Introduction

The present invention relates to a textile electrode device for the acquisition of electrophysiological signals from the skin that is well suited to the high-definition spatial detection of biopotentials. The advantages over traditional systems are the ease of positioning when integrated in a garment, the optimal adaptation to irregular surfaces, a reduced contact noise, an improved comfort for the subject thanks to the flocking process.

Technical features

The presented invention relates to a textile electrode device for the acquisition of electrophysiological signals from the skin. These can include data representative of the electrical activity generated during muscular contraction (EMG), cardiac cycles (ECG) or the extracellular current flow generated by the aggregate of cortical neuron activities (EEG). The detection methods for surface bioelectric potentials contemplate placing several electrodes of conductive material on the area to be monitored, arranged in arrays or matrices and fixed by means of an adhesive surface. The flocking technique enables the deposition of small fibers on a substrate, among which a certain number are super-absorbent and the remaining are conductive, these being arranged in close contact and at least partially interwoven with each other in a direction orthogonal to the supporting material. The developed manufacturing process guarantees that substantially uniform properties can be found across the entire surface of the interface filaments.

Possible Applications

• All sectors (e.g. medical field o sports)  in which it is necessary to acquire skin surface bioelectrc data;
• Applications that need a high definition spatial and long term acquisition of biopotentials and electrophysiological signals.

Advantages

• Non-invasive;
• Use of conductive filaments in a fabric throgh known sewing methods;
• Easy positioning when integrated in a garment;
• Optimal adaptability on irregular surfaces;
• Reduced contact noise;
• Increased comfort due to the velvet effect.