C-Shaped Ear Sensor Scaffolding for Signal Capture and Occlusion Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wearable sensors for EEG and bio signal detection, such as caps and in-ear devices, face challenges like discomfort, difficulty in maintaining high-quality signal capture, especially with thick hair, and costly manufacturing processes, while also causing sound occlusion and being cumbersome for long-term wear.
Innovation Solution
The development of in-ear sensor assemblies with a C-shaped scaffolding structure that provides multiple points of contact and spring force to maintain secure fitting, minimizing material usage and sound occlusion, allowing for comfortable and unobtrusive long-term wear, and enabling cost-effective mass production.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If caps are worn on the head to capture EEG signals, then multiple data channels can be captured, but the cap becomes cumbersome and uncomfortable for extended wear
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the EEG sensing function from the traditional full-head cap and relocates it to a minimal in-ear device. The C-shaped body with spring force provides only the necessary contact points for signal capture, eliminating the need for cumbersome head coverage while maintaining measurement capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a disposable or replaceable in-ear sensor assembly that can be easily discarded or replaced after use. This eliminates the need for cleaning and maintenance of permanent devices, making them more hygienic and comfortable for extended or repeated wear sessions.
2Reliability
If in-ear sensors use custom-molded earpieces, then secure fitting is achieved, but manufacturing becomes costly and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the in-ear sensor into modular components: a C-shaped body, spring mechanism, and sensor elements. This modular design allows for standardized mass production of individual parts that can be assembled efficiently, eliminating the need for costly custom molding while maintaining secure fit through the spring-loaded contact mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the C-shaped body and spring mechanism to provide optimal contact force and fit. By adjusting the spring constant, contact point geometry, and C-shaped body dimensions, the device achieves reliable fitting through parameter optimization rather than custom manufacturing.
3Adaptability or versatility
If malleable sensors with electrical contacts are used, then specific medical applications are enabled, but multiple high-quality contacts and manufacturing become difficult and labor-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the in-ear sensor with multiple contact points and configurable sensor elements that can detect various bio-signals including EEG, ECG, and other physiological parameters. This universal design enables multiple medical applications from a single standardized device, eliminating the need for specialized manufacturing for each application.
4Measurement precision
If traditional in-ear devices are designed, then sensor contact is achieved, but ambient sound occlusion increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a thin C-shaped body that contacts the ear canal wall without completely blocking the ear canal opening. This thin-film approach maintains sensor contact for signal detection while allowing ambient sound to pass through, reducing occlusion effects compared to traditional bulkier in-ear devices.
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 C-shaped scaffolding structure ensures secure and comfortable long-term wear, maintains high-quality bio-signal detection, and reduces sound occlusion, making it suitable for biometric and human-computer interface applications while being cost-effective and adaptable to the flexible shape of the ear.
Implementation Method 1
The central C-shaped body comprises one or more materials, and provides a spring force so that the sensor assembly maintains multiple points of contact along the ear of the wearer
Data Source
AI summary
The technology involves scaffold structures used for in-ear sensor systems. Such systems that can perform biometric signal detection or act as a human-computer interface. Scaffolding arrangements minimize the amount of material placed in the ear while providing a secure fitting device that can be worn for hours, days or longer in order to provide maximal benefit to the wearer. The scaffolding includes a “C”-shaped arcuate curvature for at least part of the housing. This configuration can act as a natural leaf spring to help maintain the housing in contact with different points along the ear. Sensors are located along various points of the scaffolding for use in different diagnostic situations. Different components of an on-board sensor input and processing system can be distributed along different parts of the scaffolding. Such structures beneficially minimize ambient sound occlusion and avoid the need of an exterior strap or clip worn around the ear.