Ionic Varistor Biopotential Measurement via Solid Electrolyte Membrane

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional biopotential measurement devices face challenges with low-quality measurements due to direct contact electrodes, inherent noise from amplifiers, and frequent replacement needs, leading to inaccurate and unreliable readings.

Innovation Solution

An ionic varistor system utilizing a solid electrolyte membrane with ionomer properties and conductive contacts to measure electrical potential indirectly, providing thermal and mechanical stability and increasing electrical conductivity with ion concentration, allowing for high-gain biopotential measurements with reduced interference.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If direct contact electrodes are used for biopotential measurement, then electrical potential can be measured, but measurement quality is low due to inherent noise and interference

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebiopotential measurement qualityVSAvoidnoise and interference

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an ionic varistor as an intermediary component between the electrical potential source and the measurement system. The varistor contains an ionic conductor that transforms electrical potential changes into ionic concentration changes, which are then measured indirectly. This intermediary mechanism eliminates direct electrical contact and the associated noise, achieving high-quality biopotential measurements without amplifier interference.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Duration of action of moving object

If conventional electrodes are used, then biopotential can be measured, but frequent replacement is needed due to signal degradation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement durationVSAvoidsignal quality consistency

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the conventional electrical measurement system with an ionic measurement system. Instead of using electrical electrodes that degrade and require replacement, the system uses an ionic varistor with an ionic conductor that transforms electrical potential into ionic concentration changes. This ionic mechanism is more stable and durable, eliminating the need for frequent electrode replacement while maintaining consistent signal quality over extended periods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Quantity of substance

If ionic concentration increases in the electrical potential surface, then electrical conductivity increases, but ion mixing with liquid electrolyte occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveion concentrationVSAvoidelectrolyte composition stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a membrane as an intermediary barrier between the electrical potential surface and the liquid electrolyte. This membrane allows selective ion passage while preventing uncontrolled mixing. The ionic varistor structure contains the liquid electrolyte and controls ion exchange through the membrane, maintaining electrolyte composition stability while still enabling ionic concentration changes that reflect electrical potential variations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 ionic varistor system enables accurate and stable biopotential measurements over extended use with reduced signal degradation and interference, producing uniform signal quality for applications like ECG, EEG, and EMG.

Implementation Method 1

As the ionic concentration in the electrical potential surface is increased or decreased, some ions diffuse through the membrane, causing the ions to mix with the liquid electrolyte

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDiffusion: Diffusion

Implementation Method 2

The solid electrolyte has ionomer ionic properties that provide thermal and mechanical stability in the solid electrolyte

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectIonomer ionic properties: Ion Exchange

Implementation Method 3

The electrical conductivity of the ion channel increases as the ion concentration increases such that the complete electrolyte-membrane assembly produces electrical resistance

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical resistance: Electrical Resistance

Data Source

PatentUS10617315B2Detecting bipotential with an ionic varistor

Publication Date: 2020.04.14 MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING LLC

AI summary

In various embodiments, methods and systems, of an ionic varistor system is provided. The ionic varistor system includes an electrolyte-membrane assembly having a liquid electrolyte that is enclosed in a solid electrolyte membrane. The ionic varistor system further includes conductive contacts operably coupled to the electrolyte-membrane assembly. The electrolytic-membrane assembly is operably coupled to an electrical potential surface. As the ionic concentration in the electrical potential surface is increased or decreased, some ions diffuse through the solid electrolyte membrane, causing the ions to mix with the liquid electrolyte to achieve an electrostatic equilibrium state that is thermally and mechanically stable. The liquid electrolyte and the diffused ions create an encapsulated ion channel in the electrolyte-membrane assembly. The electrical conductivity of the encapsulated ion channel increases as the ion concentration increases such that the complete electrolyte-membrane assembly produces electrical resistance. The ion concentration is measured as indicator of electrical potential of the electrical potential surface.