Conformal Sensor Mount Rigidity Switching for Stable MEG Placement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conformal MEG systems face challenges in efficiently securing the positions and orientations of sensors due to varying head shapes and sizes, leading to time-consuming relocation and inaccurate sensor placement, which affects the accuracy of magnetic field measurements.
Innovation Solution
A sensor mount that transitions between flexible and rigid states using a low-pressure environment to secure sensor positions and orientations, allowing efficient conforming to target geometry and maintaining sensor stability during measurements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conformal MEG systems use flexible sensor mounts to adapt to varying head shapes and sizes, then adaptability to different subjects is improved, but the stability and fixed positioning of sensors deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor mount transitions from a static rigid structure to a dynamic system that can change its mechanical properties. By incorporating a phase change material, the mount dynamically shifts between flexible and rigid states based on temperature conditions, allowing it to adapt to different head geometries during application while maintaining stable sensor positioning during measurement.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the physical state of the phase change material by altering temperature parameters. Below the melting point, the material remains solid and flexible for adaptation; above the melting point, it becomes liquid and rigid for stable measurement, thus resolving the contradiction between adaptability and stability through parameter control.
2Measurement precision
If conformal MEG systems relocate sensors for each subject, then measurement accuracy for individual subjects is improved, but time consumption and operational efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible sensor mount allows sensors to be preliminarily positioned and conform to the subject's head geometry before the phase change material melts. This preliminary adaptation action occurs during the flexible state, after which the material transitions to rigid state to lock sensors in place, eliminating the need for time-consuming relocation during the measurement setup.
Solution Approach 2:
The phase change material automatically transitions from flexible to rigid state through temperature change, enabling the sensor mount to self-adjust and secure sensor positions without requiring manual relocation or adjustment by operators, thus reducing time loss while maintaining measurement precision.
3Stability of the object's composition
If conformal MEG systems use rigid sensor mounts to secure sensor positions, then sensor position stability is improved, but adaptability to different head geometries deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor mount transitions from a static rigid structure to a dynamic system that can change its mechanical properties. By incorporating a phase change material, the mount dynamically shifts between flexible and rigid states based on temperature conditions, allowing it to adapt to different head geometries during application while maintaining stable sensor positioning during measurement.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the physical state of the phase change material by altering temperature parameters. Below the melting point, the material remains solid and flexible for adaptation; above the melting point, it becomes liquid and rigid for stable measurement, thus resolving the contradiction between adaptability and stability through parameter control.
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 enables accurate and efficient sensor placement and measurement by securing sensor positions and orientations, improving measurement quality and allowing reuse across different subjects with varying geometries.
Implementation Method 1
The sensor mount comprises a flexible state for a first environmental condition and a rigid state for a second environmental condition. The sensor mount transitions from the flexible state to the rigid state when the first environmental condition transitions to the second environmental condition.
Implementation Method 2
The method continues by establishing a low-pressure environment in the sensor mount to transition the sensor mount from the flexible state to a rigid state to secure the positions and orientations of the sensors.
Data Source
AI summary
Various embodiments disclosed herein comprise systems and methods to conform magnetic field sensors to a target geometry. In some examples, an apparatus is configured to conform to a target geometry. The apparatus comprises a sensor mount and a sensor array. The sensor mount comprises a flexible state for a first environmental condition and a rigid state for a second environmental condition. The sensor mount transitions from the flexible state to the rigid state when the first environmental condition transitions to the second environmental condition. The sensor mount transitions from the rigid state to the flexible state when the second environmental condition transitions to the first environmental condition. The sensor array is coupled to the sensor mount.