Bioelectrode Insulating Layer for Wet Signal Integrity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wearable bioelectrodes fail to maintain electrical insulation when exposed to sweat or rain, leading to short circuits and interference with bioelectric signals due to the conductive properties of the garment material.
Innovation Solution
A bioelectrode design featuring an electrically insulating fitting member with conductive electrode parts and wiring lines covered by an insulating member, preventing contact with the body and ensuring electrical isolation even when wet.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a garment material that absorbs water (such as sweat or rain) is used to secure comfortableness in use, then comfortableness is improved, but electrical insulation properties are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The garment is segmented into multiple functional layers: an outer garment layer for comfort, an intermediate insulating layer for electrical isolation, and an inner electrode layer for signal detection. This segmentation allows each layer to perform its specific function without interfering with others, resolving the contradiction between comfort and insulation.
Solution Approach 2:
An intermediate insulating layer is introduced as a mediator between the conductive electrode and the water-absorbing garment material. This intermediate layer prevents direct electrical contact between sweat/rain and the electrode wiring, maintaining insulation properties while allowing the garment to remain comfortable and absorbent.
2Ease of operation
If the garment absorbs electrolyte (sweat), then comfortableness is improved, but electrical insulation between garment and conductor is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The intermediate insulating layer acts as a mediator that prevents electrolyte (sweat) from creating electrical pathways between the conductive elements and the garment. This layer maintains the insulating barrier even when the outer garment material is saturated with sweat, preserving electrical insulation while maintaining comfort.
Solution Approach 2:
The insulating layer is implemented as a flexible thin film or coating that conforms to the garment structure while providing continuous electrical insulation. This flexible insulating barrier prevents electrolyte-induced conduction while allowing the garment to maintain its comfortable, absorbent properties.
3Reliability
If wiring line is exposed to living body contact, then electrical connection is achieved, but short circuit between wiring line and living body occurs when wet
Solution Approach 1:
The wiring lines are covered with a flexible insulating coating or thin film that provides continuous electrical insulation along the entire length of the wiring. This insulating sheath prevents short circuits between the wiring and the living body even when sweat or moisture is present, while allowing the wiring to maintain its electrical connection function.
4Measurement precision
If electrode part, connector, and wiring line are made conductive, then bioelectric signal measurement is enabled, but short circuit between multiple electrodes occurs when garment gets wet
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical components are segmented and mounted on separate insulating substrates or at spatially separated locations on the garment. This segmentation prevents sweat-induced electrical pathways from connecting multiple conductive elements, maintaining measurement precision while preventing short circuits between electrodes.
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
This design effectively prevents short circuits and maintains the integrity of bioelectric signals by keeping the wiring lines and electrodes insulated, even in wet conditions, ensuring accurate signal detection.
Implementation Method 1
a portion within the surface of the wiring line that comes in contact with a living body is covered with the electrically-insulating first insulating member
Data Source
AI summary
A bioelectrode includes a fitting member (1106) formed by an electrically insulating member fixed on a surface of a garment (1100) that comes in contact with a living body (1000), an electrode part (1101a) formed by a conductive member fixed on a surface of the fitting member (1106) that comes in contact with the living body (1000), a connector (1102a) fixed to the fitting member (1106) and configured to connect a bioelectric signal measurement device, a wiring line (1103a) fixed to the fitting member (1106) and configured to electrically connect the connector (1102a) and the electrode part (1101a), and an electrically-insulating insulating member (1105) configured to cover a portion within the surface of the wiring line (1103a) that comes in contact with the living body (1000).