Waterproof Bioelectrode Segmentation and Extraction
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional bioelectrodes are not waterproof, leading to discomfort and signal interference during bathing or showering, and existing waterproof solutions are bulky, uncomfortable, and prone to noise due to large size and protrusions, with issues in maintaining contact and waterproofness.
Innovation Solution
A bioelectrode design featuring a waterproof base member with an adhesive surface and a hole for the detection electrode, combined with a conductive gel and a flexible, moisture-permeable waterproof film to ensure comfortable wearability and effective waterproofness, along with a thin lead wire and seal member to prevent water ingress.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a large-size electrode pad is used to ensure sufficient distance between electrodes for good signal quality, then the signal quality is improved, but the electrode cannot easily follow body motion and gaps are formed, making it hard to maintain waterproofness
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode pad is divided into multiple independent electrode elements (first electrode, second electrode, third electrode) arranged in a specific pattern. This segmentation allows each electrode to be smaller and more flexible while maintaining sufficient distance between them for good signal quality, and enables the overall pad to conform better to body motion without forming gaps.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrode pad uses a flexible substrate that can conform to body contours and motion. This flexible film structure allows the electrode pad to maintain close contact with the skin surface during body movement, preventing gap formation and maintaining waterproofness while accommodating the required electrode spacing for signal quality.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a signal processing circuit is directly connected to the electrode pad for radio communication, then signal transmission is enabled, but the electrode has large projections causing discomfort and the circuit may be pulled by clothes
Solution Approach 1:
The signal processing circuit is extracted from the electrode pad and placed in a separate location (such as in underwear or external device). Only thin lead wires remain connected to the electrode pad, eliminating large projections that cause discomfort and preventing the circuit from being pulled by clothes, while maintaining full signal transmission capability through the separated architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a two-dimensional integration (circuit on pad) to a three-dimensional distributed arrangement (electrodes on pad, circuit elsewhere, connected by lead wires). This dimensional change allows the circuit to be positioned in a comfortable location away from the skin surface while maintaining electrical connection through the lead wires.
3Reliability
If a waterproof electrode pad is used to enable bathing, then waterproofness is improved, but moisture from perspiration cannot be transpired causing skin itch and discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode pad incorporates porous or microporous materials that allow perspiration moisture to pass through via capillary action or diffusion, preventing moisture buildup and skin irritation. Simultaneously, the porous structure is designed to block larger water molecules from bathing, maintaining waterproofness while enabling breathability for comfort during extended wear.
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 bioelectrode provides both comfortable wear and reliable waterproofness, allowing continuous signal acquisition without the need for removal during water activities, reducing noise and skin irritation, while maintaining signal quality.
Implementation Method 1
a flexible, moisture-permeable waterproof film to ensure comfortable wearability and effective waterproofness
Implementation Method 2
a waterproof base member having an adhesive contacting surface
Implementation Method 3
a waterproof seal member which fixes said lead wire to a back surface of said base, wherein said back surface is opposite to said contacting surface, while covering the hole
Data Source
AI summary
A waterproof bioelectrode includes an electrode pad (101) to be mounted on a living body and a lead wire (110) to be connected to the electrode pad. The electrode pad includes a waterproof base (106) having an adhesive contacting surface and a hole substantially at its center, a waterproof seal member (105) which fixes the lead wire to a lower surface of the contacting surface of the base while covering the hole such that a detection electrode provided to a distal end of the lead wire is exposed from the hole of the waterproof base, and a conductive gel (103) arranged on the contacting surface to come into contact with the detection electrode.