Earbud Bio-Signal Electrode Structure for Comfort and Signal Quality
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wearable devices with metal pads on the outer surface of ear tips can cause discomfort and allergic reactions due to their material and unsmooth topography, detracting from the user's wearing experience while collecting biologically-relevant information.
Innovation Solution
A wearable device design featuring a flexible conductive element with an embedded conductive element that is configured to sense bio-signals, where the embedded conductive element is separated from the user's skin, using a flexible and soft material to improve comfort, and a conductive pad for signal transmission, enhancing signal quality and reducing noise interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If metal pads are used on the outer surface of ear tips for signal collection, then signal quality is improved, but user comfort deteriorates due to discomfort and allergic reactions
Solution Approach 1:
A flexible conductive element is introduced as an intermediary between the metal pad and the user's skin. This flexible element acts as a mediator that maintains electrical conductivity for signal collection while eliminating direct skin contact with metal, thereby resolving the contradiction between signal quality and user comfort
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a flexible conductive element with soft material properties that conforms to the ear tip surface. This flexible structure replaces rigid metal pads, providing both electrical conductivity and comfort, thus resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and harmful factors
2Reliability
If metal pads are used on the outer surface of ear tips, then conductivity is improved, but topography smoothness deteriorates causing unsmooth surface
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a composite structure combining a flexible conductive element with soft material and a metal pad. This composite material approach maintains high conductivity through the metal component while the flexible outer layer provides a smooth topography, resolving the contradiction between reliability and shape
3Object-affected harmful factors
If flexible conductive element with embedded conductive element is used, then user comfort is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a nested structure where a conductive element is embedded within a flexible conductive element. This nesting approach consolidates multiple functions into a single integrated component, improving comfort while minimizing the increase in device complexity through space-efficient design
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 design provides a comfortable wearing experience for extended periods while effectively collecting bio-signals such as ECG, EEG, and EMG with improved signal quality and reduced noise, ensuring high conductivity and low resistance.
Implementation Method 1
The flexible conductive element is configured to sense a bio-signal from a user
Implementation Method 2
The second element is configured to transmit the bio-signal to a processor
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides a wearable device. The wearable device includes a first element and a second element. The first element is configured to sense a bio-signal from a user. The second element is configured to transmit the bio-signal to a processor. The second element has a first surface and a second surface non-coplanar with the first surface. The first element is in contact with the first surface and the second surface of the second element.