Dual-Function Wearable Electrode Integrating Optical and Electrical Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing user wearable devices require separate electrodes for electrical and optical sensors, leading to increased device complexity and surface area requirements, as well as potential issues with light pollution and scattered light during measurements.
Innovation Solution
A dual-function electrode with a conductive part providing electrical connection and an opening with optically separated light-passing elements for both electrical and optical connections, allowing for simultaneous use in physiological condition monitoring, such as heart rate and electrodermal activity sensing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate electrodes are used for electrical and optical sensors, then electrical connection and optical connection can be provided independently, but device surface area increases and device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines electrical and optical sensing functions into a single integrated electrode structure. The conductive part includes both conductive material for electrical connection and light-passing elements for optical connection, eliminating the need for separate electrodes and reducing overall device surface area.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated electrode serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides electrical connection through conductive material, optical connection through light-passing elements, and maintains optically separated pathways for light transmission. This multi-functional design reduces device complexity while maintaining independent operation of electrical and optical sensing channels.
2Reliability
If separate electrodes are used for electrical and optical sensors, then electrical connection and optical connection can be provided independently, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges electrical and optical sensing components into a single integrated electrode, reducing the number of separate components and simplifying device architecture while maintaining functional independence through optically separated light-passing elements.
Solution Approach 2:
Within the integrated electrode, the light-passing elements are optically separated to maintain distinct optical pathways for different sensing functions, allowing independent operation of electrical and optical sensors while reducing overall device complexity.
3Reliability
If multiple openings are provided for optical connection, then optical connection is established, but light pollution and scattered light occur during measurements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements optically separated light-passing elements within the conductive part, creating localized and controlled optical pathways. This ensures light transmission occurs only through designated regions, minimizing light pollution and scattered light while maintaining reliable optical connection for sensing measurements.
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
This solution reduces the device's surface area needs, minimizes the number of openings, and enhances signal quality by integrating optical and electrical functions within a single electrode, improving signal-to-noise ratio and flexibility in sensor design.
Implementation Method 1
at least two optically separated light-passing elements configured to provide the optical connection through the opening in the electrode
Implementation Method 2
the conductive part is configured to provide electrical connection to electronic components of the user wearable device
Data Source
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AI summary
An electrode for a user wearable apparatus; the electrode comprising: a conductive part comprising conductive material, wherein the conductive part is configured to provide electrical connection to electronic components of the user wearable device, and an opening configured to provide an optical connection to electronic components of the user wearable apparatus through the electrode.