Conductive polymer fibers, method and device for producing conductive polymer fibers, biological electrode, device for measuring biological signals, implantable electrode, and device for measuring biological signals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conductive fibers made from PEDOT-PSS suffer from reduced strength and conductivity in high-humidity environments, leading to cracking and loss of conductivity, and are difficult to handle due to their fine diameter and rigidity, while conventional biological electrodes cause discomfort and skin issues with their hard, hydrophobic materials.
Innovation Solution
Development of conductive polymer fibers where PEDOT-PSS is fixed to silk fibers using a chemical method, with additives like glycerol to enhance moisture resistance and flexibility, and a method for producing these fibers using electrochemical polymerization to improve conductivity and biocompatibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conductive fibers are made from PEDOT-PSS to achieve good conductivity and hydrophilicity, then conductivity and biocompatibility are improved, but strength and stability in high-humidity environments deteriorate due to moisture absorption causing cracking and conductivity loss
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines PEDOT-PSS conductive polymer with hydrophobic materials having low water absorption (such as polyolefins) to create composite fibers. This composite structure allows the PEDOT-PSS to provide conductivity while the hydrophobic component prevents excessive moisture absorption, thereby maintaining both strength and conductivity stability in high-humidity environments
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the physical and chemical parameters of the fiber structure by controlling the composition ratio of hydrophobic to hydrophilic components, fiber diameter (1-100 micrometers), and cross-sectional shape. These parameter changes optimize the balance between moisture resistance and conductivity, preventing cracking while maintaining electrical performance
2Reliability
If conductive fibers are made from PEDOT-PSS to achieve good conductivity and hydrophilicity, then biocompatibility is improved, but fiber stability deteriorates due to expansion when absorbing moisture and contraction when dried causing cracking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates composite fibers combining PEDOT-PSS with hydrophobic materials that have low water absorption. This composite structure provides dimensional stability by preventing excessive expansion when the PEDOT-PSS absorbs moisture, while maintaining biocompatibility through the hydrophilic nature of the conductive polymer component
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different properties to different parts of the fiber structure: the PEDOT-PSS component provides local conductivity and hydrophilicity for biocompatibility, while the hydrophobic component provides overall dimensional stability and moisture resistance, creating a functionally differentiated composite structure
3Adaptability or versatility
If fine conductive fibers with diameter of approximately 10 microns are produced to achieve good flexibility, then suppleness is improved, but handling difficulty and insufficient strength increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent produces ultrafine individual fibers with diameters of 1-100 micrometers that can be easily separated and handled. These segmented fine fibers maintain suppleness for comfort while their individual nature makes them easier to manipulate and position compared to thicker, more rigid conductive materials
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates flexible fiber structures with diameters optimized for suppleness (1-100 micrometers) that can conform to body surfaces and contours. These thin fiber structures provide the necessary flexibility and comfort while maintaining sufficient mechanical integrity for practical handling and application
4Reliability
If conventional metallic electrodes are used to achieve good conductivity, then electrical conduction is improved, but comfort and skin compatibility deteriorate due to hard and hydrophobic material properties
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates composite fibers combining conductive PEDOT-PSS polymer with hydrophobic materials, providing both electrical conduction and hydrophilic surface properties. This composite structure enables good electrical performance while the hydrophilic nature improves comfort and reduces skin irritation compared to conventional hydrophobic metallic electrodes
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces conventional metallic conductive materials with conductive polymer-based fibers. This substitution maintains electrical conduction functionality while changing the mechanical and surface properties from hard and hydrophobic to flexible and hydrophilic, thereby improving skin compatibility and reducing irritation
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 resulting fibers exhibit improved conductivity, strength, and flexibility in both dry and wet states, reducing discomfort and skin issues, and enabling stable long-term bioelectrical signal measurement with minimal invasiveness.
Implementation Method 1
a fixation step in which the base fibers are energized by traveling between electrodes while being perpendicularly raised from the conductor solution, whereby the conductor that impregnates and/or adheres to the base fibers is electrochemically polymerized and fixed thereto
Implementation Method 2
when conductive fibers composed of the aforementioned PEDOT-PSS are used in a high-humidity environment, there is the problem that the PEDOT-PSS absorbs moisture, and that strength (particularly tensile strength) declines
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~5
Figure 6~7
AI summary
Conductive polymer fibers 10, in which a conductor 12 containing a conductive polymer impregnates and/or adheres to base fibers 11, and the aforementioned conductive polymer is PEDOT-PSS.