Facial stimulation apparatus

A stimulation device, facial technology, applied in artificial respiration, electrodes, physical therapy, etc., can solve problems such as discomfort and inconvenience, difficulty in combination, interruption of treatment, etc.

Inactive Publication Date: 2012-01-11
BIO MEDICAL RES
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  • Summary
  • Abstract
  • Description
  • Claims
  • Application Information

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

Furthermore, it is very difficult for the end user to know how to combine the large number of adjustable components (features) in such a way as to achieve a stable positioning of the electrodes so that they remain in constant contact with the skin
In fact, known mechanisms cannot easily adapt to the natural movements of the face, since said adjustments are mostly fixed
Separation of electrodes from the face occurs frequently, which interrupts treatment and causes discomfort and inconvenience

Method used

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Embodiment Construction

[0038] figure 1 The anatomy of the human facial nerve is illustrated, more specifically the nerve trunk (10) branching into 5 main sections (12a-e) just in front of the ear (14) is shown.

[0039]Transcutaneous stimulation involves applying electrodes to the skin covering the target nerve. Current density and degree of penetration into the underlying tissue depends on the electrode surface area and spacing of the electrode pair. Close proximity of the electrodes produces minimal penetration into the skin and underlying tissue because the electric field lines are located relatively superficially. Conversely, further apart electrodes create deeper electric field lines and thus more percolating current. This is especially true when the electrodes are spaced apart on curved surfaces. Stimulation of facial nerves to produce deep osmotic currents is undesirable because they affect nerves not intended, such as dental nerves.

[0040] The invention is made in part by the inventors...

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Abstract

The invention relates to facial stimulation apparatus configured to be worn in a generally horizontal orientation on a user's head, and which uses the ear (14) as an anatomical reference to ensure correct and repeatable placement of skin electrodes (16a,16b) overlying the human facial nerves (1-5) to facilitate Electrical Muscle Stimulation (EMS). The apparatus is provided with a headband (22) having a bend or inclination (24) proximate a distal portion (20) thereof on which the electrodes (16a,16b) are attached. The apparatus is provided with an unambiguous location feature such that a vector component between said location feature and the electrode pair (16a, 16b) is fixed and non-adjustable thus ensuring repeatable and accurate positioning of each electrode (16a, 16b). The apparatus overcomes problems inherent in known devices and, in particular, requires no anatomical knowledge on the part of the end user for its safe and most effective placement.

Description

technical field [0001] The present invention relates to facial stimulation devices, and more particularly, but not exclusively, to wearable devices that use the ear as an anatomical reference to ensure correct and repeatable placement of skin electrodes on human facial nerves to facilitate electrical muscle stimulation (EMS). Background technique [0002] Facial muscles determine facial expression and face shape, so facial muscle movement is important to maintain appearance. It is well known to employ EMS technology in various parts of the human body such as the abdomen to prevent muscle disuse atrophy, improve local blood circulation, and improve muscle strength and flexibility. [0003] However, it is difficult to apply this technique on the face for a number of reasons. First, there is a complex network of interconnected muscles on the face making it difficult to position skin electrodes with sufficient precision to isolate specific muscles. Furthermore, due to anatomi...

Claims

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Application Information

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Patent Type & Authority Applications(China)
IPC IPC(8): A61N1/36A61N1/32
CPCA61N1/36014A61N1/0452A61N1/0492A61N1/328A61N1/0456A61N1/0472A61N1/04A61N1/36017A61N1/36042A61N1/0484
Inventor 康纳尔·米诺格沙恩·莱德维斯
Owner BIO MEDICAL RES
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