Tapered Probe Holder for Rapid Brain Imaging

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing holder for optical brain function imaging devices is cumbersome and time-consuming to apply, requiring adjustment to match the curvature of the head and necessitating the attachment of multiple probes, which is stressful for both the user and the subject, especially when only specific areas of the brain need to be measured.

Innovation Solution

A holder with a comb-like design featuring tapered branch portions that push hair aside and allow for easy alignment and attachment of light-transmitting and light-receiving probes, enabling quick and precise placement on the head without the need for extensive adjustment or hair manipulation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If a conventional holder with multiple probes is used to measure brain activity, then measurement coverage is improved, but application time and user stress increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of probesVSAvoidapplication time

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The holder is divided into multiple independent comb-like structures, each capable of functioning as a separate measurement unit. This segmentation allows the system to measure multiple brain regions simultaneously while reducing the complexity of application, as each comb can be positioned independently rather than requiring simultaneous adjustment of all probes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The comb-like structure with tapered branches is designed in advance to automatically push hair aside during application. This preliminary design feature eliminates the need for manual hair manipulation during the measurement setup, significantly reducing application time and user stress while maintaining proper probe placement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Adaptability or versatility

If a conventional holder requiring curvature adjustment is used, then adaptability to different head shapes is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecurvature adjustment capabilityVSAvoidapplication simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The holder employs flexible connection portions that allow dynamic adjustment to match the curvature of the head. These flexible sections enable the holder to adapt to different head shapes and sizes while maintaining ease of operation, as the adaptation occurs passively through flexibility rather than requiring active adjustment by the user.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Measurement precision

If multiple probes are attached to a conventional holder, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebrain activity measurement accuracyVSAvoidholder structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple probes are merged into a single comb-like structure where the backbone and branches collectively hold all probes. This merging approach maintains measurement precision by keeping all probes in proper spatial relationships while reducing overall device complexity through integration, eliminating the need for separate mounting mechanisms for each probe.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 holder allows for rapid and accurate application of the probes, reducing preparation time and stress for both the user and subject, while effectively collecting light measurement data from specific areas of interest.

Implementation Method 1

irradiating a living body with light and receiving light diffused from the living body

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight transmission and diffusion: Diffusion

Implementation Method 2

the brain is irradiated with near infrared rays having three different wavelengths

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectNear infrared radiation: Infrared Radiation

Implementation Method 3

tapered branch portions that push hair aside

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical force: Mechanical Force

Data Source

PatentUS9226703B2Holder and light measurement device employing same

Publication Date: 2016.01.05 SHIMADZU CORP

AI summary

Provided is a holder which comprises at least two probe mount portions into which a light-transmitting probe for emitting light from the tip thereof or a light-receiving probe for receiving light through the tip thereof is inserted from above and is to be put on the head of a subject, the holder being characterized by further comprising: a linear backbone portion that extends in a first direction that is perpendicular to the above-described direction from above; and at least two linear branch portions that extend in a second direction that is perpendicular to the above-described direction from above and is different from the first direction, wherein the lower end portions of the probe mount portions protrude from the lower surface of the backbone portion or a branch portion and are tapered.