Dry-Electrode ECG Lead Measurement Without a DRL Electrode

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional electrocardiogram measurement devices face challenges in simultaneously measuring two limb leads without using a DRL electrode, which increases size and discomfort, and struggle to effectively remove power line interference with dry electrodes.

Innovation Solution

An electrocardiogram measurement apparatus using three dry electrodes, two amplifiers, and an electrode driver to measure two limb leads simultaneously, employing a band pass filter to concentrate power line interference current through one electrode, allowing accurate measurement without a DRL electrode.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If a DRL electrode is used to remove power line interference, then power line interference is effectively removed, but the device size increases and user comfort decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower line interferenceVSAvoiddevice size

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and removes the DRL electrode from the device, achieving power line interference removal through alternative means (software filtering and three-electrode configuration) without requiring the additional hardware component that increases device size

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the hardware-based DRL electrode mechanism with a software-based interference removal method, using digital filtering algorithms to eliminate power line interference without the need for additional physical electrodes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of operation

If dry electrodes are used instead of wet electrodes, then convenience and compactness are improved, but power line interference removal becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser convenienceVSAvoidpower line interference

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs feedback mechanisms through software algorithms that continuously monitor and filter out power line interference from the ECG signals acquired by dry electrodes, maintaining signal quality without requiring additional hardware

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the approach from hardware-based interference removal to software-based parameter processing, using digital filtering and signal processing techniques to remove power line interference from dry electrode measurements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Measurement precision

If two limb leads are measured simultaneously, then measurement accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveECG measurement accuracyVSAvoidnumber of electrodes and amplifiers

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the three-electrode system multi-functional, where the same electrode configuration can measure multiple limb leads (I, II, III) simultaneously through software processing, eliminating the need for separate dedicated measurement circuits for each lead

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses a minimal three-electrode configuration that is insufficient for traditional simultaneous multi-lead measurement but becomes sufficient when combined with software-based signal processing that calculates additional leads from the basic measurements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

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 apparatus achieves simultaneous measurement of six electrocardiogram leads with a compact design, reducing power line interference, and providing accurate electrocardiogram signals without the need for a DRL electrode.

Implementation Method 1

employing a band pass filter to concentrate power line interference current through one electrode

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPower line interference concentration: Filter (electronic)

Implementation Method 2

two amplifiers configured to receive the two electrocardiogram voltages from the first electrode and the second electrode, respectively

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSignal amplification: Magnetic Amplifier

Data Source

PatentUS20260083379A1Low-power electrocardiogram (ECG) measurement method

Publication Date: 2026.03.26 HEXACHECK INC

AI summary

An electrocardiogram (ECG) measurement apparatus is disclosed for obtaining and displaying multiple ECG leads using a minimum set of electrodes and a smart device. The apparatus comprises: multiple electrodes, a constant voltage generator, and at least three amplifiers including at least one single-ended amplifier.In a first embodiment, three electrodes contact three limbs and one electrode contacts a precordial portion of a user. The apparatus obtains two limb-leads and one precordial-lead. A connected smartphone is enabled to generate four additional limb-leads from the two acquired limb-leads, and subsequently display six limb-leads along with the one precordial lead on the smartphone's screen.In a second embodiment, two electrodes contact two limbs and two electrodes contact two precordial portions of the user. The apparatus obtains one limb lead and two precordial leads.The apparatus provides a method for comprehensive ECG measurement using a minimal set of electrodes and leveraging a smart device.