Conductive Textile Electrodes for Washable TCM Stimulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electrodes for electronic stimulation are not suitable for textiles, as they are not washable and can cause discomfort due to stickiness, limiting their application in providing continuous electronic stimulation for traditional Chinese medicine therapy.
Innovation Solution
A textile with conductive paths made from conductive material, separated by nonconductive material, and equipped with strategically positioned electrodes and an electronic stimulation signal controller for delivering controlled electronic signals, eliminating the need for external wires and allowing for washability and comfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional electrodes are used for electronic stimulation, then effective pain relief can be achieved, but the electrodes are not washable and cause discomfort due to stickiness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameters of the electrodes from conventional silica gel hydro pads to conductive textile materials. This material substitution maintains the electrical conductivity needed for effective stimulation while providing washability and comfort suitable for textile integration, thereby resolving the contradiction between effectiveness and ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite textile structures combining conductive and nonconductive materials. The conductive paths are separated by nonconductive textile material, creating a composite structure that enables effective electronic stimulation through conductive regions while the nonconductive separation maintains comfort and washability, resolving the contradiction between reliability and ease of operation
2Reliability
If conventional electrodes are used, then electronic stimulation can be delivered, but they are not suitable for textiles and cannot be worn continuously
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical and chemical parameters of the electrode material to be compatible with textiles. By using conductive textile materials instead of conventional hydro pads, the electrodes become flexible, washable, and suitable for continuous wear, while maintaining their electronic stimulation function
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the textile into conductive paths and nonconductive separation regions. This segmentation allows the conductive elements to be integrated into the textile structure without compromising the overall textile properties, enabling both electronic stimulation function and continuous wearability
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 continuous, comfortable, and effective electronic stimulation at specific acupoints, enhancing the therapeutic benefits of traditional Chinese medicine by integrating electronic stimulation into wearable garments.
Implementation Method 1
at least two conductive paths that are made from conductive textile material... an electronic stimulation signal controller configured to conduct electronic stimulation signals to the electrodes via the conductive paths
Data Source
AI summary
A textile for providing traditional Chinese medicine therapy to a wearer using electronic stimulation includes at least two conductive paths that are made from conductive textile material, the conductive paths are separated by nonconductive textile material, at least one pair of electrodes attach to the conductive paths corresponding to specific part of body or acupoints according to traditional Chinese medicine theory, and an electronic stimulation signal controller configured to conduct electronic stimulation signals to the electrodes via the conductive paths.