In-ear type ear electroencephalogram signal acquisition equipment
By designing the connection components and in-ear electrodes for the in-ear EEG signal acquisition device, the problem of unstable ear wearing was solved, achieving stable device wearing and stable signal acquisition.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- SHENZHEN INST OF ADVANCED TECH
- Filing Date
- 2024-12-31
- Publication Date
- 2026-04-28
AI Technical Summary
The ear-wearing structure of existing EEG acquisition devices is prone to shifting in the ear area, making it difficult to wear stably on the user's ear.
Design an in-ear electroencephalogram (EEG) signal acquisition device, which adopts a connecting component consisting of an ear hook structure, a rear ear support structure, and an elastic adjustment structure. Combined with an in-ear electrode and a control motherboard, the device is fixed to the auricle by the ear hook structure, the rear ear support structure provides support, and the elastic adjustment structure adjusts the length for stable wear.
This technology enables stable wearing of the EEG acquisition device, preventing the device from shaking or falling out of the ear, and improving the stability and comfort of signal acquisition.
Smart Images
Figure CN224166315U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the field of medical equipment technology, and in particular to an in-ear electroencephalogram (EEG) signal acquisition device. Background Technology
[0002] Electroencephalography (EEG) is a non-invasive method for measuring and recording neurophysiological activity, widely used in clinical medicine and scientific research. Traditional EEG uses electrodes covering the entire brain to acquire high-quality, spatially resolved brain signals, typically employing wet electrodes such as gel electrodes or saline electrodes. This acquisition method is complex to operate and has limited application scenarios. Wearable EEG devices, in order to overcome the limitations of traditional acquisition methods, have designed many new acquisition schemes that balance signal quality and portability according to the application scenarios.
[0003] Electroencephalography (EEG) of the ear is a method of collecting brainwaves by placing electrodes in the ear. Its principle is the same as standard EEG collected through the scalp, utilizing the brain's volume conduction effect to acquire brainwave signals. Because the electrodes are placed in the ear, it is more sensitive to signals originating from the temporal lobe, offering advantages over EEG caps in certain specific situations.
[0004] The shape of EEG acquisition devices is similar to that of hearing aids, headphones, and other head-mounted or ear-hook ear-wearing devices. However, compared to these ear-wearing devices, EEG acquisition devices have more structures and are heavier. They also require users to wear them correctly. In the existing technology, the ear-wearing structure of EEG acquisition devices is prone to shifting in the ear area, which cannot support the stable wearing of the EEG acquisition device on the user's ear.
[0005] Therefore, how to design an in-ear electroencephalogram (EEG) signal acquisition device to solve the problems existing in the current technology is a technical problem that the industry urgently needs to solve. Utility Model Content
[0006] To address the shortcomings of ear-worn electroencephalogram (EEG) acquisition devices, such as the ear-worn structure easily shifting in the ear area and failing to stably support the device on the user's ear, this invention proposes an in-ear EEG signal acquisition device.
[0007] The technical solution adopted in this utility model is an in-ear electroencephalogram (EEG) signal acquisition device, comprising:
[0008] A front-end acquisition device, which is worn on both ears of the user to collect electroencephalogram (EEG) signals.
[0009] The connection components include an ear hook structure, a back-ear support structure, and an elastic adjustment structure. The ear hook structure, which hangs on the user's auricle, is connected to the front-end acquisition device. The back-ear support structure, which abuts against the back of the user's ear, is located at the rear end of the ear hook structure. The elastic adjustment structure, which is adjustable in length, is connected between the back-ear support structure and the control motherboard located at the back of the user's head.
[0010] Preferably, the outer contour of the ear hook structure matches the user's ear shape.
[0011] Preferably, the postauricular support structure has a support portion that presses against the junction of the user's ear root and mastoid process.
[0012] Preferably, the shape of the elastic adjustment structure is set to be wavy.
[0013] Preferably, openings are provided at both the crests and troughs of the elastic adjustment structure, and traction ropes pass through the openings to connect the crests and troughs.
[0014] Preferably, the traction rope is an elastic rope.
[0015] Preferably, the front-end acquisition device includes an in-ear electrode and an earphone shell in which the in-ear electrode is installed. The in-ear electrode is disposed inside the earphone shell, and the shape of the earphone shell matches the shape of the user's concha.
[0016] Preferably, the in-ear electrode includes a silicone earpiece tube, a memory foam earpiece, and multiple metal conductive fabrics, with the memory foam earpiece covering the outside of the silicone earpiece tube and the metal conductive fabrics fitted inside the memory foam earpiece.
[0017] Preferably, the silicone earpiece tube is configured with a double-layer structure, and a wire is provided between the two layers of silicone earpiece tube, with a metal conductive fabric inside the memory foam earpiece connected to the wire.
[0018] Preferably, the two in-ear electrodes are installed in the concha cavity and the cymba conchae, respectively.
[0019] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following beneficial effects:
[0020] This application discloses an in-ear electroencephalogram (EEG) signal acquisition device. A front-end acquisition device worn on both ears and a control board located at the back of the user's head are connected via a connecting component. The connecting component includes an ear hook structure, a rear-ear support structure, and an elastic adjustment structure. The ear hook structure secures the front-end acquisition device to the auricle, and the rear-ear support structure at its rear end supports the ear hook structure to prevent movement. The elastic adjustment structure connects the rear-ear support structure and the control board. Because the control board is separated from the front-end acquisition device, the weight of the acquisition device is not entirely concentrated on the ear. Furthermore, the elastic adjustment structure is flexible and adjustable in length, allowing the control board to be securely fastened to the back of the user's head without affecting the front-end acquisition device. Compared to existing technologies, this in-ear EEG signal acquisition device achieves stable wear. Attached Figure Description
[0021] The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the embodiments and accompanying drawings, wherein:
[0022] Figure 1 This diagram illustrates the structure of an in-ear electroencephalogram (EEG) signal acquisition device according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0023] Figure 2 It shows that according to Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the in-ear electrode in an in-ear electroencephalogram (EEG) signal acquisition device provided.
[0024] Figure 3 It shows that according to Figure 1 A front view of the in-ear electrode in an in-ear electroencephalogram (EEG) signal acquisition device.
[0025] Label Explanation:
[0026] 1. Front-end acquisition device; 2. Ear hook structure; 3. Behind-ear support structure; 4. Elastic adjustment structure; 5. Elastic cord; 6. Control motherboard; 7. Metal conductive fabric; 8. Copper wire; 9. Inner silicone tube; 10. Outer and inner silicone tubes; 11. Memory foam earplug; 12. Silicone earpiece tube. Detailed Implementation
[0027] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this utility model clearer, the embodiments of this utility model will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Examples of embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar components or components having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are only used to explain this utility model, and should not be construed as limiting this utility model.
[0028] This utility model discloses an in-ear electroencephalogram (EEG) signal acquisition device. Please refer to [reference needed]. Figure 1 ,include:
[0029] Front-end acquisition device 1, which is worn on the user's ears to collect ear-brain electrical signals;
[0030] The connecting components include an ear hook structure 2, an ear support structure 3, and an elastic adjustment structure 4. The ear hook structure 2, which hangs on the user's auricle, is connected to the front-end acquisition device 1. The ear support structure 3, which abuts against the back of the user's ear, is located at the rear end of the ear hook structure 2. The elastic adjustment structure 4, which is adjustable in length, is connected between the ear support structure 3 and the control motherboard 6 located behind the user's head.
[0031] A front-end acquisition device 1, worn on both ears, and a control board 6, positioned behind the user's head, are connected via a connecting assembly. The connecting assembly includes an ear hook structure 2, a rear-ear support structure 3, and an elastic adjustment structure 4. The ear hook structure 2 secures the front-end acquisition device 1 and hangs it on the auricle, while the rear-ear support structure 3, located at the rear of the ear hook structure 2, supports it to prevent movement. The elastic adjustment structure 4 connects the rear-ear support structure 3 and the control board 6. Because the control board 6 is separated from the front-end acquisition device 1, the weight of the acquisition device is not entirely concentrated on the ear. Furthermore, the elastic adjustment structure 4 is flexible and adjustable in length, allowing the control board 6 to be securely fastened behind the user's head without affecting the front-end acquisition device 1. Compared to existing technologies, the in-ear EEG signal acquisition device disclosed in this application achieves stable wear.
[0032] Specifically, the front-end acquisition device 1 is worn on both ears of the user. Both front-end acquisition devices 1 are connected to the control motherboard 6 via connecting components, allowing the control motherboard 6 to be stably positioned behind the user's head. The ear support structure 3 prevents movement of the ear-hook structure 2 and provides support should the control motherboard 6 become loose, thus preventing interference with the normal acquisition operation of the front-end acquisition device 1 and preventing it from falling off.
[0033] It should be noted that the elastic adjustment structure 4 is elastic in itself and its length can be adjusted. During the user's wearing process, it can form a certain pre-tightening force at the positions of the ear support structure 3, the elastic adjustment structure 4 and the control motherboard 6, so as to provide a certain pressure to the ear support structure 3 to provide stable support to the user's ear. In addition, it can also make the control motherboard 6 more stably set behind the user's head without shaking.
[0034] In some embodiments, please refer to Figure 1 The outer contour of the ear hook structure 2 matches the user's ear.
[0035] In order to further ensure that the ear hook structure 2 is stably fixed and maintains the signal quality acquired by the front-end acquisition device 1, the shape of the outer contour of the ear hook structure 2 is matched with the shape of the user's ear.
[0036] In some embodiments, please refer to Figure 1 The postauricular support structure 3 has a support part that presses against the connection between the user's ear root and the mastoid process.
[0037] It should be noted that by placing the postauricular support structure 3 at the junction of the ear root and the mastoid process, the skin at this junction is soft and boneless, thus ensuring more stable pressure from the support structure 3 and providing a more comfortable wearing experience for the user. In other embodiments, the postauricular support structure 3 can be placed at other locations behind the user's ear.
[0038] In some embodiments, please refer to Figure 1 The shape of the elastic adjustment structure 4 is set to a wave shape.
[0039] Specifically, the elastic adjustment structure 4 is shaped like a wave. The wave-shaped elastic adjustment structure 4 can adjust to a longer length within a smaller length range, thereby better adapting to the user's head size or head shape.
[0040] In some specific embodiments, please refer to Figure 1 Openings are provided at both the crests and troughs of the elastic adjustment structure 4, and traction ropes pass through the openings to connect the crests and troughs.
[0041] It should be noted that, in order to make the elastic adjustment structure 4 more stable, openings are provided at the crests and troughs of the wave-shaped elastic adjustment structure 4. A traction rope is threaded through the openings. After the user pulls the traction rope and ties it into a knot, the elastic adjustment structure 4 can be kept more stably at the current required adjustment length, so that there is no need to adjust it back and forth during repeated use by the same user.
[0042] In other embodiments, the elastic adjustment structure 4 can be a wave-shaped, elastic structure that can be expanded during user use to provide support for the user's head. Furthermore, the elastic adjustment structure 4 can also be formed from elastic fabric, elastic mesh, or other similar materials.
[0043] In some more specific embodiments, the traction rope is an elastic rope 5.
[0044] It should be noted that the traction rope is an elastic rope 5, which provides a better securing effect.
[0045] In some embodiments, the front-end acquisition device 1 includes an in-ear electrode and an earphone shell in which the in-ear electrode is installed. The in-ear electrode is disposed inside the earphone shell, and the shape of the earphone shell matches the shape of the user's concha.
[0046] In some specific embodiments, please refer to Figure 2 and Figure 3 The in-ear electrode includes a silicone earpiece tube 12, a memory foam earpiece 11, and multiple metal conductive fabrics 7. The memory foam earpiece 11 covers the outside of the silicone earpiece tube 12, and the metal conductive fabrics 7 are assembled inside the memory foam earpiece 11.
[0047] In some more specific embodiments, please refer to Figure 2 and Figure 3 The silicone earpiece tube 12 is configured as a double-layer structure, and a wire is provided between the two layers of silicone earpiece tube 12. The metal conductive fabric 7 is connected to the wire inside the memory foam earplug 11.
[0048] In some more specific embodiments, the two in-ear electrodes are respectively installed in the concha cavity and the cymba conchae.
[0049] Here, the in-ear electrode is used to collect ear-brain electrical signals, the earphone shell is used to install the in-ear electrode, and the front-end amplification circuit is used to amplify the ear-brain electrical signals collected by the in-ear electrode. In order to solve the problem of the single signal acquisition channel in the prior art, this utility model designs multiple signal acquisition channels for collecting ear-brain electrical signals when designing the in-ear electrode. This design can provide higher spatial resolution EEG data, which is beneficial for accurate monitoring and analysis of brain state.
[0050] Specifically, the in-ear electrode of this utility model includes: a silicone earpiece tube 12, a memory foam earplug 11, and multiple metal conductive fabrics 7.
[0051] The silicone earpiece tube 12 is configured as a double-layer structure, and a copper wire 8 is provided between the two layers of silicone earpiece tube 12. The memory foam earpiece 11 is wrapped around the outside of the silicone earpiece tube 12. The metal conductive fabric 7 is used as a signal acquisition channel and is assembled inside the memory foam earpiece 11 and connected to the copper wire 8.
[0052] Please see Figure 2 In this invention, the silicone earpiece tube 12 is made of a rubber material with a certain rigidity, so that the earphone can maintain communication between the ear canal and the outside world even when the foam (here the foam is mainly memory foam earplug 11) expands. The two layers of silicone tubes are respectively Figure 2The inner silicone tube 9 and the outer inner silicone tube 10 are used to fix the electrode and lead out the copper wire 8 for electrical connection with the metal wire fabric.
[0053] The memory foam earplug 11 can return to its original shape after being compressed, making it comfortable and easy to wear. After expanding inside the ear canal, the pressure on the outer surface of the memory foam earplug 11 is evenly redistributed, thus enabling the in-ear electrodes to form good contact with the skin.
[0054] Please see Figure 3 In use, the in-ear electrode uses memory foam (i.e., memory foam earplug 11) as the base and conductive fabric (i.e., metal conductive fabric 7) as the electrode for collecting electroencephalogram (EEG) signals. To match the high level of compression required before insertion of the memory foam earplug 11, the electrode must be made of a material that is both flexible and strong. Testing revealed that adhesives and coatings applied to the base surface did not provide the required strength. Firstly, the porous structure of the memory foam prevented the conductive coating from adhering firmly, causing it to peel off after compression. Secondly, the strength of the flexible adhesive after drying was insufficient, and ordinary adhesives became too hard after curing, affecting wearing comfort. Therefore, this invention uses a conductive fabric with a certain degree of tensile strength as the collecting electrode. The electrode is fixed to the copper wire 8 using conductive adhesive. The electrode is fixed to the base by pre-stretching the electrode and bonding it to the silicone earpiece tube 12 inside the memory foam, which does not contact the ear canal, to ensure wearing comfort.
[0055] Furthermore, the aforementioned in-ear electrode includes a reference electrode and a bias electrode, both of which are disposed inside the earphone shell.
[0056] The shape of the earphone shell matches the shape of the user's concha, so that the reference electrode is installed in the concha cavity and the bias electrode is installed in the cymba conchae.
[0057] Specifically, the earphone shell is made using 3D printing technology, and its shape fits the concha structure. The reference electrode is installed at the corresponding position of the concha cavity, and the bias electrode is installed at the corresponding position of the concha cymba. Both electrodes are gold-plated spring electrodes.
[0058] Specifically, the manufacturing process for the aforementioned in-ear electrodes is as follows:
[0059] The in-ear electrodes are made of memory foam and silver fiber conductive cloth. The memory foam earplug 11 uses 3M's 1100 noise-canceling foam earplug. The earplug is too long and is shortened to 1 cm. Then, a 4 mm diameter drill bit is used to drill through the earplug along the axis. A 1 cm long silicone earpiece tube 12 with an outer diameter of 5 mm and an inner diameter of 4 mm is installed in the hole as an electrode wiring channel. The base part is then completed.
[0060] The silver fiber conductive fabric is stamped into a rounded rectangle 2.5 cm long and 2 mm wide using a manual die-cutting press. The surface of the metal conductive fabric 7 is cleaned with a mixture of warm water and baking soda, excess water is wiped off and it is then dried. The copper wire 8 is bonded to one end of the cut metal conductive fabric 7 using Kingstar K-818 nano silver ion conductive adhesive. The fabric is then placed in an oven at 60°C and cured for 45 minutes. The flexible electrode is now complete.
[0061] First, use Ergo 6710 glue to fix the end of the electrode without the wire connected to the inner wall of the silicone tube. Then, wrap the electrode around the outside of the sponge and return it to the tube, gently pulling it in. Use glue again to completely fix the electrode. Repeat this step to place the other three electrodes, which are vertically distributed and do not touch each other. Finally, insert another silicone tube with an outer diameter of 3 mm and an inner diameter of 2 mm into the silicone tube and glue it in place. The ear canal electrode is now complete.
[0062] The manufacturing process for the aforementioned headphone shell is as follows:
[0063] Using Shure SE535 as the earphone shell, the shell can also be made using 3D printing. Drill 2.5 mm diameter holes on the inside of the earphone shell corresponding to the concha cavity and cymba conchae, respectively. After chamfering, install gold-plated spring electrodes and use copper wire 8 to lead out the contacts.
[0064] In the description of this specification, the terms "Embodiment 1," "this embodiment," or "in one embodiment," etc., indicate that the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described in connection with that embodiment or example are included in at least one embodiment or example of the utility model. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example; moreover, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any appropriate manner in one or more embodiments or examples.
[0065] In the description of this specification, the terms "connection," "installation," "fixing," "setting," and "having" are interpreted broadly. For example, "connection" can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; it can be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can be a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; it can be a connection within two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application according to the specific circumstances.
[0066] In the description of this specification, relational terms such as “first” and “second” are used merely to distinguish one entity or operation from another, and do not necessarily require or imply any such actual relationship or order between these entities or operations. Furthermore, the terms “comprising,” “including,” or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such a process, method, article, or apparatus. Without further limitation, an element defined by the phrase “comprising one…” does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that includes said element.
[0067] The above description of the embodiments is intended to enable those skilled in the art to understand and apply the technology of this invention. Those skilled in the art can readily make various modifications to these examples and apply the general principles described herein to other embodiments without creative effort. Therefore, this invention is not limited to the above embodiments. Modifications in the following situations should be within the scope of protection of this invention: ① New technical solutions implemented based on the technical solution of this utility model and combined with existing common knowledge, where the technical effects of the new technical solution do not exceed the technical effects of this utility model; ② Equivalent substitutions of some features of the technical solution of this utility model using known technology, resulting in the same technical effects as those of this utility model; ③ Extendable technical solutions based on the technical solution of this utility model, where the substantive content of the extended technical solution does not exceed the technical solution of this utility model; ④ Equivalent transformations made using the content of this utility model specification and drawings, directly or indirectly applied to other related technical fields.
Claims
1. An in-ear electroencephalogram (EEG) signal acquisition device, characterized in that, include: A front-end acquisition device, which is worn on both ears of the user to collect electroencephalogram (EEG) signals. The connection component includes an ear hook structure, a back-ear support structure, and an elastic adjustment structure. The ear hook structure, which hangs on the user's auricle, is connected to the front-end acquisition device. The back-ear support structure, which abuts against the back of the user's ear, is located at the rear end of the ear hook structure. The elastic adjustment structure, which is adjustable in length, is connected between the back-ear support structure and the control motherboard located behind the user's head.
2. The in-ear electroencephalogram (EEG) signal acquisition device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The outer contour of the ear-hook structure matches the user's ear shape.
3. The in-ear electroencephalogram (EEG) signal acquisition device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The postauricular support structure has a support portion that presses against the connection between the user's ear root and the mastoid process.
4. The in-ear electroencephalogram (EEG) signal acquisition device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The elastic adjustment structure is designed to be wavy.
5. The in-ear electroencephalogram (EEG) signal acquisition device according to claim 4, characterized in that, An opening is provided at both the crest and trough of the elastic adjustment structure, and a traction rope passes through the opening to connect the crest and trough.
6. The in-ear electroencephalogram (EEG) signal acquisition device according to claim 5, characterized in that, The traction rope is an elastic rope.
7. An in-ear electroencephalogram (EEG) signal acquisition device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, The front-end acquisition device includes an in-ear electrode and an earphone shell in which the in-ear electrode is installed. The in-ear electrode is disposed inside the earphone shell, and the shape of the earphone shell matches the shape of the user's concha.
8. The in-ear electroencephalogram (EEG) signal acquisition device according to claim 7, characterized in that, The in-ear electrode includes a silicone earpiece tube, a memory foam earpiece, and multiple metal conductive fabrics. The memory foam earpiece covers the outside of the silicone earpiece tube, and the metal conductive fabrics are assembled inside the memory foam earpiece.
9. The in-ear electroencephalogram (EEG) signal acquisition device according to claim 8, characterized in that, The silicone earpiece tube is configured with a double-layer structure, and a wire is provided between the two layers of the silicone earpiece tube. The metal conductive fabric is connected to the wire inside the memory foam earpiece.
10. An in-ear electroencephalogram (EEG) signal acquisition device according to claim 8, characterized in that, The two in-ear electrodes are respectively installed in the concha cavity and the cymba conchae.