Multilayer Garment Electrode for Stable Skin Contact
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing technologies face challenges in creating a safe and comfortable electrical connection between electrodes and conductors in garments, belts, and bandages, often compromising on wearing comfort and stability.
Innovation Solution
A multilayer electrode design comprising an electrically conductive electrode layer, a foam layer, and a textile layer, with an electrical conductor integrated through a recess in the foam layer, ensuring stable electrical contact and improved wearing comfort by absorbing moisture and maintaining broad skin contact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a strain sensor is sewn onto fabric or attached using adhesive, then the sensor can register stretching in the fabric, but the electrical connection between the electrode and conductor is not safe or reliable
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode is divided into multiple functional layers: a foam layer for mechanical support and moisture absorption, a textile layer for flexibility and skin contact, and a conductive elastomer layer for electrical conduction. This segmentation allows each layer to specialize in one function, improving overall reliability without requiring a single complex component
Solution Approach 2:
The electrode uses composite materials combining foam (for structure and moisture management), textile (for flexibility and comfort), and conductive elastomer (for electrical properties). This composite structure achieves reliable electrical connection while maintaining simplicity and wearing comfort
2Reliability
If the electrode layer lies directly on the skin, then good impulse transmission is achieved, but wearing comfort is compromised due to moisture and lack of cushioning
Solution Approach 1:
The foam layer is positioned between the conductive elastomer layer and the skin to provide cushioning and comfort before the electrode makes contact. This pre-cushioning approach maintains skin contact for impulse transmission while protecting the skin and improving comfort
Solution Approach 2:
The foam layer uses porous material that can absorb excess moisture from the skin, keeping the interface dry and comfortable while maintaining electrical contact. The porous structure allows moisture management without compromising the conductive path
3Reliability
If the foam layer absorbs moisture, then electrical contact between the foam layer and electrode layer is improved, but excess moisture from the skin needs to be managed
Solution Approach 1:
The foam layer's porous structure enables it to absorb excess moisture from the skin while maintaining electrical contact. The pores capture moisture that would otherwise accumulate and disrupt the electrical interface, converting a harmful factor into a beneficial contact medium
Solution Approach 2:
The foam layer converts the harmful effect of moisture (which could cause skin irritation or electrical interference) into a benefit by using absorbed moisture to improve electrical contact between layers. The moisture that would be problematic is instead utilized to enhance conductivity at the interface
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 multilayer electrode design provides enhanced wearing comfort and stability while ensuring effective impulse transmission and stimulation, with the foam layer absorbing moisture and maintaining consistent electrical contact.
Implementation Method 1
The foam layer may be able to absorb moisture, so that on the one hand excess moisture from the skin is absorbed and on the other hand the electrical contact with the conductor between the foam layer and the electrode layer is improved.
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
An electrode for an item of clothing consists of a number of superimposed layers, one layer being an electrically conducting electrode layer and another layer being a foam layer, and an electrical conductor protrudes between the electrode layer and the foam layer and is in contact with the electrode layer.