Modular EEG Cap with Elastic Drive System for Scalp Contact
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing EEG caps face challenges such as discomfort due to excessive weight and electromagnetic interference, difficulty in achieving tight scalp contact, and accuracy degradation due to electrode resistance and hair interference, necessitating a novel design that addresses these issues.
Innovation Solution
An assembled, downward-pressing, multifunctional EEG cap with modular constituent blocks that adjust to fit different head sizes, featuring a drive system for relative movement of electrodes, a hair-moving portion to accommodate hair, and integrated features like a VR face shield and ultraviolet lamp for improved comfort and signal accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If electromagnets are used to attach electrodes to the scalp, then electrode contact is improved, but weight increases and electromagnetic interference occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the electromagnet component from the EEG cap system. Instead of using magnetic attachment, the invention employs a mechanical retention system where the cap itself is made of elastic material that can be stretched over the head and secured with a simple retention mechanism, eliminating the heavy electromagnetic components while maintaining electrode contact through the elastic pressure of the cap material itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the electromagnetic attachment system with a purely mechanical elastic retention system. The cap is made of elastic material that uses mechanical elasticity to press the electrodes against the scalp, eliminating the need for electromagnetic fields and associated heavy components.
2Measurement precision
If electromagnets are used to attach electrodes to the scalp, then electrode contact is improved, but electromagnetic interference degrades measurement accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the electromagnet component from the EEG cap system. Instead of using magnetic attachment, the invention employs a mechanical retention system where the cap itself is made of elastic material that can be stretched over the head and secured with a simple retention mechanism, eliminating the heavy electromagnetic components while maintaining electrode contact through the elastic pressure of the cap material itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the electromagnetic attachment system with a purely mechanical elastic retention system. The cap is made of elastic material that uses mechanical elasticity to press the electrodes against the scalp, eliminating the need for electromagnetic fields and associated harmful interference.
3Device complexity
If a single power source is used to pull electrodes toward the scalp, then structure is simplified, but electrode contact consistency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the cap into multiple independent elastic segments or zones, each capable of applying its own retention force. This segmentation allows different regions of the cap to independently adjust to the contours of the scalp, ensuring consistent electrode contact across all measurement points without requiring a complex centralized power and actuation system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamic elastic material that can adapt its shape and pressure distribution in real-time as the cap is worn. The elastic material naturally adjusts to individual head contours and maintains optimal contact pressure, eliminating the need for active controlled actuation systems while ensuring consistent electrode contact.
4Measurement precision
If the cap is made tightly to ensure good electrode contact, then measurement accuracy is improved, but patient comfort deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs elastic material with optimized elasticity properties that provide sufficient retention force for accurate electrode contact while maintaining comfort. The material's elastic characteristics allow it to stretch over the head and apply gentle, distributed pressure rather than tight, concentrated force, balancing measurement accuracy with patient comfort.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes the elastic properties and physical parameters of the cap material to achieve the right balance between retention force and comfort. By carefully selecting material elasticity, cap thickness, and construction parameters, the system achieves adequate electrode contact without causing discomfort to the patient.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to an assembled, downward-pressing, multifunctional electroencephalogram (EEG) cap, at least comprising: a cap body, configured to be worn on a head of a patient, and formed by a plurality of constituent blocks, wherein each of the constituent blocks comprises a first unit and a second unit that carry extracranial electrodes for detecting EEG signals from corresponding areas of the head of the patient, in which the first unit and the second unit are configured to perform relative movements and thereby change their relative positions, the first unit and the second unit being shaped to fit a curved surface of the head of the patient; the first unit of the constituent block being movably connected to the second unit by means of a drive system provided between at least a part of the first unit and a part of the second unit, wherein the extracranial electrodes located on the first unit and on the second unit are configured to at least follow the relative movements between the first unit and the second unit in a first direction so as to move toward and/or away from an EEG measuring area on the head of the patient.