Flush Snap and Electrode Assembly for Heart Rate Monitor Belt

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing heart rate monitor belts face challenges in integrating electrodes and telemetric transmitters into garments due to the bulkiness of standard garment snaps, which compromises comfort and integrity, and struggles with maintaining reliable electrical connections during strenuous activities and moisture exposure.

Innovation Solution

A snap and electrode assembly with a conductive wire spring housed within a socket region, integrated into a heart rate monitor belt or garment, providing a flush design that minimizes protrusion and ensures a secure, moisture-resistant connection with the telemetric transmitter.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If standard garment snaps are used to attach telemetric transmitters to heart rate monitor belts, then the connection can be detachable and adaptable to different garments, but the snaps are bulky and protrude from the garment surface, compromising comfort and integrity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetachable connectionVSAvoidprotrusion

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The snap is integrated into a socket region formed within the garment material itself, with the female snap portion nested inside the material thickness rather than protruding from it. The male end of the telemetric transmitter inserts into this nested socket, creating a flush surface when connected.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The snap connection transitions from a surface-level protruding attachment to a three-dimensional integration within the garment material volume. The socket region extends through the material thickness, allowing the snap to be embedded rather than surface-mounted.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Adaptability or versatility

If standard garment snaps are used for attaching telemetric transmitters, then detachable connection is achieved, but reliable electrical connection and moisture resistance are compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetachable connectionVSAvoidelectrical connection stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

A conductive element is introduced as an intermediary between the male end of the telemetric transmitter and the female snap portion. This conductive element ensures reliable electrical connection while the surrounding material structure provides moisture resistance and mechanical stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The socket region is pre-formed within the garment material to provide a protective environment for the electrical connection. This pre-formed structure shields the conductive elements from moisture and mechanical stress before actual use.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If electrodes and conductors are surfaced directly in textile material, then breathability is maintained, but the conductors remain exposed to mechanical stresses and moisture

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovebreathabilityVSAvoidconductor protection

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The conductors and electrodes are nested within layers of the textile material structure rather than being surface-exposed. The material layers provide protection against mechanical stress and moisture while maintaining breathability through the textile's inherent properties.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The textile material layers act as flexible protective shells around the conductive elements. These thin film structures provide mechanical protection and moisture resistance while maintaining the flexibility and breathability characteristics of the textile.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

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 allows for reliable and comfortable integration of heart rate monitoring into garments, maintaining electrical connection stability during use and reducing mechanical stress on conductors, while ensuring breathability and comfort.

Implementation Method 1

a conductive wire spring housed at least partially within the gap for making and maintaining electrical contact with the male end of a telemetric device

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS8886281B2Snap and electrode assembly for a heart rate monitor belt

Publication Date: 2014.11.11 SUUNTO OY

AI summary

The present invention relates generally to a thin, low thickness snap integrated within or built within a heart rate monitor belt or snap and electrode assebly. The snap can be integrated or built directly in to a heart rate monitor belt. Furthermore, the heart rate monitor belt can be integrated within a textile or garment, for example a compression shirt, sports bra or cycling shorts. The snap can be flushly integrated into the belt or garment such the snap does not take away from the general wearability of the heart rate monitor belt or garment.