Electronic circuit, associated control module and associated control method

Abstract

electronic circuit to be worn on the human body on a textile carrier material (4000), comprising a contacting module (30) for detachably mechanically and electrically connecting the electronic circuit on the textile substrate (4000) to a control module (6000) without physical contact with the skin of the human body, and a discrete and / or exposed circuit element (10) which has a lateral extent in the range of 1 mm to 300 mm parallel to a surface of the textile support material (4000) and perpendicular to the surface of the textile support material (4000) one or more different stacked layers of a respective thickness of up to 500 pm, preferably a respective thickness in the range of 1 µm to 200 µm, and which is connected to the contacting module (30) via an electrically conductive connection; characterized in that the electrically conductive connection between the discrete and / or exposed circuit element (10) and the contacting module (30) comprises two or more conductor tracks (1010, 1020) which are electrically insulated circumferentially along the conductor track direction and are electrically conductively connected to each other on the side of the discrete and / or exposed circuit element (10) and can be detachably connected separately to the control module (6000) on the side of the contacting module (30) via respective coupling elements (1015, 1025), wherein the conductor tracks (1010, 1020) have a respective track width in the range of 100 µm to 10 mm and a respective thickness of up to 200 µm and are formed with a material in which electrically conductive components are electrically connected to each other in an electrically non-conductive carrier medium.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to an arrangement for an electronic circuit to be worn on the human body on a textile carrier material, as well as an associated control method.

[0002] Additive printing processes, in a broader sense, are known for the production of printed electronics in general. Conductive inks and functional materials such as semiconductors or organic polymers are printed onto flexible or rigid substrates to form single- or multi-layered functional layers with specific properties, for example, with conductive, semiconducting, dielectric, sensory, or other functional materials.

[0003] Printed electronics have become established in a wide variety of forms and applications, including antennas such as RFID, displays and light sources with organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs), batteries, and solar cells. In these applications, the printed electronics are typically applied to dimensionally stable or rigid substrates such as circuit boards or rigid films, and under normal use, the substrate is subject to little or no deformation.

[0004] However, textiles as a substrate are neither dimensionally stable nor rigid, and can be subject to significant deformation during normal use. Furthermore, additional requirements often arise, such as flexible elasticity, washability, or resistance to numerous cycles of bending, abrasion, and folding. Chemical reactions can also occur in textiles worn against the skin due to perspiration, which can oxidize, reduce, or remove metals.

[0005] Overall, electronic circuits on textiles can regularly experience damage or defects during normal use, so the product lifespan of electronics printed on textiles can be significantly shorter compared to PCBs.

[0006] Damage or defects caused by microcracks—small cracks and / or breaks in the printed layers resulting from mechanical deformation—can have a significant impact on the performance and reliability of the printed structure. Microcracks tend to propagate vertically and horizontally, creating a self-reinforcing effect that is a major cause of failure in printed electronics in general, and on textiles in particular.

[0007] The formation of defects such as microcracks is promoted by the inhomogeneous fabric structure of textile substrates. Furthermore, printed materials are not solid, but rather so-called "conductive inks" containing small conductive particles, for example, made of metal or salts, which must bond together through a process such as thermal sintering at temperatures between 50°C and 180°C. Even after thermal sintering, the volume fraction of conductive material in printed electronic structures often remains lower than that of corresponding solid materials, which is why printed electronic structures inherently have a lower conductivity than their solid counterparts.

[0008] Microcracks occur particularly frequently in the conductor tracks of discrete and / or exposed electronic components such as sensors, actuators, and coils, because these conductor tracks have a narrow width and therefore particularly low mechanical stability. In textiles worn on the body, conductor tracks often run over exposed and / or particularly stressed areas of the body and constitute the majority of the length of wearable electronic systems.

[0009] In the prior art, methods for healing defects such as microcracks in conductor tracks in the context of industrial processing of electronic components on printed circuit boards are known, for example, healing by means of intense pulsed light sintering through plasmonic resonance, thermal healing or additive healing, i.e., the addition of material to close defect gaps.

[0010] US8463116B2 describes a method for initiating the healing of a damaged material, preferably conductive inks, using at least one light source. This method utilizes one or more light sources to selectively illuminate parts of the damaged conductive structure. However, the method is complex because a preliminary examination of the damage is required, defective conductive structures are often covered by insulating layers and cannot be directly exposed, and very precise exposure is necessary.

[0011] DE 68919311 T2 describes a method for repairing defective conductor tracks by passing a high current through them to heat them and trigger ion transport (battery effect). The method is used for reworking PCBs and, in addition to high currents of up to 50 A, requires an additional gas reservoir or a galvanic-electrolytic bath.

[0012] EP0441154 A2 describes a similar process, using very high voltages in the gas phase or an electrolytic environment.

[0013] US11419219B2 describes a method for modifying elongated structures with tapers by placing the structure in a bath of polarized nanoparticles and applying and measuring an alternating voltage to induce deposition of the nanoparticles at the taper. This method also requires a reservoir for supplying additive materials.

[0014] Overall, such methods for repairing defects in conductive traces are technically complex and only suitable for industrial environments with appropriate safety precautions. Using such methods to regenerate printed circuit boards intended for skin contact with the human body is highly unlikely, especially since these are typically used in medical or sports facilities and / or for home use.

[0015] Such electronic circuits with direct skin contact with the human body are known for several functions; see, for example, US 2014 / 318699 A1. One example of such a function is electromyography (EMG), in which electrodes in the form of electrically conductive surfaces are placed in non-invasive contact with the human skin to measure muscle activation potentials. Electromyography is used, for example, in patient examinations during muscular rehabilitation or to support training in athletes. A second example of such a function is electrical muscle stimulation (EMS), in which electrodes in the form of electrically conductive surfaces are placed in non-invasive contact with the human skin to deliver electrical voltage and thereby stimulate muscle activity.EMS is used, for example, to support training in athletes and to support muscular rehabilitation after sports injuries.

[0016] Electrodes functioning as sensors or actuators are not the only examples of discrete circuit elements in wearable electronic circuits; other examples include temperature sensors, sensors for chemical substances or material changes, and antennas. GB 2581361A discloses strain sensors integrated into textiles for determining body dimensions. When discrete circuit elements or other electronic elements are integrated into textiles, they are, for the aforementioned reasons, not connected via printed circuit boards in practice, but rather via separately routed electrical wires or electrically conductive strands woven into the textile material. However, such conventional solutions are disadvantageous in terms of manufacturing costs and user comfort.

[0017] The object of this invention is an arrangement for an electronic circuit to be worn on the human body on a textile carrier material, which allows for simple and cost-effective regeneration of the electronic circuit with reduction or healing of damage and defects on conductor tracks, as well as an associated control module and control method for the regeneration process.

[0018] The invention solves the stated problem by means of the electronic circuit to be worn on the human body on a textile carrier material according to claim 1 and the associated control method according to claim 18. The dependent and collateral claims relate to advantageous further developments.

[0019] The invention is explained in the following description with reference to exemplary embodiments and the figures. - Fig. 1A is a schematic representation of the electronic circuit to be worn on the human body on a textile carrier material according to the first embodiment, Fig. 1B is a schematic representation of associated control modules, Fig. 1C is a schematic representation for the conceptual explanation of an exposed circuit element. - Fig. 2A is a schematic representation of a connection between two conductor tracks under a discrete circuit element according to the first embodiment, Fig. Figure 2B shows an exemplary alternative arrangement. - Fig. Figure 3 is a block diagram of a control module according to the first embodiment. - Fig. Figure 4 shows functional components of a control module for regeneration operation according to the first embodiment. - Fig. 5A is a schematic representation of the electronic circuit to be worn on the human body on a textile carrier material according to the second embodiment, Fig. 5B is a schematic representation of associated control modules. - Fig. Figure 6A shows a section of a damaged conductor track. - Fig. Figure 6B shows a section of the same conductor track after application of the described regeneration process.

[0020] The invention relates in a first aspect to an electronic circuit to be worn on the human body on a textile carrier material.

[0021] In a second aspect, the invention relates to a regeneration process for the electronic circuit to be worn on the human body on a textile carrier material and an associated control module.

[0022] In a third aspect, the invention relates to a control module for the electronic circuit to be worn on the human body on a textile carrier material and an associated control method.

[0023] The electronic circuit can contain various components, including active and passive components, and is designed to be worn on the human body and to perform functions as a "smart textile" that provide the wearer with more functionality or information.

[0024] The circuit according to the invention comprises in particular a discrete and / or exposed circuit element.

[0025] Discrete circuit elements are individual electronic components used in electronic circuits, each fulfilling a specific, individual function. Examples of discrete circuit elements include resistors, capacitors, diodes, transistors, electrodes, inductors, varistors, chemistors, switches, or actuators. In exceptional cases, they can even include integrated circuits, provided these are not damaged by high input currents. In the case of wearable electronic circuits on textile backing, the discrete circuit elements primarily serve to measure biological, environmental, or ambient variables. Suitable sensory elements for this purpose can be various types of sensors that acquire information about the wearer or environmental data and—optionally—provide data or feedback loops for the actuators.The electronic circuitry on a textile substrate can be used to measure bodily signals and activate specific parts of the body, for example by measuring body-generated voltages and / or currents and activating muscles by applying voltages and / or currents. The actuators can also be operated independently of the sensor elements.

[0026] The following serves to conceptually explain the exposed circuit element. Fig. 1C.: In the language of the present application, a circuit element is considered exposed if, apart from conductor tracks, its immediate surroundings at a distance D from its greatest extent are free of other circuit elements. In the language of the present application, an exposed circuit element may also be a group of similar circuit elements whose immediate surroundings, apart from conductor tracks and adjacent similar circuit elements, are free of other circuit elements. In the language of the present application, a circuit element is considered particularly exposed if, apart from conductor tracks, its surroundings at twice its greatest extent are free of other circuit elements.

[0027] As explained in the introduction, discrete and / or exposed electronic components in textiles worn on the body are of particular interest for the present invention because the associated conductor tracks often run over exposed and / or particularly stressed areas of the body, constitute a large part of the body-worn electronic systems in terms of length, and are particularly susceptible to microcracks.

[0028] The discrete and / or exposed circuit element can be formed in printed electronics and has a lateral extent of 1 mm to 300 mm parallel to a surface of the textile substrate (4000) and one or more different stacked layers perpendicular to the surface of the textile substrate (4000), each with a thickness of up to 500 µm, preferably with a thickness of 1 µm to 200 µm. In this context, the surface of the textile substrate is understood to be the macroscopic surface of the textile substrate averaged over the lateral extent of the circuit element; differently oriented microscopic surfaces of individual textile fibers are not considered here. The number and height of the layers can vary, for example, to form circuit elements of different heights or specific surface textures or edge profiles.

[0029] The layer height of the stacked layers can be determined in particular by the type of manufacturing and can vary as follows: - Inkjet printing / aerosol printing - layer thicknesses from a few nanometers to several micrometers -Screen printing - layer thicknesses from a few micrometers to about 200 micrometers -Flexographic printing / roll to roll - layer thicknesses from a few micrometers to about 50 micrometers

[0030] The textile backing material can be designed in a variety of ways and include natural and / or synthetic fiber types. It can be manufactured using various techniques, such as knitting, weaving, or nonwoven fabrics, and exhibits elasticity induced by the material properties or, particularly in the case of knitting or weaving, structurally determined. This elasticity can be varied in different directions. The textile backing material can, for example, be used as part of a bandage, cuff, or dressing that encloses a limb.The textile can also be, for example, a belt or a piece of clothing, in particular a stocking, close-fitting underwear or close-fitting sportswear such as a jersey or diving suit or similar, each designed with a contact surface which, when worn on the human body, is in contact with a section of the skin of the human body and contains at least one sensor or electrode element on the contact surface.

[0031] Sensor elements on the contact surface enable local measurements of signals picked up from the body. Local measurements are of interest when they can only be measured at specific parts of the body, such as muscle signals, or when local differences need to be detected, as with temperature measurements. If the contact surface includes at least one electrically conductive sensor, it can be used to directly measure electrical currents and voltages upon contact with the body, as is the case with electromyography (EMG), electrocardiography (ECG), electroencephalography (EEG), or electrooculography (EOG).

[0032] Actuator elements at the contact surface serve to generate effects in the body through actuation and chemical reactions. In particular, the actuators can direct currents of various configurations into the body to activate and stimulate nerves, blood vessels, tissues, and muscles.

[0033] The contact surface is dimensioned to closely replicate the underlying biological structure or to perform a multitude of measurements using an array. Its size can vary from a few millimeters, as with temperature or pressure arrays, to approximately 300 mm² when it comes to activating entire muscles and muscle groups.

[0034] The electronic circuit according to the present invention further comprises a contacting module as a mechanical and electrical interface of the electronic circuit to be worn on the human body for a control module and allows it to be mechanically and electrically detachably connected.

[0035] The contacting module allows, in particular, the mechanical and electrical connection with a control module for controlling the intended functional operation of the electronic circuit to be worn on the human body, as well as with a control module for controlling a regeneration process according to the invention of the electronic circuit to be worn on the human body.

[0036] Optionally, the contact module allows different control modules to be connected to the electronic circuit worn on the human body for both functional operation and the regeneration process. Alternatively or additionally, the contact module also allows a single control module to be connected to the electronic circuit worn on the human body for both functional operation and the regeneration process.

[0037] The contact module must be designed such that its conductivity is sufficiently high and its overall resistance sufficiently low so that the intended operation of the electronic circuit to be worn on the human body is not hindered by the contact. At the same time, sufficiently high conductivity and sufficiently low resistance must also be present so that the regeneration process according to the invention does not lead to excessive heat generation at the contact module.

[0038] According to the invention, a discrete and / or exposed circuit element is connected to the contacting module via an electrically conductive connection. This connection comprises two or more conductor tracks that are electrically insulated circumferentially along the conductor track direction and are electrically connected to each other on the side of the discrete and / or exposed circuit element. On the side of the contacting module, these conductor tracks can be detachably connected to the control module separately via respective coupling elements. The conductor tracks have a width in the range of 100 µm to 10 mm and a thickness of up to 200 µm and are formed with a material in which electrically conductive components are electrically connected to each other in a non-conductive carrier medium.

[0039] The electrically conductive connection according to the invention between the two or more conductor tracks on the side of the discrete and / or exposed circuit element, in simplified terms, creates a short circuit between the conductor tracks. This means that when a voltage is applied to the respective coupling elements, a current flows from one conductor track to the other, bypassing the discrete and / or exposed circuit element and / or not participating in its intended function. If the discrete and / or exposed circuit element requires two or more electrical connections for its intended operation, the two or more electrically connected conductor tracks according to the invention can only serve as one of these connections.

[0040] These conductive traces can be produced in printed electronics using conductive inks with subsequent heat treatment, so-called thermal sintering, and can optionally have a layered structure. According to the present invention, such conductive traces are formed with a material in which electrically conductive components are electrically interconnected in an electrically non-conductive substrate. The electrically conductive components in the ink can be in the form of nanoparticles / microparticles or in the form of particle-free inks. Nanoparticles can be spherical spheres, nanotubes, or nanowires. Nanowires are preferably used because they crosslink better and create a larger contact area with each other for higher conductivity. Microparticles can consist of flakes, as is often the case with metals, or spherical shapes, such as carbon black.The sizes vary from a few micrometers up to 100 micrometers. According to the present invention, the conductive traces have a thickness of up to 200 µm perpendicular to a surface of the textile substrate and a width of 100 µm to 10 mm parallel to this surface. Preferably, such a conductive trace can have a thickness in the range of 10 µm to 60 µm, a width in the range of 300 µm to 5 mm, and it can contain metallic components such as silver, copper, gold, or platinum in combination with silicones or polymers. The thickness can be determined by the manufacturing process and is approximately: . - Inkjet printing / aerosol printing - layer thicknesses from a few nanometers to several micrometers - Screen printing - layer thicknesses from a few micrometers to about 200 micrometers - Flexographic printing / roll to roll - layer thicknesses from a few micrometers to about 50 micrometers

[0041] The non-conductive part of the conductor tracks can preferably consist of a polymer matrix. This can be thermoplastic, such as thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), or thermoset, as with polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), and its primary function is to determine all the mechanical properties of the conductor track. In particular, its task is to make the conductor tracks mechanically stable enough for their intended use.

[0042] In a particularly advanced embodiment of this invention, as many elements as possible of the wearable electronic circuit are manufactured using additive manufacturing processes. The focus is particularly on the conductive traces and the discrete electronic components. Preferred methods for additive manufacturing are printed electronics techniques such as screen printing, inkjet printing, or roll-to-roll printing.

[0043] According to the invention, the two or more conductor tracks are electrically insulated all around along their direction of travel. This insulation serves, on the one hand, to ensure the undisturbed operation of the electronic circuit during normal operation. Furthermore, the electrical insulation also serves as thermal insulation during the regeneration process according to the invention, which is explained below. The electrical insulation of the conductor track can contain a foamed material to enhance the thermal insulation effect. Foamed material can, for example, be provided on the side facing the human body.

[0044] Optionally, the conductor tracks can also be further insulated by additional shielding conductive or grounded surfaces to improve signal quality.

[0045] Furthermore, conductor tracks can branch out, allowing several discrete circuit elements to be connected.

[0046] Under normal use of the electronic circuit worn on the human body, the conductor tracks should, in a defect-free state, cause no or only negligible changes in signal and data.

[0047] The electronic circuit according to the invention, which is to be worn on the human body and is mounted on a textile carrier material, enables a regeneration process according to the invention as follows: Voltage is applied to at least two of the two or more conductor tracks via the coupling elements, causing current to flow through a first of the at least two conductor tracks from the contacting module towards the discrete and / or exposed circuit element (10), and through a second of the at least two conductor tracks from the discrete and / or exposed circuit element (10) to the contacting module. This results in local heating of a defect in the first and / or the second conductor track due to current flow through the defect. By applying voltage and / or the local heating and cooling, voltage-directed mobility and material transport can be generated at the locally heated defect, and the defect can be closed, as the conductive components experience a force from the electric field and can thus move with and within the plastic polymer matrix.

[0048] The regeneration process according to the invention is based on the surprising effect that, in printed electronics, even after their production using thermal sintering, the subsequent application of voltage and current at temperatures below the sintering temperatures used in production can lead to a reduction in electrical resistance and regeneration of conductor tracks. The exact physical explanation is unknown to the inventor; he suspects that damaged structures in the conductor tracks are repaired by a heat-pressure process localized to locally heated microdefects, typically applying local temperatures between 60°C and 180°C for 2 to 120 seconds.

[0049] This effect is particularly noteworthy because the inks used in the production of printed electronics often only become conductive through subsequent heat treatment, known as thermal sintering. The resulting materials are not compact, electrically conductive solids, but rather materials with only weakly bonded close relationships between electrically conductive components in an electrically non-conductive substrate. The inventor hypothesizes that if these materials are not fully sintered, certain reactions that increase or even initiate the conductivity of the inks used in printing during sintering can also occur subsequently. These include, for example, the thermal breakdown of polymer coatings on conductive particles, chemical reactions of salts, or the migration of individual metals or thermoplastic (conductive) polymers.This can be achieved in the production of printed electronics by targeted, moderate subsequent heat treatment, i.e., targeted, moderate thermal sintering, of the conductive inks used in printing.

[0050] According to the invention, the conductive tracks are formed with a material in which electrically conductive components such as metals, salts, carbon, or polymers are electrically interconnected in a non-conductive carrier medium. For the regeneration process according to the invention, it proves advantageous if the volume fraction of the carrier medium is at least 30% and at most 90% of the volume fraction of the electrically conductive components.

[0051] It is further advantageous for the regeneration process according to the invention if the carrier medium contains a semi-crystalline thermoplastic material component with a glass transition temperature below room temperature and with an amorphous weight fraction of at least 30%. The softening of the thermoplastic material component at the locally heated defect areas promotes the mobility of the electrically conductive components located there, and the locally elevated temperature also promotes the local crystallization of the amorphous weight fraction, thereby reducing the volume of the semi-crystalline material component in the carrier material and facilitating subsequent compaction and mutual contacting of the electrically conductive components.

[0052] Preferably, the carrier medium also comprises a thermoplastic material with a thermoelastic state at room temperature and a thermoplastic state at a temperature above 80°C, preferably already above 50°C. This is because, on the one hand, the thermoelastic state at room temperature facilitates the following of the conductor tracks, normal movements, and deformations of the textile carrier material, whereas the thermoplastic state at a temperature above 80°C, preferably above 50°C, promotes the mobility of the carrier medium and thus the regeneration process according to the invention.

[0053] In a third aspect, the invention relates to a control module for the electronic circuitry to be worn on the human body, mounted on a textile carrier material, and an associated control method. These are designed for the regeneration process according to the invention.

[0054] When the contact module connects to the circuit, the control module is connected to the two or more conductor tracks that are electrically connected to each other on the side of the discrete and / or exposed circuit element via the corresponding coupling elements of the contact module. This allows the regeneration process according to the invention, as described above, to be carried out, preferably using process parameters such as, for example, the maximum current flow through the first and second conductor tracks and the time average of this current flow, the power output from the current flow through the first and second conductor tracks and the time average thereof, the duration of the applied voltage, and time-varying voltage and current values. Such parameters can, for example, be predefined as starting values ​​and adjusted depending on the state of the circuit, in particular the state of the conductor tracks to be regenerated.As starting points, for example, the maximum current flow through the first and second conductor tracks can be limited to below 2A and the maximum duration of voltage application can be limited to 1 to 600 seconds.

[0055] The control module can, for example, be configured to perform a diagnostic process that determines one or more resistance values ​​for the two or more conductor tracks in order to derive an assessment value for the regeneration state of the conductor tracks based on this. Optionally, previously defined resistance values ​​or assessment values ​​can also be accessed.

[0056] Furthermore, optionally, information about the assessment value and the associated identity of the electronic circuit, as well as optionally further details such as the identity of the control module and the place / time of the determination of assessment values, can be output to the user of the circuit and / or a central data storage instance.

[0057] The identity of the electronic circuit to be worn on the human body on a textile carrier material can be established, for example, via an electronically readable identifier.

[0058] Once the results of the diagnostic process are available, the control module can, for example, be configured to execute a control process in which one or more of the previously used process parameters are adjusted based on these results, and the regeneration process is continued with the adjusted parameters. For instance, during the repair mode, an indicator of the condition of the conductor tracks, such as resistance or current flow, can be determined, and a sequence of changes can be initiated depending on the result. Controlled by the control module, this circuit can be used both for resistance measurement and actively operated with a current. Thus, this arrangement serves to monitor and repair conductor tracks for circuits worn on the human body.In an advantageous embodiment, the control module determines the state, for example of the electrical resistance, of the conductor tracks and applies an adjustable current.

[0059] Alternatively, the process can be configured to terminate the regeneration process. During repair, it is not necessary to eliminate all defects; the goal is simply to improve them. Frequent and regular repairs aim for long-term improvement and extended durability of the conductor tracks. Furthermore, information about the assessment value and the associated identity of the electronic circuit, as well as optionally further details such as the identity of the control module and the location / time of the assessment value determination, can be output to the user and / or a central data storage instance.

[0060] In addition to the control module designed for the regeneration process according to the invention for the electronic circuit to be worn on the human body, this can also be controlled via the contacting module with a control module for an operating mode according to the intended function of the circuit, which terminates the regeneration process and its subsequent processes described above and, for example, controls the aforementioned discrete and / or exposed circuit element using at least one of the two or more conductor tracks according to its intended function.

[0061] As an alternative, a control module can be provided for the device worn on the human body. This module is designed to control the circuit both according to its intended function and for a regeneration process, and is capable of switching between these two operating modes. In one embodiment, the control module can switch between a repair mode and a functional mode in which the control is implemented to fulfill functions of the wearable electronic circuit, such as measuring EMG signals and / or applying voltages and currents to a contact surface. This variant is characterized by the fact that all control functions can be integrated into a single, compact controller.This arrangement is battery-operated in a particularly compact form and allows for particularly short and uncomplicated regeneration process cycles.

[0062] As a further option, a control module can be provided for the circuit intended for wear on the human body. In addition to functional operation (controlling the circuit according to its intended function), this module is also designed for diagnostic and monitoring operation (controlling the circuit for a diagnostic process). This allows for condition monitoring of the circuit during operation without a regeneration process. In a simple embodiment, the functional operation, for example, also includes a measurement mode in which an indicator of damage to the two or more conductor tracks is measured, such as a resistance value. Using multiplexing, additional conductor tracks of the electronic circuit on the textile carrier can be measured.Based on the indicator measurement, the control unit can then issue notifications, such as a defect message to the user along with locking the circuit, a durability estimate, announcement / initiation of the regeneration process, an estimate of the time and energy required for this and comparison with the battery level, a color-coded classification of the value, or other actions.

[0063] Fig. Figure 1A is a schematic representation of the electronic circuit to be worn on the human body on a textile carrier material 4000 according to the first embodiment. In this embodiment, a contact surface 40, when worn on the human body, is in contact with a section of the skin and contains, as a discrete and / or exposed circuit element of the electronic circuit, an electrode element 10 with an electrically conductive layer on the contact surface. In this embodiment, the circuit serves the intended function of electromyography (EMG), in which electrodes in the form of electrically conductive surfaces are brought into non-invasive contact with the human skin in order to measure muscle activation potentials as sensors.

[0064] The electronic circuit further includes a contact module 30 for connecting the circuit on the substrate to a control module 6000 without direct contact with the skin of the human body. The contact module 30 is designed for a detachable mechanical and electrical connection of the electronic circuit to a control module. As shown in Fig. As shown schematically in Figure 1B, two control modules 6000F and 6000R are provided in the present embodiment, which can be used alternatively and interchangeably. One control module 6000F serves as a functional control module for controlling the electronic circuit in an operating mode according to its intended function (in this case, electromyography), while the other control module 6000R enables an operating mode for the regeneration of the electronic circuit according to the invention and thus serves as a regeneration control module.

[0065] The electronic circuitry on the textile backing material means that the functional control module must also be worn on the human body; therefore, a mobile power supply (battery operation) is advantageous for its operation. If—as in the present embodiment—the regeneration control module is provided separately, it can be used interchangeably for several circuits, each with its own associated functional control module, and can also be powered by a stationary power source for this purpose.

[0066] In the present embodiment, the circuit comprises, as the discrete and / or exposed circuit element, two discrete electrode elements 10 and 20, each provided with an electrically conductive layer on the contact surface for contacting human skin. The following description explains the invention with reference to the discrete electrode element designated 10.

[0067] The electrode element 10 (as the discrete and / or exposed circuit element) is electrically connected to the contacting module 30, the electrically conductive connection being made via two (or more) conductor tracks 1010, 1020 according to the invention. For the sake of simplicity, these conductor tracks 1010, 1020 are shown as straight and parallel to each other, but neither a straight nor a parallel course is required for the invention.

[0068] According to the invention, the two (or more) conductor tracks 1010, 1020 on the side of the electrode element 10 are electrically connected to each other and can be separately and detachably connected to the control module 30 via respective coupling elements 1015, 1025.

[0069] This arrangement, according to the first embodiment, enables a regeneration process according to the invention. By connecting the two conductor tracks 1010, 1020 on the side of the electrode element 10, which is the discrete and / or exposed circuit element, it is ensured that there is no excessive heating of the discrete and / or exposed circuit element, which often has a significantly lower conductivity than the conductor tracks or may even be insulating. This ensures that lower currents occur within the discrete electronics. The current is then distributed as follows: Iconductor / Idiscrete electronics = Rdiscrete electronics / Rconductor.

[0070] The connection can be made perpendicular to the textile surface, in front of, above, behind or below the discrete electronics. Fig. Figure 2A shows a schematic representation, specifically a vertical exploded view, in which the electrode element 10 is depicted at a graphical distance above the two conductor tracks 1010 and 1020. In the exemplary embodiment, the two conductor tracks 1010 and 1020 have direct contact with the underside of the electrode element 10 and are connected to each other below the electrode element 10 via the connection 1090. The arrangement of the connection 1090 below the electrode element is not essential to the invention; in the vertical view onto the surface of the textile substrate, it can be located in front of, behind, or beside the discrete electronics. Figure 2A shows an example. Fig. 2B an alternative arrangement in which a connection 1090a between the conductor tracks 1010a, 1020b is arranged next to the electrode element 10a in its immediate vicinity.

[0071] It is also important to note that during the regeneration process, the circuit should not overheat due to current flow, even on the side of the contacting module, especially since the coupling elements are arranged much closer together than the electrode elements. Therefore, it is advantageous that the electrical resistances of the contacting module, particularly the electrical resistances of the coupling elements (1015, 1025), are lower than the electrical resistances of the associated conductor tracks (1010, 1020). It is especially advantageous that the electrical resistances of the coupling elements (1015, 1025) are less than 50% of the electrical resistances of the associated conductor tracks (1010, 1020).

[0072] The in Fig. In Figure 1A of the present embodiment, the electrode element 20 is also detachably connected to the control module 30 via the conductor tracks 2010, 2020 and coupling elements 2015, 2025 and is also regenerated according to the invention. In the simplified representation, the conductor tracks 2010, 2020 are shown in the figure to be the same length and shape as the conductor tracks 1010, 1020. However, this is not necessary for the invention and is generally not the case with circuits on textile carriers worn on the body.

[0073] Therefore, in the present embodiment, it is provided that the control of the regeneration processes for the conductor tracks to the circuit elements 10 and 20 differ from each other with regard to the selection of process parameters and their permissible value limits, that the diagnostic processes and control processes for the conductor tracks to the circuit elements 10 and 20 are also controlled separately, and that information about assessment values ​​and / or results of the control processes for the conductor tracks to the circuit elements 10 and 20 is output separately and linked with information about the identity of the electronic circuit and the identity of the respective affected circuit elements.

[0074] In the present embodiment, two control modules 6000F and 6000R are provided, which can be used alternatively and interchangeably, namely a function control module 6000F for controlling the electronic circuit in an operating mode according to its intended function and a regeneration control module for controlling the electronic circuit in an operating mode for the regeneration of the electronic circuit according to the invention.

[0075] The 6000F function control module controls the electronic circuit in an operating mode according to its intended function, in this case electromyography, and uses one of the two or more conductor tracks (1010, 1020) for the electrically conductive connection between the discrete and / or exposed circuit element, in this case electrode element 10, and the contacting module.

[0076] The electronic circuitry on the textile carrier material means that the functional control module must also be worn on the human body; therefore, a mobile power supply (battery operation) is advantageous for its operation. If—as in the present embodiment—the regeneration control module is provided separately, it can, independently of the ongoing operation of the electronic circuitry for electromyography, serve to regenerate one or more other electronic circuits in parallel and simultaneously, and for this purpose can also be supplied with power from a stationary source.

[0077] Fig. Figure 3 shows a simplified schematic block diagram of the control module 6000R according to the current embodiment and shows as its external interfaces the electronic circuit 4000 to be controlled, a user interface device 7000 such as an operator's mobile phone, and a data management module (8000). Communication with the data management module takes place either directly or indirectly via the UI device. The control module also contains the memory blocks ROM and RAM, the central control unit, and the power supply module.

[0078] Due to the focus on miniaturization, the functionality of the controller is severely limited. In the present embodiment, the device ID and compiled programs are in ROM, program parameters and user management data are in RAM, and usage data, including usage and regeneration histories, are stored in the external data management module.

[0079] Application areas for electronic circuits on textile substrates, such as electromyography mentioned in the present embodiment, fall within the field of medical technology. This area has high technical requirements regarding process, product, and documentation safety.

[0080] Fig. Figure 4 shows a simplified overview of the main technical functions of the 6000R control module with regard to the regeneration of circuits on textile substrates.

[0081] The second embodiment corresponds to the first embodiment in many aspects, features, and technical effects. Matching features are designated with the same reference numerals; repetition of identical descriptions is avoided.

[0082] Fig. Figure 5A is a schematic representation of the electronic circuit to be worn on the human body on a textile carrier material according to the second embodiment. This differs from the first embodiment only in that the electrically conductive connection between the discrete and / or exposed circuit element (10) and the contact module (30) comprises three or more conductor tracks (1010, 1020, 1030) which are electrically insulated around the conductor track direction and are electrically connected to each other on the side of the discrete and / or exposed circuit element and can be detachably connected separately to the control module on the side of the contact module via respective coupling elements (1015, 1025, 1035).

[0083] If the resistances of conductor tracks 1010, 1020, 1030 are designated as R101, R102 and R103, the presence of three conductor tracks instead of only two allows the separate determination of the individual resistances for each conductor track, for example by the following measurements: - Measurement of R101 + R102 in series - Measurement of R101 + R103 in series - Measurement of R102 + R103 in series - R101 + (R102 / / R103) in series - R101 / / R102) + R103 in series - R102 + (R101 / / R103) in series

[0084] In the first embodiment, the regeneration of the conductor tracks to various electrode elements 10 and 20 (as the discrete and / or exposed circuit elements) is controlled, diagnosed and regulated in a differentiated manner, and correspondingly differentiated information about the assessment value and / or the result of the control process is linked in a correspondingly differentiated manner with information about the identity of the electronic circuit and the identity of the respective affected circuit elements.

[0085] In this second embodiment, the resistances R101, R102, and R103, and thus the states of the individual conductor tracks 1010, 1020, and 1030, are determined differently for each electrode element (as the discrete and / or exposed circuit element), so that their regeneration processes can also differ from one another, for example, with regard to the choice of process parameters. Maximum values ​​are also determined, and the regeneration processes and / or diagnostic processes or control processes are controlled differently for different conductor tracks. Correspondingly differentiated information about the assessment value and / or the result of the control process is linked and output with information about the identity of the electronic circuit and the identity of the respective conductor tracks.

[0086] A further advantage of the arrangement according to the second embodiment is that it allows for more uniform regeneration, since, among three conductor tracks, the two with the highest resistances (most defects) can always be treated in pairs during the regeneration process. And should one conductor track be completely destroyed, the circuit can continue to operate using the two undamaged conductor tracks.

[0087] The method and arrangement are distinguished from the prior art by the fact that no additional chemical baths, electrolytes or similar are required, so that regeneration can take place especially with insulated conductor tracks and at low currents and temperatures.

[0088] Such a regeneration is demonstrated in a specific example in Fig. Figure 6 is shown here to illustrate a curved conductor track without insulation. Fig. Figure 6A shows a section of the conductor track after significant stretching – horizontally in the image – of the textile backing material and the conductor track. Clearly visible microcracks have formed, and the conductivity has decreased to less than 5% of the initial value. Fig. Figure 6B shows the same section of the conductor track after carrying out the regeneration process according to the invention. The textile carrier material (95% polyester, 5% elastane) is intact, but the microcracks have disappeared and the conductivity has been restored to its original value.

[0089] The process has a self-regulating and self-limiting effect, as areas with many defects and microcracks exhibit higher resistance. This results in increased heating and faster healing. Accordingly, areas with many defects and microcracks are initially heated more intensely and thus healed until the resistance roughly corresponds to that of the next most severely affected area, thereby essentially restoring a homogeneous conductor track.

[0090] Unlike existing technologies, this invention offers a practical solution for monitoring conductor structures in sensitive printed circuit boards during use. This is achieved through a control module that initiates immediate repair at room temperature upon detecting defects or microcracks. The unique aspect of this technique is that it requires no additional chemical reservoirs or external tools and operates at low voltages of just a few volts and a current range of less than 1 ampere. The repair is performed within closed conductor track systems. QUOTES FROM THE DESCRIPTION Cited patent literature - US 8463116B2

[10] - DE 68919311 T2

[11] - EP 0441154 A2

[12] - EP 0441154 A2

[13] - US 11419219B2

[14] - US 2014 / 0318699 A1

[15] - GB 2581361 A

[16]

Claims

[1] Electronic circuit to be worn on the human body on a textile substrate (4000), comprising a contacting module (30) for detachably mechanically and electrically connecting the electronic circuit on the textile substrate (4000) to a control module (6000) without physical contact with the skin of the human body, and a discrete and / or exposed circuit element (10) which has a lateral extent in the range of 1 mm to 300 mm parallel to a surface of the textile support material (4000) and perpendicular to the surface of the textile support material (4000) one or more different stacked layers of a respective thickness of up to 500 pm, preferably a respective thickness in the range of 1 µm to 200 µm, and which is connected to the contacting module (30) via an electrically conductive connection; characterized by, that the electrically conductive connection between the discrete and / or exposed circuit element (10) and the contacting module (30) comprises two or more conductor tracks (1010, 1020) which are electrically insulated all around along the conductor track direction and are electrically connected to each other on the side of the discrete and / or exposed circuit element (10) and can be detachably connected separately to the control module (6000) on the side of the contacting module (30) via respective coupling elements (1015, 1025), wherein the conductor tracks (1010, 1020) have a respective track width in the range of 100 µm to 10 mm and a respective thickness of up to 200 µm and are formed with a material in which electrically conductive components are electrically connected to each other in an electrically non-conductive carrier medium. [2] Circuit according to claim 1, wherein the electrical resistances of the coupling elements (1015, 1025) are lower than the electrical resistances of the associated conductor tracks (1010, 1020). [3] Circuit according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the electrically conductive connection between the discrete and / or exposed circuit element (10) and the contacting module (30) comprises three or more conductor tracks (1010, 1020, 1030) which are electrically insulated circumferentially along the conductor track direction and are electrically conductively connected to each other on the side of the discrete and / or exposed circuit element (10) and can be detachably connected separately to the control module (6000) on the side of the contacting module (30) via respective coupling elements (1015, 1025, 1035). [4] Circuit according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the conductor tracks (1010, 1020) have a respective track width in the range of 300µm to 5mm and a respective thickness in the range of 4µm to 60µm. [5] Circuit according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the volume fraction of the material of the conductor track has an electrically conductive component between 5% and 40%. [6] Circuit according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the carrier medium comprises a thermoplastic material having a thermoelastic state at room temperature and a thermoplastic state at temperatures from and above 80°C. [7] Circuit according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the carrier medium contains a semi-crystalline thermoplastic material with a glass transition temperature below room temperature and with an amorphous weight fraction of at least 30%. [8] Circuit according to one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the circumferential electrical insulation of the conductor tracks (1010, 1020) on the side facing the human body comprises a material layer with a thermal conductivity of not more than 0.2 W / (mK). [9] Circuit according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the conductor tracks are partially superimposed. [10] Circuit according to one of claims 1 to 9, comprising a contact surface (40) which, when worn on the human body, is in touching contact with a section of the skin of the human body and includes, as the discrete and / or exposed circuit element (10), a sensor or electrode element with an electrically conductive layer on the contact surface. [11] Control module (6000) for controlling the circuit according to one of claims 1 to 10, designed for this purpose, to be connected, when contacted with the circuit by the contacting module (30), to the two or more conductor tracks that are electrically connected to each other on the side of the discrete and / or exposed circuit element (10) via the corresponding coupling elements (1015, 1025) of the contacting module (30); and further trained to control a regeneration process with the following steps: • Applying voltage to at least two of the two or more conductor tracks, such that current flows through a first of the at least two conductor tracks from the contacting module (30) towards the discrete and / or exposed circuit element (10) and current flows through a second of the at least two conductor tracks towards the discrete and / or exposed circuit element (10) towards the contacting module (30); • Local heating of a defect in the first and / or second conductor track due to current flow through the defect; and • Regeneration of the first and / or second conductor track at the defect location by stimulating material transport at the locally heated defect location and sealing the defect location by applying voltage and / or local heating and cooling. [12] Control module (6000) according to claim 11, configured to control the regeneration process using one or more of the following process parameters: • Maximum current flow and time average of the current flow through the first and second conductor tracks • Power output through current flow through the first and second conductor tracks and time average thereof • Duration of voltage application • Amount and time average of the applied voltage • Time-varying voltage and current values • Direction of current flow • Pulse amplitude, pulse duration and rate, pulse profile, changes in direction [13] Control module (6000) according to claim 12, wherein: • the maximum current flow through the first and second conductor tracks is limited to below 2A, and / or • the maximum duration of voltage application is 1 to 600 seconds, and / or • the power output per conductor track is limited to 0.1W to 10W. [14] Control module (6000) according to claim 12 or claim 13, further configured to control a diagnostic process comprising the steps: • Determining one or more resistance values ​​for the two or more conductor tracks; and • Determination of an assessment value for the regeneration state of the conductor tracks based on the resistance values ​​determined for these conductor tracks. [15] Control module (6000) according to claim 14, further configured to control a control process with the b step: • Adjustment of at least one of the process parameters based on a result of the diagnostic process and continuation of the regeneration process. [16] Control module (6000) according to one of claims 11 to 15, further developed • for controlling a functional process in which the circuit is controlled according to its intended function; and • to switch between an operating state with control of the functional process and an operating state with control of the regeneration process or the diagnostic process or the control process. [17] Control module (6000) for controlling the circuit according to one of claims 1 to 10, configured to be connected, when contacted with the circuit by the contacting module (30), to the two or more conductor tracks which are electrically connected to each other on the side of the discrete and / or exposed circuit element (10), via the corresponding coupling elements (1015, 1025) of the contacting module (30); configured to carry out a diagnostic process comprising the steps: • Determining one or more resistance values ​​for the two or more conductor tracks; and • Determination of an assessment value for the regeneration state of the conductor tracks based on the resistance values ​​determined for these conductor tracks, and designed to carry out a functional process in which the circuit is controlled according to its intended function. [18] Control method for controlling the circuit according to one of claims 1 to 10, comprising the steps of the processes for which the control module according to one of claims 11 to 17 is designed.

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