Washable Textile Electrode With Detachable Myoelectric Connector
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional textile electrodes for recording myoelectric signals are bulky, inconvenient to attach, and prone to damage from washing, while existing connectors are large and unreliable, making them unsuitable for washable smart textiles and orthotic devices.
Innovation Solution
A textile electrode with a planar base body made of non-conductive material, featuring electrically conductive threads forming a contact surface, and a detachable contacting device with positive locking mechanisms for secure and easy attachment of electronic components to a flexible base body.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional textile electrodes are used, then they can record myoelectric signals, but they are bulky and inconvenient to attach
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode system is divided into separate functional components: a flexible base body with conductive threads forming the contact surface, and a detachable contacting device. This segmentation allows the electrode to be attached only when needed and removed for washing or storage, eliminating the bulkiness of permanent attachments while maintaining recording capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The base body is made from a flexible, thin textile material that can conform to the skin surface. The conductive threads are integrated into this thin flexible substrate, eliminating the need for bulky rigid electrode structures while maintaining electrical contact for signal recording.
2Reliability
If conventional connectors are used, then they can connect electronic components, but they are large and unreliable
Solution Approach 1:
The contacting device features a nested structure where the conductive elements are housed within protective sleeves or integrated into the base body structure. The detachable connector nests within the base body when connected, providing a compact and reliable connection that protects conductive elements while maintaining small overall dimensions.
Solution Approach 2:
The contacting device uses composite construction combining conductive threads with flexible insulating textile materials. This composite approach creates a reliable electrical connection while maintaining flexibility and washability, eliminating the need for large rigid connectors.
3Ease of manufacture
If textile electrodes are made washable, then they can be cleaned, but connectors may be damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode system is segmented into a washable base body and a protective contacting device. The base body can be removed and washed separately, while the contacting device with its electronic components remains protected during washing, enabling easy cleaning without damaging connectors.
Solution Approach 2:
The contacting device is designed with protective features that cushion against washing damage. The detachable connector can be removed before washing or protected by protective sleeves integrated into the design, preventing water and detergent from damaging electronic components while allowing the textile portion to be washed.
4Stability of the object's composition
If dome electrodes are integrated into a recess in a liner, then they are stationary, but they are difficult to position
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode system transitions from a fixed recessed design to a dynamic detachable design. The contacting device can be attached at different positions on the base body and repositioned as needed, providing both stability during use and flexibility during positioning, eliminating the need for permanent recess integration.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
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AI summary
The invention relates to a textile electrode, comprising a planar main body (10) made of an electrically non-conductive material, having an inner side (11) facing a skin surface in the applied state and having an outer side (12) opposite the inner side (11), wherein: at least one electrode (21, 22, 23) that captures myoelectric signals is arranged or formed on the inner side (11); the electrode (21, 22, 23) has or is formed from at least one electrically conductive thread (30), which forms a contact surface (40).