OPM Sensor Fastening System with Wedging Lock
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for fastening optically pumped magnetometer (OPM) sensors to MEG devices, such as helmets, fail to adequately limit sensor movement, leading to interference and reduced precision in magnetic field measurements due to signal noise and bias in brain region localization.
Innovation Solution
A fastening system comprising a support socket and a locking piece, made of flexible blades and polyamide materials, which securely positions and locks OPM sensors on a silicone matrix-covered helmet, minimizing movement and signal interference, with adjustable laces for a snug fit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If OPM sensors are positioned as close as possible to the patient's scalp to optimize signal-to-noise ratio, then measurement precision is improved, but sensor movement relative to the head increases causing interference and bias
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening system is divided into multiple functional components: a support socket with flexible blades for positioning, a locking piece with wedging action for stabilization, and a removable barrier for sensor insertion. This segmentation allows each component to address specific aspects of sensor fixation, achieving both close positioning and movement prevention.
Solution Approach 2:
The support socket with flexible blades is designed to preliminarily position and hold the sensor in the correct location before the locking piece is engaged. This preliminary positioning ensures the sensor is correctly placed close to the scalp, and then the locking piece prevents any subsequent movement, resolving the contradiction between close positioning and stability.
2Reliability
If rigid helmet systems are used to secure sensors, then sensor positioning stability is improved, but adaptability to various head sizes and shapes deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The support socket incorporates flexible blades that can bend and adapt to different head contours and sizes while maintaining firm contact with the sensor. This flexibility allows the same fastening system to be used across various head geometries, resolving the contradiction between stability and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The fastening system transitions from a static rigid structure to a dynamic system where the flexible blades can adjust their configuration based on the specific head shape and size. The blades flex during sensor insertion and then maintain a stable locked position, providing both adaptability and reliability.
3Measurement precision
If sensors are physically independent and positioned close to the scalp, then signal quality is improved, but ease of manufacture and assembly deteriorates due to complex fastening requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible blades in the support socket automatically adjust and lock into position when the sensor is inserted, eliminating the need for complex manual adjustment mechanisms. The removable barrier provides a simple snap-in operation, making assembly straightforward while maintaining precise sensor positioning close to the scalp.
Solution Approach 2:
The support socket acts as an intermediary component between the rigid locking piece and the sensor. It provides a simple interface for sensor insertion while the locking piece provides the securing function, dividing the complex fastening task into two simple operations that are easy to manufacture and assemble.
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 system provides reliable, customized positioning and locking of OPM sensors, reducing signal noise and improving measurement precision by minimizing sensor movement and allowing for flexible, customizable fit to various head sizes and shapes.
Implementation Method 1
the locking piece being designed to collaborate by force fitting with the support socket so as to immobilize the OPM sensor in a longitudinal position relative to the socket by wedging
Implementation Method 2
the locking piece being designed to collaborate by force fitting with the support socket so as to immobilize the OPM sensor in a longitudinal position relative to the socket by wedging
Implementation Method 3
a group of flexible blades defining the housing and extending longitudinally from the base, the flexible blades each comprising a flexible lateral discontinuity
Data Source
AI summary
An OPM sensor fastening system includes a support socket for positioning the sensor, the support socket having a base and a housing for accommodating a portion of the OPM sensor, and a locking part for locking the sensor in the support socket, the locking part having an open base suitable for accommodating the base of the socket, a housing for accommodating a portion of the OPM sensor, and a removable partition suitable for letting the OPM sensor pass. The locking part is configured to press-fittingly cooperate with the support socket so as to blockingly wedge the OPM sensor in the longitudinal position relative to the socket.