Chamfered Probe Holder for Preschooler Brain Measurement Comfort

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional brain function measurement devices for preschoolers cause discomfort due to reduced space between probes when downsized for smaller heads, making it painful to wear without rubber pads for cushioning.

Innovation Solution

A measurement probe with a metal or resin holder covering the optical fiber tip, featuring a flat surface and chamfered corners to reduce pressure, eliminating the need for rubber pads and ensuring comfort during use.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the holder size is reduced for preschoolers with small heads, then the measurement probe can fit the head, but the space between probes becomes smaller making rubber pad attachment impossible and causing pain

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefit to preschooler headVSAvoidpain at attachment

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The holder is designed with different properties at different locations: the tip surface has chamfered corners specifically at the contact points with the head, while the rest of the holder maintains its structural integrity. This localized modification reduces pressure at critical attachment points without compromising the overall holder structure or allowing rubber pad attachment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The chamfered corners create a curved contact surface at the tip of the holder where it contacts the head. This curvature distributes the contact pressure over a larger area compared to a sharp corner, reducing pressure concentration and associated pain at the attachment site.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If rubber pads are attached to probes to alleviate pain, then comfort is improved, but the holder size cannot be reduced for preschoolers

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepain at attachmentVSAvoidholder size reduction

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts the cushioning function from the rubber pad component and integrates it directly into the holder structure through chamfered corners. This eliminates the need for separate rubber pads while maintaining the comfort benefit, allowing the holder to be downsized for preschoolers without requiring additional cushioning components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Measurement precision

If the number of probes is maintained for accurate measurement, then measurement precision is improved, but the holder size must be reduced which creates space constraints

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebrain function measurement accuracyVSAvoidholder size

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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 solution effectively alleviates pain by distributing pressure more evenly and maintaining measurement accuracy without the need for rubber pads, ensuring comfortable and effective brain function measurement in preschoolers.

Implementation Method 1

a fiber configured to irradiate the head of the subject with light

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight irradiation: Light

Data Source

PatentUS11660039B2Measurement probe for preschoolers and brain function measuring device for preschoolers

Publication Date: 2023.05.30 SHIMADZU CORP

AI summary

A measurement probe for preschoolers includes a fiber configured to irradiate a head of a subject with light, and a holder made of a metal or resin other than rubber. A tip surface of a tip of the fiber that contacts the head of the subject is flat, and a corner of a tip surface of the holder that contacts the head of the subject is chamfered.