Fabric Substrate Electrodes with External Shielding for Bio-Signal Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bio-signal measurement technologies are uncomfortable and inconvenient for extended use, especially in clinical settings, and can be affected by anxiety and external interference.
Innovation Solution
A fabric substrate with integrated sensing and reference electrodes, along with conductive interconnects that act as a shield, providing a flexible and comfortable solution for bio-signal measurement, such as ECG, by minimizing triboelectric interference and allowing for extended wear.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional electrodes are used in clinical settings, then measurement capability is achieved, but subject comfort and ease of operation deteriorate due to anxiety and extended wear discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a flexible fabric substrate to carry the electrodes, replacing rigid traditional electrode structures. This flexible textile construction allows the electrodes to conform to body contours and move with the subject, significantly improving comfort for extended wear while maintaining measurement capability through proper electrode-skin contact.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state and material properties of the electrode support from rigid to flexible by using textile fabrics. This parameter change enables the measurement system to be worn comfortably over extended periods in non-clinical settings, reducing anxiety-induced errors while preserving signal quality through appropriate fabric conductivity and electrode placement.
2Measurement precision
If shielding is added to reduce electromagnetic interference, then measurement precision improves, but device complexity and structure deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the shielding function with the existing fabric substrate and conductive interconnects by positioning the conductive interconnects on the exterior surface of the fabric to form a shield around the sensing electrodes. This merging of functions eliminates the need for separate shielding components, maintaining signal quality while avoiding additional structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The conductive interconnects serve dual purposes: they provide electrical connection between electrodes and simultaneously function as electromagnetic shields when positioned on the exterior surface. This multi-functionality reduces the overall device complexity by eliminating dedicated shielding structures while maintaining measurement precision through interference suppression.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If conductive interconnects are placed on the interior surface to reduce interference, then shielding effectiveness improves, but triboelectric interference increases due to fabric contact
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the fabric substrate into two distinct surfaces with different functions: the interior surface carries sensing and reference electrodes for body contact, while the exterior surface carries conductive interconnects for shielding and external connections. This spatial segmentation prevents triboelectric charging at the sensing interface while maintaining shielding effectiveness through external conductive layers.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent resolves the contradiction by moving the conductive interconnects from the interior surface (2D plane of contact) to the exterior surface (different spatial dimension). This dimensional repositioning allows the interconnects to provide shielding without contacting the skin, thereby eliminating triboelectric interference while maintaining electromagnetic protection through the external conductive layer.
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 enhances comfort and flexibility during long-term bio-signal measurement, reduces anxiety-induced measurement errors, and effectively suppresses electromagnetic interference, enabling reliable data collection outside clinical environments.
Implementation Method 1
a first conductive interconnect connecting to the at least one reference electrode wherein the first conductive interconnect is arranged and positioned on a portion of the fabric substrate other than the interior surface of the fabric substrate to provide at least part of a shield to the at least one sensing electrode
Implementation Method 2
at least one sensing electrode at an interior surface of the fabric substrate for placement adjacent a first portion of a subject's body
Data Source
Figure 1~2C
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AI summary
An apparatus comprising: a fabric substrate; at least one sensing electrode at an interior surface of the fabric substrate for placement adjacent a first portion of a subject's body; at least one reference electrode at the interior surface of the fabric substrate for placement adjacent a second portion of a subject's body; and a first conductive interconnect connecting to the at least one reference electrode wherein the first conductive interconnect is arranged and positioned on a portion of the fabric substrate other than the interior surface of the fabric substrate to provide part of a shield to the at least one sensing electrode.