Electrode Belt with Folded Non-Conductive Strip
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing physical activity measurement devices face challenges in providing accurate and robust heart activity monitoring, particularly in harsh environments, and require simplified manufacturing processes to reduce costs.
Innovation Solution
An electrode belt with a non-conductive strip having divergent folds to position electrodes in contact with the skin, coupled with a flexible strip for secure placement, enhances contact and durability while simplifying manufacturing by using a single integral non-conductive strip and flexible substrate.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional electrode placement methods are used, then manufacturing is simpler, but electrode-skin contact consistency and measurement accuracy deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The non-conductive strip is folded into a curved configuration with the electrode positioned between folded portions, creating a pre-formed arch shape that naturally conforms to the curved surface of the human body (chest/stomach). This curvature ensures consistent electrode-skin contact without requiring additional adjustment mechanisms, thereby improving measurement accuracy while maintaining manufacturing simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrode belt transitions from a flat two-dimensional strip to a three-dimensional folded structure. By folding the non-conductive strip and positioning the electrode between folded portions, the design adds vertical dimensionality that enables the electrode to maintain contact with the skin surface while the folded portions provide structural support and alignment, improving contact consistency without complex assembly.
2Reliability
If robust electrode contact is ensured through complex structures, then measurement reliability improves, but manufacturing complexity and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The design merges multiple functions into a single integrated non-conductive strip: it serves as the structural support element, the positioning mechanism for the electrode, and the contact interface mediator. By folding this single strip and positioning the electrode between folded portions, the design ensures reliable electrode-skin contact without requiring separate components for each function, thereby maintaining ease of manufacture while improving reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The folded non-conductive strip structure is self-aligning and self-positioning. When the electrode belt is applied to the body, the folded portions naturally maintain the electrode in the correct position against the skin without requiring additional fastening mechanisms or adjustment procedures. This self-service特性 ensures reliable contact while simplifying the manufacturing process.
3Manufacturing precision
If multiple separate components are used for electrode positioning, then contact accuracy improves, but device complexity and manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The non-conductive strip is segmented through folding into distinct portions, with the electrode positioned between specific folded sections. This segmentation allows precise positioning of the electrode relative to the skin surface while maintaining a single-integral strip structure. The folded portions act as independent positioning elements without requiring separate components, achieving manufacturing precision with reduced device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
An electrode belt includes at least one electrode to measure biometric signals related to heart activity of a user, a non-conductive strip having at least one opening, and a flexible strip to enable placement of the electrode belt against the skin of the user. The non-conductive strip is coupled with the flexible strip such that, when in use, the at least one electrode is in physical contact with the skin of the user.