Single-Wire Bio-Potential Electrode Circuit for Dry Wearables
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sensor circuit devices for bio-potential and bio-impedance measurements require driven-shielded wires and gel electrodes, which are cumbersome and inefficient, while active electrodes with two-wire cables are preferred but lack a simple and low-power consumption solution.
Innovation Solution
A sensor circuit device using remotely powered active bi-electrodes connected via single-wire unshielded connectors, with a master circuit providing high-frequency voltage and capacitance for powering and impedance, allowing integration with conventional biological signal amplifiers without the need for direct contact or additional shielding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If driven-shielded wires and gel electrodes are used for bio-potential and bio-impedance measurements, then measurement reliability is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the driven-shielded wire structure from the system, replacing it with simple unshielded wires. The shielding function is eliminated entirely, keeping only the essential wire conductor for signal transmission, thereby simplifying the device while maintaining measurement capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs disposable dry electrodes that replace complex gel electrodes and driven-shielded wire assemblies. These simple, low-cost electrodes are designed for single-use or limited-use applications, eliminating the need for complex shielding structures while providing sufficient measurement reliability for the intended application scope
2Reliability
If driven-shielded wires and gel electrodes are used for bio-potential and bio-impedance measurements, then measurement reliability is improved, but ease of operation worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the complex gel application process and driven-shielded wire assembly requirements, leaving only simple unshielded wires and dry electrodes that can be directly attached to the body without specialized preparation, significantly improving ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
Disposable dry electrodes eliminate the need for gel application and complex wiring setup, allowing users to simply attach pre-prepared electrodes to the body for immediate use, making the measurement process accessible to non-experts
3Ease of operation
If active electrodes with two-wire cables are used, then ease of operation is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the active amplification circuitry from the electrode assembly, eliminating the need for local power consumption at the electrode. The electrodes become passive conductors that draw minimal current, dramatically reducing power requirements while maintaining ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses simple wire copies instead of complex active electrode assemblies with embedded amplifiers and power management circuits. These passive wire electrodes perform the essential function of signal transmission without the additional power-consuming components
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
Enables low-power, cost-effective bio-potential and bio-impedance measurements using dry electrodes and unshielded connectors, suitable for integration in wearables, reducing complexity and power consumption.
Implementation Method 1
Capacitances 15, 15' allow a powering current to flow in the first connector 102L, 102L' while providing a high impedance in a bio-potential frequency band and/or a bio-impedance frequency band. In other words, the capacitance 15, 15' functions as low impedance at powering frequency band and as high impedance at bio-potential, bio-impedance, and d-signal band.
Data Source
AI summary
Sensor circuit device for measuring a bio-potential and/or a bio-impedance of a body, including a master circuit, and at least two active bi-electrodes connected to, and remotely powered by, the master circuit via single-wire first connector. The sensor circuit device further includes a single passive current electrode being connected to the master circuit via single-wire second connector. The sensor circuit device cooperates with a biological signal amplifier configured to measure a bio-potential and/or a bio-impedance. Each active bi-electrode is connectable to the biological signal amplifier via the first connector, such that a bio-potential of the body is measurable between the two active bi-electrodes when the active bi-electrodes and the single current electrode are in contact with a surface of the body.