Textile Biometric Sensor Using Carbon Nanotube Electrodes

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional Ag/AgCl electrodes for biometric information measurement restrict movement, cause skin irritation, and are not reusable, leading to user inconvenience and high costs due to degraded adhesive strength.

Innovation Solution

A biometric sensor integrated into clothing with carbon nano-tube (CNT) dispersion mixed with textile paint for the electrode and signal line, allowing for wireless signal transmission and easy management, including a detachable snap button and signal processing device for amplification and filtering.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If Ag/AgCl electrode is used for biometric measurement, then measurement accuracy is improved, but movement freedom is restricted due to lead wire

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebiometric measurement accuracyVSAvoidmovement freedom

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the lead wire from the electrode system by integrating the electrode directly into the clothing fabric. The electrode is printed or embedded in the textile material, eliminating the need for external lead wires and associated constraints on movement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The electrode function is merged with the clothing structure itself. The biometric electrode is integrated into the textile material, combining the measurement function with the wearable garment, so that the electrode becomes part of the clothing rather than a separate component with lead wires.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Measurement precision

If Ag/AgCl electrode with conductive hydrogel adhesive is used, then initial measurement capability is achieved, but adhesive strength degrades after single use making repeated use impossible

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebiometric signal detectionVSAvoidadhesive strength durability

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the material composition of the electrode from conventional Ag/AgCl with hydrogel adhesive to a textile-based electrode using conductive materials embedded in fabric. This parameter change transforms the electrode from a single-use adhesive-based system to a durable, washable textile product that maintains measurement capability across multiple uses.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The electrode is constructed as a composite textile material combining conductive elements (such as conductive fibers, printed conductive patterns, or embedded conductive particles) with textile substrates. This composite structure provides both the electrical conductivity needed for biometric measurement and the mechanical durability of textile materials for repeated use and washing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Measurement precision

If Ag/AgCl electrode is used, then biometric measurement is enabled, but skin irritation and allergic reactions occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebiometric signal acquisitionVSAvoidskin irritation

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the material composition from metal-based Ag/AgCl electrodes to textile-based electrodes made from fabric materials. This parameter change eliminates the metal contact with skin that causes allergic reactions, while maintaining the necessary electrical conductivity through embedded conductive elements or printed conductive patterns in the textile.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

4Measurement precision

If conventional electrode system is used, then measurement function is provided, but cost increases due to need for electrode replacement

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebiometric signal measurementVSAvoidcost efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the disposable model by creating a durable, reusable textile electrode that can be washed and used multiple times. Instead of replacing expensive electrodes repeatedly, the textile electrode is designed to last through multiple uses and washing cycles, reducing overall cost despite the higher initial manufacturing cost of the integrated textile system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

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 continuous, irritation-free biometric measurement without the need for electrode replacement, facilitating long-term monitoring and reducing costs through integration with clothing that can be washed.

Implementation Method 1

The biometric electrode may be formed by printing a mixture solution obtained by mixing a carbon nano-tube (CNT) dispersion to textile paint on an inner surface of the item of clothing

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCarbon nano-tube conductivity: Carbon Nanotubes

Data Source

PatentUS9795339B2Sensor for measuring biometric information and item of clothing including the same

Publication Date: 2017.10.24 IND ACADEMIC COOP FOUND YONSEI UNIV

AI summary

A sensor for measuring biometric information includes a biometric electrode sensing biometric information in a state in which the biometric electrode is in contact with a surface of the skin; and a signal line transmitting the sensed biometric information, wherein the biometric electrode is printed on an inner surface of an item of clothing that comes into contact with a human body.