Segmented Protective Electrode Structure for Signal Shielding
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Non-invasive performance monitor systems, such as heart rate monitors, face interference from electromagnetic interference and static electricity due to synthetic fiber textiles and dry skin, which disrupt the measurement of physiological signals.
Innovation Solution
A protective electrode structure comprising a middle protective electrode placed between an outer protective electrode and skin electrodes, both insulated from each other, to shield the skin electrodes from electrical interference, with the outer protective electrode acting as a conductive garment or device and the middle electrode connected to a virtual ground to bias measurement signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single protective electrode is used, then the structure is simple, but the protection against electrical interference is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The protective electrode is divided into multiple segments (first protective electrode and second protective electrode) that are electrically insulated from each other. Each segment provides independent protection against electrical interference, thereby improving reliability without requiring a single complex electrode structure.
Solution Approach 2:
A middle protective electrode is introduced between the outer protective electrode and the skin electrode. This intermediary element shields the skin electrode from electrical interference generated by the outer electrode, providing an additional layer of protection while maintaining system functionality.
2Reliability
If the outer protective electrode is made highly conductive, then it provides better shielding, but it attracts more electrical charges and increases interference
Solution Approach 1:
The protective electrode system is segmented into multiple electrically insulated sections. This segmentation prevents the accumulation of large amounts of electrical charge on a single conductive surface, reducing the harmful effects while maintaining shielding effectiveness through distributed protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The middle protective electrode acts as an intermediary that blocks electrical interference from reaching the skin electrode. By placing this intermediate shielding layer, the system reduces the direct impact of electrical charges attracted by the outer protective electrode.
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
This configuration significantly reduces electrical interference, enhancing the performance and accuracy of portable performance monitor systems by isolating the skin electrodes from external noise.
Implementation Method 1
at least one middle protective electrode configured to protect the skin electrodes against electrical interference and to be placed between an outer protective electrode and the skin electrodes during a measurement, the outer protective electrode being against electrical interference
Data Source
AI summary
A protective electrode structure comprises a middle protective electrode which resides between an outer protective electrode and the skin electrodes during a measurement. The middle protective electrode and the outer protective electrode are insulated from each other. Additionally, the middle protective electrode may be coupled to a virtual ground of the user-specific performance monitor system.