Miniaturized Impedance Electrode Array for Wearable Sensors

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional wearable devices face limitations in data collection due to space constraints, sensor accuracy, and material limitations, particularly with bioimpedance sensors, which are hindered by sensor size, contact area optimization, and interference from skin moisture, leading to inaccurate measurements and a lengthy acclimation period.

Innovation Solution

The development of miniaturized impedance sensors integrated into flexible and durable wearable devices with compactly arranged miniaturized electrodes and a flexible substrate, allowing for improved contact with the skin, reduced acclimation time, and enhanced measurement accuracy across various depths.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If conventional bioimpedance sensors are used, then measurement capability is provided, but sensor size and contact area are insufficient leading to inaccurate measurements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement accuracyVSAvoidcontact area

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSArea of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The sensor is divided into multiple miniaturized electrodes arranged in an array pattern rather than using a single large electrode. This segmentation allows the sensor to maintain small overall size while providing multiple contact points that collectively achieve sufficient contact area for accurate measurements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from conventional planar electrode arrangements to a three-dimensional array configuration of miniaturized electrodes. This dimensional change enables increased contact area and measurement precision within a compact footprint by utilizing vertical stacking and multi-layer arrangements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Loss of time

If conventional sensors are used, then basic measurement function is achieved, but acclimation period is lengthy

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveacclimation timeVSAvoidmeasurement reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The miniaturized electrode array is designed to make preliminary contact with the skin surface in an optimized configuration that reduces the time required for the sensor to acclimate. The compact arrangement and multiple contact points establish immediate electrical pathways, eliminating the lengthy acclimation period required by conventional sensors.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Volume of moving object

If sensor miniaturization is implemented, then wearable device compactness is improved, but sensor durability may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesensor sizeVSAvoidsensor durability

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The miniaturized electrode array is integrated onto a flexible substrate that provides mechanical support and protection. This flexible film structure maintains the miniaturized form factor while enhancing durability through the protective substrate layer that protects the delicate miniaturized electrodes during wear and movement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

4Area of stationary object

If electrode arrangement is compacted, then space efficiency is improved, but interference from skin moisture may increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrode array areaVSAvoidskin moisture interference

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies different properties to different parts of the electrode array to address moisture interference. Specific electrode regions are designed with localized characteristics such as varying spacing, shielding structures, or material properties that compensate for the harmful effects of skin moisture in high-density compact arrangements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS11883146B1Methods and devices for selecting miniaturized impedance electrodes of miniaturized impedance sensors

Publication Date: 2024.01.30 BRIGHAM YOUNG UNIV

AI summary

A method, system, apparatus, and/or device to select a depth within a body part to measure an impedance. The method, system, apparatus, and/or device may include: a band configured to extend at least partially around a body part of a user; a user interface coupled to the band; a miniaturized impedance sensor embedded in the band and positioned in the band to be pressed against the body part when the user wears the band, the miniaturized impedance sensor including an array of miniaturized electrodes, where the array of miniaturized electrodes is configured to measure an impedance at a depth within the body part and the depth corresponds to a subdermal feature within the body part; a processing device coupled to the band, where the processing device is configured to select the depth within the body part to measure an impedance; and an electrical circuit embedded in the band.