Stretchable Sensor Patch With DEAP Capacitive Strips
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current wearable sensor systems for measuring body movements are limited by detachment issues, restricted to controlled environments, and lack the ability to accurately measure multi-directional strain and pressure, especially in flexible and dynamic settings such as the human body or animal limbs.
Innovation Solution
A stretchable and flexible sensor patch with an elastic and electrically isolating film layer, integrated with oblong capacitive strips made of dielectric electro-active polymer (DEAP) that can stretch up to 100% in all directions, allowing precise measurement of elongation and movement, and featuring a wireless transmission system for data storage and transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If EMG probing electrodes are applied to measure body movements, then measurement capability is provided, but the system requires additional measurement equipment and is restricted to controlled environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple measurement functions (accelerometer, gyroscope, magnetometer, EMG electrodes, capacitive sensors) into a single integrated sensor patch that can be worn on the body. This merging eliminates the need for separate measurement equipment and enables usage in uncontrolled environments while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor patch is designed with multi-functionality, incorporating various sensor types (inertial sensors, EMG electrodes, capacitive sensors) that can measure different parameters (acceleration, rotation, muscle activity, skin strain) simultaneously. This universal design allows the patch to adapt to diverse measurement needs and environments.
2Measurement precision
If integrated EMG electrodes with housing are used, then measurement functionality is provided, but the housing has non-negligible thickness and consists of several separate devices
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple separate measurement devices (accelerometer, gyroscope, magnetometer, EMG electrodes, capacitive sensors) are merged into a single thin sensor patch with a common substrate. This integration eliminates the need for multiple separate devices with individual housings, reducing overall structural complexity while maintaining all measurement functionalities.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor patch uses a flexible thin film substrate to mount all sensors, replacing traditional rigid housings. This thin-film approach reduces thickness significantly and allows the sensor assembly to conform to body surfaces, simplifying the overall device structure while preserving measurement capabilities.
3Stability of the object's composition
If rigid sensor devices are used, then measurement stability is provided, but they cannot be applied to curved or irregular surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor patch employs a flexible thin film substrate that can conform to curved and irregular body surfaces while maintaining stable sensor orientations through rigidifying layers and strain compensation mechanisms. This flexible design enables application to various body parts (limbs, torso, joints) without sacrificing measurement stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor patch incorporates dynamic elements including flexible connections, movable components, and strain compensation mechanisms that allow the rigid sensors to maintain stable orientations despite movements and deformations of the flexible substrate. This dynamic design maintains measurement stability while adapting to body movements.
4Measurement precision
If multiple separate measurement devices are used, then comprehensive measurement coverage is provided, but application requires specific mutual interval and orientation
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple measurement devices are merged into a single sensor patch with pre-defined sensor arrangements on a common substrate. This integration eliminates the need for complex application procedures involving specific mutual intervals and orientations, as the sensors are already positioned correctly during manufacturing. The patch can be applied as a single unit to various body locations.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor patch is designed as a universal multi-functional device that can be applied to various body locations (limbs, torso, joints) without requiring location-specific configuration. The integrated design with pre-positioned sensors provides comprehensive measurement coverage regardless of the application site, simplifying the application process.
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 sensor patch provides accurate, high-resolution measurements of movement, speed, and acceleration, enabling continuous monitoring of body movements without hindrance, even in wet conditions, and can be applied to curved or irregular surfaces, offering enhanced precision and durability.
Implementation Method 1
each elastic measurement strip comprises an oblong capacitive strip with a dielectric electro-active polymer
Implementation Method 2
dielectric electro-active polymer (DEAP) that can stretch up to 100% in all directions
Implementation Method 3
A capacitance-type sensor sheet used for measuring an amount of stretch deformation and strain
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
A stretchable sensor patch (1) comprising: an elastic film layer (2) with a stretchability of at least 100% and at least one elastic DEAP strip (3) with a stretchability of at least 50%. The sensor patch may comprise an integrated circuit (4), a memory (5), an energy source (6), an adhesion layer (7) for adhesion of the film layer (1) to a skin, and a protective layer (15). A sensor system (25) with such a sensor patch (1) is also disclosed.