Wearable Electrodes With Conductive Coating For Physiological Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wearable electronic devices, such as watches, face practical constraints that limit their ability to provide comprehensive physiological measurement functions due to space and operational component interference.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating dual-purpose electrodes with a conductive coating on non-conductive surfaces, allowing for galvanic skin resistance and electrocardiogram measurements without additional components, and using a physical vapor deposition coating for a thin, patterned conductive layer that integrates with optical and electromagnetic devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If additional electrodes and components are added for physiological measurements, then measurement functionality is improved, but device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements electrodes that serve multiple functions: they provide both galvanic skin resistance measurement capability and electrocardiogram measurement capability. The same electrode structures are used for different physiological measurements, eliminating the need for separate dedicated electrodes for each function. This multi-functionality approach allows the device to offer comprehensive physiological monitoring while maintaining a compact design with minimal additional components.
2Adaptability or versatility
If additional electrodes and components are added for physiological measurements, then measurement functionality is improved, but the available space on the wearable device is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple electrode functions into unified electrode structures. The electrodes are designed to simultaneously serve as contact points for galvanic skin resistance measurements and electrocardiogram measurements. By merging these functions into single electrode elements rather than using separate electrode sets, the patent maximizes the use of available space on the wearable device while still providing comprehensive physiological measurement capabilities.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a conductive coating is applied to provide electrodes, then physiological measurement capability is enabled, but interference with optical and electromagnetic devices may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies conductive coating material in specific localized patterns only where electrode functionality is required for physiological measurements. Rather than coating entire surfaces, the conductive material is deposited in targeted areas to form electrode contact points. This localized application ensures that optical and electromagnetic devices in other regions of the device remain unaffected, as the conductive coating is confined to specific zones where it is needed for measurement functions.
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 efficient and compact physiological measurement capabilities, including galvanic skin resistance and electrocardiogram monitoring, while minimizing interference with other operational components and providing a cosmetic appearance.
Implementation Method 1
a conductive coating formed on a non-conductive surface... allowing for galvanic skin resistance and electrocardiogram measurements
Implementation Method 2
using a physical vapor deposition coating for a thin, patterned conductive layer
Data Source
AI summary
A watch having electrodes for physiological measurements is disclosed. The watch can be provided with an enclosure configured to couple to a wristband. An electrode can be disposed on the enclosure. Processing circuitry can be disposed in the enclosure and configured to use the electrode to obtain multiple types of physiological measurements.