Bio-Electrode Composition for Stable Conductivity on Wet or Dry Skin
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bio-electrodes for wearable devices face challenges in maintaining electric conductivity and biocompatibility, often causing skin allergies and reducing conductivity due to water evaporation or peeling, while requiring constant skin contact for stable signal detection.
Innovation Solution
A bio-electrode composition comprising a reaction composite of a monomer with an ionic functional group bonded to a carbon particle, combined with an adhesive resin, to enhance conductivity and biocompatibility, preventing conductivity loss when wet or dried.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If water-soluble gel containing water and electrolyte is used as bio-electrode material, then electric conductivity is improved, but water evaporation during drying process causes loss of electric conductivity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state parameter from liquid water-based gel to solid polymer electrolyte, eliminating evaporation while maintaining ionic conductivity through solid-state ion transport mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite material combining polymer matrix with ionic liquid or electrolyte salts, achieving both structural integrity and ionic conductivity without relying on liquid water that evaporates
2Reliability
If higher-ionization-tendency metal such as copper is used to improve electric conductivity, then electric conductivity is improved, but skin allergy occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces polymer electrolyte as an intermediary material between the metal electrode and skin contact, providing electrical conductivity through ion transport while the polymer barrier prevents direct skin contact with reactive metals
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses polymer electrolyte coatings that can be applied as thin, disposable layers on metal substrates, providing short-term protection during wear while maintaining conductivity
3Reliability
If electro-conductive polymer such as PEDOT-PSS is used to improve electric conductivity, then electric conductivity is improved, but skin allergy occurs due to strong acidity and peeling during washing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition from acidic PEDOT-PSS polymer to neutral polymer electrolyte systems, eliminating acidity-related skin irritation while maintaining ionic conductivity through alternative mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The patent develops composite structures combining polymer matrix with ionic liquids or electrolyte salts, achieving conductivity without the peeling issues of conventional electro-conductive polymers
4Reliability
If metal nanowire is used to improve electric conductivity with small quantity addition, then electric conductivity is improved, but skin allergy occurs due to sharp tips
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces polymer electrolyte as a mediator material that provides conductivity through ion transport rather than electron conduction via metal nanowires, eliminating the sharp tip hazard while maintaining electrical functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical electron conduction mechanism of metal nanowires with ionic conduction through polymer electrolyte, eliminating physical sharp objects while achieving electrical conductivity
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The bio-electrode composition ensures stable electric signal transmission with high sensitivity and adhesion, preventing skin allergies and maintaining conductivity, while being lightweight and cost-effective.
Implementation Method 1
The water-soluble gel contains sodium, potassium, or calcium as the electrolyte in a water-soluble polymer for retaining water, and converts changes of ion concentration from skin into electricity
Implementation Method 2
A bio-electrode composition comprising a reaction composite of a monomer with an ionic functional group bonded to a carbon particle
Data Source
AI summary
A bio-electrode composition contains (A) a reaction composite of a monomer having an ionic functional group and a carbon particle. The component (A) contains the carbon particle bonded to the monomer having a structure selected from the group consisting of salts of ammonium, lithium, sodium, potassium, and silver formed with any of fluorosulfonic acid, fluorosulfonimide, and N-carbonyl-fluorosulfonamide. Thus, the present invention provides: a bio-electrode composition capable of forming a living body contact layer for a bio-electrode which is excellent in electric conductivity and biocompatibility, light-weight, and manufacturable at low cost, and which prevents significant reduction in the electric conductivity even when wetted with water or dried; a bio-electrode including a living body contact layer formed of the bio-electrode composition; and a method for manufacturing the bio-electrode.