Biometric Sensor Garment With Modular Control Module

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional biometric monitoring devices require significant user effort, capture insufficient data, provide irrelevant information, and are uncomfortable due to single-use electrodes, single-body location targeting, and adhesive use, failing to detect body responses with sufficient resolution for high user awareness.

Innovation Solution

A system comprising a garment with integrated biometric sensors and a control module that detects and processes bioelectrical signals, including EMG, ECG, and GSR, providing real-time feedback on muscle activity, exertion, and exercise form, using conductive regions for signal transduction and a waterproof electronics subsystem for reliable data transmission.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If conventional biometric monitoring devices use single-use electrodes with adhesives, then electrode placement is simplified, but user discomfort increases and reliability decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrode placementVSAvoiduser discomfort
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses disposable adhesive-backed electrodes that are discarded after a single use. These electrodes include a self-adhering backing that eliminates the need for separate adhesive application, making placement simple while allowing the electrode to be discarded after use, preventing skin irritation and discomfort from reuse.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

2Device complexity

If conventional devices target a single body location, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision and body awareness are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesensor configurationVSAvoidbody response detection
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the biometric monitoring system into multiple independent sensor units that can be placed at different body locations. Each sensor unit contains its own electrodes and can independently measure biometric parameters, allowing comprehensive monitoring of multiple muscle groups and body regions simultaneously while maintaining simple individual sensor design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Ease of operation

If manual exercise tracking is used, then user effort is minimized, but data accuracy and insight into physical exertion are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetracking effortVSAvoidexertion measurement
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The biometric monitoring system automatically detects and records exercise parameters without requiring user input or manual tracking. The electrodes continuously monitor muscle activity, heart rate, and other physiological signals, automatically calculating exercise metrics such as calories burned, exercise intensity, and muscle engagement, providing accurate data without adding user effort.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

4Device complexity

If conventional systems provide limited data capture, then device complexity is reduced, but relevant information for performance improvement is lost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata processing capabilityVSAvoidexercise behavior insights
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent designs a multi-functional biometric monitoring system that simultaneously captures multiple types of physiological data including muscle activity, heart rate, respiration, and motion patterns. The system processes and integrates these diverse data streams to provide comprehensive exercise analysis, performance feedback, and health insights, making the device suitable for various exercise types and monitoring needs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

Enables comprehensive, real-time monitoring of biometric signals, improving user awareness and performance by providing detailed insights into muscle activity, balance, and exercise metrics, reducing user discomfort and increasing data accuracy.

Implementation Method 1

a set of biometric sensors coupled to the garment and configured to receive biometric signals indicative of muscle activity of the user

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentEP3158569B1System and method for monitoring biometric signals
Publication Date: 2020.02.12 MAD APPL
  • EP3158569B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3158569B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3158569B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3D

AI summary

A system for monitoring biometric signals of a user comprising: a garment configured to be worn by the user and comprising a mounting module having an array of connection regions; a set of biometric sensors coupled to the garment and configured to communicate with the array of connection regions to receive and transmit biometric signals indicative of muscle activity of the user; and a portable control module configured to couple to the garment in a first configuration and to decouple from the garment in a second configuration and comprising: a housing comprising an array of openings; a set of contacts, each including a first region that seals at least one of the array of openings and couples to at least one of the array of connection regions in the first configuration, and an electronics subsystem coupled to the housing and in communication with a second region of each contact.