Auricular Sensor Module Coupling for Stable In-Ear Bio-Signal Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wearable sensors for bio-signals, such as EEG and ECG, face challenges including discomfort, poor signal conductivity, and difficulty in maintaining a stable arrangement in the ear, especially for extended wear, and are often costly and labor-intensive to manufacture.
Innovation Solution
A modular auricular sensing system with a magnetically coupled earpiece module and electronics module that allows for relative movement while maintaining electrical connectivity, featuring a compliant housing and electrodes along the exterior surface for signal detection, and includes additional sensors for biometrics and human-computer interface capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If sensor caps are worn to capture EEG signals over extended periods, then multiple data channels can be acquired, but the device becomes cumbersome and uncomfortable to wear
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor cap is divided into multiple independent sensor modules that can be separately positioned and secured. Each module contains its own electrodes and can be independently adjusted, allowing the system to maintain multiple data channels while reducing overall bulk and improving comfort during extended wear periods
2Duration of action of moving object
If sensor caps are worn for extended periods, then multiple data channels can be acquired, but the device becomes socially awkward in office settings or formal gatherings
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the cap into discrete, small sensor modules, the device profile is significantly reduced. These compact modules are less visually obtrusive and can be more discreetly positioned, making the system more socially acceptable for extended wear in professional and formal environments
3Measurement precision
If thick hair or scar tissue is present, then signal detection is interfered with, but in-ear sensors can overcome this issue
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor system extracts the detection function from the traditional cap configuration and relocates it to in-ear modules. This extraction allows direct placement of electrodes on the ear canal skin, bypassing the interference of thick hair or scar tissue on the scalp while maintaining high signal quality for EEG detection
4Measurement precision
If custom-molded earpieces are used, then some shortcomings of sensor caps are overcome, but the arrangement becomes difficult to maintain stably and comfortably in the ear
Solution Approach 1:
The earpiece modules incorporate flexible and compliant materials that can dynamically adapt to the unique geometry of different ear canals. This dynamic adaptability allows the modules to maintain stable and comfortable positioning while preserving high signal detection capability across multiple users and extended wear periods
5Measurement precision
If in-ear sensors are used, then signal detection is improved, but manufacturing becomes costly and labor-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The in-ear sensor modules are designed as universal, multi-functional units that can detect multiple bio-signals (EEG, ECG, PPG) using standardized electrode configurations and housing designs. This universality allows for streamlined manufacturing processes and reduced costs while maintaining improved signal conductivity across different application scenarios
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables comfortable, stable, and efficient bio-signal detection over extended periods with high signal quality, allowing for quick module exchange and easy data transfer, suitable for applications like EEG and ECG monitoring.
Implementation Method 1
one of the earpiece module or electronics module may include a metal coupling plate while the other of the earpiece module or the electronics module may include a magnet to magnetically couple the earpiece module and the electronics module together
Implementation Method 2
The system includes electrode tips configured to conform to the user's ear canals and arranged with sense, reference, and driven ground electrodes. A signal acquisition subsystem obtains voltage differentials between electrodes placed in opposite ears, enabling the measurement of EEG signals from within the ear canals.
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 2C
AI summary
The technology provides a modular auricular sensing system which can be used for biometric sensing in a variety of applications. The sensing system includes an earpiece module and an electronics module. The earpiece module includes a housing and one or more electrodes with contacts along an exterior surface of the housing. The earpiece module has a first end portion configured for at least partial insertion into the ear canal and a second end portion releasably coupled to the electronics module. The coupling between the earpiece module and the electronics module is configured to allow relative movement (e.g., translation and/or rotation) between the earpiece module and the electronics module while maintaining electrical connectivity between electrode(s) of the earpiece module and the electronics module.