Dry EEG Electrode Rotary Closure Vibration Contact

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conductive gel is cumbersome for establishing contact between EEG electrodes and the scalp, prompting the need for a dry electrode solution that ensures effective electrical contact without gel.

Innovation Solution

A dry EEG electrode with a brush-like sensor and attaching device featuring a rotary closure system, allowing adjustment and secure placement on the scalp through hair, utilizing a vibration element for improved contact and impedance conversion.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conductive gel is applied between the scalp and electrode, then electrical contact is established, but the procedure becomes cumbersome and requires additional materials

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical contactVSAvoidapplication procedure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the conductive gel from the system entirely, extracting the problematic intermediate material while maintaining electrical contact through direct skin-electrode contact enabled by the vibration mechanism

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies mechanical vibration to the electrode or scalp to temporarily increase skin conductivity and facilitate electrical contact without requiring conductive gel, thereby eliminating the cumbersome gel application step

Inventive Principle:
Principle #18Mechanical vibration

2Ease of operation

If dry electrode is used without conductive gel, then application becomes simpler, but reliable electrical contact through scalp hair is difficult to achieve

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveapplication procedureVSAvoidelectrical contact
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses mechanical vibration to temporarily disrupt the scalp hair and increase skin conductivity at the contact point, enabling reliable electrical contact with dry electrodes without requiring conductive gel

Inventive Principle:
Principle #18Mechanical vibration

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies vibration before or during electrode placement to pre-condition the scalp surface, temporarily increasing conductivity and preparing the contact area for reliable signal acquisition

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If vibration element is added to the electrode, then contact through hair is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontact through hairVSAvoidelectrode structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates the vibration element directly into the electrode structure, merging two previously separate components (electrode and vibration generator) into a single unified device

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

Enables reliable and adjustable contact between the dry electrode and scalp, facilitating accurate EEG signal detection without the need for conductive gel, with the vibration element enhancing signal quality and ease of use.

Implementation Method 1

the body includes a vibration element and a connector which transfers a vibration of the vibration element to the sensor

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVibration: Vibration

Data Source

PatentEP2474263B1Attaching device for holding dry electrodes for detecting EEG signals
Publication Date: 2013.05.22 BRAIN PRODS
  • EP2474263B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2474263B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2474263B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An attaching device for holding electrodes for detecting EEG signals comprises a strap including a plurality of holes for accommodating electrodes and a rotary closure connecting a first end of the strap and a second end of the strap. The rotary closure includes a reference electrode and/or a ground electrode which are arranged centrally on a first surface of the rotary closure. The reference electrode and/or the ground electrode are in contact with a forehead when the attaching device is placed on a head and are positioned substantially centrally on a center line of the head.