Conductive Detection Yarn for Respiratory Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing breath monitoring devices integrated into garments are cumbersome, complex to assemble, and increase manufacturing costs due to the use of bulky conductive yarns, which can cause discomfort and require stripping for electrical connections.
Innovation Solution
A breath monitoring device featuring a textile support with a tubular part knitted from insulating yarn, incorporating a conductive detection yarn with an insulating core and conductive sheath, allowing for electrical contact between meshes, which stretches and contracts with breathing, modifying resistance without the need for stripping, using a smaller, less expensive wire.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conductive yarn is wrapped with non-conductive yarn to provide insulation, then electrical insulation is improved, but the overall diameter increases causing discomfort and manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies nesting by placing the conductive yarn inside a tubular knit structure made of insulating yarn. The conductive yarn is knitted within the insulating tubular fabric, creating a nested configuration where the insulating structure encompasses the conductive element. This eliminates the need for additional wrapping layers while maintaining electrical insulation and reducing overall diameter.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite materials by integrating conductive and insulating yarns into a single tubular knit structure. The insulating base yarn and conductive yarn are combined during the knitting process to form a unified garment structure that provides both mechanical support and electrical functionality without requiring separate insulation layers.
2Reliability
If conductive wire is stripped to make electrical contact, then electrical connection is improved, but manufacturing complexity and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by designing the conductive yarn to inherently provide both electrical connection and insulation through its integrated structure. The conductive yarn is knitted with exposed segments that automatically make electrical contact at designated points without requiring post-manufacturing stripping or additional connection steps. The garment structure itself facilitates the electrical connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the functions of electrical connection and insulation into a single integrated yarn structure. The conductive yarn is designed with alternating insulating and conductive segments, combining multiple functions (insulation, conduction, and connection) into one element that eliminates separate assembly steps for stripping and connecting.
3Reliability
If bulky conductive yarn is used for breathing monitoring, then electrical conductivity is improved, but user comfort deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by using conductive yarn only in specific localized segments where electrical measurement is needed, rather than throughout the entire garment. The conductive yarn is positioned at strategic locations (such as chest or abdomen areas) to monitor breathing movements, while the rest of the garment uses only insulating yarn, minimizing bulk and discomfort.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent nests the conductive yarn within the insulating tubular knit structure, allowing the conductive element to be thin and flexible while protected by the insulating layer. This nested configuration enables the use of fine conductive yarn with adequate conductivity without requiring bulky outer coverings, improving comfort.
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 provides improved comfort and reduced manufacturing complexity by using a conductive strip that modifies electrical resistance through mesh contact changes during breathing, eliminating the need for wire stripping and reducing material costs while maintaining accurate respiratory monitoring.
Implementation Method 1
the stretching and retraction of the conductive strip having the effect of changing the electrical contacts between the meshes of the detection wire within the conductive strip, resulting in a change in the electrical resistance of the conductive strip
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a device (1) for monitoring the respiration of a user, said device comprising: - a textile support (2) with a tubular part (21) formed by knitting a largely electrically insulating ground thread, the tubular part (21) being suitable for covering the chest of the user, - at least one respiration sensor (3, 4) formed by knitting a detection thread (17), the detection thread (17) comprising an inner core of electrically insulating material and an outer sheath surrounding the inner core, the outer sheath being formed of electrically conductive material, in which the respiration sensor (3, 4) forms a conductive band (31, 41) having a first end (311, 411) and a second end (312, 412) which are positioned at a distance from each other, the ends being suitable for connection to an appliance for measuring the electrical resistance of the conductive band (31, 41).