Spring-Loaded Electrode Headset for Scalp Contact Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for self-administering cranial surface neuromuscular electrical stimulation outside a hospital or doctor's office lack effective solutions for securely holding electrodes in place over the scalp or brain, requiring manual operation or anchoring.
Innovation Solution
A semi-rigid headset device with spring-loaded electrode panels that can be easily positioned and adjusted by a user, applying directional pressure to maintain contact with the scalp or brain, allowing for directional electrical stimulation or sensing, and accommodating electrodes of opposite polarities for targeted brain regions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If electrodes are held in place by manual operation or anchoring into the skull, then secure contact is maintained, but the device complexity and difficulty of self-administration increase
Solution Approach 1:
The headset is designed to be self-adjusting and self-positioning. When placed on the head, the semi-rigid structure automatically conforms to the skull shape, and the spring-loaded electrode panels automatically apply pressure to maintain contact. The device can be positioned and adjusted by the user with one hand, eliminating the need for manual operation or professional anchoring procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrode panels are designed to be movable rather than fixed. The semi-rigid headset structure allows the panels to pivot and adjust dynamically as the head moves or changes shape. This dynamic adjustment maintains reliable electrode contact without requiring complex anchoring mechanisms or manual intervention.
2Ease of operation
If spring-loaded electrode panels are used to maintain contact, then ease of self-administration is improved, but the force applied to the scalp increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spring-loaded mechanism allows the force applied to the scalp to be dynamically adjusted based on the fit of the headset and the position of the electrodes. The spring force can be designed to provide sufficient contact pressure for electrical coupling while remaining comfortable for prolonged wear. The semi-rigid structure distributes this force across multiple contact points.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-loaded panels apply more force than the minimum required for electrode contact, ensuring reliable electrical coupling even during head movement. However, the semi-rigid structure distributes this excessive force across the entire headset framework and multiple electrode panels, preventing localized discomfort or damage.
3Ease of operation
If the headset curvature is smaller than the human skull, then the headset can be easily bent and positioned, but the contact pressure between electrodes and scalp decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The semi-rigid headset structure allows the device to dynamically adapt its shape. When placed on the head, the headset gradually conforms to the skull curvature through elastic deformation. The spring-loaded electrode panels provide the necessary force to maintain contact as the structure adjusts to the larger skull curvature.
Solution Approach 2:
The headset is designed with a curvature smaller than the human skull to facilitate easy bending and positioning. The semi-rigid structure allows controlled deformation to match the larger skull curvature while maintaining structural integrity. The spring-loaded panels compensate for the curvature mismatch by applying additional force to ensure adequate contact pressure.
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 secure, self-administered neuromuscular electrical stimulation with ease, allowing for effective delivery of direct or alternating current to specific brain areas, enhancing user convenience and treatment efficacy.
Implementation Method 1
a semi-rigid curved headset having a first end and a second end adapted to conform at least partially to a human skull and to provide spring load force against the human skull at the first and the second ends
Implementation Method 2
the first electrode panel adapted to pivot about a first pivot point and the second electrode panel adapted to pivot about a second pivot point
Implementation Method 3
a first electrode disposed in a first position on the first electrode panel arranged to contact at least part of the first portion of the human skull under pressure from the spring load force; and a second electrode disposed in a second position on the second electrode panel arranged to contact at least part of the second portion of the human skull under the pressure from the spring load force
Data Source
AI summary
An electrode holding device is described using a headset having a neutral curvature with a radius smaller than a human skull. The headset adapted to provide spring load force against the human skull at the first and the second ends where first and second respective electrode holding panels are attached. The electrode holding panels conform to the human above the ears. The electrode panels are adapted to pivot about pivot points on the ends of the headset. The panels are adapted to contact the human skull under pressure from spring load force generated from the headset bent beyond the neutral curvature of the headset. The headset can in certain examples be further adapted in certain to accommodate an arm having an a third electrode panel that possesses a third electrode assembly, the third electrode assembly adapted to be spring loaded against and in contact with the human forehead.