Disposable Biosensor Interface for Wearable Electrodes
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing biosensors require direct electrical connection to bulky electronics for electrochemical measurements, limiting reusability and convenience in wearable devices.
Innovation Solution
A disposable interface with distinct portions, including a conductive path for biosensors and a non-conductive material for secure attachment to wearable devices, allowing for easy replacement and reduced biosensor size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a biosensor is directly connected to bulky electronics for electrochemical measurements, then measurement capability is achieved, but device size and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The interface acts as an intermediary component between the biosensor and the wearable device housing. It includes a conductive portion that electrically couples the biosensor to the electrodes, and a non-conductive portion that attaches to the housing. This intermediary structure eliminates the need for bulky electronics by using the wearable device's existing electrodes while providing a standardized interface for biosensor connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The interface extracts and separates the electrical connection function from the mechanical attachment function. The conductive portion handles only the electrical coupling, while the non-conductive portion handles only the mechanical attachment to the housing. This separation allows the biosensor to be small and simple, relying on the wearable device's electronics rather than carrying its own bulky electronic components.
2Device complexity
If a disposable interface is used to reduce biosensor size, then biosensor complexity is reduced, but reliable electrical connection becomes more difficult to achieve
Solution Approach 1:
The interface is segmented into distinct functional portions: a conductive portion for electrical connection and a non-conductive portion for mechanical attachment. This segmentation allows each portion to be optimized for its specific function. The conductive portion can be designed as a simple trace or contact that reliably connects the biosensor to the electrodes, while the non-conductive portion provides stable mechanical mounting, together achieving both size reduction and connection reliability.
3Ease of manufacture
If the interface is made as a single integrated component, then manufacturing is simplified, but distinct functional portions (conductive and non-conductive) cannot be differentiated
Solution Approach 1:
The interface is constructed as a composite structure combining conductive and non-conductive materials in a single integrated component. The conductive portion may be made from conductive polymer, metal trace, or conductive ink, while the non-conductive portion is made from insulating material such as plastic or ceramic. This composite approach allows the interface to be manufactured as one piece while maintaining distinct functional properties in different regions, achieving both manufacturing simplicity and functional differentiation.
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 interface provides a reliable conductive path for biosensors, reducing the need for bulky electronics and enabling convenient, disposable integration with wearable devices.
Implementation Method 1
The first portion includes a first material configured to provide a conductive path between the biosensor and the electrodes of the wearable electronic device
Implementation Method 2
The second material includes a non-conductive material. For instance, in some embodiments, the non-conductive material includes an adhesive material
Data Source
AI summary
An interface for electrically coupling a biosensor to electrodes of a wearable computing device is provided. The interface includes a first portion that includes a first material configured to provide a conductive path between the biosensor and the electrodes of the wearable electronic device. The interface further includes a second portion that is different than the first portion. The second portion includes a second material that is different than the first material and is configured to removably couple the interface to the wearable electronic device such that the first portion contacts the electrodes of the wearable electronic device to provide the conductive path between the biosensor and the electrodes.