Bra Side-Wing Electrode Layout for Wearable Signal Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wearable devices fail to provide a seamless integration of physiological sensors into garments, such as sports bras, due to space constraints and the need for specialized electronics knowledge, leading to manufacturing complexity and recycling challenges.
Innovation Solution
A bra design with integrated physiological signal measurement components, including electrodes and conductive leads, arranged on a side wing, allowing easy integration and manufacturing without specialized electronics knowledge, and enabling easy recycling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If electrodes and electronic components are integrated into the bra structure at manufacturing stage, then physiological signal measurement capability is achieved, but manufacturing complexity increases and requires specialized electronics knowledge
Solution Approach 1:
The bra is divided into functional modules: front portions with cups, side wings with elastic underbands, and back portions. Electronic components are integrated specifically into the side wing module rather than distributed throughout the entire garment, simplifying the manufacturing process while maintaining measurement capability
Solution Approach 2:
The side wing module serves multiple functions: it provides structural support as part of the bra, contains the elastic underband for comfort, and integrates electrodes and electronic components for physiological signal measurement. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated measurement components
2Reliability
If electronic components are integrated into the bra structure, then physiological signal measurement is enabled, but recycling difficulty increases due to mixed materials
Solution Approach 1:
By concentrating all electronic components within the removable side wing module, the design enables easy separation of electronic materials from textile materials during recycling. The module can be detached and sent to specialized e-waste recycling facilities while the bra fabric can be recycled separately
Solution Approach 2:
The side wing module is designed as a discrete unit that can be easily removed and sent for specialized recycling. This allows electronic components to be recovered and processed through appropriate e-waste channels while the textile portion can be recycled through textile recycling programs
3Ease of operation
If fabric under cups is minimized for skin-tight comfort, then user comfort is improved, but space for electrodes and sensor packages is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of placing electrodes under the cups in the traditional horizontal plane, the design moves electrodes to the side wings, utilizing the vertical and lateral dimensions of the bra structure. This provides adequate space for electrodes while maintaining the skin-tight fit under the cups
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 comfortable and efficient physiological signal measurement in daily bras, simplifying manufacturing and recycling, while maintaining user comfort and reducing the need for external electronics installation.
Implementation Method 1
The measuring device comprises at least two electrodes, where at least two electrodes are arranged to the first side wing of the bra
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
A bra (100) for measuring a physiological signal from a body of a user wearing the bra comprises first (103) and second (104) front portions, or bra cups portions. The bra also comprises first (101) and second (102) side wings, wherein the first side wing (101) is coupled with the first front portion (103) and the second side wing (102) is coupled with the second front portion (104). In addition the bra comprises a measuring device and/or at least two electrodes (105, 106), where the measuring device or at least one electrode (105, 106) is arranged to a module, and the module forms at least a basis of the first (101) side wing of the bra or even the first (101) side wing of the bra as its entirety.