EEG Headset with Anatomical Lateral Supports and Elastic Cap

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing EEG systems face challenges with accurate and efficient electrode placement, comfort, and aesthetics due to issues with adhesive pastes, elastic non-uniformity, pressure disparities, and complex lead configurations, leading to user anxiety and inefficiencies in both medical and research applications.

Innovation Solution

The EEG headset features anatomically conforming lateral supports, self-supporting electrode leads with multiple degrees of freedom, and a measurement system for accurate placement, along with wireless charging and modular design to reduce anxiety and improve usability across a wide range of head sizes and shapes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If adhesive paste is applied to maintain electrode adhesion to the skin, then electrode attachment is improved, but contamination of hands and unintended sites occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrode attachmentVSAvoidcontamination

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the adhesive paste from the electrode assembly, extracting the harmful element while maintaining electrode attachment through mechanical means (elastic cap pressure) alone

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The elastic cap serves as an intermediary mechanism that transfers pressure from the user's head to the electrodes, enabling attachment without direct contact between the user's hands and adhesive paste

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple discrete electrodes with leads are used for EEG measurement, then signal acquisition capability is improved, but user anxiety and perception of complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal acquisition capabilityVSAvoidlead configuration complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple discrete electrodes and their leads into a single integrated elastic cap assembly, where all electrodes are pre-positioned on the cap and connected internally, presenting a unified simple interface to the user

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The electrodes and their electrical connections are pre-assembled and configured on the elastic cap before use, eliminating the need for users to perform complex wiring or placement calculations during the actual EEG setup

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Productivity

If elastic caps are used to exert pressure over the scalp for electrode attachment, then placement time is reduced, but placement accuracy and reliability suffer due to elastic non-uniformity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveplacement speedVSAvoidelectrode placement accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The elastic cap incorporates localized non-stretch panels at specific electrode positions, creating zones of uniform dimensional stability precisely where electrode placement accuracy is critical, while maintaining overall elastic compliance for comfortable fitting

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

4Adaptability or versatility

If elastic elements with high elastic ratio are used to cover a wide range of head sizes, then adaptability is improved, but pressure-related discomfort increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehead size range coverageVSAvoidpressure discomfort

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The elastic cap uses localized non-stretch panels at critical pressure points to distribute and regulate pressure, preventing excessive localized stress while maintaining overall elasticity for accommodating different head sizes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The elastic cap is designed with dynamic pressure distribution characteristics, where the elastic portions accommodate head size variations through controlled deformation, while non-stretch portions maintain stable pressure zones that prevent discomfort

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 solution enables quick, accurate, and comfortable electrode placement, reduces user anxiety, and minimizes contamination risks while providing efficient reconfiguration and safety features, enhancing both signal performance and user experience.

Implementation Method 1

a conductive medium with adhesive properties is applied to a disc or cup electrode to help maintain adhesion to the skin

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectConduction (electrical): Conduction (electrical)

Implementation Method 2

These systems apply pressure directly or indirectly: either on electrodes themselves or on additional pressure or suspension mechanisms that contain electrodes

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS10076279B2System and method for a compact EEG headset

Publication Date: 2018.09.18 NEBA HEALTH LLC

AI summary

An EEG headset including an amplifier assembly, a headband assembly formed of a right and a left headband arm and an amplifier platform, a right and left lateral support assembly, at least one hinge assembly connecting at least one of the right or left lateral support assemblies to at least one of the right or left curved arms, and at least one EEG electrode assembly formed of a lead and an electrode. The electrode is in electrical communication with the amplifier assembly via electrical connections within the headset assembly and one of the right and left lateral support assembly.