Functionalized Garment with Conductive Seams for Biopotential Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wearable technologies face challenges in integrating electronics into garments due to difficulties in sewing multiple panel sections and integrating electrical components, leading to poor signal acquisition and motion artifacts in biopotential sensing.
Innovation Solution
Functionalized garments with varying zones of compression and conductive seams that allow for improved signal-to-noise ratios and reduced motion artifacts, featuring flexible interconnects and sensors integrated into the fabric, enabling unimpeded motion and efficient data transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple panel sections are assembled to create garment-based electronic designs, then functional versatility is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases due to sewing multiple panels and integrating electrical components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple panel sections into a single integrated knit garment structure, eliminating the need to sew separate panels together. Electrical components and conductors are integrated directly into the knit fabric during manufacturing, combining structural and electronic functions into one unified component that reduces assembly steps and manufacturing complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The knit garment serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides the structural garment body, integrates electrical conductors for signal transmission, incorporates sensors for biopotential detection, and enables wireless communication capabilities, all within a single multi-functional textile structure
2Ease of manufacture
If standard garments are used for biopotential sensing, then ease of manufacture is improved, but signal quality deteriorates due to motion artifacts and poor signal-to-noise ratios
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements varying zones of compression within the garment structure, with specific regions designed to apply targeted pressure to stabilize electrodes against the skin in areas where biopotential signals are measured, while other regions maintain standard fit characteristics, thereby improving signal quality locally without compromising overall garment manufacturability
Solution Approach 2:
The garment is pre-engineered with integrated conductors and sensor positions built into the knit structure during manufacturing, and compression zones are pre-positioned to anticipate and prevent motion artifacts before they occur during wear, ensuring optimal signal acquisition conditions are established in advance
3Measurement precision
If compression zones are added to improve signal quality, then measurement precision is improved, but garment complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The compression zones are merged with the electrode contact areas, where the same structural elements that provide compression also serve as the mounting platform for electrodes and conductors, eliminating the need for separate compression components and reducing overall garment complexity
Data Source
AI summary
Described herein are functionalized garments that can be worn on the torso of a subject and can be configured with varying zones or areas of compressions and can provide increased signal-to-noise ratios and reduced motion artifacts in areas while allowing a substantially unimpeded freedom of motion.