Modular Sensor Holder Layout for Fast Neuroimaging Helmet Swaps
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Solution Overview
Problem
The current process of switching sensors between helmets in neuroimaging devices is time-consuming and prone to errors, requiring multiple technicians and hours to ensure accurate sensor placement and orientation, which affects data quality.
Innovation Solution
A helmet system with detachable sensor holders and a flexible substrate that allows for quick and accurate relocation of sensors, ensuring proper orientation and cable management, reducing the time and effort required for sensor swapping.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If sensors are manually transferred between helmets using traditional methods, then sensor placement can be adjusted to fit different participants, but the process becomes time-consuming and error-prone
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor array is segmented into modular sensor holders that can be independently removed and transferred between helmets. Each sensor holder is a discrete unit that can be quickly detached from one helmet and attached to another, eliminating the need for manual sensor-by-sensor transfer and reducing both time and errors in the process.
Solution Approach 2:
Sensor holders serve as intermediary components between the sensors and the helmets. These holders provide a standardized interface that enables quick transfer of sensors between different helmet sizes while maintaining proper orientation and positioning, thus solving both the adaptability and time loss problems.
2Adaptability or versatility
If sensors are manually transferred between helmets, then different helmet sizes can be accommodated, but the complexity of the transfer process increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor holders are designed with universal compatibility across multiple helmet sizes. The same holder design can be transferred from a small helmet to a large helmet without modification, simplifying the transfer process and reducing complexity by eliminating the need for different holder types for different helmet sizes.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor holders are pre-configured with orientation features and connection mechanisms that automatically ensure correct positioning when attached to a helmet. This preliminary preparation of the holders eliminates the need for complex manual alignment and orientation steps during the transfer process, reducing overall process complexity.
3Productivity
If traditional sensor transfer methods are used, then sensors can be moved between helmets, but accuracy of sensor placement and orientation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor holders incorporate asymmetric orientation features such as keyed interfaces or asymmetric mounting surfaces that physically prevent incorrect placement. This asymmetric design ensures that sensors can only be attached in the correct orientation, maintaining high placement accuracy while enabling rapid transfer between helmets.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor holders are pre-configured with alignment features and positioning mechanisms that automatically ensure correct sensor orientation during attachment. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for manual verification and adjustment, maintaining high accuracy while speeding up the transfer process.
Data Source
AI summary
Neural imaging helmets include the placement of a number of sensors, such as in a sensor array on and around the helmet. The placement and orientation of the sensors puts them close to the participant's head for best neural image capturing. As people's head size and shape varies, moving the sensors from one helmet to another can be onerous. Therefore, connecting the sensors and associated cables together allows for efficient removal and replacement of the sensors and cables. The use of sensor holders connected to another will aid in ensuring proper orientation and location, regardless of the helmet used. This will allow different sized helmets to be readily prepared for use with neural imaging devices.