Disposable Electrode Array with Ear Loops for Forehead Bio-potential Recording
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrode technologies for recording bio-potentials, such as EEG and AEP, face challenges in maintaining adequate and comfortable skin contact, especially on hairy areas like the scalp, leading to poor signal quality and discomfort, particularly in children and uncooperative subjects, due to complex and time-consuming setup requirements.
Innovation Solution
A disposable electrode array with adjustable ear loops and a flexible web supporting electrodes, integrated with an auditory stimulus delivery system, allowing for secure and comfortable placement on the forehead and behind the ears, using elastic materials and break-away tabs for optimal electrode positioning, and optionally including adhesive foam for improved contact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If disposable self-adhesive disc electrodes are used, then ease of operation is improved, but electrical contact reliability deteriorates in hairy areas
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode array is divided into multiple independent electrode units, each with its own adhesive backing and conductive elements. This segmentation allows each electrode to be independently positioned and adjusted on the scalp, ensuring reliable contact in hairy areas while maintaining ease of application through the disposable nature of each unit.
Solution Approach 2:
An adhesive intermediate layer is introduced between the electrode and the scalp surface. This adhesive mediator ensures reliable electrical contact by conforming to the irregularities of hairy scalp surfaces, while the electrode itself remains easily applicable as a complete unit.
2Reliability
If needle-type electrodes are used, then electrical contact reliability is improved, but device complexity and discomfort increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses disposable disc-type electrodes with adhesive backings instead of reusable needle electrodes. These disposable electrodes provide sufficient electrical contact reliability for the duration of the recording session while eliminating the complex preparation procedures and discomfort associated with needle insertion. The electrodes are discarded after single use, avoiding sterilization and maintenance complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invasive needle component is extracted from the electrode design entirely. Instead of using needles to penetrate the skin, the invention uses surface-applied disc electrodes with adhesive backings that make contact with the scalp surface, thereby eliminating the complexity and discomfort of needle insertion while maintaining adequate electrical contact for bio-potential recording.
3Ease of operation
If headband-type electrode connectors are used, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to poor signal quality
Solution Approach 1:
The headband connector is segmented into multiple attachment points, each holding individual electrode units. This allows precise positioning of each electrode at optimal locations on the scalp for high-quality signal acquisition, while the headband itself provides easy overall positioning and securing of the entire electrode array.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrode array incorporates adjustable and flexible positioning mechanisms that allow dynamic adaptation to different head sizes and shapes. This enables both easy initial positioning via the headband and subsequent fine-tuning of individual electrode positions to optimize signal quality for each subject.
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 electrode array provides reliable, noiseless, and long-lasting bio-potential recordings with reduced setup complexity and discomfort, suitable for use in infants and adults, maintaining adequate skin contact and accommodating various head sizes and shapes.
Implementation Method 1
a flexible member in which a plurality of electrodes are disposed, having a shape adapted to contact the forehead skin surface on a human subject
Implementation Method 2
A pair of ear loops secure the electrode array about the patient's ears, retaining the electrodes against the skin surface
Implementation Method 3
optionally including adhesive foam for improved contact
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
A disposable electrode array 100, 200 including a flexible member 106, 206 in which a plurality of electrodes 102, 202 are disposed, having a shape adapted to contact the forehead skin surface on a human patient. A pair of ear loops 104, 204 coupled to the disposable electrode array 100, 200 secure the disposable electrode array 100, 200 about the patient's ears, with the flexible member 106, 206 disposed across the patient's bow, retaining the electrodes 102, 202 against the skin surface. Additional electrodes 102, 202 are disposed in proximity to the ear loops 104, 204 and are configured to contact the skin surface behind the patient's ears. An auditory stimulus delivery element 116, 216 is coupled with each of the ear loops 104, 204, and positioned to seat in proximity to the patient's ear canal for the delivery of auditory stimulus. Electrical conductors associated with the electrodes 102, 202 and the stimulus delivery elements 116, 216 are routed within the flexible member 106, 206 to a common external connection point 118, 218 for connection to an external system. The disposable electrode array 100, 200 may be configured for both evoking and measuring evoked bio-potentials in the human subject, or for measuring bio-potentials evoked using a separate stimulus delivery system.