Flexible Circuit Segments for Rapid Adaptation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current flexible circuit systems for monitoring physical properties require significant redesign and time to adapt to changes in intended use, making them costly and inefficient for rapid modifications and scalability.
Innovation Solution
A modular flexible circuit system with conductive segments and nodes that allow for easy reconfiguration and scalability, using a geometric pattern with electrically insulated conductive elements and sensors for monitoring physical properties, and a processor for data analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a traditional flexible circuit design is used, then the circuit can perform monitoring functions, but any change in intended use requires significant redesign and time (days, weeks, or longer), increasing costs and reducing adaptability
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible circuit is divided into multiple modular segments or tiles that can be independently configured. Each segment contains conductive elements, sensors, and interconnection capabilities that can be selectively activated or deactivated based on the monitoring application, allowing rapid adaptation without redesigning the entire circuit.
Solution Approach 2:
The circuit incorporates reconfigurable conductive pathways and switchable connections that allow the electrical topology to be dynamically changed between different monitoring modes (e.g., ECG, respiration, motion tracking) through software control or physical reconfiguration, enabling the same hardware to serve multiple functions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a traditional flexible circuit design is used, then the circuit can perform monitoring functions, but adapting to new use cases requires substantial time and cost investment
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible circuit is designed as a universal platform with standardized segments that can be configured for various monitoring applications (cardiac, respiratory, motion, position). The same basic circuit architecture supports multiple sensing modalities through selective activation of different conductive elements and sensors, eliminating the need for separate dedicated circuits for each application.
Solution Approach 2:
The circuit allows changing operational parameters such as which conductive segments are active, which sensors are enabled, and how the segments are interconnected, to adapt to different monitoring requirements. This parameter-based reconfiguration is achieved through software control or simple physical switches rather than manufacturing changes.
3Productivity
If a modular flexible circuit system is implemented, then rapid adaptation and scalability are enabled, but the system requires multiple conductive elements and sensors that need to be integrated
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple conductive elements and sensor types are integrated into unified modular segments. Each segment combines conductive pathways for electrical signals with embedded sensors, allowing the system to achieve complex monitoring capabilities through simple assembly of standardized modules rather than integrating numerous separate components.
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
Enables rapid adaptation and scalability, reducing costs and enhancing monitoring capabilities with increased adaptability and accuracy, allowing for simultaneous monitoring of complex motion and other metrics.
Implementation Method 1
The physical object may be monitored by analyzing changes in electrical resistance in the conductive segments between the nodes
Data Source
AI summary
A flexible circuit may be provided that allows for the monitoring of a physical object. The flexible circuit includes a plurality of flexible conductive segments that are disposed in a geometric pattern. The flexible conductive segments include nodes, and the physical object is monitored by analyzing changes in electrical resistance in the conductive segments between the nodes. The flexible circuit may also include sensors disposed on the nodes for monitoring additional conditions. A processor monitors the flexible conductive segments and sensors, and may provide an output regarding the status of the physical object.