Concha And Ear-Canal Electrodes for Continuous Sleep EEG
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current EEG monitoring devices are not capable of effectively recording real-time EEG signals during sleep due to their obtrusive nature, which compromises patient comfort and data accuracy.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus and method for generating EEG signals from the ear using electrodes placed in the ear canal and concha, with integrated electronic circuitry to process and transmit these signals minimally invasively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If electrodes are placed on the scalp for EEG monitoring, then EEG signals can be recorded, but patient comfort is compromised and the device becomes obtrusive during sleep
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the EEG monitoring function into two separate electrode placements: one electrode in the ear canal and another on the concha. This segmentation allows the monitoring system to be distributed across different anatomical locations, reducing the obtrusiveness on the scalp while maintaining EEG recording capability through the ear-based configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions the EEG monitoring approach from the traditional scalp dimension to an alternative dimension by utilizing the ear canal and concha as electrode placement sites. This dimensional shift in anatomical location enables unobtrusive monitoring during sleep while preserving the ability to capture EEG signals.
2Measurement precision
If traditional EEG monitoring devices are used, then EEG signals can be measured, but the devices are obtrusive and compromise data accuracy during sleep
Solution Approach 1:
The ear-based EEG monitoring system utilizes the natural anatomy of the ear (ear canal and concha) as self-contained electrode placement sites. This self-service approach eliminates the need for external headgear or scalp electrodes that may shift or cause discomfort, thereby maintaining consistent contact and reliable data acquisition throughout the sleep period.
3Measurement precision
If electrodes are placed within both ears with galvanic connection, then EEG monitoring is achieved, but real-time frequent measurement during sleep is not facilitated
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the EEG monitoring function from the traditional bilateral ear canal configuration with galvanic connection and repositions one electrode to the concha. This extraction and repositioning eliminates the need for complex inter-ear galvanic connections, simplifying the system and enabling more reliable real-time measurement during sleep through the single-ear concha-to-earcanal configuration.
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
Facilitates accurate and continuous EEG signal recording during sleep, enhancing patient comfort and data quality by using a minimally obtrusive ear-based system.
Implementation Method 1
a first electrode provided on a first portion of the housing... to be disposed against a first surface of the ear canal when the first portion of the housing is received within the ear for generating a first ear canal signal. The second electrode is structured to be received within a concha of the ear... and to be disposed against a surface of concha when the second portion is received within the concha for generating a concha signal
Implementation Method 2
The electronic circuitry is structured and configured to receive the first ear canal signal and the concha signal, and to generate a first in ear signal based on the first ear canal signal and the concha signal
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus used in a method for generating an ear electroencephalogram (EEG) signal from an ear of a patient includes: a housing; a first electrode provided on a first portion of the housing received within an ear canal of the ear, such that the first electrode is disposed against a first surface of the ear canal to generate a first ear canal signal; a second electrode provided on a second portion of the housing structured to be received within a concha of the ear when the first portion is received within the ear canal, such that the second electrode is disposed against a surface of concha to generate a concha signal; and electronic circuitry provided within the housing, the electronic circuitry being structured and configured to generate a first in ear signal after receiving the first ear canal signal and the concha signal.