support 935 and a jutting part 931, 932 that mates with the electrode. The electrode housing unit 930 is hinged with a flexible part 910 to permit movements when pressed down towards a switch 950. The unit 930 is also provided with rails 920, 921 for limiting the depressing of the switch.

In another embodiment shown in Fig 10 the electrode 1000 with its main body 1005 is alternatively or additionally kept in place at the mating electrode attachment surface 610, 810 byway of a self-adhesive agent 1010 coated on an electrode attachment surface at the bottom of the electrode. Prior to use, such an electrode self-adhesive surface is typically covered with a protective cover 1020. In an embodiment shown in fig 11 an electrode 1100 with a main body 1105 is alternatively or additionally kept in place by way of mating fastening strips 1105, for example a Velcro® strip, between the electrode 1100 and the electrode attachment surface 810. The electrode attachment surface 810 is then of course provided with a corresponding or mating fastening strip of the opposite kind. Another embodiment of attaching the electrode to the electrode support structure include a close fit i.e. the electrode fits in the support structure with a negative tolerance in such a way that the grip and friction keeps the electrode in place.

Still another embodiment of attaching the electrode to the electrode support structure include snap-in attachment in the form of snap in holders or snap-in brackets.

In fig. 12 A, B and C is shown an electrode in a double electrode arrangement or twin electrode arrangement 1200. Said twin electrode 1200 is shown in an unfolded and in a folded position. The advantages of having two electrodes mechanically comiected include ease of handling and attachment and replacement of said double electrode. Two fmger electrode units 1201, 1202 of a size and shape as described earlier, are mechanically connected with a connection strip 1205. The connection strip 1205 is made of an electrically non-conductive material, or is otherwise electrically disconnected from the finger electrode units 1201, 1202. Each finger electrode unit 1201, 1202 have electrical contact means, not shown in the figure, for electrically connecting the electrodes 1201, 1202 to an electrical current source as described above. The connection strip 1205 is made of a flexible material, e.g. rubber, that makes it possible to fold the double electrode as shown in fig. 12B and 12C. In fig 12B is shown how the double electrode 1200 can be folded to provide a distance D between the fmger electrode units 1201, 1202. Said distance D mates with a corresponding structure, not shown, of an electrode support structure. The connection strip 1205, folds preferably around an edge or an end of said support structure with or without a corresponding recess in said support structure (not shown). In fig 12C the double electrode is folded so that each finger electrode unit makes mechanical contact to the other finger electrode unit. One or both fmger electrode units are provided with suitable insulation on a bottom side 1221, 1222, preventing electrical contact between said fmger electrode units 1201, 1202. In this case, there is no need for an electrode support structure for supporting said electrode units since each fmger electrode unit constitute a support structure for the other finger electrode unit. An embodiment of the stimulation output interface is adapted for thermal stimulation. In this case the electrode is designed in or at least the finger contact surface is covered or coated with a layer of thermal energy transmitting material, for example a metal layer. The electrical energy supply would then be conducted to the electrode, where the electrical energy is transformed to heat or cold. In the case of heat stimulation, the electrode would for example comprise or be coupled to a resistive element or some other means being devised to generate heat when supplied with electrical energy. In the case of cold stimulation, the electrode would for example comprise or be coupled to a Peltier element or some other means being devised to generate coldness.

The invention has been explained by means of exemplifying embodiments but may of course take the shape of other designs within the inventive concept as defined by the accompanying claims.

Claims

1. An electrode (150, 200, 300) for use with a stimulation/sensation matching apparatus, comprising:

- an electrical contact member (310) for electrically connecting the electrode to an electrical energy source (740);

- a contact surface (210) having stimulation output transmitting means; and

- an electrode attachment means (230) for attaching the electrode to an electrode support structure that is provided with a mating electrode attachment means.

2. -The electrode (150, 200, 300) as recited in claim 1, wherein said electrode attachment means are devised so detachably attaching the electrode to an electrode support structure that is provided with a mating electrode attachment means, said mating means correspondingly devised as to making it possible to detach the electrode.

3. The electrode (150, 200, 300) as recited in claim 1 or 2, wherein the contact surface (210) is adapted to accommodate the tip of a finger having a substantially round shape with a diameter in the range of about 1 to about 5 centimeters.

4. The electrode (150, 200, 300) as recited in claim 1 or 2, being substantially flat with a thickness in the range of about 0.5 to about 10 millimeters.

5. The electrode (150, 200, 300) as recited in claim 1 or 2, wherein the contact surface (210) is provided with a shallow recess approximately corresponding to the shape of a fingertip being pressed against the contact surface.

6. The electrode (150, 200, 300) as recited in claim 1 or 2, wherein the contact surface (210) at its center is provided with a protrusion (240) for guiding the fingertip.

7. The electrode (150, 200, 300) as recited in claim 1 or 2, further being provided with a stem (220) having an oblong recess formed to fit a finger beneath the fingertip.

8. The electrode (150, 200, 300) as recited in claim 1 or 2, further being provided with a stem (220) having a recess having a shape preventing it from making contact to a finger beneath the fingertip when the tip of said finger is pressed against the contact surface (210).

9. The electrode (150, 200, 300) as recited in claim 7, wherein the stem is provided with a stimulation energy conductive surface.

10. The electrode (150, 200, 300) as recited in claim 6, wherein the surface of the stem (220) is isolated from the stimulation energy.

11. The electrode (150, 200, 300) as recited in claim 6, wherein the stem (220) is provided with an electric conductor for conveying stimulation energy from the electrical connector (730) to the contact surface (210).

12. The electrode (150, 200, 300) as recited in claim 1 or 2, wherein the electrode attachment means comprises a flange (230) around at least apart of the peripheral edge.

13. The electrode (150, 200, 300) as recited in claim 1 or 2, wherein the electrode attachment means comprises two flanges with an intermediate track around at least a part of the peripheral edge.

14. The electrode (150, 200, 300) as recited in claim 1 or 2, further being at least partly manufactured in an electrically conductive material.

15. The electrode (150, 200, 300) as recited in claim 1 or 2, further being at least partly manufactured in silicon doped rubber.

16. The electrode (150, 200, 300) as recited in claim 1 or 2, further being at least partly manufactured in a conductive elastomer.

17. The electrode (150, 200, 300) as recited in claim 1 or 2, further being at least partly manufactured in a flexible material.

18. The electrode (150, 200, 300) as recited in claim 1 or 2, further being at least partly manufactured in a resilient material.

19. The electrode (150, 200, 300) as recited in claim 1 or 2, further being at least partly manufactured in a stiff material.

20. The electrode (150, 200, 300) as recited in claim 1 or 2, wherein the contact surface is at least partly coated with an electrically conductive material.

21. The electrode (150, 200, 300) as recited in claim 1 or 2, further being at least partly manufactured in a thermal energy conductive material.

22. The electrode (150, 200, 300) as recited in claim 1 or 2, wherein the contact surface is at least partly coated with a thermal energy conductive material.

23. The electrode (150, 200, 300) as recited in claim 1 or 2, further comprising a Peltier element devised for exchanging thermal energy via the contact surface.

24. The electrode (150, 200, 300) as recited in claim 1 or 2, further comprising a resistive element devised for emitting heat through the contact surface (210).

25. The electrode (150, 200, 300) as recited in claim 1 or 2, further comprising a pressure plate (450, 610) arranged at the underside of the electrode and devised for receiving a pressure applied to the contact surface (210).

26. The electrode (150, 200, 300) as recited in claim 1 or 2, wherein the electrode attachment means comprises an attachment surface (1010) placed at the underside of the electrode and coated with a self-adhesive agent.

27. The electrode (150, 200, 300) as recited in claim 1 or 2, wherein the electrode attachment means comprises an attachment surface placed at the underside of the electrode and being provided with a mating fastening strip.

28. The electrode (150, 200, 300) as recited in claim 1 or 2, wherein the electrode attachment means comprises an electrically conductive surface constituting said electrical contact member 310.

29. The electrode (150, 200, 300) as recited in claim 1 or 2, where said electrode is arranged in a twin arrangement (1200) together with a similar electrode and connected with a flexible connection (1205)

30. An electrode support structure for use with a stimulation/sensation matching apparatus, comprising: - an electrical contact member (310, 730) for electrically connecting an electrical energy source (740) to a detachable electrode (750); and

- an electrode support structure having an electrode attachment means (760) for attaching an electrode that is provided with a mating electrode attachment means (770).

31. The electrode support structure as recited in claim 30, wherein said electrode attachment means are devised to detachably attaching an electrode that is provided with a mating electrode attachment means, to said support structure.

32. The electrode support structure as recited in claim 30 or 31, wherein the electrode attachment means is provided with a recess devised for receiving a mating flange of an electrode.

33. The electrode support structure as recited in claim 30 or 31 , wherein the electrode attachment means is provided with an edge or flange devised to mate with a track between to flanges of an electrode.

34. The electrode support structure as recited in claim 30 or 31, wherein the electrode support structure comprises a recess adapted for receiving a stem

(220) of a detachable electrode.

35. The electrode support structure as recited in claim 30 or 31, further comprising a pressure plate (450, 610) arranged to make contact with the underside of a detachable electrode and devised for receiving a pressure applied to the contact surface of said electrode.

36. The electrode support structure as recited in claim 30 or 31, further comprising a recess at two mutually opposing sides adapted to receive two detachable electrodes (405, 406) allowing a tweezer's grip of said electrodes.

37. The electrode support structure as recited in claim 30 or 31, further comprising an electrode attachment surface for mating with and accommodating the main part of a detachable electrode.

38. The electrode support structure as recited in claim 30 or 31, further comprising a jutting (420, 430) part for keeping a detachable electrode in place.

39. The electrode support structure as recited in claim 30 or 31, further comprising an electrode attachment surface adapted for mating with a detachable electrode and being electrically conductive.

40. The electrode support structure as recited in claim 30 or 31, further comprising an electrode attachment surface adapted for mating with a detachable electrode and being thermally conductive.

41. The electrode support structure as recited in claim 30 or 31, further comprising an electrode attachment surface adapted to receive and mate with a self-adhesive coated electrode attachment surface (1010) of a detachable electrode (1005).

42. The electrode support structure as recited in claim 30 or 31, further comprising an electrode attachment surface provided with a mating fastening strip adapted to receive and mate with a correspondingly provided attachment surface of a detachable electrode.

43. The electrode support structure as recited in claim 30 or 31, further comprising an electrode housing unit having a side support and a jutting part for keeping a detachable electrode in place, and a hinge adapted to permit a movement of the electrode housing in response to an applied pressure.

44. The electrode support structure as recited in claim 30 or 31, further being integrated with the housing of a stimulation/sensation matching apparatus.

45. The electrode support structure as recited in claim 30 or 31, further comprising a conductor for transmitting electrical energy from an electrical energy source to a detachable electrode.

46. The electrode support structure as recited in claim 30 or 31, further comprising an stimulation energy source being able to couple to a detachable electrode.

47. The electrode support structure as recited in claim 30 or 31, further comprising communications means for communicating data or control signals between the electrode support structure and a stimulation/sensation matching apparatus main unit.

8. The electrode support structure as recited in claim 30 or 31, further comprising a control unit of a stimulation/sensation matching apparatus.