3D Printable Dry EEG Electrodes with Coiled-Spring Prongs

Abstract

Various dry electroencephalography (EEG) electrodes have been developed. Dry EEG electrodes need to be pressed onto the scalp; therefore, there is a tradeoff between keeping the contact impedance low and maintaining comfort. We propose an approach to solve this tradeoff through the printing of complex-shaped electrodes by using a stereolithography 3D printer. To show the feasibility of our approach, we fabricated electrodes that have flexible fingers (prongs) with springs. Although dry electrodes with flexible prongs have been proposed, a suitable spring constant has not been obtained. In this study, the spring constant of our electrodes was determined from a contact model between the electrodes and the scalp. The mechanical properties and reproductivity of the electrodes were found to be sufficient. Finally, we measured the alpha waves when a participant opened/closed his eyes by using our electrodes.