Reusable EMS Electrode Structure for Uniform Moisture Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional disposable EMS electrodes cause environmental pollution and discomfort due to uneven conductive paths and voltage potentials, leading to spikes and discomfort during use.
Innovation Solution
A multi-use electrode structure comprising a conductive fabric layer, water retention fabric layer, and insulation cover, with the EMS points consisting of the water retention fabric layer, ensuring uniform moisture absorption and voltage distribution to prevent local thermal or spike points.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of stationary object
If textile electrodes with conductive fibers are used, then reusability is improved and environmental pollution is reduced, but uneven conductive paths cause uneven voltage potentials leading to discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode is segmented into distinct functional layers: a water retention layer (non-conductive) and a conductive fabric layer. This segmentation allows each layer to perform its specific function - the water retention layer provides uniform moisture distribution while the conductive layer provides electrical conductivity, resolving the contradiction between reusability and comfort.
Solution Approach 2:
The water retention fabric layer acts as an intermediary between the conductive fabric layer and the skin. It absorbs and distributes moisture uniformly across the contact surface, preventing direct contact between the conductive fibers and skin while ensuring even voltage distribution, thus eliminating discomfort spikes.
2Reliability
If conductive fibers are used to contact skin, then muscle stimulation is achieved, but uneven resistance distribution causes spike sensations
Solution Approach 1:
The water retention fabric serves as an intermediary layer between the conductive fabric and the skin. It absorbs moisture and distributes it uniformly, creating consistent electrical resistance across the entire contact area. This eliminates the spike sensations caused by localized high-resistance points while maintaining effective muscle stimulation through the evenly distributed conductive paths.
Solution Approach 2:
The water retention layer changes the electrical resistance parameter by absorbing moisture and creating a uniform conductive medium. This transforms the uneven resistance distribution of bare conductive fibers into a homogeneous resistance field, eliminating harmful spike sensations while preserving the muscle stimulation effect.
3Manufacturing precision
If disposable electrodes are used, then manufacturing precision and consistency are easier to achieve, but environmental pollution increases and cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode structure combines multiple functions in a single reusable device: the water retention fabric provides moisture management, the conductive fabric provides electrical conductivity, and the insulation cover provides protection. This multi-functional design replaces multiple disposable electrodes, reducing environmental pollution while maintaining manufacturing precision through consistent layer construction.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of discarding electrodes after single use, the reusable design allows for recovery and repeated use of the electrode structure. The water retention fabric can be re-moistened, and the overall structure maintains its functional integrity over multiple uses, significantly reducing waste and environmental pollution.
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 electrode structure provides gentle and uniform muscle stimulation by indirectly transferring voltage through a moistened water retention fabric layer, maintaining consistent potential and preventing discomfort, with surface resistance ranging from 30 kΩ to 100 kΩ and EMS current from 1 mA to 100 mA.
Implementation Method 1
the water retention fabric layer... after the electrode structure absorbs moisture
Implementation Method 2
The conductive fabric layer has a first surface and a second surface opposite to each other... a conductive contact penetrating the dielectric isolation layer and connecting to the conductive fabric layer such that a voltage is applied to the conductive fabric layer
Data Source
AI summary
An electrode structure for electronic muscle stimulation (EMS) includes a conductive fabric layer, a water retention fabric layer, and an insulation cover. The conductive fabric layer has a first surface and a second surface opposite to each other. The water retention fabric layer is connected to the first surface of the conductive fabric layer, in which the EMS points of the electrode structure are consisted of the water retention fabric layer. The insulation cover is disposed on the first surface of the conductive fabric layer and surrounding the edges of the water retention fabric layer.