Generic Ear Device with Bendable Arm for Bioelectrical Signal Detection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ear devices for detecting bioelectrical signals require customization to the individual's ear, which is time-consuming, costly, and prone to motion artifacts, making them unsuitable for short-term applications or emergency situations.
Innovation Solution
A deformable ear canal part and a bendable arm with external electrodes that can be adjusted to fit various ear shapes without customization, ensuring consistent skin contact and improved signal quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If customization of the ear plug to the individual user's ear canal is performed, then the bioelectrical signal detection quality is improved, but the production cost and time are significantly increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a universal ear plug design with a compliant body that can adapt to different ear canal shapes without requiring customization for each user. The single generic ear plug design serves multiple users and various ear canal geometries, eliminating the need for individual 3D scanning and custom manufacturing while maintaining effective electrode contact for bioelectrical signal detection
Solution Approach 2:
The ear plug utilizes a compliant material with specific mechanical properties (shore hardness 20-40) that allow it to deform and adapt to the unique geometry of each user's ear canal. This parameter change in material compliance enables the same ear plug design to achieve good contact across different ear shapes without customization
2Measurement precision
If customization of the ear plug to the individual user's ear canal is performed, then the bioelectrical signal detection quality is improved, but the manufacturing cost is significantly increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a universal ear plug design with a compliant body that can adapt to different ear canal shapes without requiring customization for each user. The single generic ear plug design serves multiple users and various ear canal geometries, eliminating the need for individual 3D scanning and custom manufacturing while maintaining effective electrode contact for bioelectrical signal detection
Solution Approach 2:
The ear plug is designed as a disposable or single-use device made from inexpensive compliant material. Rather than investing in expensive customization infrastructure and processes, the solution uses low-cost generic ear plugs that can be discarded after use, significantly reducing manufacturing infrastructure costs and making the system economically viable
3Productivity
If the ear device is made generic without customization, then the production cost and time are reduced, but the electrode contact with skin becomes unreliable
Solution Approach 1:
The ear plug utilizes a compliant material with specific mechanical properties (shore hardness 20-40) that allow it to deform and adapt to the unique geometry of each user's ear canal. This parameter change in material compliance enables the same ear plug design to achieve good contact across different ear shapes without customization
Solution Approach 2:
The ear plug is constructed from a flexible compliant material that can deform to match the contours of the ear canal. This flexibility allows the generic ear plug design to conform to individual ear geometries, ensuring reliable electrode-skin contact without requiring custom manufacturing for each user
4Productivity
If the ear device is made generic without customization, then the production cost and time are reduced, but the device becomes sensitive to motion artifacts
Solution Approach 1:
The ear plug utilizes a compliant material with specific mechanical properties (shore hardness 20-40) that allow it to deform and adapt to the unique geometry of each user's ear canal. This parameter change in material compliance enables the same ear plug design to achieve good contact across different ear shapes without customization
Solution Approach 2:
The ear plug is constructed from a flexible compliant material that can deform to match the contours of the ear canal. This flexibility allows the generic ear plug design to conform to individual ear geometries, ensuring reliable electrode-skin contact without requiring custom manufacturing for each user
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 reduces production costs and time, provides reliable bioelectrical signal detection, and minimizes motion artifacts, allowing for immediate use and comfort during various activities.
Implementation Method 1
the external ear part comprises at least one bendable arm which is connected to the ear canal part and is adapted to exert a pressure such that the at least one external ear electrode is pressed against the skin when in use
Implementation Method 2
a deformable ear canal part adapted to be arranged in an ear canal of the person
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
An ear device for arrangement at an ear of a person and provided with at least two electrodes for having skin contact and detecting a bioelectrical signal when in use, the ear device comprises a deformable ear canal part adapted to be arranged in an ear canal of the person, and an external ear part adapted to be arranged at the ear external to the ear canal and being provided with at least one external ear electrode for detecting a bioelectrical signal, the external ear part comprises at least one bendable arm which is connected to the ear canal part and is adapted to exert a pressure such that the at least one external ear electrode is pressed against the skin when in use.