Ear Plug with Dimensionally Stable Shell for Brain Wave Electrodes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ear plug technologies for measuring brain waves are cumbersome, require complex equipment, and suffer from poor signal quality due to inadequate electrode contact and low durability, making them unsuitable for everyday use outside laboratory settings.
Innovation Solution
An ear plug with a dimensionally stable shell individually matched to the user's ear canal, featuring electrodes that ensure consistent positioning and secure contact, reducing signal interference and occlusion risks, and made from materials that enhance durability and ventilation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If electrodes are placed in the ear canal using a soft compressible shell, then brain wave measurement is enabled, but signal quality deteriorates due to insufficient electrode contact
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state and mechanical properties of the shell material from soft and compressible to rigid and dimensionally stable. This parameter change ensures that the shell maintains its predetermined shape and does not deform upon insertion, thereby ensuring reliable electrode contact with the ear canal wall and improving signal quality.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of making the shell soft to achieve contact (prior art approach), the patent inverts the approach by making the shell rigid and using its rigidity itself to achieve and maintain contact. The rigid shell's predetermined shape is forced onto the ear canal, ensuring consistent electrode positioning and contact pressure.
2Ease of operation
If a soft compressible shell is used for electrode placement, then comfort is improved, but durability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameters from soft and compressible to rigid and dimensionally stable. The rigid material resists deformation and wear, significantly improving durability and the ear plug's service life while maintaining comfort through proper design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite material construction, combining a rigid dimensionally stable shell with softer components (such as electrode contacts or interface elements). This composite approach maintains user comfort at the contact points while the rigid shell provides overall structural durability and shape stability.
3Measurement precision
If the ear canal is completely sealed with an ear plug, then electrode contact is improved, but harmful factors increase due to occlusion and insufficient ventilation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by incorporating ventilation channels or openings in the shell structure. These channels segment the sealed environment, allowing air flow and vapor exchange through the ear plug while maintaining electrode contact. The shell is divided into regions that provide both sealing for electrode contact and pathways for ventilation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent may employ porous materials or materials with integrated ventilation pathways in the shell construction. These porous structures or channels allow air and moisture vapor to pass through the ear plug, preventing occlusion-related discomfort and infections while maintaining the rigid structure needed for electrode contact.
4Measurement precision
If complex signal processing equipment is used, then measurement capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the ear plug with integrated signal processing capabilities. Instead of separate complex external equipment, the processing functions are combined with the ear plug itself, creating a more compact and simpler overall system while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements self-service by incorporating automatic signal processing, filtering, and analysis functions within the ear plug or its directly connected processing unit. The system performs measurements and preliminary processing autonomously, reducing the need for complex external equipment and qualified staff operation.
Data Source
AI summary
An ear plug (200), and a method of producing an ear plug, which includes a shell (206) with at least one electrode (201-205) adapted for measuring brain wave signals, the electrode (201-205) being connected to a processor for processing the measured signals, wherein the contours of the outer surface of the ear plug (200) and the electrode (201-205) are individually matched to at least part of the ear canal and the concha of the user.