Disposable Sensor Overlay for sEMG Signal Stability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current sEMG sensors face limitations in detecting high-fidelity signals during dynamic movements and under clothing due to susceptibility to movement artifacts and electrostatic interference, restricting their use in clinical, sports, and ergonomic applications.

Innovation Solution

A disposable sensor overlay with flexible, electrically shielding, insulating, and conductive adhesive components that stabilizes the sensor, suppresses mechanical and electrical disturbances, and dissipates electrostatic charges, allowing for secure placement under clothing while maintaining signal integrity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If sEMG sensors are placed on the skin for detecting electrical activity, then muscle performance information can be obtained, but the sensors are susceptible to movement artifacts and electrostatic interference during dynamic activities

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovesEMG signal detection accuracyVSAvoidmovement artifacts and electrostatic interference

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

a disposable overlay covering for use with biomedical sensors... configured to form a protective covering encasing the sensor... conductive adhesive regions... insulating regions... cushioning regions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If sensors are secured to the skin using conventional methods, then the sensor can be positioned for signal detection, but the sensor remains vulnerable to external electrical fields and mechanical disturbances

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesensor signal fidelityVSAvoidexternal electrical fields and mechanical disturbances

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

framework of flexible component layers supporting an arrangement of electrically shielding, insulating, cushioning, and electrically conductive adhesive substrate components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Adaptability or versatility

If the sensor is placed under clothing for practical application, then the sensor can be used in real-world settings, but electrostatic charges from clothing contact severely contaminate the sEMG signal

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesensor usability in real-world settingsVSAvoidelectrostatic voltage artifacts from clothing

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

conductive adhesive regions... configured to dissipate electrostatic charges to the body

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

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 solution effectively shields sEMG sensors from mechanical and electrical interference, enabling accurate signal capture during dynamic activities and under clothing, expanding their application beyond laboratory settings.

Implementation Method 1

conductive adhesive regions configured to dissipate electrostatic charges to the body

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrostatic charge dissipation: Conduction (electrical)

Implementation Method 2

an electrostatic shield substrate layer formed from an electrically conductive material

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrostatic shielding: Faraday Cage

Data Source

PatentUS10004421B2Disposable protective overlay covering for biomedical sensors

Publication Date: 2018.06.26 ALTEC INC

AI summary

A disposable, low profile sensor overlay covering for use with biomedical sensors and which includes a framework of flexible component layers supporting an arrangement of electrostatic shielding, insulating, cushioning, and electrically conductive adhesive substrate components configured to form a protective covering encasing the sensor. The combination of component layers provides a means to stabilize the relative position of the sensor with respect to the skin and reduce the potential for sensor dislodgment. The mechanical and electrical configurations act in synergy to shield the sensor from external electrical fields and suppress movement artifact.