Capacitive ECG Electrode Layout for Stable In-Vehicle Signal Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrocardiographic signal measurement devices face challenges in stabilizing signal measurement due to changing contact states between direct and capacitive coupling electrodes, particularly in vehicles, leading to intermittent signals and increased noise, making it difficult to obtain clear electrocardiographic signals while minimizing physical burden and environmental noise.
Innovation Solution
A multi-channel electrocardiographic signal measurement device with capacitive coupling electrodes arranged in specific patterns and incorporating an inverting output unit to apply inverted signals to both positive and negative electrode bodies, utilizing the right foot drive method for noise reduction, and equipped with a noise removal unit to stabilize signal measurement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If direct contact electrodes are used to measure electrocardiographic signals, then signal intensity can be detected, but contact state changes cause signal instability and intermittency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the electrode system into two independent parts: direct contact electrodes (first electrode) and capacitive coupling electrodes (second electrode). Each electrode type has its own signal acquisition channel, allowing the system to segment the measurement function and select the most reliable signal source under different conditions, thereby resolving the contradiction between signal intensity and stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal measurement system that can function in multiple modes: direct contact mode, capacitive coupling mode, and combined mode. The system automatically adapts to different contact states, making the electrode assembly universally applicable whether the driver maintains steady contact or has intermittent contact with the steering wheel, thus improving both measurement precision and reliability.
2Ease of operation
If capacitive coupling electrodes are used to avoid direct contact, then physical burden is reduced, but signal intensity becomes weak and intermittent
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges direct contact electrodes and capacitive coupling electrodes into a single integrated measurement system. The signal processing unit combines signals from both electrode types, allowing the system to leverage the high signal intensity of direct contact electrodes when available and the comfort of capacitive coupling electrodes when direct contact is not maintained, thereby achieving both strong signals and reduced physical burden.
Solution Approach 2:
The capacitive coupling electrodes serve as an intermediary measurement method that does not require direct skin contact. By providing this intermediate option alongside direct contact electrodes, the system mediates between the need for strong signals and the desire to reduce physical burden, allowing users to benefit from both approaches depending on contact conditions.
3Adaptability or versatility
If both direct and capacitive coupling electrodes are used in combination, then measurement coverage is improved, but contact state changes cause frequent signal intensity variations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the signal processing unit continuously monitors signals from both direct contact and capacitive coupling electrodes. Based on this feedback, the system automatically adjusts which electrode signals to prioritize or combine, selecting the most stable signal source under current contact conditions. This feedback control resolves the contradiction by maintaining signal intensity consistency while preserving the adaptability benefits of having both electrode types.
4Productivity
If electrocardiographic signals are measured during vehicle operation, then real-time health monitoring is achieved, but environmental noise increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and separates the capacitive coupling measurement function from the direct contact measurement function into independent channels. By taking out the capacitive coupling electrodes that are less susceptible to environmental noise and processing their signals separately, the system can extract clean electrocardiographic signals even in noisy vehicle environments, achieving real-time monitoring while mitigating noise interference.
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 device achieves stable and clear electrocardiographic signal measurement by reducing noise through the right foot drive method, allowing for continuous monitoring with minimal physical burden, even during vehicle operation or seated work, and enabling remote monitoring via a wireless communication system.
Implementation Method 1
a capacitive coupling electrode provided on a seat of a vehicle and configured to detect the body potential of the driver in an electrically insulated state
Implementation Method 2
an inverting output unit that inverts an in-phase signal of the electric signal from both the electrode bodies and outputs an inverted signal
Data Source
AI summary
An electrocardiogram measurement unit comprises: a pair of positive and negative electrode bodies and constituting capacitive coupling electrodes and arranged in a non-contact state with a human body, a signal amplification unit that amplifies an electric signal from both the electrode bodies and outputs the amplified electric signal as an electrocardiographic signal, and an inverting output unit that inverts an in-phase signal of the electric signal from both the electrode bodies and outputs an inverted signal. The electrocardiographic signal measurement device comprises simultaneously both channels and when the electrocardiogram measurement unit to which the inverted signal from the inverting output unit is input to the positive electrode body is defined as a first channel, and the electrocardiogram measurement unit to which the inverted signal from the inverting output unit is input to the negative electrode body is defined as a second channel.