EP3860450A1

EP3860450A1 - Sensor for measuring a biological potential

Info

Publication number: EP3860450A1
Application number: EP19795297.1A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Guirec LE LOUS; Robin REYNAUD
Original assignee: Urgotech
Current assignee: Urgotech
Priority date: 2018-10-02
Filing date: 2019-10-02
Publication date: 2021-08-11
Also published as: FR3086527B1; JP2022504414A; US20210338128A1; FR3086527A1; WO2020070440A1; CN112788991A; CA3112857A1

Abstract

A sensor (30) for measuring a biological potential of an individual, comprising: - a measurement electrode (31) comprising a base (32), at least one leg intended to come into contact with an anatomical zone of the individual and at least one electrical connection member (38), - at least one locking member (45) configured to cooperate in a reversible manner with at least one complementary locking member (25) on an external support (10) so as to removably fasten the sensor (30) to the external support (10), the locking member (45) being separate from the electrical connection member (38), - a protection element (40) made from a resilient material and delimiting a recess (41) in which the leg extends.

Description

SENSOR FOR MEASURING BIOLOGICAL POTENTIAL

[Technical area]

The present invention relates to a sensor for measuring a biological potential, such as the production of an electroencephalogram or an electrocardiogram, in humans or animals.

[State of the art]

The control, characterization, monitoring, even feedback, of health parameters such as cardiac or cerebral parameters is nowadays the main concerns of the medical device industry.

One of the current reflections in these new approaches is to be able to characterize an individual's sleep. To do this, it is known to identify sleep spindles (or "sleep spindles" according to the Anglo-Saxon name). Sleep spindles are signals of cerebral electrical activity with frequencies generally between 9 and 16 Hz (Molle et al, 2011) and with amplitudes ranging from 25 to 150 microvolts. There are sleep zones of low frequencies and high frequencies, variable and specific to each individual. The sleep spindles generally last between 0.5 to 2 seconds and are the product of an activity of the cortical reticulo-tbalamo network. The production of high density sleep spindles has been shown to be associated with effective sleep.

The identification of sleep zones is possible by the acquisition of signals of cerebral activity at the level of specific positions of the head of the user, in particular at the level of positions C3, C4 and / or Cz defined by the “international system 10/20 ”(see in particular document WO-A1 -2009/061920).

The international 10/20 system is mentioned in particular through patent application WQ-A1-2009 / 061920. This system, illustrated in Figure 1 (according to the modified combinatorial nomenclature or "modifted combinatorial nomenclature", Directives N ° 5: Guidelines for Standard Electrode Position Nomenclature, American Ciinical Neurophysiology Society, 2006), is ultimately an internationally recognized method localization of the possible positioning of at least one electrode on the surface of a human skull in the context of performing an electroencephalogram. In this system, each measuring electrode is thus identified by a letter coding its position in relation to large brain regions, and a number or the letter z that defines the hemisphere (Jasper, 1958):

• the letters F, T, C, P, and O respectively indicate the Frontal, Temporal, Central, Parietal and Occipital regions,

• the even numbers (2, 4, 6, 8) correspond to the right hemisphere,

• the odd numbers (1, 3, 5, 7) correspond to the left hemisphere, the letter z indicates the electrodes located on the center line.

Another potential application relates to attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). In this application, the acquisition of cerebral activity signals can also be done at the C3, C4, and / or Cz (possibly and / or CPz and / or FCz) positions of the international 10/20 system.

Yet another application relates to memory disorders, in particular in the context of Alzheimer's disease. In this application, the acquisition of cerebral activity signals can be done in particular at the positions C3, C4, T7 and / or T8 of the international 10/20 system, the positions T7 and T8 corresponding respectively to the positions T3 and T4 according to a previous simplified nomenclature of this international 10/20 system. A seriously envisaged variant could consist of an acquisition of these signals of cerebral activity at the C3, C4, CPz and / or FT7 positions of the international 10/20 system.

Conventionally, the measurement electrodes used in these applications can be wet or dry. Wet electrodes have the disadvantage of dirtying the skull and scalp where they are placed directly, despite a highly noticeable quality of reception of the desired signal. Dry electrodes do not have this discomfort. On the other hand, their hardness can be a drawback in the event of contact pressure exerted by the helmet supporting it too high, thus making the wearing of the latter unpleasant for the user. Movable or conformable metal or conductive polymer electrodes have therefore been developed in an attempt to remedy this drawback.

A particularly symbolic example of this desire to produce conformable dry electrodes devoid of any discomfort for the user is described in patent application EP 2 827 770 from the company Cognionics. To this end, the inventors have implemented legs made of elastomeric material which undergo an external or lateral movement (S) perpendicular to the pressure exerted (P). According to another variant published in the literature, application WO 2009/134763 from the University of Rhode Island proposes an electrode, the metal legs of which are made compressible by means of a spring inserted directly inside their structure, causing displacement of the latter in a direction parallel to the pressure stress exerted.

However, in both cases, these electrodes offer a limit to this comfort solution, in particular when the tab is at the maximum of its lateral displacement or when the movable part of the tab fully enters the stationary part of the latter, thus leaving respectively the base, or the stationary part of the electrode directly in contact with the scalp.

To overcome this drawback, some manufacturers have proposed to introduce a protective element having a cavity integrating the measurement electrode, this cavity itself having edges offering lateral thickening and serving as a peripheral damper for the electrode. Application WO 2012/156499 describes the introduction of such a means for this purpose. An additional advantage of size also provided by this protective element is that it makes it possible to drastically reduce the number of measurement artifact due to an improvement in the stability of the electrode on the skull of the user.

However, this solution is not perfect, as the measurement electrode may still have a certain degree of mobility to the external support to which it is attached, thus allowing the latter to disengage from the latter.

It is therefore the object of the present invention to provide a sensor for measuring a biological potential, said sensor advantageously having improved comfort properties for the user and an assured engagement reducing the artifacts for measuring the desired biological potential.

[Presentation of the invention]

Thus, according to a first aspect, the object of the invention resides in a sensor for measuring a biological potential of an individual, the sensor being intended to be placed on an anatomical area of the individual by means of '' an external support, the sensor comprising:

a measurement electrode adapted to conduct an electrical potential, said measurement electrode comprising:

a base, at least one tab extending from the base to a free contact portion intended to come into contact with the anatomical area of the individual, the tab being configured so that at least the contact portion is movable relative to the base, and

at least one electrical connection member configured to cooperate with at least one complementary electrical connection member on the external support,

- at least one locking member configured to cooperate in a reversible manner with at least one complementary locking member on the external support so as to removably fix said sensor to the external support, the locking member being distinct from the electrical connection,

said sensor further comprising a protective element extending from the base and delimiting a cavity in which the tab extends, the protective element being configured to be flush with the contact part of the tab when the sensor is put in place on the anatomical area, the protective element being made from a resilient material.

The Applicant has highlighted the advantage of developing a locking member distinct from the electrical connection member of the measuring electrode in order to reliably and reproducibly fix the sensor to any external support such as a helmet, a bracelet. or a belt and thus reduce the artifacts for measuring biological potential.

The protective element acts as a peripheral damper and stabilizer for the sensor and more specifically for the measurement electrode. This is more particularly true for measurement electrodes, the base of which would come into immediate contact with the user's surface, electrodes for which the lug (s) move laterally once the pressure has been exerted, or for electrodes with the fixing part stationary. would come to exert this contact, electrodes of which the movable contact part completely enters the immobile fixing part constituting it once the pressure has been exerted.

This role of shock absorber and stabilizer appears particularly advantageous for at least two reasons:

- in terms of maintaining the comfort of the sensor on the contact surface of the user, the electrode no longer exhibiting a painful point beyond this damping part,

- in terms of measurement, the sensor being securely attached to the external element supporting it, the measurement artifacts will be reduced in number.

The sensor may have a longitudinal axis and the locking member and the complementary locking member may be configured to form a bayonet attachment. The locking member comprises at least one locking surface extending transversely to the longitudinal axis and facing the base in a direction opposite to the tab, the locking surface being configured to cooperate with a locking edge as a complementary locking member on the external support, the edge locking defining a locking opening, the locking member and the locking edge being shaped to allow the locking surface to pass through the locking opening in a first angular position of the locking member relative at the locking edge along the longitudinal axis, and to prevent the locking surface from passing through the locking opening in a second angular position of the locking member with respect to the locking edge along the longitudinal axis, the locking surface abutting on the locking edge when the sensor is fixed on the external support da ns the second angular position.

The locking member may comprise at least two locking rods extending from the base along the longitudinal axis, each locking rod having the locking surface.

The locking member may comprise an annular locking skirt around the longitudinal axis and from which at least two lugs extend radially so as to each present the locking surface.

Alternatively, the sensor may have a longitudinal axis and the locking member may include at least one locking rod extending from the base along the longitudinal axis in a direction opposite to the tab, and a removable pin. The locking rod has a locking hole extending transversely to the longitudinal axis, the locking rod and the pin being configured to cooperate with a locking hole as a complementary locking member on the external support, the pin s extending into the locking hole and the locking hole placed in correspondence when the sensor is fixed on the external support.

According to another variant, the sensor can have a longitudinal axis and the locking member can comprise a thread on a side wall extending from the base along the longitudinal axis in a direction opposite to the tab. The thread is adapted to cooperate with a complementary thread as a complementary locking member on the external support.

According to another variant, the sensor can have a longitudinal axis and the locking member can be a clip. The clip includes at least one locking rod extending from a surface of the base opposite the tab, the locking rod being configured to cooperate with a locking edge as a complementary locking member on the external support, the locking rod having a rest position, in which said locking rod extends along the longitudinal axis and has a transverse locking surface by relative to the longitudinal axis and opposite the base, the locking rod being elastically deformable so as to be moved away from the rest position, the locking surface being in abutment on the locking edge when the sensor is fixed on the external support .

According to another variant, the sensor can have a longitudinal axis and the locking member can comprise a crimping skirt extending from a surface of the base opposite the tab. The crimping skirt is configured to cooperate with a locking edge as a complementary locking member on the external support, the crimping skirt having a mounting state in which said crimping skirt defines a housing around the longitudinal axis adapted to receive the locking edge, the crimping skirt being deformable to present at least one transverse locking surface relative to the longitudinal axis and arranged to retain the crimping edge in the housing when the sensor is fixed on the external support.

In one embodiment, the base may have a central axis and the tab may include a fixing part secured to the base, the contact part being mounted so that it can move in translation along the central axis on the fixing part.

The tab can then comprise an elastic element interposed between the fixing part and the contact part.

In another embodiment, the base can have a central axis and the contact part can be movable transversely relative to the central axis.

In one embodiment, the measurement electrode can be a wet or dry electrode, preferably said measurement electrode will be a dry electrode.

By "wet electrode" is meant any electrode necessarily using a gel or a conductive paste, for example based on electrolytes, at the interface of a contact surface to which it is affixed.

By “dry electrode” is meant any electrode based on a conductive material or made conductive chosen from metal, metal alloys, elastomers or plastics, having a certain hardness and for which the use of a gel or conductive paste is not required.

The protective element can then include the locking member. According to this arrangement, the locking member is an integral part of the protective element, thus allowing optimal stabilization of comfort and measurement of a biological potential of interest.

The resilient material can have a Young's modulus of between 10 Kpa and 100 MPa, in particular between 10 KPa and 80 MPa, the resilient material being in particular a silicone, a plastic material or an elastomer.

By “resilient material” is meant any compressible or deformable material having the property of regaining its initial volume and / or its initial shape once the external physical constraint has been lifted. In other words, by resilient material is meant a shape memory material.

Among the polymers relevant to the production of the protective element, there are the elastomers defined as being thermoplastic, the polymers defined as being resins, or also the silicones as described below.

In a particularly advantageous manner, the measurement electrode comprises at least three tabs, more preferably at least six.

Advantageously, the measurement electrode is made from a conductive material or made conductive and chosen from the list of materials constituted by at least one metallic material or a metallic alloy, and / or at least one polymer.

Among the metallic materials used in the context of the present invention, materials such as steel, preferably stainless steel, tin, copper, silver, platinum, titanium, lead, are particularly preferred. , gold, zinc, aluminum, iron, chromium, their derivatives or their alloys.

Among the polymers relevant to the production of the measurement electrode within the meaning of the present invention, there are defined elastomers of thermoplastics, polymers defined as resins, or silicones.

Among the thermoplastic elastomers, there are elastomers based on olefin, styrene, ester, polyamide, polyurethane, or polyvinyl.

By way of non-limiting example of resin, there are resins based on acrylonitrile-styrene (AS), acrylonitrile butadiene (ABS), epoxy resins, resins based on tetrafluoroethylene and ethylene (ETFE). , those based on tetrafluoroethylene, and hexafluoropropylene (FEP), those based on hexafluoropropylene and ethylene (EFEP), those based on polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), polychlorotrifluoroethylene (PCTFE), chlorotrifluoroethylene and ethylene ( ECTFE), polycaproamide (nylon 6), polyhexamethylene adipamide (nylon 66), polytetramethylene adipamide (nylon 46), polyhexamethylene meri len sebacamide (nylon 610), polyhexamethylene meri len dodecamide (nylon 612), polydodecane amide (nylon 12), polyundecane amide (nylon 11), terephthalamide, poly-xylylene adipamide (nylon XD6), polynonamethylene terephthalamide, polyundecanamide terephthalamide (nylon 11T), polydecamethylene (nylon 1010), polydecamethylene dodecanamide (nylon 1012) and amide-based elastomer (TPA), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), polybutylene naphthalate (PBN), polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), polycarbonate (PC ), linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE), very low density polyethylene, or else low density polyethylene (LDPE), medium density polyethylene (MDPE), high density polyethylene (HDPE), based copolymer of vinyl acetate (EVA), vinyl alcohol (EVOH or BVOH), polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), polybutene (PB), polymethylpentene (PMP), polyether ether ketone (PEEK), polyether sulfone (PES), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyimide (PI), polyetherimide (PEI), acrylic resin (PMMA), polyacetal (POM), polypropylene (PP), polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), polystyrene (PS), polysulfone (PSU), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), poloxamer, cellulose derivatives such as hydroxypropylcellulose (HPC), or hydroxymethylcellulose (HMC), polypropyleneglycol (PPG), polyethylene glycol (PEG) or polyvinyl chloride (PVC).

Among the silicones which can be used in the context of the present invention, use is preferably made of silicones based on siloxanes or on polysiloxanes and their derivatives, such as for example polydimethylsiloxane.

According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the relevant polymers used in the production of the measurement electrode have a hardness in a range from 10 shore A to 80 Shore A.

The hardness of said polymers can in particular be less than or equal to 65 shore A.

When the material of the measuring electrode is made conductive, the latter comprises conductive particles such as graphite, electrolytes, particles of metal or metal alloy, activated carbon, organic conductive powders, or carbon , possibly in the form of nanotubes.

Alternatively or additionally, the material constituting the electrode can be made conductive by applying at least partially a conductive layer chosen in particular from a paint, an ink, a glue or a conductive adhesive. In particular, the conductive layer may include silver, silver salts, silver derivatives or a silver alloy. The conductive layer may also comprise a conductive polymer, preferably a mixture of poly (3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) and sodium poly (styrene sulfonate) (PSS). By way of nonlimiting example, an ink based on silver chloride is particularly preferred.

In one embodiment, the electrical connection member of the measurement electrode is constituted by a piece of conductive material overmolded by the material constituting the measurement electrode or is produced by molding directly from the material constituting the '' measuring electrode.

The electrical connection member is intended to ensure contact of a conductive nature at least partially with the external support. It is not intended by itself to serve as a locking member with this external support.

According to an alternative embodiment of the invention, when the electrical connection member is made from a molded part, the latter is made from at least one metallic material or at least one metallic alloy.

Among the metallic materials used in the context of the production of the electrical connection member, materials such as steel, preferably stainless steel, tin, copper, silver, platinum, are particularly preferred. , titanium, lead, gold, zinc, aluminum, iron, chromium, their derivatives or their alloys.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the electrical connection member emerges from the base of the measurement electrode on the side opposite to that from which the at least one tab leaves.

The sensor may further comprise a housing receiving the base, a part of the tab and at least a part of the electrical connection member of the measurement electrode, the housing having a back surface intended to be placed opposite the support. external, and a front surface opposite to the back surface, the tab of the measuring electrode projecting with respect to the front surface of the housing, the protective element being secured to the housing and extending from the front surface of the housing .

The housing may include the locking member.

The locking member can extend from the back surface of the housing.

The housing may include a front housing portion and a back housing portion configured to be removably assembled to each other by defining a housing receiving the base, a portion of the tab and at least a portion of the electrical connection member of the measuring electrode, the front housing part carrying at least part of the front surface of the housing and the back housing part carrying at least part of the back surface of the housing, the front housing part being provided with at least one orifice through which extends the tab of the measuring electrode. The back housing part may have a peripheral portion around a housing axis and a central portion centered on the housing axis, the central portion being offset along the housing axis relative to the peripheral portion to form a part of the housing, the front housing part being mounted on the central portion of the back housing part.

The protective element may have a bottom extending transversely with respect to a protective element axis and a side wall extending from the bottom around the protective element axis, the protective element covering the front surface of the housing and being provided with at least one orifice made in the bottom and through which the tab of the measuring electrode passes.

According to a second aspect, the invention provides a measurement assembly comprising a sensor as defined above and an external support configured to be placed on an anatomical area of the individual, the external support comprising:

- at least one additional electrical connection member configured to cooperate with the sensor connection member,

- at least one additional locking member configured to cooperate in a reversible manner with the locking member of the sensor.

The external support can be chosen from a helmet, a bracelet and a belt.

According to a third aspect, the invention provides a measurement system comprising a measurement assembly as defined above and a processing unit configured to receive the biological potential measured by the sensor.

[Description of the figures]

Other objects and advantages of the invention will appear on reading the following description of particular embodiments of the invention given by way of non-limiting example, the description being made with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 represents a general view of a system for measuring a biological potential, the measurement system comprising a sensor according to a first embodiment of the invention disposed on an external support, namely a helmet,

FIG. 2 represents a partial exploded view of the measurement system of FIG. 1, illustrating a bayonet locking member intended to cooperate with complementary locking openings on the helmet in order to fix the sensor on the helmet, FIG. 3 represents a sectional view along the orientation referenced III-III in FIG. 2 of the sensor,

FIG. 4 represents an exploded perspective view of a front face of a sensor according to a second embodiment of the invention,

- Figure 5 shows a perspective view of a rear face of the sensor of Figure 4.

[Detailed description of the invention]

Figure 1 shows a measurement system 1 for measuring an individual's biological potential. Without being limited thereto, in the embodiment shown, the measurement system 1 is intended to make it possible to characterize the sleep of an individual and, if necessary, to allow the individual to improve the quality of his sleep from of the measured biological potential.

The measurement system 1 comprises a measurement set 5 configured to measure the biological potential representative of the brain waves of the individual and a processing unit 2 configured to exploit the biological potential measured by the measurement set 5.

In particular, the processing unit 2 can be adapted to identify the brain waves characterizing falling asleep and sleep, in particular the sleep spindles (or "sleep spindles" according to the Anglo-Saxon name). The processing unit 2 can also be adapted to help the individual promote the emission of these brain waves.

The measuring assembly 5 comprises an external support 10 configured to be placed on an anatomical area of the individual where the biological potential must be measured, and one or more sensors 30 removably attached to the external support 10.

In the embodiment shown, to measure the brain waves, the external support is in the form of a helmet 11 having a frame 12, preferably adjustable, shaped to adapt to the skull of the individual. The helmet 11 has one or more locations 15 each configured to provide an electrical connection and a mechanical connection with one of the sensors 30.

In particular, the identification of sleep spindles is possible by the acquisition of brain waves at the level of specific positions of the individual's skull, in particular at the level of positions G3, C4 and / or Cz defined by the “international system 10/20 ”(see in particular document WO-A1 -2009/061920). In Figure 1, the helmet 11 then comprises four locations 15 and four sensors 30: a location 15 and a sensor 30 in position C3, a location 15 and a sensor 30 in position C4, a location 15 and a sensor 30 in position Cz (not visible and not indicated on the this figure), and two locations 15 and two sensors 30 in two distinct positions located behind each of the individual's ears and serving as mass and / or reference. The number and arrangement of the locations 15 could be different depending on the intended application and the biological potential to be measured.

To ensure transmission of the data measured by the measuring unit 5 to the processing unit 2, the headset 11 may include a communication interface 14 configured to communicate with a communication interface 4 of the processing unit 2. In the embodiment shown, the communication interfaces 4, 14 provide wireless communication. Alternatively, this communication could be wired.

In FIG. 2, each location 15 is materialized by a hollow imprint 16 formed in an interior surface of the frame 12 intended to be placed facing the skull of the individual. The imprint 16 is delimited by a lateral cylindrical surface 17 along a mounting axis A.

To ensure the electrical connection at each of the locations 15, the helmet 11 comprises a complementary electrical connection member 18 configured to cooperate with a connection member 38 of the sensor 30. For example, the complementary electrical connection member 18 is provided under the form of a contact blade 19 of conductive material extending centrally in a connection opening 20 formed in the cavity 16.

Furthermore, to ensure the electrical connection at each of the locations 15, the helmet 11 comprises a complementary locking member 25 configured to cooperate in a reversible manner with a locking member 45 of the sensor 30. For example, in the embodiment shown, as will emerge from the following description, the locking member 45 and the complementary locking member 25 are shaped to form a bayonet attachment. The complementary locking member 25 of the helmet 11 then comprises two locking openings 26 formed in the cavity 16 on either side of the connection opening 20. Each locking opening 26 is delimited by a locking edge 27 .

In FIGS. 2 and 3, each sensor 30 has a longitudinal axis L and is configured to be mounted on one of the locations 15 coaxially with the cavity 16. The sensor 30 includes a measurement electrode 31 adapted to conduct an electrical potential. Preferably, the measurement electrode 31 is a so-called dry electrode, that is to say made from a conductive material or made conductive chosen from metal, metal alloys, elastomers or plastics, having a certain hardness and for which the use of a gel or a conductive paste is not necessary. In particular, when the material constituting the measurement electrode 31 is made conductive, the latter may comprise conductive particles such as graphite, electrolytes, particles of metal or of metal alloy, activated carbon, organic powders conductive, or carbon, possibly in the form of nanotubes. Alternatively or additionally, the material constituting the measuring electrode 31 can be made conductive by applying at least partially a paint, an ink, a glue or a conductive adhesive. By way of nonlimiting example, an ink based on silver chloride is particularly preferred.

The measurement electrode 31 comprises a base 32 in the form of a plate extending transversely with respect to a central axis B coinciding with the longitudinal axis L of the sensor 30. The base 32 has first 32a and second 32b surfaces opposite and connected to each other by an outer edge 33. In the embodiment shown, the first 32a and second 32b surfaces are planar and the outer edge 33 defines a circular contour corresponding to the lateral surface 17 of the footprint 16. On the second surface 32b, a cylindrical fitting wall 34 along the central axis B is provided to cooperate with the connection opening 20 of the location 15 of the helmet 11.

The measurement electrode 31 comprises one or more tabs 35, preferably at least three and 16 in number in the embodiment shown, which extend from the first surface 32a of the base 32. In the embodiment shown , each tab 35 extends parallel to the central axis B of the base 32 and comprises a fixing part 35a secured to the base 32 and a contact part 35b mounted movable in translation along the central axis B on the part of fixing 35a. The contact part 35b, free and movable relative to the base 32, is intended to come into contact with the anatomical area of the individual where the biological potential is measured. An elastic element, such as a helical spring, can be interposed between the fixing part 35a and the contact part 35b of the tab 35 for: - ensuring an elastic stress on the contact part 35b towards a deployed position in which it is distant from the base 32 in the absence of external stress, and

- allow a displacement of the contact part 35b towards a retracted position in which it is brought closer to the base 32 under the effect of a pressure exerted by the anatomical zone when the helmet is put on the skull of the individual .

In other embodiments, each tab 35 could be made in any other suitable manner so that the free contact part 35b is movable relative to the base 32 parallel to the central axis B or transversely to the 'central axis B.

In the embodiment shown, the electrical connection member 38 of the sensor 30 extends the fixing part 35a of each tab 35 through the base 32, so as to protrude relative to the second surface 32b of the base 32 The tabs 35 are then arranged so that the electrical connection member 38 extends inside the fitting wall 34 of the base 32.

In one embodiment, the sensor 30 also comprises a protective element 40 extending from the base 32 and delimiting a cavity 41 in which the legs 35 extend. The protective element 40 makes it possible to fulfill a role of 'shock absorber and peripheral stabilizer for the sensor 30 and more specifically for the measurement electrode 31. The protective element 40 is made from a resilient material, in particular a silicone, a plastic material or an elastomer. The resilient material can have a Young's modulus of between 10 KPa and 100 MPa, especially between 10 KPa and 80 MPa.

In a first embodiment shown in Figure 3, the protective element 40 is in the form of an annular bead 42 around a protective axis A, molded onto a rim of the base 32 extending between the outer edge 33 and the fitting wall 34. The bead 42 of the protective element 40 has a side wall 42a extending over the first surface 32a of the base 32 along the longitudinal axis L. The side wall 42a is continuous but could, alternatively, be discontinuous. The side wall 42a of the protective element 40 has a height relative to the base 32 less than a length of the legs 35 in the deployed position. The legs 35 in the deployed position therefore protrude from the side wall 42a of the protective element 40. On the other hand, the side wall 42a of the protective element 40 is configured to be flush with the contact parts 35b of the legs 35 in the retracted position , when the sensor 30 is placed on the anatomical area. The locking member 45 of the sensor 30 is distinct from the electrical connection member 38.

In the embodiment shown, it is integrated into the protective element 40. In particular, the locking member 45 comprises two locking rods 46 extending from a portion of the protective element 40 covering the flange of the base 32, along the longitudinal axis L in a direction opposite to the legs 35.

Each of the locking rods 46 is configured to cooperate with one of the locking edges 27 and the corresponding locking opening 26 on the helmet 11. The locking rod 46 has a locking surface 47 transverse to the axis longitudinal L and facing the base 32. In the figures, the locking surface 47 is formed on a lug 48 at a free end of the locking rod 46.

To fix the sensor 30 on the helmet 11, the sensor 30 is positioned opposite the imprint 16, coaxially with the latter, in a first angular position of the locking rods 46 relative to the locking edges 27 along the axis. longitudinal L. In this first angular position, each locking rod 46 can pass through the corresponding locking opening 26. The sensor 30 is then placed in the cavity 16, with the outer edge 33 of the base 32 covered with the protective element 40 facing the lateral surface 17 of the cavity 16, the fitting wall 34 of the base 32 in the connection opening 20 and the locking rods 46 in the locking openings 26. The sensor 30 is pivoted along the longitudinal axis L to a second angular position in which the locking rods 46 are prevented from passing through. through locking openings 26. The locking surfaces 47 of the locking rods 46 are then in abutment on the locking edges 27 to fix the sensor 30 on the helmet 11. Elastic members may be provided in the helmet 11 to stress the locking surfaces 47 of the locking rods 46 towards the locking edges 27.

In this position, the contact blades 19 of the helmet 11 come into contact with the electrical connection members 38 of the sensors to ensure the transmission of the biological potentials measured from the legs 35 to the processing unit 2.

Alternatively, any other arrangement of one or more locking rods 46 and corresponding locking openings 26 could be provided.

In addition, any other locking member separate from the electrical connection member could be provided on the protective element 40 or directly on the base 32. For example, the locking member could comprise at least one locking rod extending from the base, directly or through the protective element, along the longitudinal axis in a direction opposite to the tab, and a removable pin. The locking rod would then comprise a locking orifice extending transversely relative to the longitudinal axis. The locking rod and the pin would be configured to cooperate with a locking hole as a complementary locking member on the helmet, the pin extending in the locking hole and the locking hole placed in correspondence when the sensor is fixed on helmet.

According to another example, the locking member could comprise a thread on a side wall extending from the base, directly or through the protective element, along the longitudinal axis in a direction opposite to the tab . The thread would be adapted to cooperate with a complementary thread as a complementary locking member on the helmet.

According to another example, the locking member could be a clip. The clip would include at least one locking rod extending from a surface of the base opposite the tab, directly or through the protective member. The locking rod would then be configured to cooperate with a locking edge as a complementary locking member on the helmet. In particular, the locking rod would have a rest position, in which said locking rod extends along the longitudinal axis and has a locking surface transverse to the longitudinal axis and facing the base. The locking rod would be elastically deformable so as to be moved away from the rest position, the locking surface being in abutment on the locking edge when the sensor is fixed on the helmet.

According to another example, the locking member could comprise a crimping skirt extending from a surface of the base opposite to the tab, directly or through the protective element. The crimping skirt would be configured to cooperate with a locking edge as a complementary locking member on the helmet. In particular, the crimping skirt would have a mounting state in which it delimits a housing around the longitudinal axis adapted to receive the locking edge. The crimping skirt would be deformable to have at least one transverse locking surface relative to the longitudinal axis and arranged to retain the crimping edge in the housing when the sensor is fixed to the helmet. Figures 4 and 5 show a sensor 30 'according to a second embodiment of the invention.

In addition to the measurement electrode 31 previously described, the sensor 30 ′ according to the second embodiment comprises a housing 50 receiving a part of the measurement electrode 31. In particular, the housing 50 comprises a front housing part 51 and a part of back protector 52 configured to be assembled to one another in a removable manner by delimiting a housing 53 receiving the base 32, a part of the lugs 35 and at least a part of the electrical connection member 38 of the '' measuring electrode 31.

The back housing part 52 has a peripheral portion 52a around a housing axis D aligned with the longitudinal axis L of the sensor 30, and a central portion 52b centered on the housing axis D. The central portion 52b is offset along the axis of the housing D relative to the peripheral portion 52a to form a part of the housing 53 on a first face of the part of the back housing 52.

On a second face opposite the first face, the back casing part 52 carries a back surface 50b of the casing 50, extending both over the peripheral portion 52a and over the central portion 52b. The dorsal surface 50b is intended to be placed opposite the external support 10 and comprises the locking member 45 'shaped to form a bayonet attachment as described above. In the second embodiment, the locking member 45 'is configured to cooperate with one of the locking edges 27 and the corresponding locking opening 26 on the helmet 11. In particular, it comprises an annular locking skirt around the housing axis D and from which three equally spaced lugs 48 ′ extend radially so as to each have a locking surface 47 transverse to the housing axis D.

The front housing part 51 is provided with one or more orifices 54 arranged to allow passage of the legs of the measuring electrode 31 when it is placed in the housing 53. The front housing part 51 is shaped to be mounted on the central portion 52b of the back case part 52 so that an outer surface 51a, opposite to the back case part 52, is flush with a first front surface portion of the peripheral portion 52a of the back case part 52 , opposite the dorsal surface 50b. The front housing part 52b thus carries a second front surface portion which forms, with the first front surface portion of the peripheral portion 52a of the back housing part 52, a front surface 50a of the housing 50, opposite the back surface. 50b. The measurement electrode is mounted in the housing 53 between the front 51 and back 52 housing parts with its lugs 35 projecting relative to the front surface 50a of the housing 50.

Furthermore, in the second embodiment, the protective element 40 'is secured to the housing 50 so as to extend from the front surface 50a of the housing 50, completely covering it. In particular, the protective element 40 'has a bottom 43' extending transversely with respect to the axis of the protective element A '. The bottom 43 'is provided with one or more orifices 44' arranged to allow passage of the legs of the measurement electrode 31. The protective element 40 'also includes the annular bead 42' extending from the bottom 43 'around the axis of protective element A'. The bead 42 'has the side wall 42a' which delimits with the bottom 43 'the cavity 41' in which the legs 35 extend.

The invention has been described in relation to a measurement system adapted to measure a biological potential in the skull of the individual in order to characterize sleep. The invention however applies to the measurement of any other biological potential with a view, in particular but not exclusively, to controlling, characterizing, monitoring and / or feedback on health parameters such as cardiac or cerebral parameters. The external support is then adapted accordingly and is in any other suitable form than a helmet and in particular a bracelet or a belt.

Claims

1. Sensor (30; 30 ') for measuring an individual's biological potential, the sensor (30) being intended to be placed on an anatomical area of the individual by means of an external support (10 ), the sensor (30; 30 ') comprising:

- a measurement electrode (31) adapted to conduct an electrical potential, said measurement electrode (31) comprising:

a base (32),

at least one tab (35) extending from the base (32) to a free contact part (35b) intended to come into contact with the anatomical area of the individual, the tab (35) being configured so that '' at least the contact part (35b) is movable relative to the base (32), and

at least one electrical connection member (38) configured to cooperate with at least one complementary electrical connection member (18) on the external support (10),

- at least one locking member (45; 45 ') configured to cooperate reversibly with at least one complementary locking member (25) on the external support (10) so as to removably fix said sensor (30) to the external support (10), the locking member (45; 45 ') being separate from the electrical connection member (38),

said sensor (30; 30 ') being characterized in that it further comprises a protective element (40; 40') extending from the base (32) and delimiting a cavity (41) in which the tab (35), the protective element (40; 40 ') being configured to be flush with the contact part (35b) of the tab (35) when the sensor (30; 30') is placed on the anatomical area , the protective element (40; 40 ') being made from a resilient material.

2. Sensor (30) according to claim 1, wherein the protective element (40) comprises the locking member (45).

3. Sensor (30; 30 ') according to any one of claims 1 and 2, in which the resilient material has a Young's modulus between 10 Kpa and 100 MPa, in particular between 10 KPa and 80 MPa, the resilient material being in particular a silicone, a plastic material or an elastomer.

4. Sensor (30; 30 ') according to any one of claims 1 to 3, having a longitudinal axis (L) and in which the locking member (45; 45') and the complementary locking member are configured to form a bayonet attachment, the locking member (45; 45 ') comprising at least one locking surface (47) extending transversely with respect to the longitudinal axis (L) and facing the base (32 ) in a direction opposite to the tab (35), the locking surface (47) being configured to cooperate with a locking edge (27) as a complementary locking member (25) on the external support (10), the edge of locking (27) defining a locking opening (26), the locking member (45; 45 ') and the locking edge (27) being shaped to allow the locking surface (47) to pass through the locking opening (26) in a first angular position re of the locking member (45; 45 ') relative to the locking edge (27) along the longitudinal axis (L), and to prevent the locking surface (47) from passing through the opening of locking (26) in a second angular position of the locking member (45; 45 ') relative to the locking edge (27) along the longitudinal axis (L), the locking surface (47) being in abutment on the locking edge (27) when the sensor (30) is fixed on the support external (10) in the second angular position.

5. A sensor (30) according to claim 4, wherein the locking member (45) comprises at least two locking rods (46) extending from the base (32) along the longitudinal axis (L), each locking rod (46) having the locking surface (47).

6. Sensor (30 ') according to claim 4, wherein the locking member (45') comprises an annular locking skirt around the longitudinal axis (L) and from which at least two pins (48 ') s 'extend radially so as to each present the locking surface (47).

7. Sensor (30) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, having a longitudinal axis (L) and wherein the locking member (45) comprises at least one locking rod extending from the base along the longitudinal axis in a direction opposite to the lug, and a removable pin, the locking rod having a locking hole extending transversely to the longitudinal axis, the locking rod and the pin being configured to cooperate with a locking hole as a complementary locking member (25) on the external support (10), the pin extending in the locking hole and the locking hole placed in correspondence when the sensor (30) is fixed on the external support (10) .

8. Sensor (30) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, having a longitudinal axis (L) and in which the locking member (45) comprises a thread on a side wall extending from the base (32 ) along the longitudinal axis (L) in a direction opposite to the lug (35), the thread being adapted to cooperate with a complementary thread as a complementary locking member (25) on the external support (10).

9. Sensor (30) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, having a longitudinal axis (L) and in which the locking member (45) is a clip, the clip comprising at least one locking rod s' extending from a surface of the base (32) opposite the tab (35), the locking rod being configured to cooperate with a locking edge as a complementary locking member (25) on the external support (10), the rod lock having a rest position, in which said locking rod extends along the longitudinal axis (L) and has a locking surface transverse to the longitudinal axis (L) and facing the base (32) , the locking rod being elastically deformable to be moved away from the rest position, the locking surface being in abutment on the locking edge when the sensor (30) is fixed on the external support (10).

10. Sensor (30) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, having a longitudinal axis (L) and in which the locking member (45) comprises a crimp skirt extending from a surface of the base ( 32) opposite the tab (35), the crimping skirt being configured to cooperate with a locking edge as a complementary locking member (25) on the external support (10), the crimping skirt having a mounting state in which said crimping skirt defines a housing around the longitudinal axis (L) adapted to receive the locking edge, the crimping skirt being deformable to present at least one locking surface transverse to the longitudinal axis (L) and arranged to retain the crimping edge in the housing when the sensor (30) is fixed on the external support (10).

11. Sensor (30; 30 ') according to any one of claims 1 to 10, in which the base (32) has a central axis (B) and the tab (35) comprises a fixing part (35a) integral with the base (32), the contact part (35b) being mounted displaceable in translation along the central axis (B) on the fixing part (35a).

12. Sensor (30; 30 ') according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the base (32) has a central axis (B) and the contact part (35b) is movable transversely relative to the central axis (B).

13. Sensor (30; 30 ’) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, in which the measuring electrode (31) is a dry electrode.

14. Sensor (30; 30 ') according to any one of claims 1 to 13, in which the measurement electrode (31) is composed of a conductive material or made conductive and chosen from the list of materials constituted by at least a metallic material or a metallic alloy, and / or at least one polymer.

15. The sensor (30; 30 ') according to claim 14, in which the material of the measurement electrode (31) is made conductive by applying at least partial a conductive layer chosen in particular from a paint, an ink, a glue and adhesive.

16. The sensor (30; 30 ') according to claim 15, wherein the conductive layer comprises silver, silver salts, silver derivatives or a silver alloy, in particular a chloride-based ink. silver.

17. Sensor (30; 30 ') according to claim 15, in which the conductive layer comprises a conductive polymer, preferably a mixture of poly (3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) and sodium poly (styrene sulfonate) ( PSS).

18. Sensor (30; 30 ') according to any one of claims 1 to 17, in which the electrical connection member (38) is either a piece of conductive material overmolded by the material constituting the measuring electrode ( 31) or is made directly from the material of the measuring electrode (31).

19. Sensor (30; 30 ’) according to claim 18, in which the overmolded part constituting the electrical connection member (38) is composed of at least one metallic material or at least one metallic alloy.

20. Sensor (30 ') according to any one of claims 1 to 19, further comprising a housing (50) receiving the base (32), a part of the tab (35) and at least a part of the member electrical connection (38) of the measurement electrode (31), the housing (50) having a back surface (50b) intended to be placed opposite the external support (10), and a front surface (50a) opposite to the dorsal surface (50b), the tab (35) of the measuring electrode (31) projecting relative to the front surface (50a) of the housing (50), the protective element (40) being secured to the housing (50) and extending from the front surface of the housing (50a).

21. Sensor (30 ’) according to claim 20, wherein the housing (50) comprises the locking member (45’).

22. The sensor (30 ') according to claim 21, wherein the locking member (45') extends from the back surface (50b) of the housing (50).

23. Sensor (30 ') according to any one of claims 20 to 22, in which the housing (50) comprises a front housing part (51) and a back housing part (52) configured to be assembled one to the other in a removable manner by delimiting a housing (53) receiving the base (32), part of the lug (35) and at least part of the electrical connection member (38) of the measuring electrode (31), the front housing part (51) carrying at least part of the front surface (50a) of the housing (50) and the back housing part (52) carrying at least a part of the back surface (50b) of the housing (50), the front housing part (51) being provided with at least one orifice (54) through which extends the tab (35) of the measurement electrode (31).

24. A sensor (30 ') according to claim 23, in which the back housing part (52) has a peripheral portion (52a) around a housing axis (D) and a central portion (52b) centered on the housing axis (D), the central portion (52b) being offset along the housing axis (D) relative to the peripheral portion (52a) to form part of the housing (53), the front housing part (51) being mounted on the central portion (52b) of the back housing part (52).

25. Sensor (30 ') according to any one of claims 20 to 24, in which the protective element (40') comprises a bottom (43) extending transversely with respect to a axis of protective element ( A ') and a side wall (42a') extending from the bottom (43 ') around the axis of the protective element (A), the protective element (40') covering the front surface (50a ) of the housing (50) and being provided with at least one orifice (44 ′) formed in the bottom (43 ′) and through which the tab (35) of the measuring electrode (31) passes.

26. Measuring assembly (5) comprising a sensor (30; 30 ') according to any one of claims 1 to 25 and an external support (10) configured to be placed on an anatomical area of the individual, the external support (10) comprising:

- at least one complementary electrical connection member (18) configured to cooperate with the sensor connection member (38),

- at least one complementary locking member (25) configured to cooperate in a reversible manner with the locking member (45; 45 ’) of the sensor (30; 30’).

27. Measuring assembly (5) according to claim 26, in which the external support (10) is chosen from a helmet (11), a bracelet and a belt.

28. Measuring system (1) comprising a measuring assembly (5) according to any one of claims 16 and 27 and a processing unit (2) configured to receive the biological potential measured by the sensor (30).