Water Detection via Electrode Impedance Segmentation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wearable devices lack effective methods to determine whether they are in contact with a user's skin or submerged in water, which affects sensor performance and device operation.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating one or more measurement electrodes and reference electrodes with processing circuitry that drives a stimulation signal to differentiate between contact with the user's skin and submersion in water, using amplitude and phase characteristics to classify the device's state.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If electrodes are used for physiological signal measurement, then measurement capability is provided, but the ability to distinguish between skin contact and water submersion is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the electrode system into multiple functional components: measurement electrodes for physiological signals and separate sense electrodes for contact detection. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each function - the measurement electrodes maintain their physiological sensing capability while the sense electrodes provide dedicated contact/water detection through impedance measurement, preventing the loss of contact condition information when using electrodes for physiological measurement
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces sense electrodes as an intermediary element between the measurement electrodes and the environment. These sense electrodes act as a mediator that detects contact conditions (skin vs. water) through impedance measurements without interfering with the physiological signal measurement process. The sense electrodes provide the missing contact condition information while the measurement electrodes continue their primary function
2Adaptability or versatility
If device operates in water mode, then water-related functions are enabled, but physiological measurements may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the sense electrodes continuously monitor contact conditions and provide information to the control circuit. Based on this feedback, the system automatically determines whether to operate in physiological measurement mode or water mode. This feedback loop ensures that physiological measurements are only performed when proper skin contact is detected, maintaining measurement reliability while enabling water-related functions when appropriate
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the device operation dynamic by allowing automatic switching between different operational modes (physiological measurement mode and water mode) based on real-time contact conditions detected by the sense electrodes. This dynamic adaptation ensures the device maintains reliability by preventing physiological measurements during water submersion while still providing adaptability to perform water-related functions when needed
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 accurate detection of contact or submersion, triggering appropriate device modes and ensuring reliable physiological signal measurements.
Implementation Method 1
the water detection can include detecting whether a device is submerged in water using measurements from one or more electrodes on the device
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device can detect whether the device is submerged in water using measurements from one or more electrodes. In some examples, the water detection can differentiate between a user contact with an electrode or the electrode submerged in water. In some examples, the detection of water can trigger water-related functions on device.