Electrode arrangement

• US 20060094948A1
• Filed: 12/11/2003
• Published: 05/04/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 12/27/2002
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V. (Koninklijke Philips N.V.)
• Original Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V. (Koninklijke Philips N.V.)
• Inventors: Gough, Paul A, Bickerton, Mathew J
• Granted Patent: US 7,522,951 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 600/372
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/25 Bioelectric electrodes therefor
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/256 Wearable electrodes, e.g. having straps or bands
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/27 Conductive fabrics or textiles
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/282 Holders for multiple electrodes for introduction into the body A61B5/287
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/6831 Straps, bands or harnesses
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/0472 Structure-related aspects
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/0476 Array electrodes (including any electrode arrangement with more than one electrode for at least one of the polarities)
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/0484 Garment electrodes worn by the patient
• CPC Class Codes: D04B 1/14 Other fabrics or articles characterised primarily by the use of particular thread materials
• CPC Class Codes: D10B 2403/02431 with electronic components, e.g. sensors or switches

Abstract

An electrode arrangement (10) comprises a knitted electrically conductive electrode portion (12) containing electrically conductive yarn and at least one portion (14) of moisture impermeable electrically conductive material attached to the electrode portion (12). During use the electrode portion (12) and portion of material (14) are applied to a wearers skin. The moisture impermeable material portion (14) is of silicon loaded with carbon black. The moisture impermeable portion (14) encourages perspiration of a user and the perspiration trapped between the skin and moisture impermeable portion (14) reduces skin to electrode contact resistance to increase efficiency of detection of user heart rate or other electrical signals generated by a user.

Claims

1. A fabric electrode arrangement exhibiting a first surface for application to the skin of a mammal, wherein said fabric electrode arrangement comprises at least one portion of material being substantially impermeable to moisture, said material being located on said first surface.

2. An electrode arrangement in accordance with claim 1 wherein said at least one portion of material is located directly on said first surface.

3. An electrode arrangement in accordance with claim 1 wherein said at least one portion of material is bonded to said first surface.

4. An electrode arrangement in accordance with claim 1 wherein said material is mechanically flexible.

5. An electrode arrangement in accordance with claim 1 wherein said material is silicone rubber loaded with conductive material.

6. An electrode arrangement in accordance with claim 5 wherein said conductive material is carbon black.

7. An electrode arrangement in accordance with claim 1 wherein said material exhibits a resistivity of less than 10,000 ohms per square.

8. An electrode arrangement in accordance with claim 1 wherein the at least one portion or a plurality of such portions collectively occupy a proportion of between one fifth and one half inclusive of that area of the first surface intended to be applied to the skin.

9. An electrode arrangement in accordance with claim 1 wherein said electrode is of a knitted construction or a woven construction.

10. An electrode arrangement in accordance with claim 1 wherein said electrode is integral with a garment.

11. A substantially textile article comprising the fabric electrode of claim 1.

12. A wearable article comprising the fabric electrode of claim 1.

13. A garment comprising a fabric electrode arrangement exhibiting a first surface for application to the skin of a mammal, wherein said fabric electrode arrangement comprises at least one portion of material being substantially impermeable to moisture, said material being located on said first surface.

14. A fabric electrode arrangement, textile article, wearable article or garment substantially as described herein, with reference to or as illustrated in any one or more of the figures of the accompanying drawings.