Woven Heart Rate Strap With Waterproof Isolation for Clean ECG Signals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing heart rate straps for monitoring physiological signals, such as electrocardiogram signals, face issues with conductivity due to sweat, leading to reduced signal amplitude and signal-to-noise ratio, and compromised wearing comfort and elasticity.
Innovation Solution
A device with integrated weaving of a strap, electrode elements, and a waterproof layer, using conductive and insulating yarns, ensuring electrodes are connected through the waterproof layer, with electrode support layers and conductive yarns for electrostatic shielding, and magnetic connection ports for data transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional heart rate strap is used without integrated waterproof layer, then the device structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but sweat causes the substrate to become conductive leading to abnormal conduction between electrodes and reduced signal-to-noise ratio
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the waterproof layer and insulating layer into a single integrated component that is woven together with the strap and electrode elements. This merging of functions (waterproofing and insulation) into one layer prevents sweat-induced conduction while maintaining electrical isolation between electrodes, thereby improving signal-to-noise ratio without proportionally increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite yarns including conductive yarn, insulating yarn, and elastic yarn woven together to create a multifunctional fabric structure. The insulating yarn within the composite material provides both mechanical support and electrical insulation, preventing abnormal conduction while the elastic yarn maintains comfort, thus improving reliability without excessive complexity
2Reliability
If a waterproof layer is added to prevent sweat-induced conduction, then the signal-to-noise ratio is improved, but the wearing comfort and elasticity are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The waterproof layer is constructed from composite yarns including elastic yarn mixed with insulating yarn. This composite material provides both waterproof/insulating properties and elastic flexibility, ensuring the layer stretches with body movement and maintains wearing comfort while preventing sweat-induced conduction and preserving signal quality
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic yarn is strategically distributed within the waterproof layer to provide localized flexibility where needed for comfort, while the insulating yarn provides waterproofing in contact with sweat-prone areas. This local differentiation of material properties ensures both comfort and reliability
3Ease of manufacture
If separate waterproof layer and electrode elements are used, then the manufacturing process is simple, but abnormal conduction occurs between electrodes due to sweat wetting the substrate
Solution Approach 1:
The waterproof layer, insulating layer, strap, and electrode elements are merged into a single integrated fabric structure through weaving. This integration ensures that the insulating yarn is positioned between the electrodes and the conductive substrate, preventing sweat-induced conduction while maintaining a relatively simple one-step weaving manufacturing process
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 solution provides a waterproof and comfortable device that maintains a high signal-to-noise ratio for electrocardiogram signals while enhancing user experience and production efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
the second conductive yarn implements electrostatic shielding for the two electrode elements
Implementation Method 2
a second portion of the second conductive yarn extends to the inner surface of the strap and electrically connects the first portion of the second conductive yarn to the body of the user
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2C
Figure 3A~3C
AI summary
The embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a device for monitoring a physiological signal. The device includes a strap, two electrode elements, and a waterproof layer. The strap is configured to be worn on a body of a user. The two electrode elements are arranged at intervals in a length direction of the strap, each of the two electrode elements including an electrode configured to contact the body of the user to collect a physiological signal. The two electrode elements are both connected to the strap through the waterproof layer. The strap includes at least an elastic yarn and an insulating yarn. The waterproof layer includes a waterproof insulating yarn, and the strap and the waterproof layer are formed by integrated weaving.