Biosignal Electrode Using Hydrogel and Nonpolarizable Layer

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional electrodes for detecting biosignals often face challenges in providing reliable and comfortable surface contact, leading to noise generation and discomfort due to poor attachment, and require additional adhesives that can cause skin damage.

Innovation Solution

An electrode design featuring an ion conductive member with hydrogel, a nonconductive member with a through hole, and a nonpolarizable conductive member, integrated with a conductive member using a printing or coating method, which provides surface-contact and reduces noise while maintaining adhesiveness without additional adhesives, and is supported by a flexible foam to prevent disengagement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If conventional electrodes use point-contact connectors, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates due to noise generation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnector structureVSAvoidbiosignal detection accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The electrode is divided into multiple functional layers: ion conductive member (hydrogel), nonconductive member with through hole, conductive member, and nonpolarizable conductive member. This segmentation allows each layer to perform its specific function optimally, reducing noise while maintaining structural feasibility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The electrode uses composite material structure combining hydrogel (ion conductive), plastic (nonconductive), conductive adhesive, and nonpolarizable conductive material. This composite approach achieves both low impedance for accurate biosignal detection and practical manufacturability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Ease of operation

If additional adhesives are used to improve attachment, then ease of operation improves, but object-affected harmful factors worsen due to skin damage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment easeVSAvoidskin damage

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The ion conductive member (hydrogel) serves dual functions: it provides ionic conductivity for biosignal detection and simultaneously acts as the adhesive layer attaching the electrode to the skin. This eliminates the need for separate adhesive materials that could cause skin damage

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The hydrogel's ionic conductivity and adhesiveness are optimized through material composition and physical state control, allowing it to function effectively as both conductive and adhesive elements without requiring additional chemical adhesives

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Device complexity

If point-contact connection is used, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability deteriorates due to poor attachment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnector structureVSAvoidattachment reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The electrode structure is segmented into multiple functional layers, each contributing to overall attachment reliability: hydrogel for skin adhesion, nonconductive member for structural support, and conductive members for electrical connection

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The composite structure combines materials with different properties (hydrogel for adhesion, plastic for support, conductive materials for electrical connection) to achieve reliable attachment without complex connector mechanisms

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

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 electrode effectively transmits biosignals with improved signal-to-noise ratio and comfort by using hydrogel for adhesion and a nonpolarizable conductive member with low impedance, minimizing skin damage and noise, and allowing for wireless transmission of digital signals.

Implementation Method 1

The ion conductive member may include a substance having ionic conductivity and adhesiveness

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectIonic conductivity: Conduction (electrical)

Implementation Method 2

The nonpolarizable conductive member may include a substance comprising a metal/insoluble metal salt and having nonpolarizable conductivity, such as sliver/silver chloride (Ag/AgCl)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrochemical conversion: Redox Reactions

Data Source

PatentUS9757049B2Electrode and device for detecting biosignal and method of using the same

Publication Date: 2017.09.12 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD

AI summary

An electrode, a biosignal detecting device and a method of measuring a biosignal are provided. The electrode includes an ion conductive member configured to be attached to a body surface, a nonconductive member including a through hole and disposed on the ion conductive member, a conductive member disposed on the nonconductive member, and a nonpolarizable conductive member configured to electrically couple the ion conductive member to the conductive member.