Flexible EEG Electrode Circuit with Radial Legs for Scalp Contact
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional EEG measurement devices face challenges with dry electrodes, including high impedance and poor signal quality due to intermittent contact and discomfort caused by pressure, and complex manufacturability issues with multiple connections.
Innovation Solution
A flexible electrical measurement apparatus featuring a flexible circuit with radially extending electrodes and a support structure, integrated processing circuitry, and a cover that reduces noise and impedance by embedding all circuitry within a single integral PCB, and includes a mechanism for distributing conductive gel to improve contact and signal quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If dry electrodes are used to remove conductive gel, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to high impedance and intermittent contact
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple electrodes into a single integrated flexible circuit substrate, eliminating the need for separate connectors and cables. This integration ensures stable electrical contact while maintaining the dry electrode advantage of no conductive gel required, thus improving measurement precision without sacrificing ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible circuit is designed to conform to the curved surface of the scalp, ensuring continuous and stable contact with the skin. This curvature adaptation eliminates intermittent contact issues while maintaining the simplicity of dry electrode application.
2Measurement precision
If pressure is applied to ensure sufficient contact, then measurement precision is improved, but object-affected harmful factors worsen due to user discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a flexible circuit substrate that can conform to the scalp's surface without requiring excessive pressure. The flexibility of the thin film circuit allows it to adapt to head movements and scalp contours, maintaining stable contact and high signal quality while minimizing user discomfort.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple individual electrodes with separate connections are used, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases due to multiple connection points
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple electrodes, connectors, and signal transmission paths into a single flexible circuit substrate. This consolidation eliminates multiple connection points and reduces device complexity while maintaining the ability to configure multiple electrode positions for different EEG measurements.
4Ease of manufacture
If separate connectors and cables are used for electrode connections, then ease of manufacture is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to increased impedance and noise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the electrical connections directly into the flexible circuit substrate, eliminating separate connectors and cables. This integration reduces the number of connection interfaces, thereby minimizing impedance and noise while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through standardized flexible circuit fabrication processes.
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 provides stable and comfortable EEG measurements with reduced noise and impedance, enhancing signal quality and manufacturability by eliminating external connections and ensuring continuous contact with the scalp.
Implementation Method 1
a flexible circuit, the flexible circuit comprising electrical circuitry carried by a flexible substrate, said circuitry comprising one or more electrodes
Implementation Method 2
a conductive gel is placed between the sensing apparatus and the user's scalp to enhance conduction of the signal from the scalp to the electrodes
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical measurement apparatus, comprising, a flexible circuit, the flexible circuit comprising electrical circuitry carried by a flexible substrate, the circuitry comprising one or more electrodes. The electrodes comprise a central portion and a plurality of legs extending radially outwards from the central portion in a spaced apart relationship. At least one electrical contact is located on each one of said plurality of legs; and the one or more electrodes are configured such that the plurality of electrical contacts of the one or more electrodes contact a user's head in use.