Flexible EEG Electrode Support for Variable Head Shapes

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing brain wave measuring devices face challenges in accurately fitting electrodes to varying head shapes, necessitating a technique to ensure proper contact with the scalp.

Innovation Solution

A brain wave measuring device comprising a support member with flexible, deformable ribbon- or line-shaped components, equipped with electrode units and assist members, which are positioned using snap buttons and attached to the ear or jaw to conform to the head shape, ensuring consistent electrode contact.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a rigid support structure is used to maintain electrode position, then measurement precision is improved, but adaptability to varying head shapes deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrode contact accuracyVSAvoidadaptability to head shape

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The support member is designed as a flexible ribbon-shaped or line-shaped structure that can deform to match the contours of the head while maintaining electrode positioning. This flexible support member allows the device to adapt to varying head shapes while keeping electrodes in contact with the scalp, resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The support member is designed to be dynamically deformable, allowing it to change shape according to the head geometry. This dynamic flexibility enables the device to maintain proper electrode contact across different head shapes and sizes, simultaneously achieving measurement precision and adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If the support member is made highly flexible to adapt to head shapes, then adaptability is improved, but structural stability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to head shapeVSAvoidsupport member stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The support member is constructed as a composite structure combining flexible materials with appropriate mechanical properties. This composite design provides both the flexibility needed to adapt to head shapes and the structural stability required to maintain electrode positioning and overall device integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

Different portions of the support member have different mechanical properties - areas requiring flexibility are made more compliant while areas requiring stability maintain greater rigidity. This local differentiation of material properties allows the support member to simultaneously adapt to head shapes and maintain structural stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Measurement precision

If a custom-fitted support is created for each head shape, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrode contact accuracyVSAvoidmanufacturing simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The support member is divided into modular ribbon-shaped or line-shaped segments that can be independently configured. This segmentation allows a single device design to be adapted to various head shapes through simple arrangement changes rather than custom manufacturing, maintaining measurement precision while simplifying production.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The support member is designed as a universal component that can accommodate multiple head shapes and sizes through its flexibility and configurable geometry. This universal design eliminates the need for custom-fitted supports for each user, reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining accurate electrode contact.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 device effectively maintains electrode contact with the scalp, providing accurate brain wave measurements by adapting to individual head shapes through flexible support structures and attachment mechanisms.

Implementation Method 1

a Poisson's ratio of a material constituting the film member is 0.15 to 0.4

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPoisson's ratio: Poisson's Effect

Implementation Method 2

the protruding portion is an elastic member

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP4710858A1Brain wave measuring device and brain wave measuring method

Publication Date: 2026.03.18 SUMITOMO BAKELITE CO LTD

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AI summary

Provided is a brain wave measuring device (10) including a support member (20) which is disposed along a head (99) of a subject, an electrode unit (30) which is attached to the support member (20) and acquires a brain wave signal by coming into contact with a scalp of the subject, and an assist member (attachment part (70)) which assists in positioning the support member (20) on the head (99), in which the support member (20) is composed of a ribbon-shaped member or a line-shaped member.