Rigid-Flexible Magnetic Imaging Mount for Conformal MEG
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conformal MEG systems face challenges in efficiently securing the position and orientation of sensors due to varying head shapes and sizes, leading to time-consuming relocation and ineffective sensor fixation during magnetic field measurements.
Innovation Solution
A sensor mount that transitions between flexible and rigid states using a low-pressure environment to secure sensor positions and orientations, allowing efficient conformity to target geometry and accurate magnetic field measurements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conformal MEG systems use sensors that can move independently to conform to head size and shape, then the sensors can adapt to different subjects, but the location and orientation of sensors change when performing conformal MEG on different subjects, requiring difficult and time-consuming relocation
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor mount is designed to be dynamically adjustable between flexible and rigid states. In the flexible state, the mount can be easily positioned and conformed to different head geometries. In the rigid state, the mount securely固定sensors in place. This dynamic transition allows the system to adapt to different subjects while maintaining stable sensor positions during measurement, eliminating time-consuming relocation between subjects.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the physical state parameter of the sensor mount from flexible to rigid using environmental conditions (temperature or magnetic field). This parameter change allows the mount to transition between conformability mode and stability mode, enabling efficient adaptation to different head shapes while securing sensor positions for accurate measurements.
2Shape
If conformal MEG systems position sensors on a helmet or cap that contacts the scalp, then sensors can conform to target geometry, but the system does not efficiently conform the sensors to the target geometry
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor mount utilizes a flexible shell structure that can be easily deformed and conformed to match the target head geometry. This flexible shell allows rapid adaptation to different head shapes and sizes without complex adjustment mechanisms, significantly improving conforming efficiency compared to rigid helmet or cap structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The mount transitions from a flexible state during positioning to a rigid state during measurement. This dynamic behavior allows efficient conforming to the target geometry in the flexible state, then maintains that conformed shape stably in the rigid state, improving both conforming efficiency and measurement stability.
3Shape
If conformal MEG systems place sensors on the scalp, then sensors can conform to target geometry, but the system does not effectively secure the positions and orientations of the sensors when conformed to the target geometry
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor mount dynamically transitions between flexible and rigid states. During positioning, the flexible state allows easy conforming to head geometry. During measurement, the rigid state effectively secures sensor positions and orientations, preventing movement and ensuring measurement stability. This dynamic state change resolves the contradiction between conformability and stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The physical state parameter of the mount is changed from flexible to rigid using environmental triggers (temperature change or magnetic field). This parameter change enables the mount to first conform to the target geometry when flexible, then securely固定sensors in place when rigid, achieving both conformality and positional stability.
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 efficiently conforms sensors to the target geometry, securing their positions and orientations, thereby improving measurement accuracy and enabling quick reusability across different subjects.
Implementation Method 1
The sensor mount comprises a flexible state for a first environmental condition and a rigid state for a second environmental condition. The sensor mount transitions from the flexible state to the rigid state when the first environmental condition transitions to the second environmental condition.
Data Source
AI summary
Various embodiments disclosed herein comprise systems and methods to conform magnetic field sensors to a target geometry. In some examples, an apparatus is configured to conform to a target geometry. The apparatus comprises a sensor mount and a sensor array. The sensor mount comprises a flexible state for a first environmental condition and a rigid state for a second environmental condition. The sensor mount transitions from the flexible state to the rigid state when the first environmental condition transitions to the second environmental condition. The sensor mount transitions from the rigid state to the flexible state when the second environmental condition transitions to the first environmental condition. The sensor array is coupled to the sensor mount.