Bio-Signal Electrode Structure With Loose Section Against Sweat Shorting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bio-signal measurement electrodes face challenges such as short circuits due to sweat and moisture, suboptimal size for different users, and detachment caused by movement, leading to weakened measurement signals.
Innovation Solution
The electrode structure incorporates at least two electrodes separated by a flexible and elastic loose section, which is free from adhesive on the skin side, allowing for better moisture management, adaptability to different user sizes, and resistance to twisting, compressive, and stretching forces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a continuous adhesive gel is used to attach electrodes to the skin, then good electrical contact is achieved, but sweat and moisture form continuous conductive paths causing short circuits between electrodes
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode structure divides the contact area into discrete electrode regions separated by non-conductive adhesive barriers. The adhesive is applied in segmented patterns (e.g., linear barriers or perimeter-only application) rather than continuous coverage, creating electrical isolation zones that prevent sweat from forming continuous conductive paths between electrodes while maintaining adequate skin contact at each electrode site.
Solution Approach 2:
A non-conductive adhesive barrier acts as an intermediary element between the conductive electrode regions and the conductive sweat/moisture environment. This adhesive intermediary blocks the electrical conduction path that sweat would otherwise create, while still allowing mechanical attachment of the electrode to the skin.
2Ease of manufacture
If a single fixed-size patch electrode is used, then manufacturing is simplified, but it cannot optimally fit users of different sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode structure incorporates flexible and stretchable materials that allow the patch to dynamically adapt its effective dimensions to different body contours and user sizes. The adhesive barriers can be applied at variable distances from electrode centers based on individual user needs, while the flexible substrate allows stretching and conforming to different chest or body geometries.
Solution Approach 2:
The design allows adjustment of key parameters such as adhesive barrier distance, electrode spacing, and patch dimensions to optimize fit for different user sizes. The flexible materials enable the physical parameters of the electrode structure to change (stretch, conform) to match different body sizes while maintaining electrical functionality.
3Strength
If adhesive is applied continuously across the electrode surface, then attachment strength is maximized, but movement forces cause deterioration of electrode attachment to skin
Solution Approach 1:
The adhesive application is segmented into functional zones: strong adhesive barriers at electrode perimeters for secure attachment, and reduced or no adhesive in central electrode regions to maintain flexibility and prevent stress concentration. This segmentation allows the structure to accommodate movement forces without compromising electrode-skin contact.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrode structure uses flexible substrates and thin adhesive films that can accommodate movement-induced deformations. The adhesive barriers are applied as thin perimeter layers rather than thick continuous coatings, allowing the electrode to flex and move with the skin while maintaining attachment integrity.
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 from sweat, allows for optimal electrode size adjustment based on user dimensions, and maintains stable attachment during user movement, thereby enhancing the reliability and accuracy of bio-signal measurements.
Implementation Method 1
the patch electrode is attached to the skin with an adhesive gel during the measurement
Implementation Method 2
a continuous moisture layer from electrode to electrode on the skin forms an electrical conductor between the electrodes
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~5
Figure 6~7
AI summary
An electrode structure of a bio-signal measurement comprises electrodes (100) adapted to be adhered on skin (300) with an adhesive (302) and separated from each other. A connector arrangement (102) for an electric contact with an external electric device (200) is on an opposite side of the electrode structure (10). Electric conductors (104) are electrically connected with the electrodes (100) and the connector arrangement (102). The electrode structure (10) comprises attachable sections (150) directly adjacent to one of the at least two electrodes (100), the attachable sections (150) being adapted to be adhered on the skin (300). The electrode structure (10) comprises a flexible and elastic loose section (106), which is free from an adherence to the skin (300), each of the attachable sections (150) being located between an electrode (100) and a loose section (106).