Intra-body Communication Electrode with Dual Capacitance Ratio
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing intra-body communication electrodes face issues with stability and performance due to capacitive coupling between electrodes, leading to impaired communication when the device is thinned or the electrode area is reduced, and the orientation of the wrist affects communication quality.
Innovation Solution
An electrode configuration with a first electrode on the band portions and a second electrode on the main body portion, both capacitatively coupled with the human body, where the capacitance ratio between them is within five to eleven times, and the coupling capacitance is 3 pF or less, ensuring stable and enhanced communication performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If the distance between electrodes is increased to suppress capacitive coupling, then coupling between electrodes is reduced, but the device thickness increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a planar electrode arrangement to a three-dimensional configuration where electrodes are positioned at different spatial locations and orientations. Specifically, the first electrode is arranged on band portions that extend in first and second directions from the main body portion, while the second electrode is positioned on the main body portion, creating a spatial distribution that reduces capacitive coupling without increasing device thickness in the traditional sense.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different electrode configurations to different regions of the wearable device. The first electrode is specifically arranged on the band portions to ensure stable coupling with the human body, while the second electrode is positioned on the main body portion. This localized differentiation allows each electrode to optimize its function while maintaining overall device thinness.
2Length of stationary object
If the electrode area is reduced to thin the device, then device thickness is reduced, but sufficient capacitance for coupling with human body cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the three-dimensional spatial arrangement of electrodes to achieve sufficient coupling capacitance without increasing electrode area in the planar direction. By positioning electrodes at different locations and orientations in space, the effective coupling surface is increased without adding device thickness, thereby maintaining both thinness and sufficient capacitance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the electrode system into multiple segments: a first electrode arranged on band portions and a second electrode arranged on the main body portion. This segmentation allows each electrode to contribute to the overall coupling capacitance, enabling sufficient total capacitance while keeping individual electrode areas small and device thickness reduced.
3Device complexity
If only one electrode is positioned close to human body, then device structure is simplified, but coupling stability is impaired
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the electrode system into two functional electrodes: the first electrode on band portions that ensures stable coupling with the human body, and the second electrode on the main body portion that provides additional coupling path. This segmentation creates redundant coupling paths, improving communication stability while maintaining relatively simple device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent assigns different functional qualities to different electrodes based on their locations. The first electrode on the band portions is optimized for stable coupling with the human body, while the second electrode on the main body portion provides complementary coupling. This local differentiation ensures stable communication without requiring complex overall structure.
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
This configuration enhances communication performance by maintaining stability and effectiveness even when the device is thinned and reduces the impact of wrist orientation on communication quality, allowing for longer communication distances and improved signal amplitude.
Implementation Method 1
an electrode for intra-body communication that is used in an electrostatic coupling-type intra-body communication method
Implementation Method 2
electrostatic coupling-type intra-body communication method with a carrier frequency of 40 MHz or less
Data Source
AI summary
[Object] To provide an electrode for intra-body communication that can enhance communication performance.[Solution] According to the present disclosure, the electrode for intra-body communication is used in an electrostatic coupling-type intra-body communication method with a carrier frequency of 40 MHz or less, the electrode including: a first electrode configured to be capacitatively coupled with a human body; and a second electrode having a capacitance of coupling with the human body that is five times or more and 11 times or less with respect to a capacitance at which the first electrode is coupled with the human body. A capacitance of coupling generated between the first electrode and the second electrode is 3 pF or less.