Dual-Electrode Biosignal Sensor with Deformable Material
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current biosignal sensing technologies are limited in their ability to simultaneously and accurately measure both bioelectric and biomechanical signals, which are essential for comprehensive health monitoring, as they often require separate devices and locations for each type of signal.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus comprising a first electrode for bioelectric signal detection and a second electrode with a deformable material, such as ferroelectret or piezoelectric film, positioned between the electrodes to generate a biomechanical signal output through charge distribution changes, coupled with electronic circuitry to separate and process both signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If separate devices are used for measuring bioelectric and biomechanical signals, then measurement precision of each signal type is maintained, but device complexity and the number of required sensing locations increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines both bioelectric signal sensing (via first electrode) and biomechanical signal sensing (via deformable material and second electrode) into a single sensing apparatus. This merging allows simultaneous measurement of both signal types at the same location, reducing the number of devices required while maintaining measurement precision through dedicated sensing mechanisms for each signal type within the unified apparatus.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensing apparatus is designed with multi-functionality to detect both bioelectric and biomechanical signals using the same device structure. The first electrode captures bioelectric signals while the deformable material between the electrodes captures biomechanical signals, enabling a single device to perform multiple sensing functions that previously required separate specialized devices.
2Measurement precision
If separate sensing locations are used for bioelectric and biomechanical signals, then signal quality is maintained, but the apparatus requires multiple placement positions which reduces ease of operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges both sensing functions into a single apparatus that can be placed at one location on the body. The first electrode and deformable material are positioned between the same pair of electrodes, allowing simultaneous detection of bioelectric and biomechanical signals from the same placement position, thereby simplifying the operation and placement process while maintaining signal quality.
3Ease of operation
If a single apparatus measures both signal types, then ease of operation and device simplicity improve, but signal separation and processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by providing separate output signals for bioelectric and biomechanical measurements from the same apparatus. The electronic circuitry is configured to generate a first output signal based on the bioelectric signal and a second output signal based on the biomechanical signal, effectively segmenting the processing paths to maintain signal integrity while enabling single-device operation.
4Measurement precision
If deformable material is positioned between electrodes, then biomechanical signal detection is enabled, but charge distribution changes may interfere with bioelectric signal measurement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the signal processing paths by providing separate output signals for bioelectric and biomechanical measurements. The electronic circuitry processes the charge distribution changes generated by deformable material deformation specifically for biomechanical signal extraction, while maintaining separate bioelectric signal measurement through the first electrode, thereby preventing interference between the two measurement types.
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 simultaneous and accurate measurement of bioelectric and biomechanical signals at the same location, enhancing the reliability and accuracy of health monitoring information by using a single sensing device.
Implementation Method 1
The deformable material may comprise at least one of; ferroelectret film, piezoelectric film
Implementation Method 2
The deformable material may comprise at least one of; ferroelectret film, piezoelectric film
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and electronic circuitry wherein the apparatus includes a first electrode arranged to enable an output indicative of a bioelectrical signal to be provided; a second electrode; and a deformable material positioned between the first electrode and the second electrode wherein the deformable material is positioned within the apparatus such that deformation of the deformable material causes a change in charge distribution across the first electrode and second electrode to enable an output indicative of a biomechanical signal to be provided by the apparatus.