Washable Textile Electrodes with Double-Layer Conductive Structures

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional textiles with conductive structures for wearable devices face issues such as limited contact points and durability, particularly with woven conductive fibers and non-washable coatings, which hinder effective physiological signal measurement and longevity.

Innovation Solution

A textile with double-layer conductive structures, comprising an inner conductive structure with lower sheet resistance and an outer protective layer made of polymeric materials and nano-carbon materials, ensuring durability and washability by maintaining a total sheet resistance under 100 ohms per square after laundry.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conductive fibers are woven on fabric to form electrodes, then the textile structure is maintained, but the contact points between electrode and human body are limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontact pointsVSAvoidelectrode structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The conductive electrode is divided into multiple conductive fibers arranged in parallel, each fiber providing independent contact points with the human body. This segmentation increases the total contact area while maintaining the flexibility and wearability of the textile electrode.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If conductive paste is coated on fabric to form electrodes, then the contact points between electrode and human body are increased, but the textile becomes non-washable and not durable

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontact pointsVSAvoiddurability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The electrode is constructed using composite materials consisting of multiple conductive fibers embedded within an insulating polymer matrix. This composite structure provides both electrical conductivity through the fibers and mechanical durability through the polymer, enabling the textile to withstand washing while maintaining electrical contact points.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Reliability

If conductive paste is coated on fabric to form electrodes, then the contact points between electrode and human body are increased, but the textile is not washable

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontact pointsVSAvoidwashability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The use of composite materials with conductive fibers embedded in washable polymer matrix allows the textile to maintain its electrical functionality through washing processes, unlike conventional conductive paste coatings that degrade or wash off.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

4Ease of manufacture

If a single-layer conductive structure is used, then the manufacturing is simpler, but the durability and electrical property maintenance during laundry is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructure complexityVSAvoidelectrical property stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The electrode structure is segmented into multiple conductive fibers within the polymer matrix, allowing each fiber to contribute to electrical conductivity while the collective structure provides durability and stability during laundry.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The composite material structure combines conductive fibers for electrical properties with polymer matrix for mechanical stability, creating a multi-functional electrode that maintains electrical performance through washing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

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 double-layer structure enhances durability and washability, maintaining effective electrical properties and contact points for physiological signal measurement, making it suitable for wearable devices and electrotherapy applications.

Implementation Method 1

The composition of the outer conductive structure includes a polymer, and the outer conductive structure is disposed on the fabric substrate

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectConductive polymer composite: Composite Materials

Implementation Method 2

The inner conductive structure is disposed under the outer conductive structure and electrically connected to the outer conductive structure

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentUS10472747B2Textile with conductive structures

Publication Date: 2019.11.12 FAR EASTERN NEW CENTURY COPRRATION

AI summary

A textile with conductive structures includes a fabric substrate, an outer conductive structure made of polymer and disposed on the fabric substrate, and an inner conductive structure disposed under the outer conductive structure and electrically connected to the outer conductive structure. The sheet resistance of the inner conductive structure is lower than the sheet resistance of the outer conductive structure. The total sheet resistance of the inner and outer conductive structures is less than 100 ohms per square when the textile undergoes a laundery procedure.