Hand Sensor Positioning Structure for Stable Palm Biosignal Capture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing biosignal acquisition devices are not optimally designed for daily use, particularly for collecting galvanic skin response (GSR) signals from the palm and oximeter signals from the purlicue, which are crucial for determining mood, emotional state, and sleep quality, and they often compromise comfort and accuracy.
Innovation Solution
A biosignal acquisition system with a sensor-positioning structure that extends across the hand, positioning sensors at the purlicue and lateral hand areas, including a C-shaped design with rigid or semi-rigid ends and a flexible connecting portion, to accurately collect GSR and oximeter signals, and a control unit for data transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If biosignal acquisition devices are designed with rigid wrist-mounted structures (bracelet or smart watch), then device stability and signal collection capability are improved, but comfort and adaptability to different hand positions deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into multiple independent sensor units (first sensor unit for GSR signal on palm, second sensor unit for oximeter signal on purlicue, third sensor unit for additional biosignals) that can be separately positioned on different parts of the hand, rather than using a single rigid wrist-mounted structure. This segmentation allows each sensor to be optimally positioned for accurate signal collection while maintaining overall device flexibility and comfort.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor positioning structure extends from the wrist across the back of the hand to the palm, utilizing the third dimension (depth/length along the hand) rather than relying solely on two-dimensional wrist mounting. This dimensional extension allows sensors to reach appropriate positions on both the dorsal and palmar surfaces of the hand, improving signal acquisition while maintaining comfort through distributed positioning.
2Measurement precision
If sensors are positioned on the purlicue and palm to collect oximeter and GSR signals, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor positioning structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides mechanical support for multiple sensor units, ensures proper positioning of sensors on specific anatomical locations (purlicue and palm), maintains contact pressure for accurate signal collection, and distributes the device across the hand for comfort. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate positioning mechanisms, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while achieving high measurement precision.
3Manufacturing precision
If the sensor positioning structure uses rigid ends for stability, then sensor positioning accuracy is improved, but adaptability to different hand shapes and sizes deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor positioning structure employs different mechanical properties in different regions: the ends (first end and second end) are made rigid or semi-rigid to maintain precise sensor positioning and stable contact with the hand, while the connecting portion is made flexible to adapt to different hand shapes, sizes, and contours. This local differentiation of material properties allows the device to simultaneously achieve positioning accuracy and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting portion is designed with flexible properties that allow it to dynamically adjust its shape and length to accommodate various hand geometries, while the rigid ends maintain their positioning function. This dynamic flexibility in the connecting portion enables the device to adapt to different hand contours without compromising the stability and precision provided by the rigid sensor-bearing ends.
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 system provides high-accuracy biosignal collection with enhanced comfort by conforming to the hand's natural contours, ensuring stable signal detection and user comfort.
Implementation Method 1
collecting various biosignals, including, for example, a heart rate, an electrical skin signal, such as a galvanic skin response (GSR)
Implementation Method 2
the soft tissue found in the webbing or area of the hand between the index finger and the thumb, what is known as the purlicue, is particularly effective to obtain an oximeter reading or signal from the subject
Data Source
AI summary
A biosignal acquisition system is provided that includes at least a first sensor unit and a sensor-positioning structure configured to extend across a hand of a subject. The sensor positioning structure is configured to maintain the first sensor unit at a first position on a palm of a subject. The sensor-positioning structure includes a first end configured to conform around and couple to a purlicue of a hand of the subject. The first end is C-shaped and includes a first bent section that is rigid or at least semi-rigid, the first bent section being shaped and configured to conform to and couple to the purlicue of a hand of the subject. The sensor-positioning structure further includes a second end configured to conform around and couple to a lateral portion of the hand that is opposite to the purlicue of the hand of the subject.