Wearable device for treating or preventing headaches

CN115554600BActive Publication Date: 2026-09-08ZHEJIANG UNIV
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Patent Information

Application Number
CN202211164259.0
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Patents(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2022-09-23
Publication Date
2026-09-08
Estimated Expiration
2042-09-23

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

[0009]本申请的实施例通过提供一种治疗或预防头痛的可穿戴设备,用于解决现有技术中可穿戴的头痛治疗仪使用不便且无法随时随地使用的技术问题

Benefits of technology

(1)通过设置刺激器和用于将刺激器固定在手腕上的固定件,其中,刺激器具有用于靶向手腕上的正中神经和/或尺神经的电极,且刺激器可经所述电极向正中神经和/或尺神经提供电刺激,从而使得所述可穿戴设备近似手表或手环的外观形态。患者日常将本申请实施例所述可穿戴设备佩戴于手腕上,需要使用所述可穿戴设备用于治疗和预防头痛时,开启刺激器即可,使用方便,可以随时随地使用,且轻巧易携带。同时,本申请实施例所述可穿戴设备近似手表或手环的外观形态,具有一定隐蔽型,在公共场合使用时不会引起他人关注,利于保护患者隐私,有效解决了现有技术中可穿戴的头痛治疗仪使用不便且无法随时随地使用的技术问题。

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Abstract

The application discloses a wearable device for treating or preventing headache by stimulating the median nerve and / or the ulnar nerve on the wrist of a patient, which comprises a fixing part and a stimulator, wherein the fixing part is used for fixing on the wrist, the stimulator is arranged on the fixing part, the stimulator comprises electrodes for targeting the median nerve and / or the ulnar nerve on the wrist, and the stimulator is configured to provide electric stimulation to the electrodes to the median nerve and / or the ulnar nerve; the application is worn on the wrist by the patient in daily life, and the stimulator can be started when the treatment and prevention of headache are needed, so that the application is very convenient to use and can be used anytime and anywhere; meanwhile, the application has the appearance of a watch or a bracelet, has a certain concealment, and will not attract the attention of others when used in public occasions, is beneficial to protecting the privacy of the patient, and effectively solves the technical problems of inconvenient use and incapability of being used anytime and anywhere of the wearable headache treatment instrument in the prior art.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of medical device technology, and more particularly to a wearable device for treating or preventing headaches. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, the main treatment for headaches is medication, but medication has limited side effects and efficacy, and cannot meet the needs of the majority of headache sufferers.

[0003] Wearable headache treatment devices have emerged, including the External Trigeminal Nerve Stimulation Device. When in use, the device is worn on the head or forehead. The device generates an electric current to stimulate the trigeminal nerve, thereby relieving headaches. However, it must be used in a resting state and must be worn continuously on the forehead.

[0004] Existing headache treatment devices also include pillow-shaped transcranial magnetic stimulation (TCMS) devices. When in use, the device is placed at the back of the head. The device emits magnetic fields to affect and stimulate the head and brain, but it must be used while lying down.

[0005] Existing headache treatment devices also include non-invasive vagus nerve stimulators. When used, the vagus nerve stimulator is placed on the neck and stimulates the vagus nerve to relieve headaches. However, it must be used while at rest and must be kept on the neck continuously.

[0006] Existing headache treatment devices also include remote electrical neuromodulation devices. When using them, the patient first fully exposes their upper arm, then straps the device to their upper arm and controls the device to release electrical pulses to treat the headache patient via a mobile phone. However, this device must be used while the patient is at rest.

[0007] Many headache sufferers experience a high frequency of attacks; for example, migraines can occur up to 30 times a month, and cluster headaches can occur up to 8 times a day. Existing wearable devices need to be worn on the head, neck, or upper arm, which is inconvenient and cumbersome to use, failing to meet the needs of patients with frequent headaches and exhibiting significant application shortcomings. Moreover, headaches may occur in public places, such as in school classrooms, workplaces, or meetings, and existing wearable headache treatment devices cannot meet the need for on-demand, immediate pain relief.

[0008] Therefore, the above-mentioned prior art has at least the following technical problems: wearable headache treatment devices in the prior art are inconvenient to use and cannot be used anytime and anywhere. Summary of the Invention

[0009] The embodiments of this application provide a wearable device for treating or preventing headaches, thereby solving the technical problem that wearable headache treatment devices in the prior art are inconvenient to use and cannot be used anytime and anywhere.

[0010] To address the aforementioned problems, this application provides a wearable device for treating or preventing headaches, which treats or prevents headaches by stimulating the median nerve and / or ulnar nerve on the patient's wrist. The wearable device includes: A fastener used to secure the wrist; A stimulator, disposed on the fixation member, includes electrodes for targeting the median nerve and / or ulnar nerve on the wrist, and the stimulator is configured to provide electrical stimulation to the median nerve and / or ulnar nerve via the electrodes.

[0011] Furthermore, the fastener is a sheet-like structure, which is used to form an adjustable ring structure, thereby binding and fixing it to the wrist.

[0012] Furthermore, the wearable device also includes a positioning device for identifying whether the electrode is positioned on the corresponding median nerve and / or ulnar nerve.

[0013] Furthermore, the stimulator includes a pulse generator for generating electrical pulses, the pulse generator being connected to the electrodes to transmit the electrical pulses via the electrodes to the median nerve and / or the ulnar nerve; the positioning device includes: A conductive element is provided at a distance from the corresponding electrode so as to target the same nerve as the corresponding electrode, and the conductive element is retractable so as to press against or move away from the same nerve when the corresponding electrode presses against the median nerve or ulnar nerve. A waveform display device is connected to the conductive element to display the waveform generated by the electrical pulse when the conductive element and the corresponding electrode are connected, thereby allowing identification based on the waveform whether the corresponding electrode is located to the median nerve or the ulnar nerve.

[0014] Furthermore, the wearable device includes a housing with an electronic screen formed on its outer surface, and the electrodes are disposed on the inner surface of the housing and / or the inner surface of the fastener.

[0015] Furthermore, the inner surface of the housing and / or the inner surface of the fixing member are respectively provided with through holes for the electrode or the conductive element to pass through or exit. The electrode and the conductive element can be telescopically disposed on the inner surface of the housing and / or the inner surface of the fixing member to pass through or exit the through holes respectively.

[0016] Furthermore, the electrode and the conductive element are each disposed within the corresponding through hole via a first telescopic device, the first telescopic device comprising: The driving cavity is disposed within the housing or the fixing member and communicates with the through hole; A first driving member is movably disposed within the driving cavity along the perpendicular direction of the virtual central axis of the through hole. One end of the first driving member has an inclined surface that abuts against the inner end of the electrode or the conductive member, and the inclined surface is inclined along the moving direction of the first driving member. The second driving member is rotatably disposed in the driving cavity. The outer end of the second driving member is exposed outside the housing or the fixing member. The inner end of the second driving member is connected to the other end of the first driving member through a connector. The connector allows the second driving member to rotate relative to the first driving member and move synchronously with the first driving member. The electrode or the conductive element enters or exits the through hole during the rotation of the second driving member.

[0017] Furthermore, the connector includes: The rotating body is fixedly mounted on the inner end of the second driving component; A covering is fixedly disposed on the other end of the first driving member, and the covering has an inner cavity for covering the rotating body and allowing the rotating body to rotate relative to the covering. When the rotating body rotates with the second driving member, the rotating body drives the covering to move along a virtual central axis direction perpendicular to the through hole, thereby pushing or pulling the first driving member to move along a virtual central axis direction perpendicular to the through hole.

[0018] Furthermore, the inner end of the electrode or the conductive element is connected to the driving cavity via an elastic element, the outer end of the elastic element is fixedly connected to the inner end of the electrode or the conductive element, and the inner end of the elastic element passes through the first driving element and is fixed to the inner wall surface of the driving cavity. The first driving member has a long groove that extends through the virtual central axis parallel to the through hole and extends perpendicular to the virtual central axis of the through hole, so as to allow the elastic element to pass through and allow the first driving member to move freely along the virtual central axis perpendicular to the through hole without being restricted by the elastic element.

[0019] Alternatively, the electrode and the conductive element are respectively disposed within the corresponding through holes via a second telescopic device; the second telescopic device includes: The third driving member is rotatably disposed in the through hole and is threadedly connected to the through hole. The inner end of the third driving member is located in the through hole and is fixedly connected to the electrode or the conductive member, while the outer end of the third driving member is located outside the through hole. The third driving member rotates within the through hole, driving the electrode or the conductive member to pass through or into the through hole.

[0020] One or more technical solutions described in one embodiment of this application have at least one or more of the following technical effects: (1) By setting a stimulator and a fastener for fixing the stimulator to the wrist, wherein the stimulator has electrodes for targeting the median nerve and / or ulnar nerve on the wrist, and the stimulator can provide electrical stimulation to the median nerve and / or ulnar nerve through the electrodes, the wearable device is made to resemble the appearance of a watch or bracelet. Patients wear the wearable device described in this application embodiment on their wrist daily. When they need to use the wearable device for the treatment and prevention of headaches, they simply turn on the stimulator. It is convenient to use and can be used anytime and anywhere. It is also lightweight and easy to carry. At the same time, the wearable device described in this application embodiment resembles the appearance of a watch or bracelet, which has a certain degree of concealment. When used in public places, it will not attract the attention of others, which is conducive to protecting the patient's privacy. It effectively solves the technical problem that wearable headache treatment devices in the prior art are inconvenient to use and cannot be used anytime and anywhere.

[0021] (2) By setting up a waveform display device to display the waveform generated when the electrical pulse generating circuit is connected to the median nerve and / or ulnar nerve through the electrode, it is possible to determine whether the electrode is accurately positioned by whether the electrical stimulation waveform is displayed on the waveform display device. This solves the technical problem that the existing wearable headache treatment device does not have the function of accurately positioning the target nerve. The user places the active part roughly in the area where the target nerve is located and cannot accurately locate the stimulation point of the target nerve, thus affecting the treatment effect. This achieves the beneficial effect of accurately locating the stimulation point and having a good treatment effect.

[0022] (3) By retractably setting the electrode on the inner surface of the housing or the inner surface of the fixing member, when the electrode is needed to treat or prevent headaches, the electrode is controlled to extend out of the lower surface of the housing and / or the inner surface of the fixing member, so that the electrode is targeted to the median nerve and / or the ulnar nerve; when the electrode is not needed to treat or prevent headaches, the electrode is controlled to retract into the housing and / or the fixing member, so as to eliminate the discomfort caused by the protruding electrode when wearing the wearable device.

[0023] (4) The wearable device described in this application embodiment can be integrated with existing daily necessities such as watches or smartwatches. It is not only lightweight, easy to carry and easy to use, but also realizes the daily use of treatment equipment and reduces the psychological burden on patients when using it.

[0024] (5) By setting protrusions on the outer periphery of the second screw head to facilitate finger manipulation, the contact area can be increased, thereby facilitating precise operation.

[0025] (6) By setting a ventilation hole on the fastener, the ventilation hole, the card hole, and the second electrode hole can all improve the breathability, thereby improving the wearing comfort. Attached Figure Description

[0026] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of a wearable device for treating or preventing headaches according to one embodiment of this application. Figure 1 ; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of a wearable device for treating or preventing headaches according to one embodiment of this application. Figure 2 ; Figure 3 This is a bottom view of a wearable device for treating or preventing headaches according to an embodiment of this application; Figure 4 This is a top view of a wearable device for treating or preventing headaches according to an embodiment of this application; Figure 5 This is a right view of a wearable device for treating or preventing headaches according to an embodiment of this application; Figure 6 This is a left view of a wearable device for treating or preventing headaches according to an embodiment of this application; Figure 7 A side view of a wearable device for treating or preventing headaches according to one embodiment of this application. Figure 1 ; Figure 8 A side view of a wearable device for treating or preventing headaches according to one embodiment of this application. Figure 2 ; Figure 9 This is a block diagram illustrating the electrical stimulation principle of a wearable device for treating or preventing headaches according to an embodiment of this application. Figure 10 This is a structural block diagram illustrating the working principle of a positioning device for a wearable device used to treat or prevent headaches, according to one embodiment of this application. Figure 11 This is a partial cross-sectional view of a wearable device for treating or preventing headaches according to an embodiment of this application; Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first telescopic device of a wearable device for treating or preventing headaches according to an embodiment of this application; Figure 13 This is a top view of the first telescopic device of a wearable device for treating or preventing headaches according to an embodiment of this application; Figure 14 This is a side view of a wearable device for treating or preventing headaches according to an embodiment of this application; Figure 15 This is a structural cross-sectional view of the second telescopic device of a wearable device for treating or preventing headaches according to an embodiment of this application; Figure 16 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the second telescopic device of a wearable device for treating or preventing headaches according to an embodiment of this application; Figure 17 This is a top view of the second telescopic device of a wearable device for treating or preventing headaches according to an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0027] The embodiments of this application provide a wearable device for treating or preventing headaches, thereby solving the technical problem that wearable headache treatment devices in the prior art are inconvenient to use and cannot be used anytime and anywhere.

[0028] To address the aforementioned technical problems, the overall approach of the technical solution provided in this application is as follows: By incorporating a stimulator and a fastener for securing the stimulator to the wrist, wherein the stimulator has electrodes for targeting the median and / or ulnar nerves on the wrist, and the stimulator can provide electrical stimulation to the median and / or ulnar nerves via the electrodes, the wearable device achieves an appearance similar to a watch or bracelet. Patients routinely wear the wearable device described in this application embodiment on their wrist. When they need to use the wearable device for treating and preventing headaches, they simply turn on the stimulator. It is convenient to use anytime and anywhere, and is lightweight and portable. Furthermore, the watch or bracelet-like appearance of the wearable device described in this application embodiment provides a degree of concealment, preventing attention from others when used in public, thus protecting patient privacy and effectively solving the technical problems of inconvenient use and inability to be used anytime and anywhere in existing wearable headache treatment devices.

[0029] The technical solution of this application will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments. It should be understood that the embodiments and specific features in the embodiments are detailed descriptions of the technical solution of this application, rather than limitations thereof. In the absence of conflict, the embodiments and technical features in the embodiments can be combined with each other.

[0030] For ease of description, in one embodiment of this application, the side of the wearable device that is close to the patient's skin when worn on the wrist is defined as the inner surface, and the side that is away from the patient's skin is defined as the outer surface.

[0031] Figures 1-8 This application illustrates a wearable device for treating or preventing headaches (including migraines, cluster headaches, tension headaches, and other headache types) according to one embodiment of the present application. Figures 1-8 As shown, the wearable device includes a stimulator and a fastener for securing the stimulator to the wrist. The stimulator has electrodes 200 (in one embodiment including a first electrode 210 and a second electrode 220) for acting on the median nerve and / or ulnar nerve in the wrist. The stimulator is configured to provide electrical stimulation to the median nerve and / or ulnar nerve via the electrodes 200.

[0032] Primary headache is a complex neurological disorder, with migraines and cluster headaches being the most severe. Patients not only experience frequent, severe headaches but also suffer from extreme photophobia, phonophobia, vomiting, and other symptoms, significantly impacting their daily lives. The device disclosed in this application, by setting electrodes 200 acting on the median and / or ulnar nerves on the wrist, conducts an electrical current (electrical stimulation) generated by a stimulator to the pathway formed by the "median nerve (or ulnar nerve) at the wrist - spinal nerve - C6-C6 of the spinal cord - brainstem - trigeminal nerve - cervical complex - thalamus - cerebral cortex," triggering a conditional pain modulation mechanism. This achieves pain relief and long-term prevention of headaches, significantly reducing the disease burden and improving the quality of life for headache patients. Conditional pain modulation is a major neural mechanism of endogenous pain inhibition in humans. Furthermore, treatment using the wearable device described in this application can reduce or eliminate the number, dosage, and / or frequency of medications that patients may need to take for their chronic headaches, effectively reducing side effects and potential toxicity.

[0033] The wearable device described in this application embodiment has an appearance similar to a watch or bracelet. Patients wear the wearable device described in this application embodiment on their wrists daily. When they need to use the wearable device described in this application embodiment to treat and prevent headaches, they simply turn on the stimulator. It is convenient to use and can be used anytime and anywhere. It is also lightweight and easy to carry, effectively solving the technical problem that wearable headache treatment devices in the prior art are inconvenient to use and cannot be used anytime and anywhere.

[0034] In addition, the wearable device described in this application has an appearance similar to a watch or bracelet, which provides good concealment and facilitates the protection of patient privacy.

[0035] This application secures the stimulator to the wrist using a fixing device, and positions the electrode 200 against the median nerve and / or ulnar nerve. In one embodiment of this application, as... Figures 1-8As shown, the fastener is a flexible strip structure 100, which is used to form an adjustable ring structure to bind and fix it to the wrist.

[0036] It should be noted that the flexibility of the flexible strip structure 100 refers to its ability to be flexibly folded and wrapped to change shape according to the body parts, so as to better fit the wrist. For example, the flexible strip structure 100 can be TPE (Thermoplastic Elastomer), TPU (Thermoplastic polyurethanes), or silicone rubber.

[0037] When the two ends of the flexible strip structure 100 are brought close together, they can form a loop structure. The two ends of the flexible strip structure 100 are provided with locking structures to lock the circumference of the loop structure. These locking structures can fix the flexible strip structure 100 in place once the loop structure is formed and its size is determined. Specifically, the flexible strip structure 100 is wrapped around the wrist. After the flexible strip structure 100 is tightly fitted to the wrist, the two ends of the flexible strip structure 100 are connected by the locking structures, thus fixing the flexible strip structure 100 to the wrist.

[0038] The locking structure can be a structure that can be disposed at both ends of the flexible strip structure 100. In one embodiment, the locking structure is a mechanical engagement structure, which has two sets of mutually cooperating elements. The two sets of elements are respectively disposed at both ends of the flexible support, and the two sets of elements, when close together and cooperating, can connect the flexible support. For example, as... Figures 1-8 As shown, the two sets of components are a pin 130 and a locking hole 110. A collar 120 is rotatably connected to the first end of the flexible strip structure 100 for the second end to pass through, and the pin 130 is disposed on the collar 120. Locking holes 110 are spaced apart along the length of the flexible strip structure 100 at the second end, allowing the pin 130 to pass through or exit through the holes. When locking the two ends of the flexible strip structure 100 using the mechanical locking structure, the second end is inserted into the collar 120, and the pin 130 is inserted into the corresponding locking hole 110 to lock the two ends of the flexible strip structure 100.

[0039] The locking structure can also be a suction structure located at both ends of the flexible support. When the two ends of the flexible support are brought close together, they can be connected via the suction structure. For example, the suction structure can be Velcro, magnetic snaps, etc. The locking structure can also be a connection structure with protrusions and grooves, or a structure with grooves and hooks. Any structure that facilitates the formation of a ring structure from the flexible strip structure 100, allows for adjustment of the ring structure's circumference, and enables locking of the ring structure's circumference is acceptable and not limited here.

[0040] Of course, the fastener can also be other structures that allow the electrode 200 to be detachably and fixed to the wrist, and is not limited thereto. For example, in another embodiment of this application, the fastener is or is partially an elastic ring. Expanding the elastic ring allows it to be slipped onto the wrist, and the ring shrinks under its own elasticity, thereby tightening it onto the wrist to form a fixation.

[0041] like Figure 3 As shown, the wearable device may include at least one electrode 200 that acts solely on the median or ulnar nerve. Alternatively, the wearable device may include at least two electrodes 200 that can act on both the median and ulnar nerves simultaneously. Therapeutic effects are achieved whether the electrode 200 acts on only one of the median and ulnar nerves, or on both simultaneously. However, it should be understood that the wearable device may also have two or more electrodes 200 acting on a single nerve, the median or ulnar nerve; this is not limited, but a smaller number of electrodes 200 results in a more compact overall structure of the wearable device.

[0042] like Figures 1-9 As shown, the wearable device may further include a housing 600, and the stimulator includes a pulse generator 700, which is connected to a power supply 710 to generate electrical pulses. The pulse generator 700 is connected to electrodes 200 to transmit the electrical pulses to the median nerve and / or ulnar nerve via the electrodes 200.

[0043] The wearable device may also include a controller for executing control commands. The controller is signal-connected to the pulse generator 700. The controller can control the start and stop of the pulse generator 700 and generate electrical pulses of predetermined duration, predetermined frequency and predetermined width according to the control commands input by the user.

[0044] Specifically, the pulse generator 700 provides an electrical pulse frequency of 40~100Hz, an electrical pulse width of 300μs, and a current intensity of 10~30mA. The current intensity for children is 10~15mA, and the current intensity for adults is 15~30mA. Treatment using electrical pulses with the above parameters can achieve safe, effective, low-side-effect, and highly tolerable results.

[0045] The wearable device described in this application embodiment can be used independently. For example, the housing 600 is provided with one or more buttons, dials, and / or keyboards for users to input control commands. The buttons, dials, and / or keyboards, and the touch screen display are communicatively connected to the controller. Alternatively, an electronic screen 300 is formed on the outer surface of the housing 600. This electronic screen 300 is a touch screen display, which is communicatively connected to the controller and allows users to input control commands. The electronic screen 300 can also display the working status of the wearable device described in this application embodiment and provide feedback to the user.

[0046] The wearable device described in this application embodiment can also be used in conjunction with other smart devices, such as personal computers, laptops, smartphones, tablets, smart speakers, smart TVs, smart in-vehicle devices, etc. The smart device has an application that allows communication with the wearable device and acts as a controller.

[0047] Of course, in some embodiments, the wearable device described in this application can be integrated with a smartwatch, such as an Apple Watch or an Android smartwatch, where the smartwatch provides the wearable device with a strap as a fastener, a watch face as a housing 600, and an electronic screen 300, etc.

[0048] Specifically, the power source 710 can be a disposable dry cell battery, a rechargeable battery, or a combination of both. Disposable batteries are replaceable, while rechargeable batteries require a reserved charging interface. For example, in some embodiments, the wearable device may have a data / power port, such as a USB port, which allows the user to charge the power source 710, update software and / or parameters on the microcontroller, and / or read data from the controller's storage unit. In some embodiments, the data / power port may be located on the side of the housing 600. In some embodiments, the controller may wirelessly communicate with an external computing device to update software and / or parameters and / or read data.

[0049] Furthermore, for user convenience, a power switch 610 can be provided on one side of the wearable device for treating or preventing headaches. The power switch 610 is connected to the controller, allowing the user to quickly turn the wearable device on or off. Figure 1 , 3 As shown in Figures 4 and 6.

[0050] The electrode 200 may also be equipped with a positioning device for identifying whether the electrode 200 is positioned on the corresponding median nerve and / or ulnar nerve. In one embodiment of this application, each electrode 200 may be provided with a positioning device. In other embodiments, only some electrodes 200 may be connected to positioning devices, depending on the specific circumstances.

[0051] like Figures 1-8 and Figure 10 As shown, the positioning device includes a conductive element 900 and a waveform display device 800 connected to the conductive element 900 via a signal. The conductive element 900 (in one embodiment, it includes a first conductive element 910 and a second conductive element 920) is spaced apart from and independently disposed from the corresponding electrode 200, and targets the same nerve as the corresponding electrode 200. The conductive element 900 is retractable and is configured to press against or move away from the same nerve when the corresponding electrode 200 presses against the median nerve or ulnar nerve.

[0052] The waveform display device 800 is configured to display the waveform generated by the electrical pulse when the conductive element 900 and the corresponding electrode 200 are connected, so that the corresponding electrode can be identified based on the waveform as to whether it is located to the median nerve or the ulnar nerve.

[0053] Specifically, the waveform display device 800 can be an oscilloscope, capable of displaying the trajectory of voltage or current changes over time, i.e., waveform. The conductive element 900 can be a columnar structure made of conductive material (such as copper, iron, etc.), or it can be an electrode directly, as long as it can achieve the function of conducting electricity.

[0054] It should be noted that "correspondence" refers to the unique correspondence between the positioning device where the conductive element 900 is located and the electrode 200 it acts upon. "Independent setting" means that there is no electrical connection between the conductive element 900 and the corresponding electrode 200; they can only be connected through simultaneous contact with the human body or other external conductive components.

[0055] like Figure 9 As shown, when the conductive element 900 and the corresponding electrode 200 are both in close contact with the human body, the conductive element 900 and the corresponding electrode 200 are electrically connected through the human body. Then, the electrical pulse generated by the pulse generator 700 will be connected through the electrode 200, the human body and the conductive element 900, so that the oscilloscope connected to the conductive element 900 will display the waveform.

[0056] It should be noted that only the median and ulnar nerves are located on the wrist. Since nerves have significantly higher conductivity than tendons, blood vessels, muscles, fat, and other human tissues, if the conductive element 900 and its corresponding electrode 200 are not positioned on the median or ulnar nerve, they must rely on other human tissues for conduction, resulting in a smaller amplitude waveform displayed on the oscilloscope. The wrist is the most superficial part of the median and / or ulnar nerves. When both the conductive element 900 and its corresponding electrode 200 are positioned on the median or ulnar nerve, they can communicate through the nerve, resulting in a larger amplitude waveform displayed on the oscilloscope. Therefore, the difference in waveform displayed on the oscilloscope can be used to determine whether the electrode 200 is precisely positioned. This solves the technical problem in existing wearable headache treatment devices that lack the ability to precisely locate the target nerve. Users often place the active component roughly in the area of ​​the target nerve, failing to accurately locate the stimulation point, thus affecting the treatment effect.

[0057] To improve the intelligence level of the wearable device described in this application embodiment, a waveform signal threshold can be obtained experimentally and pre-stored in the controller. The signal input terminal of the controller is connected to the oscilloscope to receive the waveform signal acquired by the oscilloscope. The controller compares the waveform signal with the waveform signal threshold and identifies whether the nerve is located to the median nerve or ulnar nerve based on the comparison result. When the electrode 200 is located to the median nerve or ulnar nerve, a prompt is issued (e.g., a prompt sound is emitted or a display is shown on the display screen 300). Specifically, when the waveform signal is less than the waveform signal threshold, it is determined that the corresponding electrode 200 is not located to the median nerve or ulnar nerve. When the waveform signal is greater than or equal to the waveform signal threshold, it is determined that the corresponding electrode 200 is located to the median nerve or ulnar nerve. The waveform signal can be an amplitude.

[0058] It should be noted that the software in the controller's memory, which identifies whether the electrode is located to the median nerve or ulnar nerve based on the waveform signal acquired by the oscilloscope and the pre-stored waveform signal threshold, can be obtained based on existing technology.

[0059] Once it is confirmed that electrode 200 has been positioned on the median or ulnar nerve, the corresponding conductive element 900 is retracted, leaving only electrode 200 pressed against the median or ulnar nerve. Electrical pulses then deliver electrical stimulation to the median and / or ulnar nerves via electrode 200. Figure 9 As shown.

[0060] In one embodiment of this application, the oscilloscope is disposed inside the housing 600, and the oscilloscope displays the waveform through the electronic screen 300.

[0061] In addition, the electrode 200 is positioned close to the finger, and the local muscles (thenar / hypothenar muscles) will exhibit slight, regular contraction movements under electrical stimulation, which can also help identify whether the electrode 200 is accurately positioned.

[0062] In one embodiment of this application, as Figure 3 , 5 As shown, electrode 200 includes a first electrode 210 disposed on the lower surface of housing 600. In normal operation, housing 600 is located on the outer surface of the wrist, allowing the user to view the display content of other functions on electronic screen 300, such as time, weather, heart rate, etc. When treatment is required, housing 600 is rotated to the inner side of the wrist, and the first electrode 210 is targeted at the median nerve and / or ulnar nerve for treatment.

[0063] To improve usability, a second electrode 220 targeting the median nerve and / or ulnar nerve can be provided on the inner surface of the fixation member. This allows for direct use without rotating the wearable device, making it more convenient. Alternatively, a first electrode 210 and a second electrode 220 can be simultaneously provided on the lower surface of the housing 600 and the inner surface of the fixation member, allowing users to choose according to their needs. Figures 1-8 As shown.

[0064] Since the wearable device is worn on the wrist daily, to avoid discomfort caused by the protruding electrode 200, in one embodiment of this application, the electrode 200 is retractably disposed on the inner surface of the housing 600 or the inner surface of the fixing member, so that the electrode 200 can extend out of the inner surface of the housing 600 or the inner surface of the fixing member to contact the skin at the median nerve or ulnar nerve, or the electrode 200 can retract into the housing 600 or the fixing member to keep the surface in contact with the skin smooth.

[0065] Specifically, when the electrode 200 is needed to treat or prevent headaches, the electrode 200 is controlled to extend out of the lower surface of the housing 600 and / or the inner surface of the fixing member, so that the electrode 200 targets the median nerve and / or the ulnar nerve; when the electrode 200 is not needed to treat or prevent headaches, the electrode 200 is controlled to retract into the housing 600 and / or the fixing member, so as to eliminate the discomfort caused by the protrusion of the electrode 200 when wearing the wearable device.

[0066] Of course, if the electrode 200 and the pulse generator 700, the conductive element 900 and the oscilloscope are connected by wires (i.e. by wires), then the wires need to be of sufficient length to allow the electrode 200 to extend and retract.

[0067] In one embodiment of this application, as Figure 3As shown, a first electrode hole 620 is provided on the inner surface of the housing 600. The first electrode 210 is movably disposed in the first electrode hole 620 along a first direction, and the outer end of the first electrode 210 can extend out of the first electrode hole 620 or retract into the first electrode hole 620.

[0068] like Figure 3 , 11 As shown, the first electrode 210 is disposed on the inner surface of the housing 600 via a first telescopic device 400. When the first electrode 210 is provided with a positioning device, the first conductive element 910 corresponding to the first electrode 210 can also be telescopically extended using another set of first telescopic devices 400, as follows: a first conductive element hole 630 is provided on the inner surface of the housing 600, and the first conductive element 910 is movably disposed within the first conductive element hole 630 along a first direction, and the outer end of the first conductive element 910 can extend out of the first conductive element hole 630 or retract into the first conductive element hole 630. The first conductive element hole 630 and the first electrode hole 620 are spaced apart along the length direction of the wrist when worn, so as to target the same nerve (median nerve or ulnar nerve).

[0069] like Figures 11-14 As shown, the first telescopic device 400 includes: The driving cavity 410 is disposed inside the housing 600 and extends to one side of the housing 600, and communicates with the first electrode hole 620 or the first conductive hole 630. The first driving member 430 is movably disposed within the driving cavity 410 along the perpendicular direction of the virtual central axis of the first electrode hole 620 (e.g., the left-right direction when the user uses the wearable device) or the perpendicular direction of the virtual central axis of the first conductive member hole 630 (e.g., the left-right direction when the user uses the wearable device). The first driving member 430 has an inclined surface 431 that abuts against the inner end of the first electrode 210 or the first conductive member 910, and the inclined surface 431 is inclined along the perpendicular direction of the virtual central axis of the first electrode hole 620 or the perpendicular direction of the virtual central axis of the first conductive member hole 630. The second driving member 420 is rotatably disposed within the driving cavity 410. The outer wall of the second driving member 420 is provided with a first external thread, and the inner wall of the driving cavity 410 is provided with a first internal thread that meshes with the first external thread. The outer end of the second driving member 420 is exposed outside the housing 600. The inner end of the second driving member 420 is connected to the other end of the first driving member 430 through a connector. The connector allows the second driving member 420 to rotate relative to the first driving member 430 and to move synchronously. When the second driving member 420 rotates, it drives the first driving member 430 to move along the second direction, thereby causing the inclined surface 431 to push the first electrode 210 out of the first electrode hole 620 or allow the first electrode 210 to enter the first electrode hole 620, or the inclined surface 431 to push the first conductive member 910 out of the first conductive member hole 630 or allow the first conductive member 910 to enter the first conductive member hole 630.

[0070] The second driving member 420 rotates within the driving cavity 410, driving the first electrode 210 to retract or extend from the first electrode hole 620. During the rotation of the second driving member 420, the first electrode 210 moves along a first direction and has a first position and a second position. When the first electrode 210 is in the first position, the first electrode 210 extends out of the first electrode hole 620 and can contact the median nerve and / or ulnar nerve. When the first electrode 210 is in the second position, the first electrode 210 is located within the first electrode hole 620.

[0071] Similarly, the second driving member 420 rotates within the driving cavity 410, driving the first conductive member 910 to retract or extend from the first conductive member hole 630. During the rotation of the second driving member 420, the first conductive member 910 moves along the first direction and has a third position and a fourth position. When the first conductive member 910 is in the third position, the first conductive member 910 extends out of the first conductive member hole 630 and can contact the median nerve and / or ulnar nerve. When the first conductive member 910 is in the fourth position, the first conductive member 910 is located within the first conductive member hole 630.

[0072] Furthermore, the connecting member includes a rotating body 450 fixedly disposed on the inner end of the second driving member 420 and a rotating body 460 fixedly disposed on the other end of the first driving member 430. The rotating body 450 is rotatably confined within the rotating body 460. When the rotating body 450 rotates with the second driving member 420, it moves synchronously along the perpendicular direction of the virtual central axis of the first electrode hole 620 or the perpendicular direction of the virtual central axis of the first conductive hole 630, thereby pushing or pulling the first driving member 430 to move along the first direction. Specifically, the rotating body 460 can be a sphere.

[0073] To ensure that the first electrode 210 and the first conductive element 910 can automatically reset, the inner ends of the first electrode 210 and the first conductive element 910 are respectively fixed in the driving cavity 410 by springs 440 (or other elastic elements such as tension springs). The outer end of the spring 440 is fixedly connected to the inner end of the first electrode 210 or the first conductive element 910. The inner end of the spring 440 passes through the first driving element 430 and is fixed to the inner wall of the driving cavity 410. The first driving element 430 has a long groove 431 that runs through the first direction and extends in the second direction to allow the spring 440 to pass through and to allow the first driving element 430 to move freely in the first direction without being restricted by the spring 440. Figure 9 As shown.

[0074] In one embodiment of this application, as Figure 10 As shown, the driving cavity 410 includes a first part and a second part. The second part is a threaded hole. The cross-section of the first part is larger than that of the second part to facilitate the installation of a portion of the first driving member 430, the spring 440, and a portion of the first electrode 210 and / or a portion of the first conductive member 910.

[0075] In one embodiment of this application, the outer end of the second driving member 420 is provided with a first screw head 421 that is easy to rotate by hand, so as to facilitate precise operation.

[0076] like Figures 1-8 As shown, electrode 200 also includes a second electrode 220. A second electrode hole 150 is provided on the fixing member. The second electrode hole 150 has a second internal thread on the inner wall near the inner end. The second electrode 220 is disposed on the inner surface of the fixing member through a second telescopic device 500, for example, on the second end of the flexible strip structure 100.

[0077] When the second electrode 220 is equipped with a positioning device, the second conductive element 920 corresponding to the second electrode 220 can also be extended and retracted using another set of second telescopic devices 500. Specifically, a second conductive element hole 160 is provided on the inner surface of the fixing member, and the second conductive element 920 is movably disposed in the second conductive element hole 160 along the first direction. The outer end of the second conductive element 920 can extend out of the second conductive element hole 160 or retract into the second conductive element hole 160. The second conductive element hole 160 and the second electrode hole 150 are spaced apart along the length direction of the wrist when worn, so as to target the same nerve (median nerve or ulnar nerve), and a second internal thread is also provided on part of the inner wall of the second conductive element hole 160.

[0078] like Figure 8 , 11 As shown in Figures 1 and 12, the second telescopic device 500 includes: The third driving member 510 has a second external thread that mates with the second internal thread. The inner end of the third driving member 510 is located inside the second electrode hole 150 or the second conductive member hole 160 and is fixedly connected (e.g., bonded) to the second electrode 220 or the second conductive member 920. The outer end of the third driving member 510 is located outside the fixing member. The third driving member 510 rotates within the second electrode hole 150, driving the second electrode 220 to retract or extend from the second electrode hole 150. During the rotation of the third driving member 510, the second electrode 220 has a fifth position and a sixth position. When the second electrode 220 is in the fifth position, the second electrode 220 extends out of the second electrode hole 150 and may contact the median nerve and / or ulnar nerve. When the second electrode 220 is in the sixth position, the second electrode 220 is located within the second electrode hole 150.

[0079] Similarly, the third driving member 510 rotates within the second conductive member hole 160, driving the second conductive member 920 to retract or extend from the second conductive member hole 160. During the rotation of the third driving member 510, the second conductive member 920 has a seventh position and an eighth position. When the second conductive member 920 is in the seventh position, the second conductive member 920 extends out of the second conductive member hole 160 and may come into contact with the median nerve and / or ulnar nerve. When the second conductive member 920 is in the eighth position, the second conductive member 920 is located within the second conductive member hole 160.

[0080] It should be noted that the electrode 200 and the conductive element 900 can also use other structures that can achieve telescopic function and are suitable for wearable devices to enter or exit the housing 600 (or the fixing element). In addition, different telescopic structures can also be used between the corresponding electrode 200 and the conductive element 900 (e.g., the first electrode 210 and the corresponding first conductive element 910, or the second electrode 220 and the corresponding first conductive element 920) to achieve telescopic function, which is not limited here.

[0081] In one embodiment of this application, the outer end of the third driving member 510 is a second screw head 520 that is easy to rotate by hand.

[0082] Furthermore, such as Figure 1 , 7 As shown in Figures 1 and 11, the outer periphery of the second screw head 520 is provided with protrusions 521 that are easy to move with fingers, so as to further increase the contact area and facilitate precise operation.

[0083] In addition, such as Figures 1-3As shown, the fastener is provided with a ventilation hole 140. The ventilation hole 140, the locking hole 110, the second electrode hole 150 and the second conductive hole 160 can improve breathability, thereby improving wearing comfort.

[0084] It should also be noted that the first electrode hole 620, the second electrode hole 150, the first conductive hole 630, and the second conductive hole 160 are all through holes.

[0085] Finally, it should be noted that the above specific embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention and not to limit it. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to examples, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications or equivalent substitutions can be made to the technical solutions of the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the present invention, and all such modifications and substitutions should be covered within the scope of the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. A wearable device for treating or preventing headaches, characterized in that, It is used to treat or prevent headaches by stimulating the median and / or ulnar nerves in the patient's wrist, and the wearable device includes: A fastener used to secure the wrist; A stimulator, disposed on the fixation member, the stimulator including electrodes for targeting the median nerve and / or ulnar nerve on the wrist, and the stimulator being configured to provide electrical stimulation to the median nerve and / or ulnar nerve via the electrodes; The wearable device also includes a positioning device for identifying whether the electrode is positioned on the corresponding median nerve and / or ulnar nerve; The stimulator includes a pulse generator for generating electrical pulses, the pulse generator being connected to the electrodes to transmit the electrical pulses via the electrodes to the median nerve and / or the ulnar nerve; the positioning device includes: A conductive element is provided at a distance from the corresponding electrode so as to target the same nerve as the corresponding electrode, and the conductive element is retractable so as to press against or move away from the same nerve when the corresponding electrode presses against the median nerve or ulnar nerve. A waveform display device is connected to the conductive element to display the waveform generated by the electrical pulse when the conductive element and the corresponding electrode are connected, thereby allowing identification based on the waveform whether the corresponding electrode is located to the median nerve or the ulnar nerve.

2. A wearable device for treating or preventing headaches as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The fastener is a sheet-like structure, which is used to form an adjustable ring structure to bind and fix it to the wrist.

3. A wearable device for treating or preventing headaches as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The wearable device includes a housing with an electronic screen formed on its outer surface, and the electrodes are disposed on the inner surface of the housing and / or the inner surface of the fastener.

4. A wearable device for treating or preventing headaches as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The inner surface of the housing and / or the inner surface of the fixing member are respectively provided with through holes for the electrode or the conductive element to pass through or exit. The electrode and the conductive element can be telescopically arranged on the inner surface of the housing and / or the inner surface of the fixing member to pass through or exit the through holes respectively.

5. A wearable device for treating or preventing headaches as described in claim 4, characterized in that, Both the electrode and the conductive element are retractably disposed on the inner surface of the housing. Each electrode and the conductive element is disposed within a corresponding through hole via a first telescopic device, the first telescopic device comprising: The driving cavity is disposed within the housing or the fixing member and communicates with the through hole; A first driving member is movably disposed within the driving cavity along the perpendicular direction of the virtual central axis of the through hole. One end of the first driving member has an inclined surface that abuts against the inner end of the electrode or the conductive member, and the inclined surface is inclined along the moving direction of the first driving member. The second driving member is rotatably disposed in the driving cavity. The outer end of the second driving member is exposed outside the housing or the fixing member. The inner end of the second driving member is connected to the other end of the first driving member through a connector. The connector allows the second driving member to rotate relative to the first driving member and move synchronously with the first driving member. The electrode or the conductive element enters or exits the through hole during the rotation of the second driving member.

6. A wearable device for treating or preventing headaches as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The connector includes: The rotating body is fixedly mounted on the inner end of the second driving component; A covering is fixedly disposed on the other end of the first driving member, and the covering has an inner cavity for covering the rotating body and allowing the rotating body to rotate relative to the covering. When the rotating body rotates with the second driving member, the rotating body drives the covering to move along a virtual central axis direction perpendicular to the through hole, thereby pushing or pulling the first driving member to move along a virtual central axis direction perpendicular to the through hole.

7. A wearable device for treating or preventing headaches as described in claim 6, characterized in that, The inner end of the electrode or the conductive element is connected to the driving cavity through an elastic element, the outer end of the elastic element is fixedly connected to the inner end of the electrode or the conductive element, and the inner end of the elastic element passes through the first driving element and is fixed on the inner wall surface of the driving cavity. The first driving member has a long groove that extends through the virtual central axis parallel to the through hole and extends perpendicular to the virtual central axis of the through hole, so as to allow the elastic element to pass through and allow the first driving member to move freely along the virtual central axis perpendicular to the through hole without being restricted by the elastic element.

8. A wearable device for treating or preventing headaches as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The electrode and the conductive element are respectively disposed within the corresponding through holes via a second telescopic device; the second telescopic device includes: The third driving member is rotatably disposed in the through hole and is threadedly connected to the through hole. The inner end of the third driving member is located in the through hole and is fixedly connected to the electrode or the conductive member, while the outer end of the third driving member is located outside the through hole. The third driving member rotates within the through hole, driving the electrode or the conductive member to pass through or into the through hole.

Citation Information

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