Portable ECG Sensor Switching Circuit for Polarization Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional ECG measurement methods using portable sensor devices face challenges such as messy procedures, the need for conductive gel, and difficulties in accurately capturing electric signals due to electrode polarization and mechanical artefacts, which complicate signal extraction and analysis.

Innovation Solution

A portable sensor device with two or three electrodes and a processor-controlled switch system that equalizes electrode voltages by closing and then blocking connections, allowing for efficient capture of ECG measurements without conductive gel, reducing artefacts and improving signal quality.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If traditional ECG measurement methods are used with multiple electrodes and conductive gel, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveECG signal qualityVSAvoidelectrode and gel application procedure
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes conductive gel from the measurement system, extracting the problematic element that caused messiness and application complexity while maintaining acceptable ECG signal quality through optimized electrode design and switching circuitry

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a switching mechanism as an intermediary between the electrodes and measurement circuitry, enabling rapid connection and disconnection of electrodes to eliminate the need for conductive gel and reduce measurement time

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If portable sensor devices are used without conductive gel, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to electrode polarization and mechanical artefacts

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveportable device usabilityVSAvoidECG signal accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs periodic switching between measurement and polarization compensation phases, rapidly alternating between capturing ECG signals and compensating for electrode polarization effects, thereby maintaining signal accuracy in portable devices

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the system continuously monitors electrode-p skin interface conditions and dynamically adjusts measurement parameters to compensate for polarization and mechanical artefacts, maintaining precision in portable applications

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Measurement precision

If measurement time is extended to capture complete ECG cycles, then measurement precision is improved, but productivity deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecomplete ECG cycle captureVSAvoidmeasurement speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary polarization compensation and electrode stabilization before the actual ECG measurement begins, pre-conditioning the measurement system so that complete ECG cycles can be captured immediately without extended setup time

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent rushes through the measurement process by using rapid switching to capture complete ECG cycles in compressed time frames, skipping the traditional lengthy setup and stabilization phases through automated pre-conditioning

Inventive Principle:
Principle #21Skipping (Rushing through)

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 solution significantly reduces electrode polarization and mechanical artefacts, making it easier to extract accurate ECG signals, enhancing the convenience and reliability of ECG data capture.

Implementation Method 1

setting at least one switch in a conducting state to close a connection between the two electrodes; setting the at least one switch in a blocking state to conductively separate the two electrodes

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentEP3606419B1Capturing ECG measurements in a portable sensor device
Publication Date: 2023.12.27 COALA LIFE AB
  • EP3606419B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3B
  • EP3606419B1 patent drawingFigure 4A~4B
  • EP3606419B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

It is presented a method for obtaining data for an Electrocardiogram, ECG, using a portable sensor device comprising two electrodes. The method comprising the steps of: receiving a trigger to obtain measurements for the ECG; setting at least one switch in a conducting state to close a connection between the two electrodes; setting the at least one switch in a blocking state to conductively separate the two electrodes; and capturing measurements for the ECG using the at least two electrodes.