Shielded EEG Headset Flex Circuit Noise Reduction

Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional EEG electrode systems are susceptible to induced electrical noise due to their design, which affects the signal-to-noise ratio and accuracy of EEG recordings, and existing shielding methods are impractical or ineffective, especially in multi-channel configurations.

Innovation Solution

A flex circuit-based EEG sensor headset with a conductive shield layer and a unified wiring harness provides a global shield plane to all electrodes, ensuring consistent shielding and reducing noise interference across the entire signal path from the electrodes to the recorder.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If a unified wiring harness with global shielding is used, then ease of manufacture and device complexity are improved, but shielding effectiveness deteriorates due to unbundled sections inside the cap

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of manufactureVSAvoidnoise interference

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The electrode cap is divided into shielded sections (wiring harness area) and unshielded sections (electrode contact area), with each section optimized for its specific function. The shielded wiring harness reduces noise during signal transmission, while the unshielded electrode sections maintain proper electrical contact with the scalp.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the electrode cap have different shielding characteristics: the wiring harness portion receives global shielding for noise reduction, while the electrode contact portions remain unshielded to ensure proper electrical connection. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction between manufacturing simplicity and noise protection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Object-affected harmful factors

If coaxial cable is used for each electrode, then shielding effectiveness is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenoise interferenceVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple individual electrode connections are merged into a unified wiring harness with a single connector interface to the recorder. This consolidation reduces the number of discrete components and connections required, simplifying the overall system while maintaining effective noise shielding through the unified harness structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If discrete electrodes with individual shielding are used, then noise rejection is improved, but ease of operation and setup time worsen

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenoise interferenceVSAvoidsetup time

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The electrode cap is pre-wired with all electrode connections and shielding configurations before use. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for complex on-site wiring and setup, allowing rapid deployment in emergency departments while maintaining effective noise shielding throughout the signal path.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

4Ease of manufacture

If a unified wiring harness is used, then ease of manufacture is improved, but shielding effectiveness deteriorates due to unbundled conductor sections

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of manufactureVSAvoidsignal accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The electrode cap is divided into shielded sections (wiring harness area) and unshielded sections (electrode contact area), with each section optimized for its specific function. The shielded wiring harness reduces noise during signal transmission, while the unshielded electrode sections maintain proper electrical contact with the scalp.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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

This design significantly improves the accuracy of EEG recordings by effectively rejecting induced noise and simplifying the setup process in fast-paced environments like hospital emergency departments, while maintaining patient comfort.

Implementation Method 1

A flex circuit-based EEG sensor headset with a conductive shield layer and a unified wiring harness provides a global shield plane to all electrodes, ensuring consistent shielding and reducing noise interference across the entire signal path

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic shielding: Faraday Cage

Data Source

PatentUS10188307B2Shielded multi-channel EEG headset systems and methods

Publication Date: 2019.01.29 BIO SIGNAL GROUP CORP

AI summary

Embodiments of a shielded sensor headset including a plurality of electrodes are generally described herein. In some embodiments a sensor headset can include electrodes, traces, and connection terminals printed on a first side of a flexible insulating substrate; and a shield plane printed on a second side of the flexible insulating substrate, the shield plane providing protection against interference. In some embodiments a sensor headset can include a first and a second assembly each having a plurality of electrodes, the first and second assemblies being configured to mate such that the electrodes comply with the 10-20 standard for EEG electrode placement. In some embodiments a sensor headset can include a dual-layer foam reservoir disposed above individual electrodes. An inner layer of the dual-layer foam reservoir can be in contact with an electrode, include a conductive gel, and form a cavity for receiving additional gel through a perforation in the electrode.