Waterproof Physiological Signal Detection Device With Water Absorption Unit

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional electrode pads for physiological signal detection are not air permeable, can cause allergies, and are uncomfortable due to skin conditions like dryness or oiliness, leading to interference with electrical conduction, especially in dry conditions, and may short-circuit when placed close to each other.

Innovation Solution

A waterproof physiological signal detection device with a waterproof base layer, water absorption unit, and thermoplastic bonding layers that form distinct projections to securely attach to the body surface, preventing water loss and external liquid invasion, while facilitating easy alignment and reducing noise interference.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional electrode pads use non-air-permeable base layers and aqueous gel to maintain conductivity, then electrical conduction is improved, but user comfort deteriorates due to allergies and skin irritation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical conductionVSAvoidallergy and skin irritation
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The base layer is designed with air-permeable porous structure that allows skin breathing while maintaining electrical conductivity through the gel medium, eliminating the need for non-breathable materials that cause allergies

Inventive Principle:
Principle #31Porous materials

2Reliability

If conventional electrode pads use base layers and gel to maintain humidity, then electrical conduction is improved, but the device complexity increases due to multiple components

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical conductionVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The base layer and gel layer are merged into a single integrated structure where the porous base layer itself serves as the humidity-retaining medium, eliminating the need for separate gel applications and reducing structural complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Area of stationary object

If conventional electrode pads are placed close to each other on dry skin, then detection coverage is improved, but short-circuit risk increases due to skin chips and grease interference

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection coverageVSAvoidshort-circuit prevention
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The electrode pad surface is designed with localized hydrophilic regions that attract and retain moisture specifically at the contact points, while the surrounding areas remain hydrophobic to repel skin chips and grease, enabling close placement without short-circuit risk

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

4Reliability

If conventional electrode pads are used in dry conditions, then detection capability is maintained, but humidity loss occurs leading to adhesive separation and detection interruption

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection capabilityVSAvoidhumidity loss
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The porous base layer structure continuously retains and releases moisture to the electrode surface, maintaining a constant humid environment that prevents adhesive drying and ensures continuous detection capability in dry conditions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

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 ensures reliable electrical conduction by maintaining humidity, preventing short-circuits, and enhancing user convenience by maintaining wetness and secure attachment to the body surface, even in dry conditions.

Implementation Method 1

at least one water absorption unit, which is positioned in the first receiving compartment

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectWater absorption: Absorption (physical)

Implementation Method 2

a waterproof base layer; a waterproof top layer, which is positioned to overlap the top surface of the waterproof base layer

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectWater resistance: Hydrophobe

Data Source

PatentUS9008748B2Waterproof physiological signal detection device
Publication Date: 2015.04.14 AIQ SMART CLOTHING INC
  • US9008748B2 patent drawing
  • US9008748B2 patent drawing
  • US9008748B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A waterproof physiological signal detection device includes at least one electrode pad, a waterproof base layer, at least one water absorption unit, and a waterproof top layer. The electrode pad is positioned on a top surface of the waterproof base layer, and a first receiving compartment formed therebetween. The water absorption unit is positioned in the first receiving compartment. The water absorption unit has a top engaging the electrode pad and s a bottom engaging the waterproof base layer. The waterproof top layer overlaps the waterproof base layer and forms at least one top layer opening that corresponds to and exposes the at least one electrode pad. An undersurface of a circumference of the top layer opening overlaps a circumference of a top surface of the electrode pad with a central portion of the electrode pad projecting through the top layer opening.