Wearable ECG Harness with Integrated Conductive Threads
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional long-term ECG monitoring methods are uncomfortable, prone to signal noise, and require skin preparation and adhesive electrodes, which can irritate the skin and compromise signal quality.
Innovation Solution
A wearable harness with integrated ECG sensors and wiring that uses high-friction materials and a flexible, elastic design to maintain sensor contact with the skin, reducing noise and eliminating the need for adhesive, while shielding against electromagnetic interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of stationary object
If conventional adhesive electrodes are used for long-term ECG monitoring, then the monitor can be worn for extended periods, but the skin preparation process causes irritation and discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the adhesive component from the electrode system entirely. Instead of using adhesive electrodes that require skin preparation, the invention uses snap electrodes that attach directly to the skin through mechanical fastening, eliminating the harmful skin preparation process while maintaining long-term wearability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a harness as an intermediary structure that holds the electrodes in place. This harness system with snap fasteners serves as a mediator between the electrode and the skin, providing secure attachment without requiring adhesive contact with the skin surface
2Reliability
If wires are connected to electrodes for signal transmission, then ECG signals can be transmitted to the amplifier, but the wires cause noise artifacts when pulled or rubbed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the wiring directly into the harness structure rather than using separate wire connections. The conductive threads are embedded within the harness material, merging the structural support function with the signal transmission function, thereby eliminating noise from wire movement while maintaining reliable signal transmission
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses flexible conductive threads integrated into the fabric harness to transmit signals. This flexible integration allows the wiring to move with the harness and skin without creating noise artifacts, while still maintaining electrical connectivity for reliable signal transmission
3Stability of the object's composition
If electrodes use strong adhesive for secure attachment, then the electrode stays on the skin, but removing the electrode becomes painful
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the adhesive component from the electrode attachment system. Instead of using strong adhesive that causes pain upon removal, the invention employs snap fasteners that provide secure attachment through mechanical interlocking, allowing painless removal while maintaining stability during wear
4Reliability
If conductive gel is applied to improve electrode-skin conductivity, then the electrical connection is improved, but prolonged exposure irritates the skin
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the conductive gel component from the electrode system. The snap electrodes achieve adequate electrical conductivity through direct skin contact and the conductive elements of the snap fastener, eliminating the need for gel and its associated skin irritation from prolonged exposure
5Ease of operation
If wires are routed separately from the harness, then electrode connections can be made, but clothing movement over wires generates noise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the wiring with the harness structure by integrating conductive threads into the fabric. This integration eliminates separate wire routing that would be susceptible to noise from clothing movement, while maintaining ease of electrode connection through the harness's snap fastener system
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 harness provides comfortable, long-term heart monitoring with improved ECG signal quality, reducing artifacts and patient discomfort, and is suitable for daily wear and exercise.
Implementation Method 1
uses high-friction materials and a flexible, elastic design to maintain sensor contact with the skin
Implementation Method 2
uses high-friction materials and a flexible, elastic design to maintain sensor contact with the skin
Implementation Method 3
shielding against electromagnetic interference
Data Source
AI summary
A garment for ambulatory, physiological monitoring of a patient includes a belt, having first and second end portion with closures at the end portions to wrap around a user's chest, a strap having a first end coupled to a portion of the belt with the strap having a second end, a pair of shoulder strap portions each shoulder strap portion having a first end coupled together at the second end of the strap and a second end, and a back portion that joins the second ends of the pair of shoulder strap portions, with at least one of the belt, strap portions and back portion having an accommodation for carrying a sensor. Other embodiments are described.