Washable Physiological Sensing Device with Flexible Conductive Electrodes

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional wearable physiological state sensing devices are uncomfortable for placement near the armpit, chest, or abdomen due to their rigid plastic construction, and their sensors are difficult to clean without damaging the metal electrodes, which can oxidize and detach from their carriers.

Innovation Solution

A washable physiological state sensing device featuring a flexible carrier and electrode with doped conductive particles, integrated with a flexible conductive circuit, and optionally a flexible cover for enhanced water resistance and durability, allowing for repeated cleaning without compromising functionality.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional metal electrodes are used for sensing, then electrical conductivity is achieved, but the electrodes oxidize and detach from their carriers when washed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrode durabilityVSAvoidoxidation and detachment

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the material parameter of the electrode from conventional metal to conductive polymer, which fundamentally alters the chemical properties to resist oxidation. The conductive polymer maintains electrical conductivity while eliminating the oxidation problem that plagues metal electrodes during washing

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs composite material structure where conductive polymer is integrated with the flexible substrate. This composite approach combines the flexibility of the substrate with the conductivity of the polymer, creating a durable electrode that resists detachment during washing while maintaining electrical functionality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Strength

If rigid plastic construction is used for wearable devices, then structural integrity is maintained, but the device becomes uncomfortable for placement near the armpit, chest, or abdomen

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural integrityVSAvoidcomfortability

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces rigid plastic housing with flexible substrate materials that can conform to curved body surfaces. The flexible electrode and conductive polymer layers are integrated onto these substrates, maintaining structural integrity while enabling comfortable placement on sensitive body areas such as the chest and abdomen

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The patent designs the sensing device with curved and flexible geometry that adapts to the contours of the human body. The flexible substrate and electrode structure can bend and conform to cylindrical or curved surfaces, eliminating the discomfort caused by rigid edges and angles in conventional plastic devices

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

3Measurement precision

If metal electrodes are exposed for sensing functionality, then physiological state detection is enabled, but the electrodes cannot be effectively washed without damage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvephysiological sensing capabilityVSAvoidwashability

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the material parameter from metal to conductive polymer, which fundamentally alters the chemical resistance properties. The conductive polymer electrode can be exposed for sensing while being resistant to oxidation and damage during washing, enabling both physiological measurement and easy cleaning

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs conductive polymer materials that are cost-effective and can be easily replaced. The flexible substrate with doped conductive polymer creates a disposable or easily replaceable sensing element that maintains measurement precision while being washable, eliminating the need for complex waterproofing of metal electrodes

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

The device provides a comfortable, water-resistant solution for sensing physiological states, maintaining electrical conductivity and structural integrity even after repeated washing, enabling prolonged use and accurate measurements.

Implementation Method 1

The conductive particles are doped in the flexible substrate

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDoping: Dopants

Implementation Method 2

The flexible electrode is arranged on the bonding surface, and provided with a flexible substrate and a plurality of conductive particles; The conductive particles are doped in the flexible substrate

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentUS11105660B2Washable physiological state sensing device

Publication Date: 2021.08.31 SOFT SENSE LIFE TECH PTE LTD

AI summary

A washable physiological state sensing device, including a flexible carrier, a flexible electrode and a flexible conductive circuit. The flexible carrier is made of elastic material and provided with a bonding surface; The flexible electrode is arranged on the bonding surface, and provided with a flexible substrate and a plurality of conductive particles; The conductive particles are doped in the flexible substrate, and the flexible substrate is made of elastic material. The flexible conductive circuit is arranged on the bonding surface and electrically connected with the flexible electrode.