Wearable Biosignal Detection via Skin Impedance Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wearable devices face challenges in maintaining stable electrical contact with the skin, leading to inconsistent detection of physiological parameters due to varying skin impedance, which affects the accuracy and reliability of biosignal measurements.
Innovation Solution
A wearable device with multiple electrical contacts configured to detect impedance between them and the skin, allowing for secure mounting and stable signal detection by adjusting the contact based on impedance thresholds, enabling accurate measurement of biosignals like electrocardiograms when the impedance is below a specified threshold.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the wearable device uses fixed electrical contacts for physiological parameter detection, then the device structure is simple, but the electrical contact stability with skin varies due to changing skin impedance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the electrical contact pressure adjustable rather than fixed. The contact pressure adjustment mechanism allows the device to adapt to varying skin impedance conditions dynamically, improving electrical contact stability while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure through controlled variability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by adjusting the contact pressure parameter in response to detected skin impedance variations. When skin impedance changes, the system modifies the contact pressure to maintain optimal electrical connection, thereby improving reliability without requiring complex structural changes.
2Measurement precision
If the device continuously monitors physiological parameters, then the data collection is comprehensive, but the signal quality deteriorates due to impedance variations and noise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies feedback by continuously monitoring skin impedance and using this information to adjust contact pressure in real-time. This closed-loop control ensures that the electrical contact remains optimal throughout the measurement process, maintaining high signal quality and reducing noise from impedance variations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing impedance measurement and contact pressure adjustment before each physiological parameter measurement. This preparatory step ensures that the electrical contact is optimized in advance, preventing noise and signal degradation during the actual biosignal detection.
3Reliability
If the wearable device uses fixed contact pressure, then the device operation is simple, but the detection reliability varies with skin impedance changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by enabling the device to automatically adjust contact pressure based on detected skin impedance without requiring manual intervention. The system monitors impedance changes and autonomously modifies contact pressure to maintain detection consistency, eliminating the need for user involvement in pressure control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses feedback mechanisms to automatically regulate contact pressure in response to skin impedance variations. This closed-loop control maintains detection reliability across changing skin conditions while keeping the operation simple for the user, as the system handles pressure adjustment autonomously.
4Measurement precision
If the device adjusts contact pressure frequently to maintain optimal electrical contact, then the signal quality improves, but the device complexity and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by adjusting contact pressure at specific intervals or in response to detected impedance changes rather than continuously. This discrete adjustment approach maintains signal quality while reducing the complexity and power consumption compared to continuous pressure regulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the contact pressure parameter selectively based on detected skin impedance conditions. By adjusting pressure only when necessary (e.g., when impedance changes are detected) rather than continuously, the system maintains high signal quality while minimizing device complexity and energy consumption.
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 and accurate detection of physiological parameters by maintaining stable electrical contact with the skin, reducing noise and improving signal quality through impedance-based mounting adjustments.
Implementation Method 1
detecting an impedance between the first and second electrical contacts
Implementation Method 2
detecting a voltage between the first electrical contact and the third electrical contact
Data Source
AI summary
Wearable devices are provided including electrical contacts to detect voltages or other biosignals when mounted to the skin of a wearer. The impedance between a pair of the electrical contacts can be detected and the device operated based on the detected impedance. The device can detect an electrocardiogram or other biopotentials using the electrical contacts if the detected impedance falls below a specified threshold. The device could indicate that the detected impedance is below the specified threshold, e.g., such that a wearer could contact one of the electrical contacts with a finger to allow detection of an electrocardiogram between the arms of the wearer. The device could indicate that the detected impedance remains greater than the specified threshold, e.g., such that a wearer could re-mount the wearable device to improve the electrical connection between the electrical contacts and the wearer's skin.