Head set

Abstract

The invention relates to a set for positioning sensors on opposite regions of a head, wherein the set is characterised by: a head piece which is designed to at least partially surround the head; sensor caps, arranged on opposite regions of the head piece, each for receiving at least one of the sensors; and a nose piece, connected to the head piece, which is designed to support the head piece on a bridge of a nose of the head.

Description

[0001] Headpiece

[0002] The disclosure relates to a set for positioning sensors on opposite regions of a head, a sensor cap for receiving at least one sensor, and a method for producing such a set or for producing such a sensor cap and a use of the set.

[0003] In some medical fields, it is useful to position one or more sensors on a person's head to perform non-invasive diagnostic examinations. Non-invasive diagnostics allow diseases of the head to be diagnosed without major interventions. The type of sensors is not limited to specific applications, but rather depends on the nature of the disease, pathology, symptoms, and diagnosis.

[0004] In previous approaches, the sensors were attached to the head with a headband for conducting a diagnostic examination. Such a headband features an elastic band that can be placed circumferentially around the head. Due to the elasticity of the headband, a restoring force of the headband causes the headband to be pressed against the head in a circumferential area, more or less securing it there. The headband preferably rests on the forehead, a back area, and opposite lateral areas of the head above the ears.

[0005] Furthermore, at least two sensor caps are provided, each designed with an opening on two opposite sides for the headband to pass through. The headband and the sensor caps are configured such that the sensor caps, with the sensors located therein, are pressed against the head by the headband between the headband and the head. This allows the sensor caps and the sensors to be held and positioned on the head.

[0006] However, such a headband has proven to be disadvantageous for several reasons.

[0007] Firstly, it is difficult to position the sensor caps with the sensors reproducibly on the head of the same patient. In the case of head injuries, a parameter of the head is observed on the same patient over an extended period of time. For this purpose, measurements are taken on the head of the same patient at intervals to determine how the condition develops over time. For this purpose, the headband must be removed from the patient's head several times and then reattached for a new measurement. In this case, it may not be possible to reproduce the sensor position from a previous measurement in a subsequent measurement. This inaccuracy or lack of reproducibility of the sensor positions falsifies the measured values ​​of the series of measurements and can lead to a medical misassessment.

[0008] Furthermore, the relative positioning of the sensors on the head has proven to be inaccurate, as the position of the sensors along the headband and the position of the headband on the head can vary. This results in inaccurate relative alignment of the sensors, making it impossible to precisely adjust the signal or observation field of the sensors.

[0009] Second, the sensors cannot be effectively coupled to the head. The headband applies even pressure to the entire circumference of the head. This means that only a small portion of the pressure is applied to the sensors, and a higher pressure than is normally necessary must be set to couple the sensors. This is particularly disadvantageous in cases of head injuries.

[0010] In addition, the contact pressure depends on the adjustment of the headband, which means that the contact pressure can vary between different measurements, which is disadvantageous when comparing the measured values.

[0011] Furthermore, the use of such a headgear has proven disadvantageous, as the patient's head must be lifted to apply it. Lifting the head is undesirable, especially in cases of head injuries, as it can cause further injury and pain to the patient or interfere with life-sustaining therapies (e.g., a ventilation tube).

[0012] Against this background, the object of the disclosure is to overcome the disadvantages mentioned and, in particular, to be able to carry out non-invasive diagnostic examinations on the head of a patient more effectively.

[0013] This object is achieved by a set for positioning sensors on opposite regions of a head, the set being characterized by: a headband which is designed to at least partially encircle the head; sensor caps arranged on opposite regions of the headband for receiving at least one of the sensors each; and a nose bridge connected to the headband which is designed to support the headband on a ridge of the nose of the head.

[0014] The inventors have discovered that positioning the sensors on the head at predetermined areas and aligning the sensors to each other has a major influence on the results of diagnostic examinations.

[0015] The headband and its attached sensor caps determine the position of the sensors on the head. The positioning of the sensor caps on opposite parts of the headband ensures that the sensors in the sensor caps rest on opposite parts of the head and are thus aligned with each other.

[0016] The nosepiece, connected to the headband, supports the headband against the bridge of the nose. This allows the position of the headband and its attached sensor caps to be aligned with a predefined reference point on the patient's head, i.e., the nose. Using this assembly, sensors can be positioned more precisely at predetermined positions on the head.

[0017] Furthermore, the reference point improves the reproducibility of the areas on the head where the sensors are applied, as the reference point, i.e., the position of the nose, does not change for a given patient. Furthermore, the position of the reference point, i.e., the nose, on the head is very similar for different patients with similar head sizes, thus enabling reproducibility of the sensor positions between patients of similar head sizes.

[0018] Furthermore, the inventors discovered that the pressure applied to the head by the sensors often has a further major influence on the results of diagnostic examinations.

[0019] According to the claimed device, the contact pressure with which the sensors in the sensor caps rest on the head is essentially determined by the headband. Since the head diameter does not change for a single patient and the position of the sensors on the head is reproducible, the contact pressure of the sensors on the head is easily reproducible between individual examinations. Furthermore, the head diameters for a class of patients (e.g., children or adults) are at least similar, so the contact pressure is at least similar for different patients within a class.

[0020] Furthermore, the use of such a headband has proven particularly effective in practice for patients with head injuries. A headband can be applied to the head from one side. Applying the headband no longer necessarily requires lifting the patient's head, which is advantageous for patients with a head injury.

[0021] Sensors within the meaning of this disclosure may, for example, comprise an emitter for outputting signals and a detector for receiving the output signals. Based on the interaction of the signals with the head, conclusions can be drawn about a parameter of the head, particularly within the skull. In some aspects, an emitter is positioned on one side of the head, and a detector is positioned on an opposite side of the head to detect the emitted signals through the head. In other aspects, an emitter and a detector can each be positioned on one side of the head.

[0022] The claimed assembly has proven particularly useful for the exemplary application of non-invasive determination of intracranial pressure. For determining intracranial pressure, the sensors comprise an emitter as a sensor for emitting ultrasound signals and a detector as a sensor for receiving the emitted ultrasound signals. These sensors can be positioned on opposite regions of the head using the assembly. Based on the travel time of the ultrasound signals through the head, intracranial pressure can be classified.

[0023] Further preferred aspects of the set are explained below.

[0024] According to a preferred aspect, the nose clip is connected to the headband in a region of the headband approximately centrally between the sensor caps.

[0025] This relative arrangement of the headband adapts the headset to the anatomy of the head, ensuring that the sensor caps are symmetrically aligned on the head in opposing areas. This is especially true because the nose is positioned approximately centrally on the face in one area. By positioning the nosepiece approximately centrally between the sensor caps on the headband, the headband is centered on the head.

[0026] According to a preferred aspect, the headband at least partially surrounds an axis in a first plane extending perpendicular to the axis, wherein the nosepiece intersects the first plane, preferably in a direction approximately perpendicular to the first plane.

[0027] This arrangement allows the relative positioning of the headband and nosepiece to be particularly effectively adapted to the anatomy of the head, as the headband partially encircles the head and the nosepiece rests on the bridge of the nose.

[0028] In some particularly preferred aspects, the nose bridge can extend from the headband in a direction approximately perpendicular to the first plane. For example, the nose bridge can be formed approximately coaxially with the direction approximately perpendicular to the first plane.

[0029] According to these aspects, the headband encircles the head approximately in a frontal region, preferably in the forehead area, when the nosepiece is positioned on the bridge of the nose. This keeps the upper half of the head free for other medical measuring devices or invasive devices for treating an injury. In this aspect, the length of the nosepiece can be designed to be particularly short, thereby improving the stability of the assembly, particularly the nosepiece.

[0030] According to a preferred aspect, the nose bridge has an end piece at an end opposite the headband, wherein the end piece has a preferably approximately bow-shaped indentation aligned approximately along the axis, which is designed to prevent a relative movement of the nose bridge to the bridge of the nose in a direction parallel to a frontal plane of the head and parallel to the first plane.

[0031] Such an end piece reduces relative movement of the assembly relative to the head. This improves the stability of the assembly's alignment with the head. This reduces the possibility of the assembly shifting position on the head.

[0032] According to a preferred aspect, the nose bridge has a length of 2 cm - 7 cm, preferably about 5 cm or less, starting from the connection to the headband.

[0033] In particularly preferred embodiments, the length of the nose bridge is measured in a direction approximately transverse to the first plane between the approximately central region of the headband between the sensor caps and a region of the nose bridge which, according to the application, rests on the bridge of the nose.

[0034] The length of the nose bridge determines, at least in part, the positioning of the headband and thus of the sensor caps on the head. The inventors discovered that this design of the nose bridge particularly closely mirrors the head anatomy of a large number of patients. The sensors can thus be positioned at predetermined positions on the head for the vast majority of patients.

[0035] According to a preferred aspect, the sensor caps have a distance of 10 cm - 17 cm, 11 cm - 16 cm or about 13 cm from the nose bridge.

[0036] In some particularly preferred embodiments, the distance along the headband between a sensor cap and the nosepiece is measured. The distance between the sensor caps and the nosepiece determines the positioning of the sensor caps on the head relative to the position of the nose. The inventors have further discovered that this headband design specifically maps the anatomy of the head of a variety of patients for positioning the sensor caps on the head. Thus, the sensor caps can be positioned at the specified positions on the head for a vast majority of patients.

[0037] For example, the headband can be designed such that it can be placed approximately parallel to a transverse plane of the head, so that the sensor caps are arranged in an area approximately above the ear canal on opposite areas of the head. In particularly preferred aspects, the headband can be designed such that one sensor cap is arranged in an area between the T3 position and the T5 position, preferably at a distance of 3.5-4.5 cm from the T3 position, and one sensor cap is arranged between the area of ​​the T4 and the T6 position, preferably at a distance of 3.5-4.5 cm from the T4 position. In particular, one sensor cap can be arranged in each area of ​​the fascia of the temporalis muscle.

[0038] According to a preferred aspect, each sensor cap comprises a preferably approximately cylindrical recess for receiving a sensor, which recess has an opening on one side and is at least partially delimited by the sensor cap on a bottom side of the sensor cap opposite the opening and on at least one side surface of the sensor cap.

[0039] In use, a sensor is inserted through the opening in the sensor caps into the recess in the sensor caps. After insertion, a sensor is positioned in the recess of a sensor cap. The sensor is then exposed on one front side through the opening in the sensor cap, allowing the front of the sensor to rest directly against the head. On the remaining sides, the sensor is at least partially surrounded by the sensor cap, so that it is held in the sensor cap and can be pressed against the head by the sensor cap.

[0040] In particularly preferred aspects, the depth of the recess from the opening to the bottom side is dimensioned such that a sensor inserted into the recess protrudes at least partially beyond an edge of the sensor cap surrounding the opening. This allows the contact pressure exerted on the head by the headband to be focused on the sensors in the sensor caps.

[0041] According to a preferred aspect, the openings of the sensor caps face each other.

[0042] According to this aspect, sensors arranged in the recesses of the sensor caps located on opposite areas of the head are aligned with each other. Since the sensors in the sensor caps are directly in contact with the head through the openings, it can be ensured that signals emitted and detected by the sensors travel directly through the head to the respective opposite sensor without passing through further sections, for example, the sensor cap.

[0043] According to a preferred aspect, the sensor cap has, at a preferably approximately central position on the bottom side, a preferably approximately hemispherical elevation directed in the direction of the opening, which represents a stop and / or adjustment aid for a sensor.

[0044] According to this aspect, the orientation of the sensor can adapt to a surface of the head so that the sensor rests optimally on the surface of the head. A sensor located in the recess is pressed against the head by the sensor cap connected to the headband. The protrusion forms a stop for the back of the sensor facing away from the head. Thus, a sensor strikes the protrusion in a partial area of ​​the back, with the remaining areas of the back that do not strike the protrusion being exposed towards the bottom by the protrusion. This allows the sensor to adapt its orientation so that this plane rests on the head when pressure is exerted on the front of the sensor by a surface of the head.

[0045] According to a preferred aspect, each sensor cap has at least one through-opening into the recess through the at least one side surface, wherein the through-opening opens into the opening of the recess via a through-opening region.

[0046] A sensor can, for example, communicate with a processing unit via a sensor cable to exchange signals. The sensor cable can be connected to the sensor or connectable. A sensor has a front side configured to rest against a head and a rear side opposite the front side. The cable can protrude from the sensor in a direction approximately perpendicular to a direction perpendicular to the front and rear sides.

[0047] When a sensor connected to a sensor cable is inserted through the opening of the recess into the sensor cap, the sensor cable can be inserted through the feedthrough area into the feedthrough opening at the same time as the sensor is inserted into the recess. This advantageously guides the sensor cable away from the sensor in the recess through the sensor cap. Furthermore, the cable is at least partially circumferentially limited by the sensor cap, thereby limiting the sensor's mobility in the recess. For example, this prevents twisting in the direction perpendicular to the front and back.

[0048] According to a preferred aspect, the feedthrough region has a taper relative to a diameter of the feedthrough opening.

[0049] When a sensor connected to a sensor cable is inserted into the recess while simultaneously passing the sensor cable through the feedthrough area into the feedthrough opening, the sensor cable overcomes the taper by exerting a force. When the sensor is positioned in the recess and the sensor cable is in the feedthrough opening, the taper prevents the sensor cable from sliding out of the feedthrough opening via the feedthrough area. This prevents a sensor connected to the sensor cable from sliding out of the recess in the sensor cap.

[0050] According to a preferred aspect, each sensor cap has a further opening which at least partially exposes the recess through the at least one side surface and / or through the bottom side.

[0051] According to this aspect, a sensor arranged in the recess is at least partially exposed laterally and / or on its rear side through the further opening of the sensor cap surrounding the sensor. The regions of the sensor exposed by the further opening are thus accessible from outside the sensor cap. This makes it easier to remove a sensor from the recess in the sensor cap. According to a preferred aspect, each sensor cap has a further recess for receiving a magnet on a side opposite the opening of the recess.

[0052] The sensors can preferably be paramagnetic, preferably having a paramagnetic backing. By positioning a magnet on the side of the sensor cap opposite the opening of the recess, the magnet and the sensor cap are attracted to each other by a magnetic force, so that a force acts on the sensor toward the bottom side and the sensor is held in the recess of the sensor cap.

[0053] According to a preferred aspect, the fitting comprises a magnet which can be fastened to one of the sensor caps, preferably in the further recess.

[0054] According to a preferred aspect, such a magnet can be attached to the back of the sensor cap via an approximately clamp-shaped holder. According to a preferred aspect, the magnet can be secured in the further recess, for example, by means of an adhesive or a cover covering the further recess.

[0055] According to a preferred aspect, the set comprises at least three preferably clip-shaped markers which can be attached to different areas on the nose bridge, the headband and / or the sensor caps.

[0056] These markers are detectable in various imaging techniques. This allows the positioning of the clothing relative to the head to be represented in an image of the head with the clothing.

[0057] For example, the markers are designed in such a way that they are visible in an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scan of the head with the headband. This makes the positioning of the headband on the head visible in the MRI scan. This allows the examined areas of the head to be linked to spatial planes of the MRI scan. Furthermore, a three-dimensional view can be captured in the visible area of ​​a head with the headband. Such a view can preferably be captured and created using a stereo camera or a camera from different perspectives.

[0058] In a further step, the three-dimensional view of the head with the headgear in the visible range and the MRI image of the head with the headgear can be superimposed using the markers. This allows information to be obtained about the positioning of the headgear and the areas of the head traversed by the signals.

[0059] According to a preferred aspect, the markers each have a marker body made of the same material as the nose bridge, the headband and / or the sensor caps.

[0060] Preferably, the marker body, the nose bridge, the headband and the sensor caps can be made of the same material.

[0061] The material in the marker bodies makes the markers and their bodies more easily distinguishable from the accessories in an MRI scan. This allows the positioning of the accessories and sensors on the head to be determined three-dimensionally.

[0062] According to a preferred aspect, the fitting further comprises at least one preferably approximately disc-shaped pad which can be attached to one of the sensor caps and / or the headband and has a hole such that, when the pad is attached to the sensor cap and / or the headband, the hole is aligned with the opening of the sensor cap such that a sensor arranged in the recess of the sensor cap rests above or through the opening and above or through the hole on the head or scalp. The edge of the hole of the pad can completely enclose or run around the opening of the sensor cap; for example, the outer diameter of the opening can be smaller than the inner diameter of the hole. The hole and / or opening can be circular. Preferably, the pad can be releasably attached to one of the sensor caps and / or the headband, for example by means of an adhesive.Preferably, the pad is designed to adhere to the scalp, for example, using an adhesive. Such a pad is designed to fit between the head and the sensor cap, depending on the application. A sensor located in the recess of the sensor cap is exposed through the hole in the pad. The pad can be glued, for example, to the sensor cap and / or the sensor headband.

[0063] Such a pad improves the adhesion of the sensor cap to the head. This reduces the risk of the device shifting its position on the head. The pad preferably has a relatively high coefficient of friction with the head, particularly the scalp. Furthermore, the pad can be elastically designed so that it is compressed by force exerted by the head and the sensor cap, allowing the sensor to rest against an area of ​​the head. Such a pad can be made of silicone, for example.

[0064] According to a preferred aspect, the pad preferably protrudes beyond lateral edges of the sensor cap and has a gap through which a portion of the head or scalp can be marked when the pad is attached to the sensor cap and / or the headband.

[0065] When the headgear is pressed against the head with such a pad, an area of ​​the head exposed by the gap can be marked. The markings remain visible even after the headgear has been removed, allowing the headgear to be reattached to the same position on the head after removal using the markings created in this way.

[0066] According to a preferred aspect, the headband comprises: a curved section which preferably encircles the axis in an approximately semicircular manner in the first plane; two approximately rectilinear sections, each of which merges into the curved region at a first end and at whose opposite second end a sensor cap is located; wherein the two approximately rectilinear sections converge towards each other starting from the respective first end.

[0067] This aspect ensures that the pressure exerted by the headband is focused on the sensor caps and the sensors contained therein.

[0068] According to a preferred aspect, the approximately rectilinear sections each enclose an angle of 75°-85°, 77°-83° or approximately 80° with a second plane oriented perpendicular to the first plane through the first ends of the two approximately rectilinear sections.

[0069] The inventors have discovered that such an angle ensures that a sufficient contact pressure can be achieved for a large number of patients without the headband touching the head, while the headband runs approximately semicircularly between the respective first ends.

[0070] According to a preferred aspect, the headband is elastically designed, preferably as a bending spring.

[0071] The fitting can, for example, be designed such that a diameter measured between the opposing sensor caps is smaller than a transverse diameter of the head, preferably in a region above the ear canals.

[0072] The elasticity and the associated restoring force of the headband ensure that the headband presses the sensor caps and the sensors contained therein against the sides of the head. This allows the headset to be secured to a patient's head, at least temporarily.

[0073] According to a preferred aspect, the headband, nose bridge, and sensor caps are preferably formed integrally from the same material. In other preferred aspects, configurations are also possible in which the headband, nose bridge, and sensor caps are formed from different parts and / or different materials and can be fixed to one another.

[0074] This ensures sufficient rigidity of the assembly so that a change in the position of the sensor caps between individual measurements is avoided.

[0075] The assembly is preferably designed such that the relative positions of the sensor caps, headband, and nosepiece cannot be changed between individual measurements. This means that the positions of the sensor caps, headband, and nosepiece are consistent at least between individual measurements. For this purpose, according to a preferred aspect, the sensor caps, headband, and nosepiece are formed as a single piece or at least can be fixed to one another. According to a preferred aspect, the material is a biocompatible material, preferably a polyamide PA12, particularly preferably PA2200.

[0076] Biocompatible material doesn't trigger toxicological processes. This makes it comfortable to wear and relatively lightweight. This type of material is particularly advantageous if the headgear is worn for extended periods.

[0077] In addition, such a material is suitable for performing MRI measurements on the head with the headgear on, as it does not have any magnetic or paramagnetic properties.

[0078] In further aspects, a particularly advantageous sensor cap for positioning sensors on a head is provided.

[0079] According to a preferred aspect, a sensor cap is provided for receiving at least one sensor, wherein the sensor cap comprises: a preferably approximately cylindrical recess for receiving a sensor, wherein the recess has an opening on one side and is at least partially delimited by the sensor cap on a bottom side of the sensor cap opposite the opening and on at least one side surface of the sensor cap.

[0080] Such a sensor cap is designed to accommodate a sensor in the recess. A front side of the sensor is exposed through the opening, allowing the front side to rest against a patient's head. The sensor is delimited and held in position by the bottom side and at least one side surface in the recess.

[0081] According to a preferred aspect, the sensor cap has, at a preferably approximately central position on the bottom side, a preferably approximately hemispherical elevation directed in the direction of the opening.

[0082] When the front of the sensor is placed against a surface of the head, the sensor can adapt its orientation to the surface of the head.

[0083] According to a preferred aspect, the sensor cap has a through-opening into the recess through the at least one side surface, wherein the through-opening opens into the opening of the recess via a through-opening region.

[0084] When a sensor connected to a sensor cable is inserted through the opening of the recess into the sensor cap, the sensor cable can be inserted through the feedthrough area into the feedthrough opening at the same time as the sensor is inserted into the recess. This advantageously guides the sensor cable away from the sensor in the recess through the sensor cap. Furthermore, the cable is at least partially circumferentially limited by the sensor cap, thereby limiting the sensor's mobility in the recess. For example, this prevents twisting in the direction perpendicular to the front and back.

[0085] According to a preferred aspect, the feedthrough region has a taper relative to a diameter of the feedthrough opening.

[0086] The tapered section holds a sensor cable connected to the sensor in the feedthrough opening. This allows a sensor connected to the sensor cable to be held in the recess.

[0087] According to a preferred aspect, the sensor cap has a further opening which at least partially exposes the recess through the at least one side surface and / or through the bottom side.

[0088] The areas of the sensor exposed by the wider opening are accessible from outside the sensor cap. This makes it easier to remove the sensor from the recess in the sensor cap. Furthermore, heat dissipation from the sensor is improved because these areas are not enclosed by the sensor cap.

[0089] According to a preferred aspect, the sensor cap has a further recess with a magnet on a side opposite the opening of the recess.

[0090] By positioning a magnet on the side of the sensor cap opposite the opening of the recess, the magnet and the sensor cap are pulled toward each other by a magnetic force, so that a force acts on the sensor toward the bottom side and the sensor is held in the recess. Furthermore, the aforementioned object is achieved by a method for producing the previously described assembly or for producing a sensor cap, the method comprising producing the assembly or the sensor cap using 3D printing.

[0091] With this manufacturing process, both the set and the sensor cap can be manufactured particularly efficiently and individually for each patient. In particular, 3D printing allows the set and the sensor caps to be manufactured as a single piece, particularly effectively.

[0092] Furthermore, the object is achieved by using the initially described fitting, comprising the steps of: inserting at least one sensor into a recess of a sensor cap; positioning the fitting on the head such that the sensors in the sensor caps rest on opposite sides of the head and the nosepiece rests on the bridge of the nose.

[0093] By using such a set, sensors arranged in the sensor caps can be applied to the opposite areas of the head for a measurement.

[0094] According to a preferred aspect, the insertion of at least one sensor into a recess of a sensor cap comprises: During the insertion of the at least one sensor into the recess of a sensor cap, passing a sensor cable connected to the sensor through the feedthrough area into the feedthrough opening in order to engage the cable through the taper.

[0095] This allows a sensor to be held in the recess of the sensor cap.

[0096] According to a preferred aspect, inserting at least one sensor into a recess of a sensor cap comprises: inserting the at least one sensor into the recess of a sensor cap until a rear side of the sensor strikes the bottom side or the elevation.

[0097] The stop on the elevation allows the sensor to adjust its orientation under the influence of pressure exerted on the sensor by the head. Further properties, features, and advantages of the disclosure will become clear below by describing preferred embodiments of the disclosure with reference to the accompanying exemplary drawings, in which:

[0098] Fig. 1 shows an example of a perspective view of a set.

[0099] Fig. 2 shows an example of a top view of a set.

[0100] Fig. 3 shows an enlarged view of a sensor cap as an example.

[0101] Fig. 4 shows an example of a perspective view of a set with markers

[0102] The features disclosed in the above description, the figures and the claims may be important both individually and in any combination for the realization of the disclosure in the various embodiments.

[0103] Reference symbols in the figures refer to the same elements.

[0104] Fig. 1 shows an example of a design of a set 1 for positioning sensors on opposite areas of a head.

[0105] The assembly 1 comprises a headband 2, which at least partially surrounds an axis A in a first plane running perpendicular to the axis A. At opposite ends of the headband 2 are two sensor caps 3, each accommodating at least one sensor. The assembly 1 further comprises a nose bridge 4, which extends from an approximately central region between the sensor caps 3 in a direction approximately perpendicular to the headband 2. The nose bridge 4 has, at an end opposite the headband 2, a preferably bow-shaped end piece 5 for accommodating the bridge of the nose of a head.

[0106] The headband 2 is dimensioned such that the sensor caps 3 are positioned on opposite areas of the head, preferably in an area between the T3 and T5 positions in the 10-20 system and in an area between the T4 and T6 positions in the 10-20 system, when the headband 2 at least partially encircles the head and the nosepiece 4 is supported by the end piece 5 on the bridge of the nose. According to a preferred aspect, a distance between the sensor caps 3 is smaller than a transverse diameter of the head, preferably measured between the area between the T3 and T5 positions and the area between the T4 and T6 positions in the 10-20 system.

[0107] Furthermore, the headband 1 is elastically formed, preferably in one piece, so that the sensor caps 3 with sensors located therein are pressed laterally against the opposite areas of the head.

[0108] The sensor caps 3 are each designed to accommodate an approximately cylindrical sensor. To accommodate such a sensor, a sensor cap 3 has a recess 6, which is delimited in the direction of the head by an opening 7 and is delimited by the sensor cap 3 on a side surface 9 of the sensor cap 3 that at least partially surrounds the recess, and is delimited by the sensor cap 3 on a bottom side 8 of the sensor cap 3 opposite the opening 7.

[0109] The opening 7 is designed so that a sensor can be inserted into the recess 6. A sensor arranged in the recess 6 is then exposed through the circumferential opening 7 toward the head, so that a front side of the sensor can rest against the head, with the sensor being laterally delimited by the side surface 9 of the sensor cap 3 and the bottom side 8 of the sensor cap 3. This holds the sensor in the sensor cap 3 when the fitting 1 rests against the head.

[0110] In the example shown, the openings 7 of the two sensor caps 3 face each other. The sensors arranged in the recesses 6 can thus be aligned with each other.

[0111] Furthermore, a sensor cap 3 has at least one, preferably two, through-openings 11 through the side surface of the sensor cap 3 for a sensor cable connected to the sensor. A through-opening is designed to guide a sensor cable connected to the sensor through the sensor cap and out of the sensor cap laterally.

[0112] The two through-holes 12 can be spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction. This allows for different radial orientations of the sensors in the recess 6. One through-hole n opens into the opening 7 of the sensor cap 3 via a through-hole region 12. The through-hole region 12 and the through-hole 11 are designed such that a sensor cable connected to the sensor can be pushed from the opening 7 through the through-hole region 12 into the through-hole 11 when the sensor is pushed into the recess 6 via the opening 7. The sensor cable connected to the sensor is thus guided laterally away from the sensor through the sensor cap 3.

[0113] The sensor cable is at least partially circumferentially limited by the sensor cap 3, which holds the sensor in position.

[0114] The through-hole 11 has a taper 13 relative to a diameter of the through-hole 11, so that a sensor cable cannot slide directly through the through-hole area 12 from the through-hole 11 toward the opening 7. This allows a sensor connected to the sensor cable to be fixed in the recess 6.

[0115] Furthermore, a sensor cap 3 has a further opening 14, which at least partially exposes the recess 6 through the side surface 9 of the sensor cap 3 and the bottom side 8 of the sensor cap 3. This at least partially exposes a sensor arranged in the recess 6.

[0116] Figure 2 shows a top view of set 1 in Figure 1.

[0117] The headband 2 has a curved section 16 that at least partially encircles the axis A in the first plane. The curved section 16 is preferably semicircular. Furthermore, the headband 2 has two approximately rectilinear sections 17 that extend in the first plane. The two approximately rectilinear sections 17 each merge into the curved section 16 at a first end and each terminate in a sensor cap 3 at a second end opposite the first end.

[0118] The top view shows that the two approximately rectilinear sections 17 converge from the respective first end in the first plane. The top view shows that a distance measured between the sensor caps 3 is smaller than a radial diameter of the curved region 16 measured between the first ends of the respective approximately rectilinear sections 17.

[0119] As a result, the contact pressure exerted on the head is focused on the sensor caps 3 or on the sensors in the sensor caps 3.

[0120] Figure 3 shows a perspective view of a sensor cap 3 of the set 1 shown in Figure 1 or Figure 2.

[0121] It is shown that the sensor cap 3 has an approximately cylindrical recess 6, which is delimited on one side by a circumferential opening 7 and, on a side opposite the opening 7, by a bottom side 8 of the sensor cap 3 and laterally by a circumferential side surface 9 of the sensor cap 3. The recess 6 thus formed in the sensor cap 3 serves to accommodate a sensor.

[0122] Furthermore, the sensor cap 3 has on the bottom side 8 an approximately hemispherical elevation 10 directed in the direction of the opening, which forms a stop for a sensor.

[0123] When a sensor's rear side strikes the approximately hemispherical elevation 10 in a first area, a region of the rear side of the sensor surrounding the first area is spaced from the bottom side 8 of the sensor cap 3. When a pressure force is exerted on the sensor by the head toward the bottom side, the sensor can thus adjust its orientation within the recess 6.

[0124] In addition, the feedthrough openings 11 are visible through the side surface 9 of the sensor cap 3, which open into the opening 7 via the feedthrough area 12.

[0125] The feedthrough area 12 has a taper 13. The taper 13 is formed by opposing areas of the sensor cap 3, which are spaced apart by a distance that is less than a diameter of the feedthrough opening 11. To form a taper, the opposing lateral areas of the sensor cap can have a bevel in the direction of the opening 7 so that the sensor cable can be guided more easily from the opening 7 in the direction of the feedthrough opening 12 into the feedthrough opening 11 when inserted through the feedthrough area 12.

[0126] In addition, a further recess 14 of the sensor cap 3 can be seen, which at least partially exposes the recess 6 through the bottom side 8 of the sensor cap 3 and the side surface 9 of the sensor cap 3.

[0127] Figure 4 shows a perspective view of a set 1 in combination with markers 15-

[0128] The markers 15 are approximately clip-shaped and can be attached to various areas of the set 1. The markers 15 are preferably made of the same material as the set 1.

[0129] In some examples, one marker 15 can be attached to an approximately central region of the nose bridge 4, and at least two additional markers 15 can be attached to different regions of the headband 2. In further examples, the at least two markers 15 can each be attached to a side of a sensor cap 3 facing away from the head. In further examples, multiple markers 15 can be attached to different regions of the assembly 1, on the sensor caps 3, on the headband 2, and on the nose bridge 4.

[0130] The markers 15 are particularly visible in an MRI scan of the head with the set 1 attached, so that the position of the set 1 can be set in relation to information about the head in the MRI scan.

[0131] The various exemplary aspects and embodiments described above may be combined to create yet further embodiments. These and other changes may be made to the embodiments in light of the above detailed description. In general, the terms used in the following claims should not be construed to limit the claims to the specific aspects and embodiments disclosed in the description and claims, but rather to encompass all possible embodiments, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled.

[0132] List of reference symbols

[0133] 1st set

[0134] 2. Headband

[0135] 3. Sensor caps

[0136] 4. Nose clip

[0137] 5. End piece

[0138] 6. Recess

[0139] 7. Opening

[0140] 8. Bottom side

[0141] 9. Side surface

[0142] 10. Survey

[0143] 11. Passage opening

[0144] 12. Implementation area

[0145] 13. Rejuvenation

[0146] 14. Further opening

[0147] 15. Marker

[0148] 16. Curved section

[0149] 17. Straight section

[0150] A axis

Claims

Claims 1. A set (1) for positioning sensors on opposite areas of a head, the set (1) characterized by: a headband (2) designed to at least partially encircle the head; sensor caps (3) arranged on opposite areas of the headband (2) for each receiving at least one of the sensors; and a nose bridge (4) connected to the headband (2) and designed to support the headband (2) on the back of the nose of the head.

2. Set according to claim 1, wherein the nose bridge (4) is connected to the headband (2) in a region of the headband (2) approximately centrally between the sensor caps (3).

3. Set according to one of claims 1 or 2, wherein the headband (2) at least partially surrounds an axis (A) in a first plane running perpendicular to the axis (A), and wherein the nosepiece (4) intersects the first plane, preferably in a direction approximately perpendicular to the first plane.

4. Set (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the nose bridge (4) has an end piece (5) for receiving the bridge of the nose of the head at an end opposite the head bridge (2).

5. A set according to claim 4, wherein the end piece (5) has an indentation which is designed to inhibit or prevent movement of the nosepiece (4) relative to the bridge of the nose.

6. A set according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the indentation is aligned approximately along the axis (A) and is designed to prevent relative movement of the nosepiece (4) to the bridge of the nose in a direction parallel to a frontal plane of the head and parallel to the first plane.

7. Fitting (1) according to one of the preceding claims 4 to 6, wherein the indentation is bow-shaped.

8. Set (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the nose bridge (4), starting from the connection to the headband (2), has a length of 2 cm - 7 cm, preferably about 5 cm or less. 9- Set (i) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the sensor caps (3) have a distance of 10 cm - 17 cm, preferably 11 cm - 16 cm from the nose bridge (4).

10. Fitting (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein each sensor cap (3) comprises a preferably approximately cylindrical recess (6) for receiving a sensor, which recess has an opening (7) on one side and is at least partially delimited by the sensor cap (3) on a bottom side (8) of the sensor cap (3) opposite the opening and on at least one side surface (9) of the sensor cap (3).

11. Set (1) according to claim 10, wherein the openings (7) of the sensor caps (3) face each other.

12. Fitting (1) according to one of claims 10 or 11, wherein the sensor cap (3) has, at a preferably approximately central position on the bottom side (8), a preferably approximately hemispherical elevation (10) directed in the direction of the opening (7), which elevation represents a stop and / or adjustment aid for a sensor.

13. Fitting (1) according to one of claims 10-12, wherein each sensor cap (3) has at least one through-opening (11) into the recess (6) through the at least one side surface (9), wherein the through-opening (11) opens into the opening (7) of the recess (6) via a through-opening region (12).

14. Fitting (1) according to claim 13, wherein the lead-through region (12) has a taper (13) relative to a diameter of the lead-through opening (11).

15. Fitting (1) according to one of claims 1-14, wherein each sensor cap (3) has a further opening (14) which at least partially exposes the recess (6) through the at least one side surface (9) and / or through the bottom side (8).

16. Fitting (1) according to one of claims 10-15, wherein each sensor cap (3) has a further recess for receiving a magnet on a side opposite the opening (7) of the recess (6). 17- Set (1) according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising a magnet which can be fastened to one of the sensor caps (3), preferably in the further recess (6).

18. Set (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the set (1) has at least three preferably clip-shaped markers (15) which can be fastened to different areas on the nose bridge (4), the headband (2) and / or the sensor caps (3).

19. Set (1) according to claim 18, wherein the markers (15) each have a marker body made of the same material as the nose bridge (4), the headband (2) and / or the sensor caps (3).

20. Set (1) according to claim 10, further comprising at least one preferably approximately disc-shaped pad which can be fastened to one of the sensor caps (3) and / or the headband (2) and has a hole so that, when the pad is fastened to the sensor cap (3) and / or the headband (2), the hole is aligned with the opening (7) of the sensor cap (3) such that a sensor arranged in the recess (6) of the sensor cap (3) rests against the scalp via the opening (7) and via the hole.

21. A set according to claim 20, wherein the pad preferably protrudes beyond lateral edges of the sensor cap (3) and has a gap through which a portion of the head can be marked when the pad is attached to the sensor cap (3) and / or the headband (2).

22. Set (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the headband (2) comprises: a curved section (16) which preferably runs approximately semicircularly around the axis (A) in the first plane, two approximately rectilinear sections (17), each of which merges into the curved region (16) at a first end and at the opposite second end of which a sensor cap (3) is located, the two approximately rectilinear sections (17) converging towards one another starting from the respective first end.

23. Fitting (1) according to claim 22, wherein the approximately rectilinear sections (17) each form an angle of approximately 75°-85°, preferably approximately 80°, with a by the first ends of the two approximately rectilinear sections (17) enclosing a second plane aligned perpendicular to the first plane.

24. Set (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the headband (2) is elastically designed, preferably as a spiral spring.

25. Set (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the headband (2), the nose bridge (4) and the sensor caps (3) are preferably formed in one piece from the same material.

26. Fitting (1) according to claim 25, wherein the material is a biocompatible material, preferably a polyamide PA12, particularly preferably PA2200.

27. Sensor cap (3) for receiving at least one sensor, the sensor cap (3) comprising: a preferably approximately cylindrical recess (6) for receiving a sensor, wherein the recess (6) has an opening (7) on one side and is at least partially delimited by the sensor cap (3) on a bottom side (8) of the sensor cap (3) opposite the opening (7) and on at least one side surface (9) of the sensor cap (3).

28. Sensor cap (3) according to claim 27, wherein the sensor cap (3) has, at a preferably approximately central position on the bottom side (8), a preferably approximately hemispherical elevation (10) directed in the direction of the opening (7), which elevation represents a stop for a sensor.

29. Sensor cap (3) according to one of claims 27 or 28, wherein the sensor cap (3) has a through-opening (11) into the recess (6) through the at least one side surface (9), wherein the through-opening (11) opens into the opening (7) of the recess (6) via a through-opening region (12).

30. Sensor cap (3) according to claim 29, wherein the feedthrough region (12) has a taper (13) relative to a diameter of the feedthrough opening (11).

31. Sensor cap (3) according to one of claims 27-30, wherein the sensor cap (3) has a further opening (14) which at least partially exposes the recess (6) through the at least one side surface (9) and / or through the bottom side (8).

32. Sensor cap (3) according to one of claims 27-31, wherein the sensor cap (3) has a further recess with a magnet on a side opposite the opening (7) of the recess (6).

33. The fitting according to any one of claims 1 to 26 or the sensor cap according to any one of claims 24 to 29, further comprising the at least one sensor arranged in one of the sensor caps or in the sensor cap.

34. Method for producing a fitting (1) according to any one of claims 1-26 or 33 or for producing a sensor cap (3) according to any one of claims 23-30, the method comprising producing the fitting (1) or the sensor cap (3) by means of 3D printing.

35. Use of a set (1) according to one of claims 1-26 or 33, comprising the steps: Inserting at least one sensor into a recess (6) of a sensor cap (3), Position the set (1) on the head so that the sensors in the sensor caps (3) rest on opposite sides of the head and the nose bridge (4) rests on the back of the nose.

36. Use according to claim 35, wherein the insertion of at least one sensor into a recess (6) of a sensor cap (3) comprises: During the insertion of the at least one sensor into the recess (6) of a sensor cap (3), passing a sensor cable connected to the sensor through the feedthrough area (12) into the feedthrough opening (11) in order to engage the cable through the taper.

37. Use according to claim 35 or claim 36, wherein the insertion of at least one sensor into a recess (6) of a sensor cap (3) comprises: Inserting the at least one sensor into the recess (6) of a sensor cap (3) until a rear side of the sensor strikes the bottom side (8) or the elevation (10).

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