Add-on soft electronic interfaces and methods for formation
Inventors
Tian, Limei • Namkoong, Myeong
Assignees
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Publication Number
US-12543988-B2
Publication Date
2026-02-10
Expiration Date
Abstract
A flexible electrode includes a layer of an interpenetrating network of silver nanowires and poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS), and a core comprising a foam. The layer of interpenetrating network of silver nanowires and PEDOT:PSS are wrapped around the core. A wearable device includes a current source comprising a pair of outer electrodes, and voltage sensors comprising one or two pairs of internal electrodes that are arranged between the outer electrodes. At least one electrode of these electrodes is a flexible electrode.
Core Innovation
The invention provides a flexible electrode that includes a layer formed from an interpenetrating network of silver nanowires and poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS). The electrode further includes a core comprising a foam, and the interpenetrating network layer is wrapped around the foam core.
By constructing the electrode as a wrapped, interpenetrating silver nanowires/PEDOT:PSS layer on a foam core, the disclosed electrode is configured for flexible use while maintaining the layered composite structure around the core. Dependent refinements specify additional material and performance constraints for the flexible electrode, including fill factor and water vapor transmission rate (WVTR).
The invention also includes a wearable device that uses the flexible electrode as at least one of its electrodes. The wearable device includes a current source with first and second electrodes and a first voltage sensor comprising third and fourth electrodes arranged between the first and second electrodes, and is configured to inject alternating current and to measure voltage for blood pressure quantification using impedance.
Claims Coverage
The document provides two independent claims. Each independent claim centers on a wrapped flexible electrode structure and a wearable device architecture that incorporates that flexible electrode into a current-source/voltage-sensor arrangement for blood pressure monitoring via impedance.
Wrapped interpenetrating silver nanowires and PEDOT:PSS layer on foam core
A flexible electrode comprising a layer of an interpenetrating network of silver nanowires and poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS); and a core comprising a foam, wherein the layer of interpenetrating network of silver nanowires and PEDOT:PSS is wrapped around the core.
Wearable device with current source and voltage sensor using a wrapped interpenetrating silver nanowires/PEDOT:PSS foam-core electrode
A wearable device comprising a current source comprising first and second electrodes; and a first voltage sensor comprising third and fourth electrodes arranged between the first and second electrodes, wherein at least one electrode of the first, second, third, and fourth electrodes is a flexible electrode comprising a layer of an interpenetrating network of silver nanowires and poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS); and a core comprising a foam, wherein the layer of interpenetrating network of silver nanowires and PEDOT:PSS is wrapped around the core.
Across the independent claims, the inventive coverage is directed to a flexible electrode structure having a wrapped interpenetrating network of silver nanowires and PEDOT:PSS around a foam core, and to a wearable device that integrates that flexible electrode into a current-source and voltage-sensor electrode arrangement for impedance-based blood pressure quantification.
Stated Advantages
Improved signal-to-noise compared to Ag/AgCl gel, as reported in experimental results (bioimpedance SNR 37.0 dB vs 25.9 dB).
Stable readings over time and for reuse, as reported in experimental results.
Continuous blood pressure quantification with IEEE grade-A performance metrics, as reported in experimental results.
Proof-of-concept for contact-pressure sensing and dual-channel PWV/BP correlation via impedance derivatives, as reported in experimental results.
Documented Applications
Cuffless blood-pressure bioimpedance monitoring using wearable devices comprising the disclosed flexible nanocomposite electrodes.
Contact-pressure sensing as a proof-of-concept application, as reported in experimental results.
Dual-channel pulse wave velocity (PWV) and blood pressure (BP) correlation via impedance derivatives as a proof-of-concept application, as reported in experimental results.
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