Biosignal sensor
By connecting the electrode assembly to the skin using a conductive material storage medium, and employing a soft fixing band and insulating components, the problem of stable fixation and signal collection of biosignal sensors in areas with abundant hair was solved, achieving high-quality signal transmission and reducing noise interference.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- BRAINU CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2025-08-11
- Publication Date
- 2026-04-17
AI Technical Summary
Existing biosignal sensors are difficult to fix stably in hairy body parts, especially near the frontal lobe of animals, and their contact with the skin is uneven, resulting in unstable biosignal collection and serious interference from wiring noise.
The electrode assembly is connected to the skin using a conductive material storage body. A soft fixing strap is used to wrap the head. Insulation is provided to reduce wiring noise. Electrodes and wiring are formed by printing silver or silver chloride ink. Grounding electrodes and reference electrodes are provided to improve signal quality. At the same time, porous foam is used to store conductive material to prevent short circuits and volatilization.
It achieves stable fixation and skin adhesion in areas with abundant hair, reduces wiring noise, improves biosignal quality, prevents short circuits, and ensures the stability and accuracy of signal transmission.
Smart Images

Figure CN121889087A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This invention relates to biosignal sensors, and more specifically, to a biosignal sensor that collects biosignals, including brainwaves, in hairy body parts of animals, including humans. Background Technology
[0002] Generally speaking, biosignals are caused by the electrical activity of multiple nerve cells that make up animals, including humans, and can be measured on the skin in the form of electrical signals using electrodes. In particular, brain waves are caused by the electrical activity of multiple nerve cells that make up the brain.
[0003] Depending on the subject of biosignal measurement, including electroencephalograms (EEGs), the body part being measured, the shape, size, and curvature of the head vary. To maintain stable contact between the electrodes and the skin, the size of the biosignal sensor attached to the skin must be miniaturized, and the fit and electrical connection are crucial. Furthermore, maintaining an appropriate distance between the measurement channels is also an important factor for the quality of the biosignal.
[0004] In special circumstances such as surgery, it is necessary to measure brain waves in order to determine the depth of anesthesia. In such cases, the depth of anesthesia can be determined by measuring the brain waves of the surgical patient.
[0005] In particular, in animals, there is hair near the frontal lobe used to measure brain waves, which can cause uneven adhesion between the skin and the electrodes.
[0006] In addition, the scalp of animals is relatively soft, and even if a fixation strap is used to fix the biosignal sensor, it will move back and forth near the frontal lobe, which may cause the fixation position of the biosignal sensor to change.
[0007] Therefore, there is a need for a biosignal sensor that can be easily and stably fixed to hairy body parts and animal heads, while also maintaining a stable fit to the skin. Summary of the Invention
[0008] (The technical problem to be solved)
[0009] To address the problems described in the background section, the present invention provides a biosignal sensor capable of electrically connecting an electrode assembly disposed on an animal's forehead via a conductive material storage body to the animal's skin, thereby improving the conductive adhesion between the biosignal collection electrode and the animal's skin.
[0010] Furthermore, the present invention aims to provide a biosignal sensor in which the fixing band is formed of a soft material such as a polyurethane film, which can softly wrap around the head and stably fix it according to the shape of the animal's head.
[0011] Furthermore, the present invention aims to provide a biosignal sensor in which the electrode assembly has an insulating portion that insulates the wiring portion, thereby reducing noise generated due to the wiring contacting the skin when the biosignal sensor is fixed and worn on an animal.
[0012] Furthermore, the present invention aims to provide a biosignal sensor in which the electrode assembly has a connection portion, making it easy to connect to an amplifier and external devices.
[0013] Furthermore, the present invention aims to provide a biosignal sensor that can bind electrode components to a fixing band using double-sided tape or adhesive, making the binding simple.
[0014] Furthermore, the present invention aims to provide a biosignal sensor in which electrode portions and wiring portions are formed by printing silver or silver chloride ink, thereby facilitating the formation of electrodes and wiring, maintaining the flexibility of the electrode assembly while easily transmitting electrical signals.
[0015] Furthermore, the purpose of this invention is to provide a biosignal sensor configured with electrodes including a ground electrode, a reference electrode, and a channel electrode, so that the biosignal sensor can be miniaturized while still being able to measure the biosignals of animals.
[0016] Furthermore, the present invention aims to provide a biosignal sensor in which a ground electrode is placed at the center, and a reference electrode and a channel electrode are arranged at the same distance on both sides of the ground electrode, thereby improving the quality of the collected biosignals.
[0017] Furthermore, the present invention aims to provide a biosignal sensor in which a conductive material is built into the storage part of a conductive material storage body, which can improve the electrical connection and adhesion between the electrode and the animal skin.
[0018] Furthermore, the present invention aims to provide a biosignal sensor in which a storage compartment contains porous foam that absorbs and stores conductive materials, thereby minimizing the volatilization and evaporation of the conductive materials.
[0019] Furthermore, the present invention aims to provide a biosignal sensor in which the cross-sectional diameter of the opening of the storage section is smaller than the cross-sectional diameter of the internal space of the storage section, thereby enabling the conductive material to be kept in a stored state without leakage, and if necessary, the conductive material can be discharged by pressing the storage section.
[0020] Furthermore, the present invention aims to provide a biosignal sensor in which multiple partitions are formed around each of the multiple storage units to prevent the conductive materials stored in each storage unit from mixing with each other and to prevent short circuits between multiple electrodes.
[0021] Furthermore, the present invention aims to provide a biosignal sensor having one or more guide portions protruding from the bottom surface of the main body portion at the lower part of one of a plurality of storage portions, which can prevent the main body portion from slipping off the animal's skin.
[0022] Furthermore, the present invention aims to provide a biosignal sensor having an attachment pad on the upper surface surrounding multiple storage portions, which can be fixed to an accurate position on the animal skin suitable for collecting biosignals by the electrode portions.
[0023] (Solutions)
[0024] The biosignal sensor of the present invention, which addresses the above-mentioned technical problems, is a biosignal sensor that collects biosignals including brainwaves in hairy body parts of animals, including humans. It includes: an electrode assembly fixed to the body part having a plurality of electrodes disposed toward the skin of the animal; and a conductive material storage body electrically connecting the plurality of electrodes and the skin of the animal via a conductive material.
[0025] Preferably, the invention further includes: a retaining strap that surrounds the body part so that the plurality of electrodes are in close contact with the animal skin, and the electrode assembly is positioned in the direction of the animal skin toward the retaining strap, i.e., behind it.
[0026] Preferably, the electrode assembly includes: a sheet portion attached to the back of the fixing band; an electrode portion disposed behind the sheet portion and composed of a plurality of electrodes for collecting biosignals of the animal; a wiring portion composed of a plurality of wires, one end of which is electrically connected to the plurality of electrodes respectively; an insulation portion for insulating the wiring portion; and a connection portion electrically connected to the other end of each of the plurality of wires to electrically transmit the collected biosignals to the outside.
[0027] Preferably, the sheet portion is detachably attached to the retaining strap.
[0028] Preferably, the conductive material storage body includes: a main body having a bonding surface attached to the back of the electrode assembly and a contact surface that contacts the skin of the animal in the opposite direction of the bonding surface; and a plurality of storage portions respectively disposed at positions corresponding to the positions of the plurality of electrodes, having a plurality of internal spaces and openings formed through the main body such that the electrode portions extend toward the skin of the animal, and the conductive material is respectively housed within the internal spaces of the plurality of storage portions.
[0029] Preferably, the storage portion is formed of an elastic material, and when it undergoes elastic deformation due to external force, the conductive substance is discharged from the opening of the storage portion into the skin.
[0030] Preferably, the cross-sectional diameter of the opening of the storage section is smaller than the cross-sectional diameter of the internal space.
[0031] Preferably, the present invention further includes: a porous foam with a porous structure, which is inserted into the internal space of the storage section to absorb the conductive material and maintain the storage state.
[0032] Preferably, it further includes: one or more partition wall portions, which protrude from the bottom surface of the main body portion around the plurality of storage portions.
[0033] Preferably, it further includes: one or more guide portions, which are formed protruding from the bottom surface of the main body portion at the lower part of one of the plurality of storage portions.
[0034] Preferably, it further includes: a plurality of attachment pads, which are attached in front to the upper surface around each opening of the storage section and in the back to the skin of the animal.
[0035] Preferably, the attachment pad covers a portion of the opening of the storage section.
[0036] According to another embodiment of the present invention for solving the above-mentioned technical problems, the biosignal sensor includes: an electrode portion disposed behind the fixing band and composed of a plurality of electrodes for collecting biosignals of the animal; a wiring portion disposed behind the fixing band and composed of a plurality of wirings, one end of which is electrically connected to the plurality of electrodes respectively; an insulating portion for insulating the wiring portion; and a connecting portion electrically connected to the other end of each of the plurality of wirings to electrically transmit the collected biosignals to the outside.
[0037] (The effect of the invention)
[0038] The biosignal sensor of the present invention has the advantage that, by electrically connecting the electrode assembly disposed on the animal's forehead through a conductive material storage body to the animal's skin, the conductive adhesion between the biosignal collecting electrode and the animal's skin can be improved.
[0039] Furthermore, the advantage of this invention is that, because the fixing band is formed of a soft material such as a polyurethane film, it can softly wrap around the head and stably fix it according to the shape of the animal's head.
[0040] Furthermore, the advantage of this invention is that, because the electrode assembly has an insulating part that insulates the wiring part, noise generated due to the wiring contacting the skin can be reduced when the biosignal sensor is fixed and worn on the animal.
[0041] Furthermore, the advantage of this invention is that, because the electrode assembly has a connecting portion, it makes connection with the amplifier and external devices easier.
[0042] Furthermore, the advantage of this invention is that by using double-sided tape or adhesive to bond the electrode assembly to the fixing band, it can be easily bonded.
[0043] Furthermore, the advantage of this invention is that, since the electrode portion and wiring portion are formed by printing silver or silver chloride ink, the electrodes and wiring are easily formed, and while maintaining the flexibility of the electrode assembly, electrical signals can be easily transmitted.
[0044] Furthermore, the advantage of this invention is that, by configuring the electrodes to include a ground electrode, a reference electrode, and a channel electrode, the biosignal sensor can be miniaturized while still being able to measure the biosignals of animals.
[0045] Furthermore, the advantage of this invention is that by placing the grounding electrode at the center and setting the reference electrode and channel electrode at the same distance on both sides of the grounding electrode, the quality of the collected biosignals can be improved.
[0046] Furthermore, the advantage of this invention is that, by incorporating conductive material within the storage portion of the conductive material storage body, the electrical connection and fit between the electrode and the animal skin can be improved.
[0047] Furthermore, the advantage of this invention is that, because the storage compartment contains porous foam that absorbs and stores conductive materials, the volatilization and evaporation of the conductive materials can be minimized.
[0048] Furthermore, the advantage of this invention is that, since the cross-sectional diameter of the opening is smaller than the cross-sectional diameter of the internal space, the conductive material can be kept in a stored state without leaking out, and if necessary, the conductive material can be discharged by pressing the storage part.
[0049] Furthermore, the advantage of the present invention is that, by forming one or more partition walls around each of the multiple storage sections, the conductive materials discharged to the vicinity of each storage section are prevented from mixing with each other, and short circuits between multiple electrodes can be prevented.
[0050] Furthermore, the advantage of the present invention is that, since one of the multiple storage sections has one or more guide sections that protrude from the bottom surface of the main body, it is possible to prevent the main body from slipping off the animal's skin.
[0051] Furthermore, the advantage of this invention is that, because the upper surface around the multiple storage sections has an attachment pad, it can be fixed to an accurate position on the animal skin suitable for the electrode section to collect biosignals. Attached Figure Description
[0052] Figure 1 This is a front view of the biosignal sensor according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
[0053] Figure 2This is a rear view of the biosignal sensor according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
[0054] Figure 3 This is a front view of the fixing strap according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
[0055] Figure 4 This is an exploded perspective view of the biosignal sensor of the first embodiment of the present invention, viewed from the rear.
[0056] Figure 5 This is a rear perspective view of the conductive material storage body constituting the present invention.
[0057] Figure 6 This is a front perspective view of the conductive material storage body constituting the present invention.
[0058] Figure 7 This constitutes the present invention Figure 5 AA sectional view.
[0059] Figure 8 This is a cross-sectional view of the biosignal sensor according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
[0060] Figure 9 This is a diagram showing the state of the biosignal sensor of the first embodiment of the present invention being worn on the head of an animal.
[0061] Figure 10 This is a diagram showing the state of the biosignal sensor of the first embodiment of the present invention being worn on the torso of an animal.
[0062] Figure 11 This is a front view of the fixing strap according to the second embodiment of the present invention.
[0063] Figure 12 This is a rear view of the fixing strap according to the second embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation
[0064] The embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The present invention relates to a biosignal sensor that collects biosignals including electroencephalograms (EEGs) in hairy body parts of animals, including humans.
[0065] Figure 1 This is a front view of the biosignal sensor according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 This is a rear view of the biosignal sensor according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 This is a front view of the fixing strap according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4 This is an exploded perspective view of the biosignal sensor of the first embodiment of the present invention, viewed from the rear. Figure 5 This is a rear perspective view of the conductive material storage body constituting the present invention. Figure 6This is a front perspective view of the conductive material storage body constituting the present invention. Figure 7 This constitutes the present invention Figure 5 AA section view, Figure 8 This is a cross-sectional view of the biosignal sensor according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Figure 9 This is a diagram illustrating the state of an animal wearing the biosignal sensor of the first embodiment of the present invention. Figure 10 This is a diagram showing the state in which the biosignal sensor of the first embodiment of the present invention is worn on the torso of an animal. Figure 11 This is a front view of the fixing strap according to the second embodiment of the present invention. Figure 12 This is a rear view of the fixing strap according to the second embodiment of the present invention.
[0066] The biosignal sensor of the first embodiment of the present invention, such as Figures 1 to 8 As shown, it is roughly divided into a fixed strip 100, an electrode assembly 200, and a conductive material storage body 300.
[0067] The fixation strap 100 is a flexible fixation component that is attached to hairy body parts of animals, including humans, to collect and measure biosignals containing brainwaves from the animal's skin. The fixation strap 100 is made of a soft material such as a polyurethane film, which does not irritate the animal's skin and can be securely attached to the animal's body part. In particular, the fixation strap 100 is attached to the animal's head for measuring brainwaves in the biosignals. This fixation strap 100 consists of a head fixation part 110, a connecting part 140, an ear fixation part 120, and text / pattern 130.
[0068] The head fixing part 110 is a fixing component that surrounds and fixes the animal's chin and head. It is formed in the shape of a long belt and surrounds and fixes the animal's face. The head fixing part 110 is composed of a first head fixing part 111 and a second head fixing part 112.
[0069] The first head fixing part 111 extends to one side based on the connecting part 140, from the animal's forehead to the side of the face. A first detachable part 111a is provided at the front end of the first head fixing part 111. Here, "front" refers to the direction opposite to the direction towards the animal's skin.
[0070] The second head fixing part 112 extends to the other side based on the connecting part 140, starting from the animal's forehead, passing through the other side of the face and chin, and connecting to the end of the first head fixing part 111. A second detachable part 112a is located in the middle of the front of the second head fixing part 112, a third detachable part 112b is located at the front end, and a fourth detachable part 112c is located at the rear end. Here, "rear" refers to the direction towards the animal's skin.
[0071] Therefore, the first head fixing part 111 is shorter than the second head fixing part 112. When the animal's head is compressed by surrounding the head on both sides with the connecting part 140 as a reference, each end is fixed by joining together on the side of the face.
[0072] At this time, the first detachable component 111a in front of the first head fixing part 111 and the fourth detachable component 112c behind the second head fixing part 112 are engaged and fixed together. Preferably, the first and fourth detachable components 111a and 112c are formed by Velcro.
[0073] Although not shown in the attached drawings, the shapes and lengths of the first and second head fixing parts 111 and 112 can be varied, as long as they can surround and fix the head, they can take any form. The first and fourth detachable parts 111a and 112c can take any form as long as they can be combined with each other.
[0074] The connecting portion 140 is a connecting member that protrudes and extends from the middle of the head fixing portion 110 along its length, connecting the head fixing portion 110 and the ear fixing portion 120. Preferably, the connecting portion 140 protrudes at the center of the animal's forehead.
[0075] The ear fixing part 120 is a fixing component that surrounds and fixes the animal's ear. It is formed on one side and the other side of the connecting part 140, and is fixed around one side and the other side of the animal's ear respectively. The ear fixing part 120 is composed of a first ear fixing part 121 and a second ear fixing part 122.
[0076] The first ear fixing part 121 branches off from the end of the connecting part 140 and extends to one side to surround and fix one side of the animal's ear. A fifth detachable part 121a is provided at the rear end of the first ear fixing part 121. The first ear fixing part 121 surrounds one side of the animal's ear, and the fifth detachable part 121a is connected to the third detachable part 112b. Specifically, when the first detachable part 111a in front of the first head fixing part 111 is connected to the fourth detachable part 112c behind the second head fixing part 112, the third detachable part 112b in front of the second head fixing part 112 is connected to the fifth detachable part 121a behind the first ear fixing part 121.
[0077] The second ear fixing part 122 branches off from the end of the connecting part 140 and extends to the other side to surround and fix the other ear of the animal. A sixth detachable part 122a is provided at the rear end of the second ear fixing part 122. The second ear fixing part 122 surrounds the other ear of the animal, and the sixth detachable part 122a is attached to the second detachable part 112a. Specifically, the second detachable part 112a at the middle front of the second head fixing part 112 is attached to the sixth detachable part 122a at the rear of the second ear fixing part 122.
[0078] Accordingly, the first ear fixing part 121 and the second ear fixing part 122 are of the same length, and branch off from the end of the connecting part 140 to both sides to respectively surround the two ears. Then, the ends of the first and second ear fixing parts 121 and 122 are attached to the detachable parts of the head fixing part 110 and fixed thereto. Preferably, the third and fifth detachable parts 112b and 121a and the second and sixth detachable parts 112a and 122a are formed by Velcro.
[0079] Regarding the ear fixing portion 120, a groove 120a is formed in the gap where the first and second ear fixing portions 121 and 122 branch off, recessed towards the connecting portion 140. When the first and second ear fixing portions 121 and 122 bend around the two ears respectively, this groove 120a can bend more flexibly, thereby improving skin adhesion.
[0080] Although not shown in the accompanying drawings, the shape and length of the ear fixing part 120 can be varied, and any form can be adopted as long as it can surround and fix the ear. Furthermore, the third and fifth detachable parts 112b and 121a and the second and sixth detachable parts 112a and 122a can be adopted in any form as long as they can be combined with each other.
[0081] Furthermore, at least one of the detachable components that are joined together can be longer than its width. Accordingly, the length of the enclosure can be adjusted to some extent according to the circumference of the animal's head and ears.
[0082] Depending on the animal, since the skin on the head is relatively soft, if only the head fixing part 110 is used, the electrode assembly 200 can move back and forth on the animal's head. Therefore, an ear fixing part 120 is formed to fix the ear together, and the electrode assembly 200 is stably fixed by the fixing strap 100.
[0083] The text pattern 130 is a display component printed or displayed on the front of the fixing strap 100, indicating the position of the electrode assembly set at the center of the animal's forehead and behind it to inform the user.
[0084] Therefore, when a user needs to confirm the position of the electrode assembly 200 set behind the fixing strap 100, there is no need to flip the fixing strap 100. The center of the electrode assembly 200 can be placed at the center of the animal's forehead to determine the position of each of the multiple electrode parts 220 constituting the electrode assembly 200.
[0085] The electrode assembly 200 is attached to the back of the fixing strap 100 and is installed on the animal's body part in order to collect biological signals including the animal's brain waves. It consists of a sheet part 210, an electrode part 220, a wiring part 230, an insulating part 240, and a connecting part 250.
[0086] Preferably, the sheet portion 210 is a sheet component attached to the back of the fixing band 100, and is made of a flexible material such as polyurethane. This sheet portion 210 can be attached to the fixing band 100 by double-sided tape or adhesive.
[0087] The electrode part 220 is located behind the sheet part 210 and is an electrode component that is disposed on the animal's body part in order to collect the animal's biological signals. In the embodiment, it is disposed on the head fixing part 110 in order to be disposed on the animal's forehead and is composed of multiple electrodes.
[0088] Multiple electrodes, including a ground electrode, a reference electrode, and a channel electrode, are provided, with at least three to improve the quality of biosignal collection. For example, the ground electrode is positioned at the center of the animal's forehead, and preferably, the reference electrode and the channel electrode are positioned on either side of the ground electrode at equal distances.
[0089] In addition, although the closer the electrode is to the frontal lobe, the better the quality of the collected biosignals, small animals often cannot place the electrode in the frontal lobe due to their narrow foreheads. Therefore, it is preferable to place the electrode part 220 in the part between the frontal lobe and the top of the head.
[0090] The wiring section 230 is a wiring component that electrically transmits the brainwave signals collected by the electrode section 220, and is composed of multiple wirings, one end of which is electrically connected to multiple electrodes respectively. The multiple wirings do not overlap with each other.
[0091] Preferably, the wiring section 230 is arranged in a direction that leads out multiple electrodes toward the top of the animal's head.
[0092] The electrode portion 220 and wiring portion 230 can be formed by printing silver or silver chloride ink on the thin sheet portion 210. As long as the collection and transmission of biological signals can be achieved, any material and shape can be used.
[0093] Furthermore, although not shown in the accompanying drawings, the electrode portion and wiring portion can be positioned behind the fixing strip without the sheet portion. For example, the electrode portion and wiring portion can be printed directly behind the fixing strip.
[0094] The insulating part 240 is an insulating component that surrounds the rear of the wiring part 230 and insulates the wiring part 230, and can prevent the wiring part 230 that passes between the electrode parts 220 or from the top of the animal's head from short-circuiting due to contact with the animal's skin, the user, external conductive materials, etc.
[0095] The connector 250 is a connection component that electrically connects and transmits biosignals received from multiple wires to the outside, and is electrically connected to the other end of each of the multiple wires. This connector 250 is connected to external devices such as signal amplifiers and collectors.
[0096] The conductive material storage body 300 is a conductive component that is attached to the back of the electrode assembly 200 and connects the electrode assembly 200 and the animal skin through the conductive material 301. It consists of a main body 310 and a storage part 320.
[0097] The main body 310 is a main component attached to the rear of the electrode assembly 200, and has a mating surface attached to the rear of the electrode assembly and a contact surface that contacts the skin of the animal in the opposite direction to the mating surface. The main body 310 includes positions corresponding to multiple electrodes, and protrudes towards the top of the animal's head to increase the contact area and fixing force with the electrode assembly 200. The main body 310 may be made of a material such as silicone rubber.
[0098] The storage section 320 is positioned corresponding to the positions of the multiple electrodes, and has multiple internal spaces and openings that extend through the main body section 310 so that the multiple electrode sections 220 can communicate with the skin of the animal.
[0099] Conductive material 301 is embedded in multiple internal spaces. These storage units 320 are made of an elastic material. When a user applies pressure to the electrode unit 220 with their fingers, the material deforms elastically, causing the embedded conductive material 301 to be discharged through openings. The discharged conductive material 301 permeates the animal's fur and reaches the skin. Accordingly, the conductive material embedded in each internal space electrically connects the animal's skin to the electrode unit 220.
[0100] The conductive material 301 can be a gel, a sol, or a liquid. Since animals other than humans have a lot of hair on their foreheads, making it difficult for the electrode portion 220 to directly adhere to the animal's forehead skin, the conductive material 301 preferably has an appropriate viscosity to improve conductivity.
[0101] At this time, the cross-sectional diameter of the opening of the storage section 320 is smaller than the cross-sectional diameter of the internal space. Accordingly, the conductive material 301 inside the storage section 320 will not flow out through the opening due to surface tension when there is no external force, and can maintain its storage state.
[0102] Porous foam 321 is inserted into the internal space of the storage section 320, forming a porous structure that absorbs and stores conductive material 301. The porous foam 321 acts as an electrical connection guide for transmitting the animal's biological signals to the electrode section 220. Furthermore, the porous foam 321 is made of a conductive material to further enhance conductivity.
[0103] The partition wall 360 is composed of one or more partition walls 361, 362, and 363 that protrude from the bottom surface of the main body 310 around each storage section 320. To prevent electrical short circuits in the electrode section 220 caused by the mixing of conductive materials 301 stored in adjacent storage sections 320, each partition wall 361, 362, and 363 is at the same height as or slightly higher than the storage section 360, thus adhering closely to the animal's skin.
[0104] Although not shown in the attached drawings, the partition wall is either cylindrical in shape and can completely enclose the storage section, or it has an arc-shaped cross-section and can only enclose a part of the storage section.
[0105] The guide portion 370 comprises one or more brushes protruding from the bottom surface of the main body portion 310 at the lower part of one of the plurality of storage portions 320. The upper surface of the brush is formed with concave and convex shapes to prevent the main body portion 310 from sliding down the animal's skin, thus serving to fix the main body portion 310 to the animal's skin. In particular, when the liquid conductive material 301 is discharged, the guide portion 370 can prevent the risk of the electrode portion 220 moving due to the reduction of friction between the main body portion 310 and the animal's skin, thereby improving signal quality.
[0106] Attach pad 380 as Figure 7 The adhesive pad 380 is attached to the upper surface around each opening of the plurality of storage sections 320 at the front and to the animal's skin at the back. This adhesive pad 380 functions to secure the electrode section 220 to the precise location on the animal's skin suitable for collecting biosignals. Furthermore, when using a release film for product packaging, the adhesive pad 380 adheres to the inner surface of the release film to prevent leakage of the conductive material 301 or drying out due to exposure to air.
[0107] At this time, if the attachment pad 380 is configured to cover a portion of the opening of the storage section 320, leakage of the conductive material 301 can be further prevented. Furthermore, the biosignal collection capability of the electrode section 220 is further improved by forming the attachment pad 380 with conductive material.
[0108] The following is a brief description of the fixation and usage method of the biosignal sensor of the present invention. Figure 9As shown, after the user surrounds and secures the head fixing part 110 around the animal's head, the first and second ear fixing parts 121 and 122 are used to surround and secure the ears on both sides respectively. At this time, the center of the electrode assembly 200 (which can be confirmed by the text pattern) is adjusted to be located at the center of the animal's forehead and then fixed.
[0109] The electrode assembly 200 is connected to an external device via its connection portion 250. Once preparation for biosignal collection is complete, pressing the front side of the electrode portion 220 allows the conductive material inside the storage portion 320 to be discharged through the opening into the animal's skin. At this time, the position of the electrode portion 220 can be confirmed via the text pattern 130.
[0110] When the conductive material 321 is discharged and reaches the animal's skin, it electrically connects the animal's skin to the electrode section 220, and the electrode section 220 collects the animal's biological signals. The collected biological signals are transmitted to an external device through the electrode section 220, the wiring section 230, and the connection section 250.
[0111] The method of fixing and using the aforementioned biosignal sensor can be modified in some ways depending on the user's convenience or circumstances. Furthermore, although the above description and accompanying drawings exemplify a method for measuring brainwaves on the forehead of an animal, as... Figure 10 As shown, biological signals other than brain waves can also be measured in other parts of the body.
[0112] The biosignal sensor of the second embodiment of the present invention will be described below. Components having the same form or function as those in the first embodiment are referred to by the same reference numerals, and descriptions of the same components are omitted.
[0113] The biosignal sensor of the second embodiment of the present invention, such as Figure 11 , Figure 12 As shown, the shape of the fixing belt 100 is different from that of the first embodiment.
[0114] The fixing strap 100 is composed of a head fixing part 110 and an ear fixing part 120. The head fixing part 110 is the same as in the first embodiment, and the ear fixing part 120 is composed of a third and a fourth ear fixing part 123 and 124.
[0115] The third ear fixing part 123 forms an ear insertion port 133 on one side of the connecting part 140 for inserting one side of an animal's ear. The animal's one side ear is inserted into the ear insertion port 133 and fixed in place.
[0116] The fourth ear fixing part 124 is the same in shape and function as the second ear fixing part 122 in the first embodiment.
[0117] In the middle of the bifurcation of the third and fourth ear fixing portions 123 and 124, the ear fixing portion 120 forms a groove 120a that is recessed toward the connecting portion 140. When the third and fourth ear fixing portions 123 and 124 bend around the two ears respectively, this groove 120a can bend more flexibly, thereby improving the adhesion to the skin.
[0118] Accordingly, compared to the first embodiment, the operation of fixing the first ear fixing part 121 to the first head fixing part 111 can be replaced by the operation of inserting an ear into the ear insertion port 133. Specifically, after the user inserts one ear into the ear insertion port 133, the head fixing part 110 surrounds the animal's head and chin to fix it, so that the fourth ear fixing part 124 surrounds the other ear and is attached to the head fixing part 110 for fixation.
[0119] The order of fixing and using the above-mentioned biosignal sensors can be changed according to the user's convenience or circumstances.
[0120] The present invention described above can be implemented in many different forms without departing from its technical concept or main features. Therefore, the embodiments described are merely illustrative in all respects and should not be interpreted as limiting.
[0121] Industrial applicability
[0122] This invention relates to a biosignal sensor that collects biological signals including brainwaves in body parts of animals, including humans, and can be used in the health care industry or medical industry.
Claims
1. A biosignal sensor, characterized in that it collects biosignal signals including brainwaves in hairy body parts of animals, including humans, with the following features: include: An electrode assembly, fixed to the body part, has multiple electrodes positioned toward the skin of the animal; as well as A conductive material storage body electrically connects the plurality of electrodes and the skin of the animal via a conductive material medium.
2. The biosignal sensor according to claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: A securing strap is used to encircle the body part so that the plurality of electrodes are in close contact with the animal's skin. The electrode assembly is positioned in the direction of the animal's skin toward the fixation band, i.e., behind it.
3. The biosignal sensor according to claim 1, characterized in that, The electrode assembly includes: a thin sheet portion, which is attached to the back of the fixing strip; An electrode section, disposed behind the sheet section, consists of multiple electrodes for collecting biological signals from the animal; The wiring section consists of multiple wirings, one end of which is electrically connected to the plurality of electrodes respectively; Insulating portion, to insulate the wiring portion; and The connector is electrically connected to the other end of each of the plurality of wires, and electrically transmits the collected biosignals to the outside.
4. The biosignal sensor according to claim 3, characterized in that, The sheet portion is detachably attached to the retaining band.
5. The biosignal sensor according to claim 1, characterized in that, The conductive material reservoir includes: a main body having a bonding surface attached to the rear of the electrode assembly and a contact surface in contact with the skin of the animal in the opposite direction of the bonding surface; and Multiple storage sections are respectively disposed at positions corresponding to the multiple electrode positions, and have multiple internal spaces and openings that extend into the main body of the body such that the electrode sections are directed toward the animal skin. The conductive materials are respectively built into the internal space of the plurality of storage units.
6. The biosignal sensor according to claim 5, characterized in that, The storage compartment is made of an elastic material, and when it undergoes elastic deformation due to external force, the conductive substance is discharged from the opening of the storage compartment into the skin.
7. The biosignal sensor according to claim 5, characterized in that, The cross-sectional diameter of the opening of the storage section is smaller than the cross-sectional diameter of the internal space.
8. The biosignal sensor according to claim 7, characterized in that, It also includes: porous foam with a porous structure, which is inserted into the internal space of the storage section to absorb the conductive material and maintain the storage state.
9. The biosignal sensor according to claim 5, characterized in that, Also includes: One or more partition walls are formed around the plurality of storage sections, protruding from the bottom surface of the main body.
10. The biosignal sensor according to claim 5, characterized in that, Also includes: One or more guide sections are formed at the bottom of one of the plurality of storage sections, protruding from the bottom surface of the main body.
11. The biosignal sensor according to claim 5, characterized in that, Also includes: Multiple adhesive pads are attached to the upper surface around each opening of the storage section in front and to the skin of the animal in the back.
12. The biosignal sensor according to claim 11, characterized in that, The attachment pad covers a portion of the opening of the storage section.
13. The biosignal sensor according to claim 1, characterized in that, The electrode assembly includes: an electrode section disposed behind the fixing strap, comprising a plurality of electrodes for collecting biological signals from the animal; The wiring section is disposed behind the fixing strip and consists of multiple wirings, one end of which is electrically connected to the plurality of electrodes respectively; Insulating portion, to insulate the wiring portion; and The connector is electrically connected to the other end of each of the plurality of wires, and electrically transmits the collected biosignals to the outside.