Brain Wave Measuring Device with Ear-Attached Conformance Assist

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing brain wave measuring devices face challenges in being wearable on various head shapes due to discomfort caused by pressure on electrode portions, leading to inadequate contact and measurement difficulties.

Innovation Solution

A brain wave measuring device with a band member made of rubber-like elastic material, featuring conformance assisting portions with ear attachments and adjustable mechanisms to fit different head shapes, and elastic protrusion portions with conductive electrode tips for secure and comfortable fitting.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If electrodes are pressed firmly against the head to ensure adequate contact, then measurement precision is improved, but the wearer experiences discomfort and excessive pressure

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebrain wave detection accuracyVSAvoiddiscomfort from electrode pressure
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The headband is divided into multiple flexible segments or zones with varying degrees of flexibility. The electrode portions are segmented from the main band structure, allowing independent movement and pressure distribution. This segmentation enables the electrodes to maintain adequate contact with the scalp without concentrating excessive pressure on single points, thereby resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and wearer comfort.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different portions of the headband are designed with different mechanical properties. The electrode contact areas are made softer and more compliant to conform to individual scalp contours, while other portions maintain structural integrity. This local variation in material properties allows adequate electrode contact for precise brain wave detection without causing discomfort from uniform rigid pressure across the entire headband.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Reliability

If the headband is made rigid to maintain electrode position, then measurement reliability is improved, but it cannot conform to various head shapes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrode contact stabilityVSAvoidcompatibility with different head shapes
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The headband incorporates dynamic elements that allow it to adapt its rigidity based on the required function. The band transitions from a relatively rigid structure during donning to a dynamically adaptable state during wear, where it can flex and conform to various head shapes while maintaining electrode positioning. This dynamic behavior enables the headband to provide reliable electrode contact across different users with varying head geometries.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The headband utilizes flexible materials and thin-film structures that can bend and conform to the contours of different head shapes. These flexible components maintain sufficient structural integrity to hold electrodes in position while adapting to individual anatomical variations. The flexible shell design allows the headband to wrap around various head forms reliably, ensuring consistent electrode-skin contact across diverse users.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Adaptability or versatility

If the headband is made highly flexible to accommodate all head shapes, then adaptability is improved, but electrode position stability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefitting to various head shapesVSAvoidelectrode contact consistency
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The headband is segmented into flexible adaptation zones and rigid electrode stabilization zones. The flexible segments allow the band to conform to different head shapes and sizes, while the rigid segments with embedded electrodes maintain stable positioning. This spatial segmentation of mechanical properties enables the headband to simultaneously achieve high adaptability to various head geometries and reliable electrode contact consistency across different users.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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

The device ensures comfortable wear and stable brain wave detection regardless of head shape, preventing discomfort and ensuring adequate contact for accurate measurements.

Implementation Method 1

a band member (11) made of a rubber-like elastic material

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

a plurality of elastic protrusion portions (12) integrated with the band member (11), each protrusion portion having a conductive member (13) provided on a tip portion

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS20240225510A1Brain wave measuring device and brain wave measuring method
Publication Date: 2024.07.11 SUMITOMO BAKELITE CO LTD
  • US20240225510A1 patent drawing
  • US20240225510A1 patent drawing
  • US20240225510A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A brain wave measuring device (10) includes a band member (11) that is worn on a human head (99) by conforming to the shape of the human head, a plurality of electrode portions (13) that is provided on one surface of the band member (11), and conformance assisting portions (30) that assist the band member (11) in conforming to the shape of the head (99), in which each of the conformance assisting portions (30) has an ear attachment portion (40) that is attached to a human ear (80), an attachment portion (50) that is attached to the band member (11), and a connection member (60) that spans between the ear attachment portion (40) and the attachment portion (50).