Physiological Signal Detection Device with Water Absorption Unit

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional electrode pads for physiological signal detection are not air permeable, can cause allergies, and are uncomfortable due to skin conditions like dryness or oiliness, leading to interference with electrical conduction, especially in dry areas where humidity loss and gel drying become significant issues, and close placement can result in short-circuits.

Innovation Solution

A physiological signal detection device with a water-absorbing and wet-keeping function, featuring a base layer, electrode pads, and a water absorption unit that prevents fast water loss, enhances wetting, and includes an edge enclosure for positioning and aesthetics, reducing noise interference and improving comfort and conduction.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional base layer and aqueous gel are used for electrode pad, then electrical conduction is achieved, but air permeability is poor and allergy risk increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical conductionVSAvoidallergy and poor air permeability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The base layer is designed with porous structure that allows air permeability while maintaining electrical conduction capability. The porous structure enables breathability to prevent allergy while the conductive properties are preserved through appropriate material selection and pore configuration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #31Porous materials

Solution Approach 2:

The electrode pad uses composite material structure combining base layer with specific conductive properties and porous breathable characteristics. This composite approach allows simultaneous achievement of electrical conduction and air permeability while reducing allergy risk.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If base layer and gel are used to maintain humidity, then electrical conduction is improved, but in dry conditions humidity is lost and detection is interrupted

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical conductionVSAvoidhumidity retention in dry condition
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The water storage unit automatically supplies water to the base layer when humidity is lost, without requiring external intervention. This self-service mechanism ensures continuous humidity maintenance and uninterrupted electrical conduction in dry conditions through automatic water replenishment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Water is pre-stored in the water storage unit before being needed. This preliminary action ensures that when humidity loss occurs in dry conditions, water is immediately available to replenish the base layer, preventing detection interruption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Area of stationary object

If multiple electrode pads are placed close together for detection, then detection coverage is improved, but short-circuit risk increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection coverageVSAvoidshort-circuit prevention
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

A waterproof adhesive tape is introduced as an intermediary barrier between adjacent electrode pads. This tape prevents direct contact between pads while allowing close placement for adequate detection coverage, thus eliminating short-circuit risk.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The adhesive tape segments the electrode pads by creating electrical isolation between them. This segmentation allows pads to be placed close together for coverage while maintaining electrical independence to prevent short-circuits.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

4Ease of operation

If conventional adhesive base layer is used, then electrode pad can be attached to body surface, but in dry skin condition skin chips and grease interfere with conduction

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment to body surfaceVSAvoidelectrical conduction in dry skin condition
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The waterproof adhesive tape serves as an intermediary layer between the electrode pad and dry skin surface. It provides reliable attachment while its waterproof and conductive properties ensure continuous electrical conduction despite the presence of skin chips and grease.

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 device ensures continuous electrical conduction by maintaining humidity, reduces noise interference, and enhances user comfort by securely attaching to the body surface, even in dry conditions, while preventing short-circuits between pads.

Implementation Method 1

a water absorption unit, which is positioned in the first receiving compartment... the water absorption unit has a top engaging the electrode pad, and the water absorption unit has a bottom engaging the base layer

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectWater absorption: Absorption (physical)

Data Source

PatentEP2684516B1Improved physiological signal detection device
Publication Date: 2014.10.29 KINGS METAL FIBER TECHNOLOGIES CO LTD
  • EP2684516B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2684516B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2684516B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A physiological signal detection device (1) includes at least one electrode pad (11), a base layer (20), and at least one water absorption unit (30). The electrode pad is positioned on a top surface of the base layer. The electrode pad and the base layer form a first receiving compartment (S1) therebetween. The water absorption unit is positioned in the first receiving compartment. The water absorption unit has a top engaging the electrode pad, and the water absorption unit has a bottom engaging the base layer.