Multifunction Sensor Lid as ECG Electrode
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Solution Overview
Problem
Integrating electrocardiography (ECG) electrodes into mobile devices poses challenges due to space and noise considerations, limiting the number and location of electrodes that can be incorporated.
Innovation Solution
A multifunction sensor device that combines a sensor with an electrode, featuring a semi-conductive lid and an amplifier to detect body electrical potential changes, allowing for the integration of ECG functionality within mobile devices while utilizing existing components like device buttons or watch components as electrodes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If ECG electrodes are integrated into mobile devices, then health monitoring capability is improved, but device space is consumed and noise interference increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by making the sensor lid serve dual purposes: as an optical sensor component and as an ECG electrode. The lid is configured with a semi-conductive material that enables it to function as an electrode for detecting body electrical potential changes, while simultaneously maintaining its role in the optical sensing system. This eliminates the need for separate electrode components, thereby conserving device space while enhancing health monitoring capabilities.
2Adaptability or versatility
If ECG electrodes are integrated into mobile devices, then health monitoring capability is improved, but noise interference increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary approach by using the sensor lid as a mediator between the optical sensing system and the ECG functionality. The lid's semi-conductive material acts as an intermediate layer that enables electrical potential detection without requiring additional electrodes that would generate more noise. The existing lid structure serves as the electrode, reducing the introduction of new noise sources while enabling health monitoring.
3Measurement precision
If separate electrodes are used for ECG functionality, then electrode performance is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies merging by combining the sensor lid and electrode into a single integrated component. Instead of using separate electrodes that would increase device complexity, the lid itself is configured to function as the electrode through the incorporation of semi-conductive material. This integration maintains electrode performance for detecting body electrical potential changes while reducing the number of discrete components and simplifying the overall device 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
Enables effective measurement of heart activity and health information through integrated ECG functionality within mobile devices, enhancing monitoring capabilities without significant space or noise interference.
Implementation Method 1
an amplifier coupled to the multifunction sensor, where the amplifier is configured to detect body electrical potential changes
Data Source
AI summary
An integrated multifunction sensor, a mobile integrated sensor device, and process are described that include a sensor, where the sensor is used primarily for a first purpose other than as an electrode. In an implementation, an integrated multifunction sensor includes a multifunction sensor configured as a sensor and a first electrode, the multifunction sensor including a lid coupled to a first side of the sensor, where the lid includes a semi-conductive material, and an analog device connected to the lid; where the multifunction sensor is configured to couple to a controller that receives health information from the first electrode and a second electrode. In some embodiments, the integrated multifunction sensor can include an integrated optical sensor. In some implementations, a second electrode may be located elsewhere in a mobile integrated sensor device and complete a differential circuit.