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
Engineering 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
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.
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.
2Reliability
If the headband is made rigid to maintain electrode position, then measurement reliability is improved, but it cannot conform to various head shapes
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.
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.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the headband is made highly flexible to accommodate all head shapes, then adaptability is improved, but electrode position stability deteriorates
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.
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
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
Data Source
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).


