Multi-Body Earpiece Flexure for Stable EEG Sensing Without Occlusion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wearable EEG and MEG sensors, such as caps and in-ear devices, are cumbersome, uncomfortable, and often obstruct ambient sound, while custom in-ear sensors face stability and manufacturing challenges.
Innovation Solution
A multi-body earpiece design with two elements connected by a flexure, providing at least three points of contact along the outer ear, minimizes material usage, ensures secure and comfortable fit, and reduces sound occlusion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a cap is worn to capture EEG signals, then multiple data channels can be captured, but the device becomes cumbersome and uncomfortable for extended wear
Solution Approach 1:
The earpiece is divided into multiple discrete elements (first body, second body, third body) that can be separately positioned and secured on different portions of the ear. This segmentation allows the sensor system to maintain multiple contact points for high-quality EEG signal capture while distributing the weight and reducing the bulk compared to a single cap structure.
2Duration of action of moving object
If a cap is used for extended wear, then EEG signals can be captured over time, but the device becomes difficult to remove and reposition
Solution Approach 1:
The earpiece consists of multiple independently secured elements that can be individually accessed and adjusted. The first body is secured in the concha, the second body along the ear canal opening, and the third body on the helix, allowing users to remove or reposition specific elements without removing the entire device, facilitating easier adjustment during extended wear.
Solution Approach 2:
The earpiece incorporates flexible elements and spring mechanisms that allow dynamic adjustment and secure retention. The flexible element connects the first and second bodies, enabling them to move independently while maintaining secure contact with the ear structures, thus allowing easy removal and repositioning while maintaining extended wear capability.
3Reliability
If custom-molded in-ear sensors are used, then a secure fit can be achieved, but manufacturing becomes costly and labor-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The earpiece is constructed from multiple standardized elements that can be manufactured separately using conventional molding techniques. The first body, second body, and third body are discrete components that can be produced through injection molding or similar processes, reducing the complexity compared to custom-molded single-piece in-ear sensors while maintaining secure fit through strategic placement and flexible connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The earpiece incorporates adjustable parameters including the flexibility and tension of the flexible element connecting the bodies, allowing the same standardized components to adapt to different ear geometries. This adjustability reduces the need for custom-molded devices while maintaining secure fit, thereby simplifying manufacturing processes and reducing costs.
4Measurement precision
If traditional in-ear sensors are used, then bio-signal detection can be performed, but ambient sound is partially or completely blocked
Solution Approach 1:
The earpiece divides the ear canal opening into multiple contact points along the ear canal wall rather than creating a single sealed occlusion. The second body is positioned along the ear canal opening with multiple contact points, allowing bio-signal detection while maintaining acoustic transparency, thus reducing sound occlusion while preserving measurement precision.
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 design allows for extended wear, maintains sensor contact with the ear, reduces sound obstruction, and provides high-quality bio-signal detection, making it comfortable and unobtrusive.
Implementation Method 1
The flexure is coupled to the first body at a first end of the flexure and to the second body at a second end of the flexure. Each of the first body, the second body and the flexure provides a point of contact along a different portion of the ear to retain the multi-body earpiece in an operational position.
Implementation Method 2
The one or more sensors are disposed along the multi-body earpiece assembly, and are configured to detect bio-signals via the ear of the wearer.
Data Source
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.