Multi-Body Earpiece Flexure for Stable Bio-Signal Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wearable sensors for detecting bio-signals, such as EEG, face challenges with comfort, stability, and sound occlusion, particularly when worn for extended periods, and require labor-intensive manufacturing.
Innovation Solution
A multi-body earpiece assembly with a flexure connecting two elements that provide multiple points of contact along the outer ear, minimizing material use while ensuring a secure and comfortable fit, allowing ambient sound to pass through, and using tunable flexure tension for stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a cap is worn to capture EEG signals via multiple data channels, then signal capture capability is improved, but comfort and wearability deteriorate due to cumbersome fit and difficulty of extended wear
Solution Approach 1:
The headwear is divided into multiple modular elements (body portions and flexure portions) that can independently conform to different regions of the head. Each element contains sensors that can capture signals from multiple channels, eliminating the need for a single large cap while maintaining comprehensive signal capture capability across multiple scalp locations.
2Reliability
If custom-molded in-ear sensor assemblies are used, then sensor stability is improved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase due to labor-intensive processes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs adjustable tension mechanisms and flexible materials with varying degrees of compliance, allowing the same basic structure to adapt to different ear canal geometries and sizes. This eliminates the need for custom molding for each user while maintaining stable sensor contact and positioning.
3Measurement precision
If in-ear sensors are inserted into the ear canal, then signal detection capability is improved, but ambient sound occlusion increases blocking out surrounding noises
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor elements are positioned to contact only specific localized regions within the ear canal, leaving the majority of the ear canal opening and ambient sound pathway unobstructed. This localized contact approach maintains sufficient sensor-tissue interface for signal detection while preserving acoustic patency for ambient sound transmission.
4Strength
If a single rigid body earpiece is used, then structural strength is improved, but adaptability to different ear geometries and comfort deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The earpiece employs flexible materials and articulated joint structures that allow the device to dynamically adapt its shape and configuration to match the unique geometry of each user's ear. The flexible body portions can bend and conform while maintaining structural integrity, providing both strength and adaptability.
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 2C~2D
AI summary
The technology provides a multi-body earpiece suitable for use as an in-ear sensor system, which can be used for biometrics or a human-computer interface. The multi-body earpiece includes two body elements connected together by a flexure. These components provide at least 3 points of contact along different parts of the outer ear, in which the flexure is tethered to the two bodies and arranged to lock them in place during wear. In addition to having stability from moving while minimizing sound occlusion, this arrangement enables any electrodes for the on-board sensor(s) to remain in contact with the skin of the ear, and provide as many contact points in desired areas as the electronics dictate for the signals of interest.