Electronic circuit, associated control module and associated control method

Abstract

The present invention relates to an arrangement for an electronic circuit on a textile carrier material to be worn on the human body, and to an associated control method for healing defects.

Description

[0001] Electronic circuit, associated control module and associated control method

[0002] DESCRIPTION

[0003]

[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.

[0004]

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

[0005] [3] Printed electronics has established itself in a variety of forms and applications, including antennas such as RFID, displays and lighting devices 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 foils, and during intended use, the substrate is subject to little or no deformation.

[0006] [4] However, textiles as a carrier material are neither dimensionally stable nor rigid, and in their intended use they can be subject to severe deformation.

[0007] In addition, other requirements often arise, such as flexible stretchability, washability, or resistance to numerous cycles of bending, abrasion, and folding. In textiles worn on the body, body perspiration can also cause chemical reactions, which oxidize, reduce, or remove metals.

[0008]

[0005] Overall, electronic circuits on textiles can regularly experience damage or defects when used as intended, so that the product lifespan of electronics printed on textiles can be significantly shorter than that of PCBs.

[0009]

[0006] Damage or defects caused by microcracks, i.e., small cracks and / or fractures 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. This can lead to a self-reinforcing effect, which is a major cause of failures in printed electronics in general, and in particular in textiles.

[0010]

[0007] The formation of defects such as microcracks is favored by the inhomogeneous fabric structure of textile substrates. Furthermore, no solid materials are printed, but rather so-called "conductive inks" with small conductive particles, for example, made of metal or salts, which must bond through a process such as thermal sintering at temperatures between 50°C and 180°C. The volume fractions of conductive material in printed electronic structures often remain below those of corresponding solid materials even after thermal sintering, which is why printed electronic structures inherently have a lower conductivity than corresponding solid materials.

[0011]

[0008] Microcracks occur primarily in the conductor tracks for discrete and / or exposed electronic components such as sensors, actuators and coils, since these conductor tracks have a small width, particularly compared to their length, 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, in terms of length, form the majority of the electronic systems worn on the body. [9] 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. addition of material to close defect gaps.

[0012]

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

[0013]

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

[0014]

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

[0015]

[0013] US11419219B2 describes a method for modifying stretched structures with tapers by placing the structure in a bath of polarized nanoparticles and applying and measuring an alternating voltage to cause the nanoparticles to deposit at the taper. Here, too, a reservoir is required for the supply of additive materials.

[0016]

[0014] Overall, such processes for repairing defects in circuit paths are technically complex and only suitable in industrial environments with appropriate safety precautions. The use of such processes for the regeneration of printed electronic circuits intended for skin contact with the human body is unlikely, particularly since, when used as intended, they are used in medical or sports facilities and / or for home use.

[0017]

[0015] Such electronic circuits with skin contact to the human body are known for several functions, see, for example, US 2014 / 318699 A1 . A first example of such a function is 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 act as sensors 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 brought into non-invasive contact with the human skin in order to act as actuators by supplying electrical voltage and thereby stimulating muscle activity.EMS is used, for example, to support training in athletes and to support muscular rehabilitation after sports injuries.

[0018]

[0016] Electrodes functioning as sensors or actuators are not the only examples of discrete circuit elements in body-worn electronic circuits; other examples include temperature sensors, sensors for mechanical changes such as stress or strain sensors, sensors for chemical substances or material changes, or even antennas. GB 2581361A, for example, discloses strain sensors integrated into textiles for determining body measurements. For the reasons stated above, when discrete circuit elements or other electronic elements are integrated into textiles, they are not connected in practice via printed circuit tracks, but rather via separately routed electrical lines or electrically conductive strands woven into the textile material. However, such conventional solutions are disadvantageous in terms of manufacturing costs and user comfort.

[0017] An 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 a 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.

[0019]

[0018] The invention solves this problem by 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 23. The dependent and subordinate claims relate to advantageous developments.

[0020]

[0019] The invention is explained in the following description using exemplary embodiments with reference to the figures.

[0021] Figure 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, Figure 1B is a schematic representation of associated control modules, and Figures 1C to 1F are schematic representations for the conceptual explanation of an exposed circuit element.

[0022] Figure 2A is a schematic representation of a connection of two conductive tracks under a discrete circuit element according to the first embodiment, Figures 2B to 2D show exemplary alternative arrangements.

[0023] Figure 3 is a block diagram of a control module according to the first embodiment.

[0024] Figure 4 shows functional components of a control module for regeneration operation according to the first embodiment.

[0025] Figure 5A is a schematic representation of the electronic circuit to be worn on the human body on a textile carrier material according to a second embodiment, Figure 5B is a schematic representation of associated control modules.

[0026] Figure 6A is a schematic representation of the electronic circuit to be worn on the human body on a textile carrier material according to a third embodiment, Figure 6B shows an overview of switching states of the selection switching device of the embodiment.

[0027] Figure 7A is a schematic representation of the electronic circuit to be worn on the human body on a textile carrier material according to a fourth embodiment, Figure 7B shows an overview of switching states of the selection switching device of the embodiment.

[0028] Figure 8 is a flowchart of a section of an exemplary control method according to the fourth embodiment.

[0029] Figure 9 A shows a section of a damaged circuit track.

[0030] Figure 9B shows a section of the same conductor track after application of the described regeneration method.

[0031]

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

[0032]

[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.

[0033]

[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.

[0034]

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

[0035]

[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 that are used in electronic circuits and each fulfill a specific, individual function. Discrete circuit elements can be, for example, resistors, capacitors, diodes, transistors, electrodes, inductors, varistors, chemistors, switches, or actuators. In exceptional cases, these can even include integrated circuits, provided that they are not damaged by high currents at the inputs. In the case of the electronic circuit on a textile carrier material worn on the human body, the discrete circuit elements are primarily used to measure biological, environmental, or ambient variables.Suitable sensory elements can be various types of sensors that collect information about the wearer or environmental data and, optionally, provide data or feedback loops for the actuators. The electronic circuit on a textile carrier material can be used to measure body signals and activate specific parts of the body, for example, by measuring voltages and / or currents generated by the body and activating muscles by applying voltages and / or currents. The actuators can also be operated independently of the sensory elements.

[0036]

[0026] Figures 1C to 1F serve to conceptually explain the exposed circuit element. In the language of the present application, a circuit element 10 is exposed if, apart from conductor tracks 1010, 1020 (Figure 1C) or, in a broader sense, apart from conductor tracks 1010, 1020 and sensors S (Figures 1D to 1F), its immediate surroundings are free of other circuit elements at the distance of its greatest extent D. In the language of the present application, an exposed circuit element can also be a group of similar circuit elements whose immediate surroundings are free of other circuit elements apart from conductor tracks, or, in a broader sense, apart from conductor tracks and sensors, as well as adjacent similar circuit elements.In the language of the present application, a circuit element is particularly exposed if its surroundings are free of other circuit elements at a distance twice its greatest extent, apart from conductor tracks, or in a broader sense, apart from conductor tracks and sensors.

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

[0037]

[0028] The discrete and / or exposed circuit element can be formed in printed electronics and has a lateral extent in the range of 1 mm to 300 mm parallel to a surface of the textile carrier material 4000 and one or more different layers stacked one above the other, each with a thickness of up to 500 μm, preferably with a thickness in the range of 1 μm to 200 μm, perpendicular to the surface of the textile carrier material 4000. In this context, the surface of the textile carrier material is to be understood as a macroscopic surface of the textile carrier material 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.

[0038]

[0029] The layer height of the stacked layers can be determined in particular by the type of fabrication and can vary as follows:

[0039] -Inkjet printing / aerosol printing - layer thicknesses from a few nanometers to a few micrometers

[0040] -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]

[0030] The textile carrier material can be designed in a variety of ways and comprise natural and / or synthetic fiber types. It can be produced in various ways, such as by knitting, weaving, or nonwoven techniques, and can have an extensibility induced by the material's properties or, particularly in the case of knitting or weaving techniques, structurally determined. This extensibility can be selected differently in different directions. The textile carrier material can, for example, be designed as part of a bandage, a cuff, or a dressing that encloses an extremity of the body. 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 the like.The textile can in particular be provided with a contact surface and be designed so that, when worn on the human body, it is in contact with a portion of the skin of the human body and contains at least one sensor or electrode element on the contact surface.

[0042]

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

[0043]

[0032] Actuator elements on the contact surface serve to generate effects in the body through actuators and chemical reactions. In particular, currents in various configurations can be conducted into the body through the actuators to activate and stimulate nerves, blood vessels, tissue, and muscles.

[0044]

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

[0034] Discrete and / or exposed sensor elements are also conceivable without direct body contact. For example, body states such as movements—or more generally—muscular activity of the body can be determined through state measurements such as strain measurements on the textile carrier material.

[0045]

[0035] 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 this to be connected mechanically and electrically detachably.

[0046]

[0036] The contacting module allows in particular the mechanical and electrical connection to a control module for controlling a proper functional operation of the electronic circuit to be worn on the human body and to a control module for controlling a regeneration process according to the invention of the electronic circuit to be worn on the human body.

[0047]

[0037] Optionally, the contact module allows various control modules for functional operation and the regeneration process to be connected to the electronic circuit worn on the human body. Alternatively or additionally, the contact module also allows a common control module for both functional operation and the regeneration process to be connected to the electronic circuit worn on the human body.

[0048]

[0038] The contact module must be designed such that the conductivity is sufficiently high and the total resistance of the contact is sufficiently low 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, a sufficiently high conductivity and a sufficiently low resistance must be present so that the regeneration operation according to the invention does not lead to excessive heat development at the contact module.

[0039] According to the invention, a discrete and / or exposed circuit element is connected to the contact module via an electrically conductive connection.This comprises two or more conductor tracks that are electrically insulated circumferentially along the conductor track direction and electrically connected to one another on the side of the discrete and / or exposed circuit element. On the side of the contacting module, these tracks can be separately and detachably connected to the control module via respective coupling elements. The conductor tracks have track widths in the range of 100 μm to 10 mm and thicknesses of up to 200 μm and are formed from material in which electrically conductive components are electrically connected to one another in an electrically non-conductive carrier medium.

[0049]

[0040] The electrically conductive connection according to the invention of the two or more conductor tracks on the side of the discrete and / or exposed circuit element creates, in simplified form, a short circuit between the conductor tracks, i.e., it is designed such 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 electrically conductively connected two or more conductor tracks according to the invention can serve as one of these connections.

[0050]

[0041] These conductor tracks can be produced in printed electronics using conductive inks with subsequent heat treatment, so-called thermal sintering, and can optionally have a layered structure. Such conductor tracks are formed with a material in which electrically conductive components are electrically connected to one another in an electrically non-conductive carrier medium, wherein 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, or nanotubes or nanowires. Nanowires are preferably used because they crosslink better and create a larger contact area between them for greater 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 to 100 micrometers. Such a conductor track can have a thickness of up to 200 μm perpendicular to a surface of the textile carrier material, preferably a thickness in the range of 100 μm to 60 μm, and a track width parallel to this surface in the range of 100 μm to 10 mm, preferably a track width in the range of 300 μm to 5 mm, and can contain metallic components such as silver, copper, gold, platinum in combination with silicones or polymers. The thickness can depend on the manufacturing process and is approximately:

[0051] Inkjet printing / aerosol printing - layer thicknesses from a few nanometers to a few micrometers

[0052] 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

[0053]

[0042] 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 thermosetting, such as polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), and primarily serves to determine all mechanical properties of the conductor track. In particular, the task is to make the conductor tracks mechanically stable enough for their intended use.

[0054]

[0043] In a particularly advanced embodiment of this invention, as many elements of the wearable electronic circuit as possible are manufactured using additive manufacturing processes. The focus is particularly on the conductive paths 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.

[0055]

[0044] According to the invention, the two or more conductor tracks are electrically insulated continuously along the conductor track direction. This insulation serves, on the one hand, to ensure uninterrupted operation of the electronic circuit during normal operation. Furthermore, the electrical insulation also serves for thermal insulation during the inventive regeneration process – explained further below. The electrical insulation of the conductor track can contain a foamed material to enhance the thermal insulation effect. Foamed material can be provided, for example, on the side facing the human body.

[0056]

[0045] Optionally, the conductor tracks can also be insulated by additional shielding conductive or grounded surfaces to increase the signal quality.

[0057]

[0046] Furthermore, conductor tracks can branch so that several discrete circuit elements can be connected.

[0058]

[0007] During normal use of the electronic circuit worn on the human body, the conductive paths in a defect-free state should cause no or only negligible signal and data changes.

[0059]

[0048] 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, so that current flows through a first of the at least two conductor tracks from the contacting module in the direction of the discrete and / or exposed circuit element (10), and current flows through a second of the at least two conductor tracks in the direction from the discrete and / or exposed circuit element (10) to the contacting module. This results in a local heating of a defect in the first and / or second conductor track by current flowing through the defect.By applying voltage and / or local heating and cooling, voltage-directed mobility and material transport at the locally heated defect site and closing the defect site can be generated by the conductive components experiencing a force from the electric field and thus being able to move with and within the plastic polymer matrix. Materials such as silver, which exhibit thermoplastic or current-induced migration, are advantageous in this regard, so that microcracks can be closed.

[0049] The regeneration process according to the invention is based on the surprising effect that in printed electronics, even after their production by thermal sintering, the subsequent application of voltage and current flow at temperatures below sintering temperatures during production can lead to a reduction in electrical resistance and regeneration of conductor tracks.The inventor is not aware of the exact physical explanation, but he suspects that damaged structures in the conductor tracks are repaired by a heat pressure process applied to locally heated micro-defects, typically applying local temperatures between 60°C and 180°C for 2 to 120 seconds.

[0060]

[0050] This effect is particularly remarkable because the inks used in the production of printed electronics often only become conductive through subsequent heat treatment, so-called thermal sintering, and the resulting materials are not compact, electrically conductive solid materials, but rather materials with, in some cases, only weakly bonded proximity relationships between electrically conductive components in an electrically non-conductive carrier medium. If these are not completely sintered, the inventor suspects that certain reactions that increase or initially cause the conductivity of the inks used in printing during sintering can also occur subsequently. These include, for example, the thermal rupture 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.

[0061]

[0051] According to the invention, the conductor tracks are formed with a material in which electrically conductive components such as metals, salts, carbon, or polymers are electrically conductively connected to one another 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.

[0052] 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 sites promotes the mobility of the electrically conductive components there, and in addition, the locally increased temperature there promotes the local crystallization of the amorphous weight fraction, whereby the volume of the semi-crystalline material component in the carrier material shrinks and a subsequent densification and mutual contacting of the electrically conductive components is facilitated.

[0062]

[0053] Likewise preferably, the carrier medium contains a thermoplastic material having a thermoelastic state at room temperature and a thermoplastic state at a temperature above 80°C, preferably already above 50°C. On the one hand, the thermoelastic state at room temperature makes it easier for the conductor tracks to follow 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.

[0063]

[0054] In a third aspect, the invention relates to a control module for the electronic circuitry to be worn on the human body on a textile carrier material and an associated control method. These are designed for the regeneration process according to the invention.

[0064]

[0055] When contacting the circuit via the contacting module, the control module is connected to the two or more conductor tracks, which are electrically connected to one another on the side of the discrete and / or exposed circuit element, via the corresponding coupling elements of the contacting module. This allows the implementation of the above-explained regeneration process according to the invention, 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 due to 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 specified as starting values ​​and adjusted depending on the state of the circuit, in particular the state of the conductor tracks to be regenerated.As a starting point, for example, the maximum current flow through the first and second conductor tracks can be limited to less than 2A and the maximum duration of voltage application can be limited to 1 to 600 seconds.

[0065]

[0056] 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 conductive tracks in order to derive an assessment value for the regeneration status of the conductive tracks on this basis. Optionally, previously determined resistance values ​​or assessment values ​​can also be accessed.

[0066]

[0057] 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 determination of assessment values, can optionally be output to the user of the circuit and / or a central data storage instance. The identity of the electronic circuit on a textile carrier material to be worn on the human body can be determined, for example, via an electronically readable identifier.

[0067]

[0058] Once the results of the diagnostic process are available, the control module can, for example, be further configured to carry out a control process in which, based on these results, one or more of the previously used process parameters are adjusted and the regeneration process is continued with the adjusted parameters. For example, during the repair mode, an indicator of the condition of the conductive paths can be determined, for example, by resistance or current flow, and a sequence of changes can be initiated depending on the determination result. By controlling this circuit with the control module, this circuit can be used, on the one hand, to measure resistance and, on the other hand, to be actively operated with a current. This arrangement thus serves to monitor and heal conductive paths for circuits to be 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.

[0068]

[0059] Alternatively, for example, it can be determined in the control process that the regeneration process is terminated. During the repair, not all defects need to be cured; only an improvement of the defects is sought. Frequently and regularly applied repairs aim to achieve a long-term improvement and extension of the durability of the circuit paths. 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 determination of assessment values, can be output to the user and / or a central data storage instance.

[0069]

[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, the latter 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, the aforementioned discrete and / or exposed circuit element can be controlled using at least one of the two or more conductor tracks according to its intended function.

[0070]

[0061] As a variant, a control module for the circuit on the human body can be provided, which is designed both to control the circuit according to its intended function and to control the circuit for a regeneration process, and is capable of switching back and forth between these two operating modes. In one embodiment, the control module can switch between an operation for healing defects and a functional operation, in which control is carried out in such a way that functions of the electronic circuit worn on the human body are fulfilled, such as measuring EMG signals and / or applying voltages and currents to a contact surface. The switch between the two operating modes can be carried out in such a way that the regeneration process is carried out, for example, between treatment cycles and / or during treatment cycles in pulse pauses of the functional operation.This variant is characterized by the fact that all control functions can be integrated into a single, compact controller. This particularly compact design is battery-operated and allows for particularly short and uncomplicated regeneration process cycles.

[0071]

[0062] As a further variant, a control module can be provided for the circuit intended to be worn on the human body, which, in addition to functional operation (controlling the circuit according to its intended function), is also designed for diagnostic and monitoring operation (for controlling the circuit for a diagnostic process). This allows status monitoring of the circuit during operation without a regeneration process. In a simple embodiment, the functional mode, for example, additionally has a measuring mode in which an indicator for damage to the two or more conductor tracks is measured, for example a resistance value. When multiplexing is used, additional conductor tracks of the electronic circuit on the textile carrier can be measured.Based on the indicator measurement, the controller can then issue notifications, such as a defect message to the user along with blocking the circuit, a service life estimate, notification / initiation of the regeneration process, an estimate of the time and energy required for this and comparison with the battery level, a color-coded value, or other actions. Functional operation and diagnostic and monitoring modes can be operated alternately; for example, diagnostic and monitoring modes can be performed between treatment cycles and / or during treatment cycles during pulse pauses in functional operation.

[0072]

[0063] Additionally or alternatively, a suitably adapted diagnostic operation with a control module designed for this purpose can be used for quality control during the production of the electronic circuit according to the invention and / or before its delivery.

[0073] Further developments of the invention:

[0074]

[0064] The invention described above can be developed in several ways.

[0075] «Dedicated test and diagnostic loops:»

[0076]

[0065] In a first development, the electronic circuit according to the invention can additionally provide one or more closed conductor loops on the textile carrier material, which, during functional operation of the circuit, do not serve to contact circuit elements, but rather for the targeted diagnosis and monitoring of conductor tracks in areas and / or directions of particular interest, for example in areas and / or directions of particular mechanical stress, for example as a result of body movements and / or material transitions or other anisotropies in certain sections of the carrier material. They are arranged in areas and / or directions of particular interest and - for example via separate coupling elements - are detachably connected to the control module and are designed to enable measurements of their line resistance even during functional operation, with which an indicator of their condition can be determined and monitored.

[0077] Through such diagnosis and monitoring of the condition of conductor tracks in areas and / or directions of particular interest, the regeneration requirement of other conductor tracks, in particular those used in the functional operation of the circuit, can be more accurately predicted, and this information can be output and / or used for the purposes of preventive maintenance / inventive regeneration, such as determining times and expected energy requirements. Additional conductor track loops for this purpose are preferably similar in structure to the conductor tracks used in the functional operation of the circuit, including the number of "two or more" conductively connected conductor tracks, but do not need to be in electrical contact with other circuit elements except for connections for resistance measurement.To enable the diagnosis and monitoring of such additional conductor loops in parallel with functional operation, the control module intended for the intended use of the circuit is designed for the diagnosis and monitoring of such additional conductor loops in addition to functional operation. However, it is not essential to the invention whether the regeneration mode according to the invention can also be operated with the same control module or whether a separate control module specifically designed for regeneration mode is provided for this purpose.

[0078] «Freshness seal:»

[0079]

[0066] In a second development of the invention, the carrier material comprises a region that is elastically stretched by at least a specific factor in a predetermined direction when the circuit is applied to the human body. In this region, the electronic circuit comprises an electrically conductive connection between two coupling elements of the contacting module, and this connection comprises a section of insufficient elasticity that is deliberately overstretched beyond its elastic limit by stretching in the predetermined direction by at least the specific factor when the circuit is applied to the human body. This process can also be achieved, in particular, by using materials with lower elasticity and / or by using targeted predetermined breaking points in the layout.This intentionally interrupts the electrical connection between the two coupling elements when the circuit is first applied to the human body. The uninterrupted state of an electrical connection formed in this way can serve as a "seal of freshness" for the user, i.e., as proof of no previous use of the circuit, and can be tested before first applying it to the human body. Preferably, the control module intended for the intended use of the circuit is configured for this test.

[0080]

[0067] For such a section serving as a freshness seal, i.e., designed to deliberately interrupt the electrically conductive connection when the circuit is first applied to the human body, separate and specifically designated coupling elements can be provided in the contacting module. Alternatively, and preferably in the interest of resource-efficient use of coupling modules, an electrically connecting section serving as a freshness seal can also be provided between coupling elements that are used in a different way during the intended operation of the circuit, i.e., after the circuit is applied to the human body, and are not intended to have any electrical connection to one another.

[0081]

[0068] In order for the section of insufficient elasticity to serve as a freshness seal in the sense explained above, the textile carrier material must be designed such that it is elastically stretched in the region of this section by at least a certain factor in a predetermined direction when the circuit is applied to the human body, and the electrical connection in this section must be designed such that it is deliberately interrupted by stretching in the predetermined direction by at least the certain factor. Such a targeted interruption can be achieved by selecting an electrically conductive material for the electrical connection in this section whose elasticity in the predetermined direction is less than the certain factor and which, when stretched in the predetermined direction, is overstretched by at least the certain factor beyond its elastic limit and tears.

[0082]

[0069] On the other hand, the remaining elements of the circuit, in particular the conductor tracks between the contact module and the discrete and / or exposed circuit element, should remain as undamaged as possible when the circuit is applied to and worn on the human body. This can be achieved by selecting one or more electrically conductive materials of higher elasticity for the conductor tracks and / or by designing the textile carrier in such a way that, when the circuit is applied to and worn on the human body, less stretching occurs and no stretch comparable to that in the section serving as a freshness seal.For this purpose, the textile carrier can, for example, contain woven or knitted fabrics with different elasticities in different directions and / or seams and / or hems which have a different stiffening effect in different directions, and / or the textile carrier can contain stiffening additives connected to the textile carrier material, for example form-fitting and / or material-fitting stiffening additional layers in areas of conductor tracks, but not (or not of the same type) in the area of ​​the section serving as a freshness seal.

[0083] « Physiological monitoring: »

[0084]

[0070] In a third development of the invention, the electronic circuit according to the invention is operated in such a way that during functional operation, ie parallel to a control of the circuit worn on the human body of the user according to its intended function, resistance measurements / current measurements / voltage measurements are carried out on two or more conductor tracks (1010, 1020) which are mechanically connected to the carrier material, preferably in a form-fitting manner, and on the side of a discrete and / or exposed circuit element, which allow indications about body conditions and / or body functions of the user to be obtained from the measurements, which influence the resistance of the conductor track.These include, for example, stretching a conductor track due to joint movement and / or muscle contraction, detecting a motor limit, as well as changes in temperature or humidity near the conductor track induced by the user's body, or pressure on the conductor track due to a change in the user's posture. According to this third development, the conductor tracks are designed such that their line resistance changes according to the observed physical states and / or bodily functions of the user in a manner measurable using the control module. For this purpose, the conductor tracks can be designed over their entire length or only for certain conductor track sections located within or outside the immediate vicinity of a discrete or isolated switching element.For example, conductor track sections can be arranged and configured as strain gauges at selected first positions in a selected orientation and / or as temperature sensors at selected second positions or can contain such.

[0085]

[0071] Figures ID and 1F schematically show exemplary arrangements of conductor track sections designed as sensors S, SI, S2 in connection with the remaining conductor tracks 1010, 1020, in the present case - but not essential to the invention - in the vicinity of the discrete and / or exposed circuit element 10 connected to the conductor tracks. Figure IE schematically shows an alternative arrangement in which the conductive connection of the conductor tracks 1010, 1020 on the side of the discrete and / or exposed circuit element 10 is designed as a sensor S.Insofar as such sections designed as sensors S, SI, S2 have a structure that differs from the other conductor tracks, they must have a sufficiently high conductivity and a sufficiently low resistance if a regeneration operation according to the invention is not to lead to excessive heat development at the respective conductor track section designed as a sensor in the conductively connected conductor tracks 1010, 1020 as a loop on the side of the discrete and / or exposed circuit element.

[0086]

[0072] In principle, both physiological influences due to the user's physical conditions and / or bodily functions as well as line defects due to microcracks, etc., affect the resistance measurements. Line defects due to microcracks are primarily caused by aging effects and particular mechanical stress when applying and removing the circuit and are subject to no or at most minor further changes during ongoing functional operation - apart from a possible concurrent regeneration operation according to the invention.Therefore, it is advantageous to carry out reference measurements in addition to the resistance measurements mentioned for observing the body conditions and / or body functions of the user, for example at the beginning of a respective functional operation and during functional operation breaks, in order to confirm a proper, in particular defect-free, condition of the conductor tracks, to provide reference values ​​for calibration purposes and to carry out the measurements for physiological monitoring on this basis.

[0087]

[0073] In particularly preferred cases, the functional mode itself also allows resistance changes to be associated with physiological effects. For example, if the functional mode involves the use of the circuit for pulsed electrical muscle stimulation (EMS), resistance changes can be specifically determined as a function of the timing and intensity of the stimulation pulses. In this way, for example, a motor limit can be determined below which electrical muscle stimulation does not trigger muscle movement, but above which muscle stimulation does cause muscle movement. This is important, for example, if muscle atrophy is to be prevented or reduced by electrical muscle stimulation in a patient immobilized due to injury and / or surgery, but this muscle stimulation must not trigger muscle movement while the patient is immobilized.With the combined use of conductor loops connected according to the invention to the discrete and / or exposed circuit element and thus closed, both for stimulation – for example, pulsed electrical muscle stimulation (EMS) – and for physiological monitoring – for example, movement observation through resistance measurements on strain sensors – stimulation and measurement signals can be differentiated based on their different temporal behavior. EMS-induced biosignals occur with a physiologically induced time delay of typically approximately 30 msec. Furthermore, pulse profiles of stimulation signals can be provided with features of higher temporal resolution – which do not correspond to natural movement / muscle activation – for example, sequences of bipolar micropulses with pulse widths of µmsec or less, than are capable of mapping the temporal course of physiological reactions of the human body.Such higher temporal resolution features can therefore be used to mark stimulation signals in order to distinguish them from physiologically generated measurement signals.

[0088]

[0074] In a variant of the third development of the invention, the circuit according to the invention contains a section designed as a strain sensor to check, based on a strain measurement, whether the circuit is in a state in which it is properly applied to a human body before the circuit is put into operation. For this purpose, the textile carrier material comprises a region that is elastically stretched in a predetermined direction by at least a certain factor, for example, 10%, when the circuit is properly applied to the human body.Located in this area, the strain sensor is mechanically connected, preferably positively, to the carrier material as a section of a conductor track. This section serves to electrically connect a discrete and / or exposed circuit element to the contacting module and, according to the invention, is electrically connected to at least one further conductor track on the side of this circuit element. These at least two conductor tracks connected in this way can be separately and detachably connected to the control module on the side of the contacting module via respective coupling elements, thus allowing strain measurement, for example, by measuring an electrical resistance.It is sufficient if the strain measurement value, for example, the resistance measurement value, changes measurably with the stretching of the carrier including the strain sensor by a certain factor in the predetermined direction to determine whether the circuit on the textile carrier material is in a state that is intended for application to the human body. The accuracy of such a determination can be increased if multiple strain sensors are used at different locations on the textile carrier, for example, taking into account different body sizes of different users.

[0089]

[0075] The basic idea of ​​the third development, including its variant, can be understood as meaning that when a voltage is applied to two or more of the conductor tracks that are electrically connected on the side of the discrete and / or exposed circuit element, a current flowing from one conductor track to another and / or the applied voltage itself can be used to measure resistance, whereby this measurement - as well as the current flow occurring here - does not participate in the intended function of the discrete and / or exposed circuit element but can be used as an additional sensor function within the scope of the functional operation of the circuit.

[0090]

[0076] This basic idea implies a possible multiple use of the two or more conductor tracks, which according to the invention are electrically conductively connected to one another on the side of the discrete and / or exposed circuit element and can be detachably connected to the control module separately via respective coupling elements on the side of the contacting module, namely (1.) within the scope of functional operation for contacting and controlling the circuit element in its intended use, (2.) within the scope of functional operation for contacting and controlling additional sensor functions, and (3.) for carrying out the regeneration operation, which can otherwise be carried out separately, also by another control module, or concurrently within the scope of functional operation.

[0091]

[0077] Compared to separate contacting of additional sensor functions, this multiple use is advantageous because it enables additional circuit functions but does not require additional mechanically and electrically detachable connections via coupling elements in the contacting module. Limiting the number of mechanically and electrically detachable conductive connections is of great practical importance, because if the electronic circuit is worn on the body on a textile carrier, the control module's receptacle in the contacting module must be mechanically and electrically robust, on the one hand, and, on the other hand, designed to be manually detachable by a user. Hand-operated, mechanically detachable connections suitable for everyday use, such as plug-in connections, are typically designed for no more than 10 to 15, and in individual cases, 25 to 50, contacts.Connectors with a higher number of removable contacts are not suitable for manual removal and robust connection in everyday use.

[0092]

[0078] In a variant of the third development of the invention, the circuit according to the invention contains a section designed as a strain sensor to check, based on a strain measurement, whether the circuit is in a state in which it is properly applied to a human body before the circuit is put into operation. For this purpose, the textile carrier material comprises a region that is elastically stretched in a predetermined direction by at least a certain factor, for example, 10%, when the circuit is properly applied to the human body.Located in this area, the strain sensor is mechanically connected, preferably positively, to the carrier material as a section of a conductor track. This section serves to electrically connect a discrete and / or exposed circuit element to the contacting module and, according to the invention, is electrically connected to at least one further conductor track on the side of this circuit element. These at least two conductor tracks connected in this way can be separately and detachably connected to the control module on the side of the contacting module via respective coupling elements, thus allowing strain measurement, for example, by measuring an electrical resistance.It is sufficient if the strain measurement value, for example, the resistance measurement value, changes measurably with the stretching of the carrier including the strain sensor by a certain factor in the predetermined direction to determine whether the circuit on the textile carrier material is in a state that is intended for application to the human body. The accuracy of such a determination can be increased if multiple strain sensors are used at different locations on the textile carrier, for example, taking into account different body sizes of different users.

[0093] « Checking the contact of the control module: »

[0094]

[0079] In a fourth development of the present invention, the control module is designed, in addition to the normal operation of the electronic circuit, in which the discrete and / or exposed circuit element is connected to the control module and used in accordance with its intended function, to check whether the control module is properly connected to the circuit via the circuit's contacting module, specifically by measuring the current conductivity, resistance, voltage, and / or current on the conductor loop closed according to the invention on the side of the discrete and / or exposed circuit element. For such a test, it is preferred if the circuit includes several such closed conductor loops and if such a measurement is performed on several, in particular all, closed conductor loops.In the event that the measurement shows a malfunction on several or all of the circuit loops, this is seen as an indication of faulty or missing contact between the control module and the circuit and is displayed to the user.

[0095] « Using a selection switch: »

[0096]

[0080] In a fifth development of the present invention, the electronic circuit to be worn on the human body on a textile carrier material comprises a selection switching device, for example a multiplex switching device, which allows, during operation of the circuit, the coupling elements of the contacting module on the one hand and, on the other hand, conductor tracks and other parts of the circuit on the textile carrier to be variably and thus detachably connected in a larger number to the control module. According to this development, at least one conductor track encompassed by an electrically conductive connection between a discrete and / or exposed circuit element and the contacting module can be electrically conductively connected to at least one coupling element of the contacting module via a selection switching device.Preferably, a plurality of such conductor tracks can be selectably connected electrically conductively to the respective coupling element of the contacting module via the selection switching device, wherein conductor tracks that are electrically conductively connected to one another on the side of the discrete and / or exposed circuit element can each be separately electrically conductively connected to different coupling elements of the contacting module.

[0097]

[0081] Such a selection switching device is firstly designed to enable normal operation of the electronic circuit, ie to enable at least one switching state in which the discrete and / or exposed circuit elements can be connected to and used with the control module in accordance with their intended function.According to the fifth development of the present invention, the selection switching device is further designed to enable at least one switching state in which two or more conductor tracks, which serve to electrically connect an identical discrete and / or exposed circuit element to the contacting module, are separately connected to respective coupling elements, so that when a voltage is applied to two of these coupling elements, a current flows from one conductor track through the electrically conductive connection on the side of the discrete and / or exposed circuit element into another conductor track, namely past the discrete and / or exposed circuit element and / or without participating in its intended function during normal operation.It is possible that of the conductor tracks that serve to electrically connect a same discrete and / or exposed circuit element to the contacting module, only one or several or all of the conductor tracks are connected to coupling elements of the contacting module via the selection switching device.

[0098]

[0082] Such a selection switching device, such as a multiplex switching device, requires, in addition to the connections it establishes with coupling elements of the contacting module for its control by the control module, further, likewise mechanically and electrically detachable connections via additional coupling elements of the contacting module. However, the number of additional connections required to control the selection switching device via additional coupling elements of the contacting module is fewer than the number of direct connections required if four or more discrete and / or exposed circuit elements, each with two or more conductor tracks, are to be contacted.

[0099]

[0083] The use of a selection switching device is particularly advantageous when, in an electronic circuit to be worn on the human body, a large number of discrete and / or exposed circuit elements are arranged in an array. This is the case, for example, when a larger body area is to be covered with distributed sensors and / or actuators and / or when the functional operation of the circuit is to be adapted to human bodies of different sizes and / or when an array of sensors is used to determine the exact position of the circuit relative to the body.In such cases, it is difficult to implement without a selection switching device to contact the correspondingly larger number of discrete and / or exposed circuit elements according to the invention with two or more conductor tracks each and to provide a manually operated mechanically and electrically detachable connection to a control module in a contacting module.

[0100] * * * * *

[0101]

[0084] The above-explained features of various aspects, variants, and the present invention can be implemented in combination with one another. Features directed toward the resource-efficient use of conductor tracks and coupling modules are also advantageous in conjunction with the circuit according to the invention, regardless of whether and how the regeneration process according to the invention is implemented.

[0102] EXAMPLES OF IMPLEMENTATION

[0103] « First example »

[0104]

[0085] 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 exemplary embodiment. In this exemplary embodiment, a contact surface 4001, when worn on the human body, is in contact with a portion of the skin of the human body 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 the exemplary 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.

[0105]

[0086] The electronic circuit further comprises a contacting module 3000 for connecting the circuit on the carrier material to a control module 6000 without contact with the skin of the human body. The contacting module 3000 is designed for the detachable mechanical and electrical connection of the electronic circuit to a control module. As schematically shown in Figure 1B, two control modules 6000F and 6000R are provided in the present exemplary embodiment, which can be used alternatively and alternately. One control module 6000F serves as a function 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 inventive regeneration of the electronic circuit and thus serves as a regeneration control module.

[0087] With the electronic circuit on the textile carrier material, the function control module must also be worn on the human body, therefore a mobile power supply (battery operation) is advantageous for functional operation. If the regeneration control module is provided separately, as in the present embodiment, it can be used alternately for several circuits, each of which is used independently of one another with its own function control module, and for this purpose, it can also be supplied with power in a stationary manner, for example.

[0106]

[0088] In the present embodiment, the circuit comprises two discrete electrode elements 10 and 20 as the discrete and / or exposed circuit element, 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 by reference numeral 10.

[0107]

[0089] The electrode element 10 (as the discrete and / or exposed circuit element) is electrically conductively connected to the contacting module 3000, wherein the electrically conductive connection is made according to the invention via two (or more) conductor tracks 1010, 1020. In the interest of a simplified representation, these conductor tracks 1010, 1020 are shown straight and parallel to one another, but neither a straight nor a parallel course is required for the invention.

[0108]

[0090] According to the invention, the two (or more) conductor tracks 1010, 1020 on the side of the electrode element 10 are electrically connected to one another and can be detachably connected to the control module 6000 separately via respective coupling elements 1015, 1025.

[0109]

[0091] This arrangement according to the first embodiment enables a regeneration process according to the invention. The connection of the two conductor tracks 1010, 1020 on the side of the electrode element 10 as the discrete and / or exposed circuit element ensures that there is no excessive heating of the discrete and / or exposed circuit element, which in some embodiments 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 divided as follows: iConductor track / IDiscrete electronics RDiscrete electronics / RConductor track-

[0110]

[0092] The connection can be made in front of, above, behind, or below the discrete electronics in a plan view perpendicular to the textile surface. Figure 2A shows a schematic representation, specifically as a vertical exploded view, in which the electrode element 10 is shown at a graphical distance above the two conductor tracks 1010, 1020. In the exemplary embodiment, the two conductor tracks 1010, 1020 have direct contact with the underside of the electrode element 10 and are connected to one another below the electrode element 10 via the connection 1090. An arrangement of the connection 1090 below the electrode element is not essential to the invention; it can be arranged in front of, behind, or next to the discrete electronics in a vertical plan view of the surface of the textile carrier material.By way of example, Figure 2B shows 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.

[0111]

[0093] If the discrete and / or exposed switching element contains a section, preferably one of homogeneous material, that is sufficiently electrically conductive so that it does not heat up excessively during the regeneration process due to the flow of current, it is alternatively also possible to electrically connect the two conductor tracks to one another through this section of the switching element. This is the case for the electrode element of the exemplary embodiment. In the arrangement shown in Figure 2C, the two conductor tracks 1010b, 1020b contact the electrode 10b at opposite regions of its underside; the electrical connection from the conductor track 1010b to the conductor track 1020b runs through a conductive section of the electrode essentially parallel to its main surface, and thus also essentially parallel to the main surface of the textile carrier.In the arrangement in Figure 2D, the conductor track 1010c contacts the electrode 10c at a region of its underside, while the conductor tracks 1010c contact the electrode 10c at an opposite region of the top side of the electrode in plan view, the electrical connection of the two conductor tracks runs through a conductive section of the electrode substantially perpendicular to its main surface, and thus also substantially perpendicular to the main surface of the textile carrier.

[0112]

[0094] In general, it should be noted that electrical connections of the two or more conductor tracks through a materially homogeneous conductive section of the discrete and / or exposed circuit element allow the state of the circuit element to be determined by resistance measurement and any damage to the same to be detected.

[0113]

[0095] Furthermore, it should be noted that during the regeneration process, the circuit on the contacting module side does not heat up excessively due to current flow, especially since the coupling elements are arranged spatially much more densely than the electrode elements. Therefore, it is advantageous that the electrical resistances through the contacting module, in particular the electrical resistances of the coupling elements (1015, 1025), are lower than the electrical resistances of the associated conductor tracks (1010, 1020). It is particularly 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).

[0114]

[0096] The electrode element 20 shown in Figure 1A of the present exemplary embodiment is also detachably connected to the control module 6000 via the conductor tracks 2010, 2020 and coupling elements 2015, 2025 and is also regenerated according to the invention. In the simplified illustration, the conductor tracks 2010, 2020 are shown to be the same length and the same shape as the conductor tracks 1010, 1020. However, this is not required for the invention and is generally not the case with circuits on textile carriers worn on the body.

[0097] 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 differs from one another 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 to information about the identity of the electronic circuit and the identity of the respective circuit elements affected.

[0115]

[0098] In the present embodiment, two control modules 6000F and 6000R are provided, which can be used alternatively and alternately, 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 regenerating the electronic circuit according to the invention.

[0116]

[0099] The function control module 6000F 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.

[0117]

[0100] With the electronic circuit on the textile carrier material, the function control module can also be worn on the human body, therefore a mobile power supply (battery operation) is advantageous for functional operation. If - as in the present embodiment - the regeneration control module is provided separately, it can serve, independently of the ongoing functional operation of the electronic circuit for electromyography, in parallel and simultaneously to regenerate one or more other electronic circuits and can be supplied with power for this purpose, for example, even in a stationary manner.

[0101] 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 1000 to be controlled, a user interface device 7000 such as a user's mobile phone, and a data management module (8000).Communication with the data management module occurs either directly or indirectly via the UI device. The control module contains the ROM and RAM memory, the central control unit, and the power supply module.

[0118]

[0102] Due to the interest in miniaturization, the functionality of the controller is severely limited. In the present embodiment, the device ID and compiled programs are stored in ROM, program parameters and user management data are stored in RAM, and usage data, including usage and regeneration histories, are stored in the external data management module.

[0119]

[0103] Fields of application for electronic circuits on textile substrates, such as electromyography mentioned in the present exemplary embodiment, fall into the field of medical technology. This field places high technical demands on process, product, and documentation reliability.

[0120]

[0104] Figure 4 shows a simplified overview of the main technical functions of the control module 6000R with respect to the regeneration of circuits on textile supports.

[0121] « Second embodiment »

[0122]

[0105] The second embodiment corresponds to the first embodiment in many aspects, features, and technical effects. Corresponding features are designated by the same reference numerals, and the repetition of similar descriptions is omitted.

[0123]

[0106] 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 in that the electrically conductive connection between the discrete and / or exposed circuit element 10 and the contacting module 3000 comprises three or more conductor tracks 1010, 1020, 1030, which are electrically insulated circumferentially along the conductor track direction and electrically conductively connected to one another on the side of the discrete and / or exposed circuit element, and can be detachably connected to the control module on the side of the contacting module separately via respective coupling elements 1015, 1025, 1035.

[0124]

[0107] If the resistances of the conductor tracks 1010, 1020, 1030 are designated R101, R102 and R103, the presence of three conductor tracks instead of only two conductor tracks allows the separate determination of the individual resistances for each conductor track, for example by the following measurements:

[0125] Measurement of R101 + R102 in series Measurement of R101 + R103 in series Measurement of R102 + R103 in series R101 + (RI 02 / / RI 03) in series (R101 / / R102) + R103 in series R102 + (R101 / / R103) in series

[0126]

[0108] In the first embodiment, the regeneration of the conductor tracks to different 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 output in a correspondingly differentiated manner linked to information about the identity of the electronic circuit and the identity of the respective circuit elements concerned.

[0127]

[0109] In the present second embodiment, the resistances R101, R102, and R103, and thus the states of the individual conductor tracks 1010, 1020, 1030, are determined in a differentiated manner 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 selection of process parameters. Maximum values, and that the regeneration processes and / or diagnostic processes or control processes for different conductor tracks are controlled 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 conductor tracks and output.

[0128]

[0110] As a further advantage, the arrangement according to the second embodiment allows for more uniform regeneration, since among three conductor tracks, the two with the highest resistance (most defects) can always be treated in pairs in the regeneration process. And should one conductor track be completely destroyed, the circuit can continue to operate with the two undamaged conductor tracks.

[0129] « Third embodiment »

[0130]

[0111] The third embodiment corresponds to the first two embodiments in many aspects, features, and technical effects. Corresponding features are designated by the same reference numerals, and the repetition of identical descriptions is omitted.

[0131]

[0112] Figure 6A is a schematic representation of the electronic circuit to be worn on the human body on a textile carrier material according to the third exemplary embodiment. This differs from the first two exemplary embodiments in that it additionally contains a selection switching device 50 and, on the contact surface 4001, four electrodes 10, 20, 30, 40 as discrete and exposed circuit elements, each of which is connected by two conductor tracks 1010, 1020; 2010, 2020;

[0132] 3010, 3020; 4010, 4020 are connected to the selection switching device 50, via which they can be selectively connected to coupling elements M101, M102, M103, M104 of the contacting module 3000, and via which they can be detachably connected to the control module 6000. The selection switching device 50 is also electrically connected to further coupling elements M501, M502 of the contacting module 3000 in order to be detachably connected to the control module 6000 and controlled by it. The selection switching device 50 thus allows the total of eight conductor tracks to be detachably connected to the control module 6000 via the contacting module 3000 via four coupling elements M101, M102, M103 M104, wherein the contacting module contains a further two, i.e. a total of six, coupling elements as detachable connections to the control module for its control.

[0133]

[0113] The selection switching device 50 is designed to enable functional operation of the electronic circuit, i.e., to enable at least one switching state in which the four electrodes 10, 20, 30, 40 can be connected to the control module and used via four coupling elements (M101, M102, M103, M104) in accordance with their intended function. Furthermore, the selection switching element 50 is designed to enable a switching state for each of the electrodes (10; 20; 30; 40) in which the respective two conductor tracks are separately connected to two coupling elements, so that when a voltage is applied to these two coupling elements, a current flows from one conductor track through the electrically conductive connection on the electrode side into another conductor track, without participating in its intended function as an electrode in functional operation.

[0134]

[0114] Figure 6B shows an overview of the switching states of the selection switching device of the exemplary embodiment. In switching state 1, the conductor tracks 1010, 2010, 3010, 4010 are connected to the four coupling elements M101, M102, M103, M104. This corresponds to the functional mode in which the four electrodes 10, 20, 30, 40 can be separately connected to the control module and used according to their intended function. In switching state 2, for two of the electrodes (10, 30), the two respective conductor tracks 1010, 1020; 3010, 3020 are separately connected to one of the coupling elements, so that during the regeneration mode according to the invention, when a voltage is applied to them, a current flows from a conductor track 1010; 3010 can flow through the electrically conductive connection on the side of the electrode into another conductor track 1020; 3020, without participating in its intended function as an electrode in functional operation.The switching state 3 can be analogous to the regeneration operation according to the invention for the four conductor tracks 2010, 2020; 4010, 4020 of the other two electrodes (20, 40).

[0135]

[0115] The third exemplary embodiment further differs from the first two exemplary embodiments in that, with two electrodes 30, 40, each of the conductor tracks 3020, 4020 comprises a section designed as a strain sensor S1, S2. In switching states 2 and 3, resistance measurements can therefore be performed on the conductor tracks 3010 and 3020 or 4010 and 4020 for strain and calibration measurements. If the circuit of the exemplary embodiment is used in switching state 1 for electrical muscle stimulation (EMS), switching to switching states 2 and 3 in the intervals between stimulation pulses allows physiological monitoring, as explained above as the third development of the present invention.Alternatively, the circuit of the exemplary embodiment can also be used to perform muscle stimulation (EMS) alternately in switching states 2 and 3, so that physiological monitoring can also be carried out in the strict sense in parallel with electrical muscle stimulation (EMS).

[0136]

[0116] Generally speaking, the selection switching device of this embodiment is designed to enable functional operation of the electronic circuit, ie to enable at least one switching state in which the discrete and / or exposed circuit elements can be connected and used with the control module simultaneously and independently of one another in accordance with their intended function.Furthermore, the selection switching element is designed to enable one or more switching states in which two or more conductor tracks, which serve to electrically connect an identical discrete and / or exposed circuit element to the contacting module, are separately connected to respective coupling elements, so that when a voltage is applied to two of these coupling elements, a current flows from one conductor track through the electrically conductive connection on the side of the discrete and / or exposed circuit element into another conductor track, bypassing the discrete and / or exposed circuit element and / or without participating in its intended function during normal operation. "Fourth exemplary embodiment".

[0137]

[0117] The fourth embodiment corresponds to the previous embodiments in many aspects, features, and technical effects. Corresponding features are designated by the same reference numerals, and the repetition of similar descriptions is omitted.

[0138]

[0118] Figure 7A is a schematic representation of the electronic circuit to be worn on the human body on a textile carrier material according to the fourth exemplary embodiment. This differs from the third exemplary embodiment in that the electrically conductive connections between the four discrete and / or exposed circuit elements 10, 20, 30, 40 and the contacting module 3000 each comprise three or more conductor tracks, each of which can be connected to the selection switching device 50, via which it can be selected to the four coupling elements M101, M102, M103, M104 of the contacting module 3000, and via which it can be detachably connected to the control module 6000. The selection switching device 50 of this exemplary embodiment is also electrically connected to three further coupling elements M501, M502, M503 of the contacting module 3000 in order to be detachably connected to the control module 6000 and controlled by it.The selection switching device 50 therefore allows the total of twelve conductor tracks to be detachably connected to the control module 6000 via the contacting module 3000 via four coupling elements M 101 , M 102 , M 103 M 104 , wherein the contacting module contains a further three, i.e. a total of seven, coupling elements as detachable connections to the control module for its control.

[0139]

[0119] Figure 7B shows an overview of the switching states of the selection switching device 50 of this exemplary embodiment. In switching state 1, the conductor tracks 1010, 2010, 3010, 4010 are connected to the four coupling elements M101, M102, M103, M104. This corresponds to the functional mode, in which the four electrodes 10, 20, 30, 40 can be separately connected to the control module and used according to their intended function. In switching states 2 to 7, for each of the two electrodes, two of the three associated conductor tracks are separately connected to one of the coupling elements, so that during the regeneration mode according to the invention, when a voltage is applied to them, a current from each conductor track can flow through the electrically conductive connection on the electrode side into another conductor track, without participating in its intended function as an electrode in functional mode.

[0140]

[0120] The fourth embodiment further differs from the previous embodiments in that the circuit on the textile carrier, between two conductor tracks 2030, 3010 connected to different electrodes 20, 30, has a conductive connection 1099 designed as a freshness seal in the sense of the second development of the invention explained above, the state of which can be determined by measuring the resistance on the conductor tracks 2030, 3010 in switching state 8. Furthermore, the circuit according to this embodiment contains a section in a conductor track 1010 designed as a strain sensor S, which - as explained in the variant of the third development of the invention - is designed to be able to check, based on a strain measurement, whether the circuit is in a state intended for application to a human body before the circuit is put into operation.To avoid repetition, reference is made to the above statements on the second development of the invention and the variant of the third development of the invention.

[0141]

[0121] Figure 8 is a flowchart of a section of an exemplary control method according to the present embodiment, which makes use of the features described in the previous paragraph. Before putting the device into operation, the user is instructed to perform an initial start-up before applying the circuit, during which they enter a corresponding command for initial start-up of the circuit (S801). A resistance measurement is then performed to determine whether the freshness seal is intact or not (S802). If this is the case (S802 yes), this is stored as a binary flag "freshness seal intact" (S803), and the user is given information such as "New device, please create and start initial start-up" (S804). If the user enters the command for initial start-up of the circuit (S801) without applying the circuit to the body, the freshness seal remains intact, and steps S803 and S804 are repeated.If the user places the circuit on the body as intended and then enters the command to start up the circuit for the first time (S801), the freshness seal is assessed as not intact (S802 no), a check is carried out to determine whether the binary flag “freshness seal intact” is stored (S805). If yes, the user is prompted to start functional mode (S806a). If no, an output such as “Device needed, start functional mode?” is sent to the user (S806b). In both cases, the device waits for a user command to start functional mode. If this is not received (S807 no or time out), the process ends with abort (S815). Otherwise (S807 yes), a resistance measurement is used to check whether the control module is actually inserted.If a resistance measurement on all conductor loops shows a threshold value being exceeded (S808 yes), an output of the type "Please insert control module and restart functional operation" (S809) is sent to the user, and the system waits for a corresponding user command (S807). After this (S807 yes), the check is repeated to determine whether the control module is inserted (S808). If no, steps S809, S807, S808 are repeated; otherwise (S808 no) a check is carried out to determine whether the control module is inserted correctly. If a resistance measurement on at least one conductor loop shows a threshold value being exceeded (S810 no), an output of the type "Please check contacts to control module and restart functional operation" (S81 1) is sent to the user, and the system waits for a corresponding user command to restart functional operation (S807).Otherwise (S810 yes), the strain sensor S is checked to determine whether the strain corresponds to a properly applied state of the circuit to the user. If not (S812 no), an output such as "Device not correctly applied, please check and restart functional mode" (S813) is sent to the user, and the system waits for a corresponding user command to restart functional mode (S807). Otherwise (S812 yes), functional mode is started (S814).

[0142]

[0122] Essential method steps are based on resistance measurements and / or strain measurements on conductor loops, which are present according to the invention because two or more separately contacted or separately contactable conductor tracks are electrically connected to one another on the side of a circuit element. * * * * *

[0143]

[0123] The regeneration method and the arrangement according to the present invention are distinguished from the prior art in that no additional chemical baths, electrolytes or the like are required, so that regeneration can take place, in particular, even with insulated conductor tracks and at low currents and temperatures.

[0144]

[0124] Such a regeneration is shown in a demonstration example in Figure 9, here for clarification for a curved conductor track without insulation. Figure 9A shows a section of the conductor track after strong – in the image horizontal – stretching of the textile carrier material and the conductor track. Clearly visible microcracks have formed, and the conductivity has decreased to less than 5% of the initial value. Figure 9B shows the same section of the conductor track after performing the regeneration method according to the invention (applying a current flow limited to 400 mA at room pressure and room temperature). The current can fluctuate depending on the active cross-section of the conductive structure. Generally, however, it ranges between 10 mA and 3 A, most often between 100 mA and 1 A. The textile carrier material, consisting of 95% polyester and 5% elastane, is undamaged, but the microcracks have disappeared and the conductivity has been restored to its original value.For the process to work, certain conditions must be met. For example, the process must not develop temperatures that would destroy the textile, but at the same time, it must be high enough to allow microcracks to close. Materials such as silver, which exhibit thermoplastic or current-induced migration, are advantageous for closing microcracks. The final value after the process corresponds to the original value.

[0145]

[0125] The process has a self-regulating and self-limiting effect, as areas with numerous defects and microcracks have a higher resistance. This results in increased heating and faster healing. Accordingly, areas with numerous defects and microcracks are initially heated more intensely and thus healed until the resistance is approximately equivalent to the next most severely affected area, which, in principle, allows a homogeneous conductor path to be achieved again.

[0146]

[0126] In contrast to existing technologies, this invention offers a practical solution for monitoring conductive structures in vulnerable printed electronics during use. This is achieved by a control module that initiates immediate repair at room temperature upon detection of defects or microcracks. The unique feature of this technology is that it does not require additional chemical reservoirs or external tools and operates with low voltages of just a few volts and a current range of less than 1 ampere. The repair is carried out in closed circuit systems.

[0147] Cited patent literature

[0148] US 8463116B2

[0010]

[0149] DE 68919311 T2

[0011]

[0150] EP 0441154 A2

[0012]

[0151] EP 0441154 A2

[0013]

[0152] US 11419219B2

[0014]

[0153] US 2014 / 318699 Al

[0015]

[0154] GB 2581361A

[0016]

Claims

PATENT CLAIMS 1. An electronic circuit to be worn on the human body on a textile carrier material (4000), comprising a contacting module (3000) for detachably mechanically and electrically connecting the electronic circuit on the textile carrier material to a control module (6000) without touching 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 carrier material (4000) and one or more different layers stacked one above the other, each with a thickness of up to 500 μm, preferably a thickness in the range of 1 μm to 200 μm, perpendicular to the surface of the textile carrier material (4000), and which is connected to the contacting module via an electrically conductive connection;characterized in that the electrically conductive connection between the discrete and / or exposed circuit element and the contacting module comprises two or more conductor tracks (1010, 1020) which are electrically insulated circumferentially along the conductor track direction and are electrically conductively connected to one another on the side of the discrete and / or exposed circuit element and can be detachably connected to the control module separately via respective coupling elements (1015, 1025) on the side of the contacting module; 2. Circuit according to claim 1, wherein the electrically conductive connection of the two or more conductor tracks (1010,1020) on the side of the discrete and / or exposed circuit element is such that when a voltage is applied to the respective coupling elements, a current flows from one (1010) into the other conductor track (1020), which current flows past the discrete and / or exposed circuit element and / or does not participate in its intended function.

3. Circuit according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the electrically conductive connection between the discrete and / or exposed circuit element and the contacting module 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 one another on the side of the discrete and / or exposed circuit element and can be detachably connected to the control module separately via respective coupling elements (1015, 1025, 1035) on the side of the contacting module.

4. Circuit according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the conductor tracks (1010, 1020) have track widths in the range from 100 pm to 10 mm, preferably in the range from 300 pm to 5 mm, and thicknesses of up to 200 pm, preferably in the range from 4 pm to 60 pm, and wherein the conductor tracks are formed with material in which electrically conductive components are electrically conductively connected to one another in an electrically non-conductive carrier medium.

5. Circuit according to claim 4, wherein the volume fraction of the material of the conductor track has an electrically conductive component between 5% and 40%.

6. A circuit according to claim 4 or claim 5, wherein the carrier medium contains a thermoplastic material having a thermoelastic state at room temperature and a thermoplastic state at a temperature from and above 80°C, preferably from and above 60°C.

7. Circuit according to one of claims 4 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 electronic insulation of the conductor tracks (1010, 1020) on the side facing the human body comprises a material layer with a thermal conductivity of no more than 0.2 W / (mK).

9. Circuit according to one of claims 1 to 8, which comprises a contact surface (4001) which, when worn on the human body, is in contact with a portion of the skin of the human body and contains, as the discrete and / or exposed circuit element (10), a sensor or electrode element with an electrically conductive layer on the contact surface.

10. Circuit according to one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the two or more conductor tracks (1010, 1020) and / or their electrically conductive connection on the side of the discrete and / or exposed circuit element are designed such that a current flowing from one (1010) to another (1020) conductor track when a voltage is applied to the respective coupling elements and / or the voltage applied to the respective coupling elements can be used for a measurement which can be used as an additional sensor function supplementing and / or supporting the intended function of the discrete and / or exposed circuit element within the scope of the functional operation of the circuit.

11. Circuit according to claim 10, wherein the two or more conductor tracks (1010,1020) and / or their electrically conductive connection on the side of the discrete and / or exposed circuit element contain one or more sections designed for the supplementary and / or supporting sensor function, preferably a section arranged and designed as a strain sensor at a first position in a selected orientation and / or as a temperature sensor at a second position.

12. Control module (6000R) for controlling the circuit according to one of claims 1 to 11, designed to contact the circuit through the contacting module (3000) with the two or more conductor tracks that are electrically conductively connected to one another on the side of the discrete and / or exposed circuit element are connected via the corresponding coupling elements of the contacting module; and further designed 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 in the direction of the discrete and / or exposed circuit element (10) and current flows through a second of the at least two conductor tracks in the direction from the discrete and / or exposed circuit element (10) to the contacting module; • Local heating of a defect in the first and / or second conductor track by current flow through the defect; and • Regeneration of the first and / or second conductor track at the defect site by stimulating material transport at the locally heated defect site and closing the defect site by applying voltage and / or local heating and cooling.

13. Control module (6000R) according to claim 12, designed 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 track • Power output by current flow through the first and second conductor track and time average thereof • Duration of voltage application • Level and time average of the applied voltage • time-varying voltage and current values • Direction of current flow • Pulse height, pulse length and frequency, pulse profile, change of direction 14. Control module (6000R) according to claim 13, wherein: • the maximum current flow through the first and second conductor tracks is limited to less than 2A, and / or • the maximum duration of voltage application is 1 to 600 seconds, and / or • the power output per conductor is limited to 0.1 W to 10 W.

15. Control module (6000R) according to claim 13 or claim 14, further configured to control a diagnostic process comprising the steps of: • Determination of one or more resistance values ​​for the two or more conductor tracks; • Determination of an assessment value for the regeneration status of the conductor tracks based on • the resistance values ​​determined for these conductors, and • (optional) of predetermined resistance values ​​or rating values ​​for these conductors; and • (optional) Output of information about the assessment value and the identity of the electronic circuit (1000).

16. Control module (6000R) according to claim 15, further configured to control a control process comprising one of the steps: • Adjusting at least one of the process parameters according to claim 13 or the maximum values ​​according to claim 14 based on a result of the diagnostic process and continuing the regeneration process. • Completion of the regeneration process • (optional) Output of information about the assessment value and / or the result of the control process and about the identity of the electronic circuit (1000).

17. Control module (6000) according to one of claims 12 to 16, further designed for Termination of the regeneration process according to claim 12, 13 or 14; and / or • Termination of the diagnostic process according to claim 15; and / or • Termination of the control process according to claim 16; and • Control of a functional process in which the discrete and / or exposed circuit element is controlled according to its intended function and using at least one of the two or more conductor tracks.

18. Control module (6000) according to one of claims 12 to 16, further designed to control a functional process in which the circuit is controlled according to its intended function; and to Switching between an operating state with control of the functional process and an operating state with control of one of the processes according to one of claims 12 to 16.

19. Control module (6000) according to one of claims 12 to 18 for controlling the circuit according to one of claims 1 to 11 and having the features of claim 3, designed so that the process parameter(s) according to claim 13 and / or the maximum value(s) according to claim 14 can be different for different conductor tracks, so that a regeneration process according to claim 12 and / or a diagnostic process according to claim 15 and / or a control process according to claim 16 can be controlled differently for one or more conductor tracks; and (optional) the output of information about the assessment value and / or the result of the control process and about the identity of the electronic circuit (1000) is linked to information about the identity of the respective conductor track concerned.

20. Control module (6000) for controlling the circuit according to one of claims 1 to 10, designed to, upon contact with the circuit by the contacting module (3000) to be connected to the two or more conductor tracks, which are electrically connected to one another on the side of the discrete and / or exposed circuit element, via the corresponding coupling elements of the contacting module; designed to carry out a functional process in which the circuit is controlled according to its intended function and by activating the supplementary and / or supporting sensor function.

21. A control module (6000) for controlling the circuit according to one of claims 1 to 11, designed to be connected, upon contacting with the circuit by the contacting module (3000), to the two or more conductor tracks that are electrically connected to one another on the side of the discrete and / or exposed circuit element, via the corresponding coupling elements of the contacting module; designed to carry out a functional process in which the circuit is controlled according to its intended function and using the discrete and / or exposed circuit element; and further designed to carry out a diagnostic and / or measuring process different from the functional process by applying voltage to the two or more conductor tracks (1010, 1020) that are electrically connected to one another on the side of the discrete and / or exposed circuit element.

22. Control module (6000) for controlling the circuit according to one of claims 10 or 11, designed to be connected, when contacting the circuit by the contacting module (3000), to the two or more conductor tracks that are electrically conductively connected to one another on the side of the discrete and / or exposed circuit element, via the coupling elements of the contacting module corresponding to them; and for carrying out a functional process in which the circuit according to its intended function and using the discrete and / or exposed circuit element.

23. A control method for a controller according to any one of claims 1 to 11, comprising the steps of the processes according to any one of claims 12 to 22.

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