Tongue sleeve device and method for operating same

By designing the base and side structures of the tongue sleeve device and combining it with the electrode terminal array and wireless communication, the problem of inconsistent stimulation points in existing devices is solved, and personalized and efficient use of electrical stimulation is achieved.

CN120733260APending Publication Date: 2025-10-03BEIJING BYSONS TECH CO LTD
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Patent Information

Application Number
CN202510933533.3
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Applications(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2025-07-07
Publication Date
2025-10-03

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing devices for electrically stimulating the hypoglossal nerve lack a structure to restrict tongue movement, resulting in inconsistent stimulation points, affecting the treatment effect, and different wearers react differently to the same stimulation point.

Method used

A tongue cover device is designed, including a continuously extending base and side parts to provide comprehensive tongue restraint, and an electrode terminal array is arranged on the base and side parts. Combined with the electrode circuit and wireless communication unit, it allows the wearer to select the appropriate electrode terminal for stimulation, thereby improving the effectiveness of stimulation and the utilization rate of electrical energy.

Benefits of technology

Through the design of the base and sides, the consistency of the stimulation points is ensured, the coverage of the electrode terminals and the utilization rate of electrical energy are improved, the individual differences of different wearers are adapted, and the effectiveness of treatment is enhanced.

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Abstract

The invention relates to a tongue sleeve device for electrical stimulation of hypoglossal nerves, the tongue sleeve device comprising a tongue sleeve body, an electrode terminal and an electrode circuit, the tongue sleeve body having a continuously extending base for contact with the back of the tongue and two side portions located on both sides of the base and extending at an angle to the base, the electrode terminals are arranged on the base part and each of the two side parts, and the electrode circuit is at least partially arranged in the tongue sleeve body and electrically connected with the electrode terminals. The invention also relates to a method for operating the tongue sleeve device in order to selectively activate the corresponding electrode terminals.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of medical devices and nerve regulation technology, in particular to a tongue cuff device for electrically stimulating the hypoglossal nerve and a method for operating the tongue cuff device. Background Art

[0002] Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a common sleep disorder characterized by recurring complete or partial upper airway obstruction during sleep, resulting in interrupted or shallow breathing. This condition can lead to poor sleep quality at night and daytime sleepiness, and in severe cases, may increase the risk of cardiovascular disease. Currently, continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy is one of the standard treatments for OSA, but due to patient compliance issues, there is a growing demand for alternative treatments.

[0003] In recent years, neurostimulation technology has been studied as an emerging treatment for OSA. In particular, electrical stimulation of the hypoglossal nerve has shown potential efficacy. By stimulating the hypoglossal nerve, it activates the tongue muscles, preventing the tongue from falling back during sleep and thus maintaining upper airway patency.

[0004] However, existing devices for electrically stimulating the hypoglossal nerve are typically secured in the mouth via braces and lack a structure to restrict tongue movement. Consequently, the wearer may consciously or unconsciously move their tongue during stimulation, preventing electrical stimulation of the same nerve points. Furthermore, the effective points for nerve stimulation vary from wearer to wearer, resulting in different stimulation effects from the same stimulation point for different wearers. Therefore, there is an urgent need for a consistent and / or versatile device for electrically stimulating the hypoglossal nerve. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Therefore, in order to at least partially solve the above problems, according to one aspect of the present invention, a tongue cover device for electrically stimulating the hypoglossal nerve is proposed, which includes a tongue cover body, an electrode terminal and an electrode circuit, wherein the tongue cover body has a continuously extending base for contacting the back of the tongue and two side portions located on both sides of the base and extending at an angle to the base, the electrode terminal is arranged on the base and each of the two side portions, and the electrode circuit is at least partially arranged in the tongue cover body and electrically connected to the electrode terminal.

[0006] Thus, the tongue cover body can provide comprehensive constraints on the back and sides of the tongue through the continuously extending base and two side portions, preventing the tongue from moving during stimulation, thereby ensuring consistency in the stimulation points. By providing multiple electrode terminals on the continuously extending base and side portions, the wearer can also activate the appropriate electrode terminal for stimulation during use and disable the electrode terminal with poor performance, thereby improving the effectiveness of stimulation and the utilization of electrical energy.

[0007] Preferably, the electrode terminals arranged on the base form a first electrode terminal array of at least two columns, and the electrode terminals arranged on each of the two side portions form a second electrode terminal array of at least one column. The electrode terminal array can provide more electrode terminals for the wearer to selectively activate, thereby improving the coverage of the stimulation points targeted by the electrode terminals.

[0008] The essence of electrical stimulation of the hypoglossal nerve lies in causing a change in transmembrane potential. That is, the excitation of nerve cells depends on changes in transmembrane voltage. In the resting state, there is a potential difference of approximately -70mV between the inside and outside of the cell membrane (negative inside, positive outside). When external electrical stimulation creates a sufficient voltage gradient (electric field) across the cell membrane, it triggers the opening of ion channels, allowing ions to flow across the membrane and depolarizing the membrane potential. The voltage (electric field) determines whether depolarization can be initiated, while the amount of charge determines the duration and intensity of the depolarization.

[0009] Therefore, on the one hand, a higher density of electrode terminals in the electrode terminal array provides more and more precise stimulation points for selection. To this end, the stimulation surface and spacing of the electrode terminals must be as small as possible. On the other hand, the area of ​​the stimulation surface of the electrode terminal cannot be too small, because the area of ​​the stimulation surface of the electrode terminal determines the amount of charge passing through per unit time. Too small an area will result in insufficient depolarization intensity and fail to produce a sufficient stimulation effect. In addition, the spacing between adjacent electrode terminals cannot be too small, as too small a spacing will make the installation and connection of the electrode terminals difficult.

[0010] In view of the above reasons, the applicant proposed a compromise solution for the arrangement of the electrode terminal array, wherein the area of ​​the stimulation surface of the electrode terminal is greater than or equal to 60mm 2 , and / or the spacing between adjacent electrode terminals in the electrode terminal array is greater than or equal to 5 mm.

[0011] Preferably, the electrode circuit includes a power supply, a controller and a wire, and the power supply and the controller are electrically connected to the electrode terminal through the wire.

[0012] Preferably, the electrode circuit further includes a storage unit capable of storing position information of the electrode terminals, and the controller is capable of selectively enabling corresponding electrode terminals among the electrode terminals according to the position information.

[0013] Preferably, the electrode circuit further includes a wireless communication unit, and the electrode circuit can be connected to an external device via the wireless communication unit. The external device can be a smart mobile device, such as a mobile phone, which can provide peripheral operation possibilities for the tongue cover device through, for example, a dedicated app, thereby significantly reducing the number of buttons required on the tongue cover device.

[0014] Preferably, the tongue cover device further comprises an extension portion, which is located outside the wearer's oral cavity when the tongue cover device is worn, and the power supply and the controller are located in the extension portion. The extension portion provides additional volume for accommodating the power supply and the controller, thereby minimizing the space occupied by the tongue cover body and enabling the wearer to wear the tongue cover comfortably.

[0015] Preferably, the extension portion comprises a first extension portion and a second extension portion that can be separated from each other, the first extension portion being integrally formed with the tongue cover body, the second extension portion being electrically connected to the first extension portion via an interface, and the power supply and the controller being located in the second extension portion. This structure makes cleaning the tongue cover body particularly convenient, and there is no need to worry about water ingress and damage to the internal circuitry during cleaning.

[0016] Preferably, the base is an isosceles trapezoid, and / or the tongue cover body is wedge-shaped. This shape allows the tongue cover body to taper from back to front. This allows the wearer's tongue to more easily enter the tongue cover body through the relatively loose entrance formed by the base and side portions, engage with the tongue cover body at the appropriate position, and be positioned.

[0017] Preferably, the two side portions, at their lower ends distal from the base, each have a bend for engaging the lower edge of the tongue. Alternatively or additionally, the tongue cover body further comprises a bottom portion that connects the lower ends of the two side portions distal from the base, such that the base, side portions, and bottom portion enclose a cavity for accommodating the tongue. The bend and / or bottom portion better secure the tongue cover body to the wearer's tongue, thereby optimizing the positioning of the stimulation point.

[0018] Preferably, the bottom portion extends from the front end of the lower end portion, thereby forming a relief portion at the rear end of the lower end portion. The relief portion can effectively avoid the frenulum of the tongue, allowing the tongue sleeve body to better engage with the entire tongue, thereby allowing the electrode terminal to fully contact the tongue surface related to the genioglossus muscle.

[0019] In addition, according to another aspect of the present invention, a method for operating the above-mentioned tongue sleeve device is proposed, and the method includes: step S1, entering the selection mode through operation; step S2, activating at least one electrode terminal; step S3, selecting whether to select the at least one electrode terminal; step S4, judging whether all the electrode terminals have been activated in sequence; step S5, storing the position information of all selected electrode terminals; and step S6, enabling the corresponding electrode terminals according to the position information in the working mode.

[0020] Through the above method, the wearer can decide to activate the appropriate electrode terminal according to his or her own situation.

[0021] Preferably, in step S2, one electrode terminal is activated each time, thereby allowing the wearer to accurately evaluate the stimulation effect of the corresponding electrode terminal.

[0022] Preferably, in step S2, the at least one electrode terminal is activated at a predetermined frequency, a predetermined voltage, and a predetermined time, thereby allowing the wearer to evaluate the stimulation effect of the corresponding electrode terminal under the same conditions. To this end, the method may further include: setting the predetermined frequency, the predetermined voltage, and the predetermined time in an external device before step S1.

[0023] Preferably, the method further includes: step S7, entering the working mode through operation, in which the corresponding electrode terminals that are enabled activate the working time with the working frequency and the working voltage. In actual applications, the working frequency, the working voltage and the working time may be different from the predetermined frequency, the predetermined voltage and the predetermined time used in the selection mode, but the appropriate stimulation position will not change. For example, in order to achieve a stronger or softer therapeutic effect, the working frequency, the working voltage and the working time can be adjusted accordingly relative to the predetermined frequency, the predetermined voltage and the predetermined time. To this end, the method further includes: setting the working frequency, the working voltage and the working time in an external device before step S7. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] To better understand the above and other objects, features, advantages, and functions of the present invention, reference may be made to the preferred embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings. Like reference numerals in the accompanying drawings refer to like components. Those skilled in the art should understand that the accompanying drawings are intended to illustrate preferred embodiments of the present invention by way of illustration and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. The components in the drawings are not drawn to scale.

[0025] Figure 1 A perspective view showing a first embodiment of the tongue cover device of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 2 Shown Figure 1A top view of the tongue cover device is shown;

[0027] Figure 3 Shown Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the electrode circuit of the tongue cover device shown;

[0028] Figure 4 A perspective view showing a second embodiment of the tongue cover device of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 5 Shown Figure 4 A front view of the tongue cover device is shown;

[0030] Figure 6 A flow chart illustrating a method of operating the tongue cover device;

[0031] Figure 7 The initial interface of the tongue cover device in the selection mode is shown; and

[0032] Figure 8 The final interface of the tongue cover device in the selection mode is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0033] Now referring to the accompanying drawings, the specific embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail. What is described here is only the preferred embodiment of the present invention. Those skilled in the art can think of other ways to implement the present invention based on the preferred embodiment, and the other ways also fall within the scope of the present invention.

[0034] In this article, the terms "upper", "lower", "front" and "back" all refer to the corresponding directions when the wearer normally wears the tongue cover device.

[0035] Figures 1 to 3 FIG. 1 shows a first embodiment of a tongue cover device 1 of the present invention. The tongue cover device 1 includes a tongue cover body 100 , an electrode terminal 200 and an electrode circuit 300 .

[0036] like Figure 1 As shown, the tongue cover body 100 has a continuously extending base 110 for contacting the back of the tongue and two side portions 120 located on both sides of the base 110, each side portion 120 extending at an angle to the base 110. Here, the angle between the base 110 and the side portion 120 is approximately 90°. In other embodiments, the angle can be in a range of 60° to 150°. A circular arc transition can be used between the base 110 and the side portion 120. The base 110 and the side portion 120 have approximately equal thickness.

[0037] like Figure 2 As shown, the continuously extending base 110 is roughly in the shape of an isosceles trapezoid, and the side portions 120 are located at the two waists of the isosceles trapezoid. Figure 3As shown, the entire tongue cover body 100 is roughly wedge-shaped, that is, it is tapered from back to front. Thus, the tongue can be easily inserted into the tongue cover body 100 through the tongue entrance surrounded by the base 110 and the side 120, and engage with the tongue cover body 100 at a suitable position and be positioned.

[0038] The tongue cover body 100 can be made of an elastic material, such as medical rubber. This provides good biocompatibility, excellent insulation, and adaptability to different wearer tongue sizes. In this case, the angle between the base 110 and the side portion 120 can have a deformation range of, for example, 10° to 30°.

[0039] Electrode terminals 200 are arranged on the base 110 and each of the two side portions 120. Two electrode terminals 200 are arranged at the rear end of the base 110, while one electrode terminal 200 is arranged at the rear end of each side portion 120. The electrode terminals 200 can be made of a conductive material, such as metal or conductive plastic. The stimulation surface of the electrode terminal 200 is placed against a target nerve point on the tongue to provide a voltage of, for example, approximately 70 mV to the target nerve point for stimulation.

[0040] The two side portions 120 may each be provided with a bent portion 122 at a lower end portion 121 away from the base portion 110. The bent portion 122 extends inward relative to the side portion 120 in a cross-section to engage the lower edge of the tongue, thereby enabling the tongue cover body 100 to at least partially wrap around the wearer's tongue, making it difficult for the wearer's tongue to move within the tongue cover body 100. This prevents the electrode terminal 200 from easily shifting in contact with the stimulation point of the tongue cover body 100, thereby ensuring consistency in the location of electrical stimulation. The bent portion 122 may extend across the entire lower end portion 121 of the side portion 120.

[0041] Instead of the bent portion 122, or as Figure 1 As shown in addition, the tongue cover body 100 can have a bottom 130, which connects the lower ends 121 of the two side portions 120 away from the base 110, so that the base 110, the side portions 120, and the bottom 130 enclose a receiving cavity for accommodating the tongue. The bottom 130 can extend over part or all of the lower ends 121 of the side portions 120. When the bottom 130 extends over part of the lower ends 121 of the side portions 120, it preferably extends at the front end of the lower ends 121, thereby forming an avoidance portion 140 at the rear end of the lower ends 121 to effectively avoid the frenulum of the tongue, allowing the tongue cover body 100 to better engage with the entire tongue, especially allowing the electrode terminal 200 to contact the tongue surface related to the genioglossus muscle.

[0042] A circular arc transition may be used between the side portion 120 and the bent portion 122 and / or the bottom portion 130 .

[0043] Reference Figure 3 , which schematically illustrates the electrode circuit 300 of the tongue cover device 1. Here, the electrode circuit 300 includes a power supply 310, a control circuit 320, and a wire 330. The power supply 310 and the control circuit 320 are arranged in an extension 400 outside the tongue cover body 100. The extension 400 is located outside the wearer's oral cavity during use. Thus, the extension 400 can be made of a hard material, such as plastic. The wire 330 is at least partially arranged in the tongue cover body 100, particularly in the base 110 and side portion 120, and is electrically connected to the electrode terminal 200.

[0044] The extension portion 400 is preferably constructed as a split structure, for example, divided into a first extension portion 410 and a second extension portion 420, wherein the first extension portion 410 is integrally constructed with the tongue cover body 100. The first extension portion 410 and the second extension portion 420 are connected via an interface 340. The interface 340 is preferably a magnetic interface. The power supply 310 and the control circuit 320 are preferably disposed in the second extension portion 420. The split structure of the extension portion 400 makes cleaning the tongue cover body 100 particularly easy.

[0045] In this case, the tongue cover body 100 is electrically connected to the power supply 310 and control circuit 320 in the second extension 420 via the interface 340. The control circuit 320 is used to control the output voltage and / or current and supply it to the electrode terminals 200 on the base 110 and side 120 of the tongue cover body 100 via the wire 330. The electrode terminals 200 contact the surface of the wearer's tongue, thereby transmitting electrical stimulation to various nerve points on the wearer's tongue. Then, by periodically stimulating the hypoglossal nerve, the tongue muscles are activated, preventing the tongue from falling back during sleep, thereby maintaining the patency of the upper airway.

[0046] Figure 4 and Figure 5 A second embodiment of the tongue cover device 1 of the present invention is shown, wherein the second extension portion 420 is not shown. This embodiment differs from the previous embodiment in that a plurality of electrode terminals 200 are arranged on the base portion 110 and each of the two side portions 120. These electrode terminals 200 particularly form electrode terminal arrays 210, 220.

[0047] In this embodiment, an electrode terminal array 210 is arranged in two columns (i.e., along the longitudinal direction, or the front-to-back direction) and three rows (i.e., along the transverse direction) at the rear end of the base 110, and an electrode terminal array 220 is arranged in one column and three rows at the rear end of each side portion 120. Of course, more columns and / or two or more rows of electrode terminal arrays may be arranged on the base 110 and each of the two side portions 120. Each electrode terminal 200 in these electrode terminal arrays 210 and 220 corresponds to a different stimulation point.

[0048] The stimulation surface of the electrode terminal 200 can have various shapes such as circular, rectangular, polygonal, and oblong, and its area is preferably greater than or equal to 60 mm. 2 In addition, the interval between adjacent electrode terminals 200 is preferably greater than or equal to 5 mm.

[0049] In this embodiment, the control circuit 320 can selectively activate corresponding electrode terminals among these electrode terminals 200. To this end, the tongue cover device 1 can switch between a selection mode and an operating mode. When the tongue cover device 1 is in the selection mode, the electrode terminals 200 are activated in sequence. When the wearer feels effective stimulation, the selector can select and record the currently activated electrode terminal 200. When the tongue cover device 1 is in the operating mode, all selected electrode terminals 200 are activated.

[0050] To this end, the electrode circuit 300 may also include a storage unit that is capable of storing position information of the electrode terminal 200, in particular, one or more groups of position information related to the selected electrode terminal 200, so that the tongue sleeve device 1 can operate in one or more working modes and enable the electrode terminal 200 at the corresponding position.

[0051] Switching between the selection mode and the working mode and operating the selector can be achieved through various buttons provided on the extension portion 400, or through other external devices. When an external device, such as a mobile phone, is used for control, the electrode circuit 300 may further include a wireless communication unit, through which the electrode circuit 300 communicates with the external device.

[0052] Figures 6 to 8 The flowchart, initial interface and final interface of the operation method of the tongue cover device 1 for selectively enabling the electrode terminal in the selection mode are exemplarily shown respectively.

[0053] In this embodiment, the base 110 is provided with a first electrode terminal array 210 with three rows and three columns. Figure 7 The side portion 120 is provided with a second electrode terminal array 220 with 3 rows and 2 columns, which is Figure 7The first electrode terminal array 210 and the second electrode terminal array 220 are separated by a dotted line. Figure 7 The lower part of the display has operation buttons, namely "Confirm" button and "Next" button. Here, the names displayed on the buttons are only schematic, and their functions will be introduced in the following method steps.

[0054] like Figure 6 As shown, in step S1, the wearer enters the selection mode by operating a button on the tongue cover device 1 or an external device connected thereto.

[0055] Next, in step S2, at least one electrode terminal in the tongue cover device 1 is activated. For example, the upper left electrode terminal, marked as half black and half white, is activated first. This can also be indicated to the wearer on a real display, such as by flashing. The electrode terminal can be activated at a predetermined frequency, predetermined voltage, and predetermined time, allowing the wearer to evaluate its stimulation effect under the same conditions. The predetermined frequency, predetermined voltage, and predetermined time can be set in an external device, such as a mobile phone, before entering the selection mode.

[0056] Then, in step S3, the wearer evaluates the stimulation effect through body sensation and chooses whether to select the electrode terminal. If the wearer approves the stimulation effect, they can click the "Confirm" button to record the position of the electrode terminal; if the wearer disapproves the stimulation effect, they can click the "Next" button to not record the position of the electrode terminal.

[0057] Once the "Confirm" or "Next" button is clicked, the selection is complete, and the process proceeds to step S4 to determine whether all electrode terminals have been activated in sequence, or whether the evaluation is complete. If there are still electrode terminals that have not been activated, the process returns to step S2 and activates at least one electrode terminal that was not activated in the current selection mode, allowing the wearer to further evaluate its stimulation effect, and repeats steps S2 to S4.

[0058] If all electrode terminals have been evaluated, the process proceeds to step S5 to store the position information of all selected electrode terminals. Figure 8 As shown, an image of the selected electrode terminals is finally generated, wherein, for example, the black electrode terminals are the selected / recorded electrode terminals. The image and / or the position information of the selected / recorded electrode terminals represented by it are stored in a storage unit.

[0059] Finally, in step S6, the control circuit 320 activates the corresponding electrode terminals in the working mode based on the stored position information, while the other inactivated electrode terminals are not powered. This allows for adaptation of stimulation points to different wearers, thereby activating the electrode terminals 200 corresponding to the most effective stimulation points and improving energy utilization.

[0060] Advantageously, the storage unit can also be provided in an external device, such as a mobile phone, that is communicatively connected to the tongue cover device 1. In this way, when the wearer changes tongue cover devices of the same type or even different types, as long as the position information in the storage unit can be shared between the tongue cover devices, the appropriate electrode terminal can be selected to implement electrical stimulation through communication with the external device without repeating the above method.

[0061] After completing the selection, step S7 can be executed to enter the operating mode through operation. In the operating mode, the corresponding electrode terminal selected in the selection mode is activated at the operating frequency and operating voltage for the operating time. The operating frequency, operating voltage, and operating time can be set in an external device such as a mobile phone before entering the operating mode.

[0062] The above description of various embodiments of the present invention is provided for the purpose of description to one of ordinary skill in the relevant art. It is not intended to exclude or limit the present invention to a single disclosed embodiment. As above, a person of ordinary skill in the art will understand the various substitutions and variations of the present invention. Therefore, although some alternative embodiments are specifically described, a person of ordinary skill in the art will understand or relatively easily develop other embodiments. The present invention is intended to include all substitutions, modifications and variations of the present invention described herein, as well as other embodiments that fall within the spirit and scope of the present invention described above.

[0063] Reference Signs List

[0064] 1. Tongue cover device

[0065] 100 tongue sleeve body

[0066] 110 base

[0067] 120 side

[0068] 121 lower end

[0069] 122 bending section

[0070] 130 bottom

[0071] 140 Avoidance Department

[0072] 200 electrode terminals

[0073] 210 first electrode terminal array

[0074] 220 second electrode terminal array

[0075] 300 electrode circuit

[0076] 310 power supply

[0077] 320 control circuit

[0078] 330 wire

[0079] 340 interface

[0080] 400 extension

[0081] 410 first extension

[0082] 420 Second Extension

Claims

1. A tongue cuff device for electrically stimulating the hypoglossal nerve, the tongue cuff device comprising a tongue cuff body, electrode terminals and an electrode circuit, characterized in that: The tongue cover body has a continuously extending base for contacting the back of the tongue and two side portions located on both sides of the base and extending at an angle to the base. The electrode terminals are arranged on the base and each of the two side portions. The electrode circuit is at least partially arranged in the tongue cover body and electrically connected to the electrode terminals.

2. The tongue cover device according to claim 1, characterized in that The electrode terminals arranged on the base form a first electrode terminal array of at least two columns, and the electrode terminals arranged on each of the two side portions form a second electrode terminal array of at least one column.

3. The tongue cover device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The stimulation surface area of ​​the electrode terminal is greater than or equal to 60 mm 2 , and / or the spacing between adjacent electrode terminals is greater than or equal to 5 mm.

4. The tongue cover device according to claim 1, characterized in that The electrode circuit includes a power supply, a controller, and a wire, and the power supply and the controller are electrically connected to the electrode terminal through the wire.

5. The tongue cover device according to claim 4, characterized in that: The electrode circuit further includes a storage unit capable of storing position information of the electrode terminals, so that the controller can selectively enable corresponding electrode terminals among the electrode terminals according to the position information.

6. The tongue cover device according to claim 4, characterized in that: The electrode circuit further includes a wireless communication unit, and the electrode circuit can be communicatively connected with an external device through the wireless communication unit.

7. The tongue cover device according to claim 4, characterized in that: The tongue cover device further includes an extension portion, which is located outside the wearer's oral cavity when the tongue cover device is worn, and the power supply and the controller are located in the extension portion.

8. The tongue cover device according to claim 7, characterized in that: The extension portion includes a first extension portion and a second extension portion that can be separated from each other, the first extension portion is integrally constructed with the tongue sleeve body, the second extension portion is electrically connected to the first extension portion through an interface, and wherein the power supply and the controller are located in the second extension portion.

9. The tongue cover device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The base is in the shape of an isosceles trapezoid, and / or the tongue sleeve body is in the shape of a wedge.

10. The tongue cover device according to claim 1, characterized in that The two side portions are respectively provided with a bent portion at the lower end portion away from the base portion for engaging with the lower edge of the tongue.

11. The tongue cover device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The tongue cover body further comprises a bottom portion, which connects lower ends of the two side portions away from the base portion, so that the base portion, the side portions and the bottom portion form a receiving cavity for accommodating the tongue portion.

12. The tongue cover device according to claim 11, characterized in that The bottom portion extends from the front end of the lower end portion, thereby forming an escape portion at the rear end of the lower end portion.

13. A method for operating a tongue cover device according to any one of claims 1 to 12, the method comprising: Step S1, enter the selection mode through operation; Step S2, activating at least one electrode terminal; Step S3, selecting whether to select the at least one electrode terminal; Step S4, determining whether all electrode terminals have been activated in sequence; Step S5, storing the position information of all selected electrode terminals; as well as Step S6: activating corresponding electrode terminals according to the position information in the working mode.

14. The method according to claim 13, wherein In step S2, one electrode terminal is activated each time.

15. The method according to claim 13, wherein In step S2, the at least one electrode terminal is activated at a predetermined frequency, a predetermined voltage, and a predetermined time.

16. The method according to claim 15, wherein The method further includes: setting the predetermined frequency, the predetermined voltage and the predetermined time in an external device before step S1.

17. The method according to claim 13, wherein: The method further includes: step S7, entering a working mode through operation, in which the enabled corresponding electrode terminals are activated at a working frequency and a working voltage for a working time.

18. The method according to claim 17, wherein The method further includes: before step S7, setting the operating frequency, the operating voltage and the operating time in an external device.