MEG Reference Sensor Mounting for Stable Position During Head Movement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing MEG helmet systems with OPM sensors face challenges in positioning and maintaining a reference sensor at a fixed distance relative to the measurement sensors, especially considering patient head movements.

Innovation Solution

A system comprising a headband with fixing arms, a support plate, a sensor post, and a locking piece to securely attach and position a reference sensor at varying distances from OPM measurement sensors, using a flexible hoop and adjustable shim slots, ensuring the sensor remains fixed despite head movements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a reference sensor is placed on a rigid helmet with fixed positions, then the relative distance and position are definitively fixed, but the system cannot adapt to different head sizes and movements when using OPM sensors

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefixed position of reference sensorVSAvoidadaptability to different head sizes and movements

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transforms the static, fixed reference sensor mounting into a dynamic, adjustable system. The reference sensor can be positioned at multiple locations along the arch structure, and the entire assembly can be adjusted to accommodate different head sizes and shapes. This dynamic adjustability resolves the contradiction by allowing the system to maintain reliable fixed positions during measurement while being adaptable to different patients and head movements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The arch-based reference sensor mounting system serves multiple functions: it provides fixed positioning during measurement, accommodates different head sizes and shapes, and allows adjustment for various measurement configurations. This multi-functional design resolves the contradiction between maintaining fixed reliable positions and adapting to diverse patient anatomies and movements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Measurement precision

If OPM sensors are worn directly on the patient's head, then the signal-to-noise ratio is optimized, but it becomes difficult to position and maintain a reference sensor at a fixed distance from the measurement sensors

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal-to-noise ratioVSAvoidpositioning and maintaining reference sensor

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent separates the reference sensor mounting from the measurement sensor array by using an independent arch structure. This segmentation allows the reference sensor to be positioned and maintained at a fixed distance from the measurement sensors while the OPM sensors remain in direct contact with the patient's head for optimal signal quality. The arch acts as an independent positioning element that does not interfere with the measurement sensors.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The arch structure serves as an intermediary element between the reference sensor and the patient's head. It provides a stable, adjustable mounting position for the reference sensor at a controlled distance from the measurement sensors, while allowing the OPM sensors to maintain direct contact with the scalp for optimal signal-to-noise ratio.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Stability of the object's composition

If a rigid helmet system is used, then the reference sensor position is stable, but it cannot adapt to different head shapes and sizes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestability of reference sensor positionVSAvoidadaptability to different head shapes and sizes

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the rigid, fixed helmet system with a dynamic, adjustable arch structure. The arch can be positioned and configured to match different head shapes and sizes while maintaining a stable, fixed position for the reference sensor during measurement. This dynamic design resolves the contradiction between stability and adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system allows adjustment of key parameters such as the arch position, height, and reference sensor location to accommodate different head shapes and sizes. These parameter changes enable the system to maintain stable reference sensor positioning while adapting to various patient anatomies, resolving the contradiction between stability and versatility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP4297652B1System for positioning and maintaining the position of a reference sensor around a magnetoencephalography helmet

Publication Date: 2025.12.10 COMMISSARIAT A LENERGIE ATOMIQUE ET AUX ENERGIES ALTERNATIVES

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AI summary

System for positioning and maintaining the position of a reference sensor around a magnetoencephalography helmet. The invention relates to a system for positioning and maintaining the position of a reference sensor (8) on a magnetoencephalography (MEG) helmet (7), comprising: - an arch (1) comprising: at least one fixing branch (10) for fixing the arch to an MEG helmet, a support plate (11) on which the branch is fixed, - a sensor support post (2) fixed to the support plate of the arch; - a locking component (6) for fixing the reference sensor to the post in at least one position defining the position with respect to an MEG helmet.