Stepping mechanism and electrophysiological signal acquisition device and system
By dynamically adjusting the electrode recording sites using a stepping mechanism and a wireless transmission module, the problem of fixed electrode positions is solved, achieving greater flexibility and accuracy in neural activity detection.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202511649111.X
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-11-11
- Publication Date
- 2026-01-02
AI Technical Summary
In existing technologies, once the electrodes are fixed with dental cement, their positions are fixed and the recording sites cannot be adjusted, which limits the flexibility of neural activity detection.
A stepping mechanism is used to restrict the axial movement of the electrode insert through a sleeve and a spiral limiting structure. Combined with a wireless transmission module and a preamplifier, dynamic adjustment of the electrode recording position is achieved.
It improves the flexibility and accuracy of neural activity detection, adapts to the detection needs of different brain regions or neurons, and avoids interference from wired equipment on measurement results.
Smart Images
Figure CN121242585A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This application relates to the field of data acquisition technology, and in particular to a stepping mechanism, an electrophysiological signal acquisition device and system. Background Technology
[0002] In neuroscience research, to better understand the coding mechanisms of the nervous system, neural activity in animals is typically detected using electrodes. This method requires securing the electrodes with dental cement to provide a stable recording environment. However, fixing the electrodes with dental cement also fixes their position, making it impossible to adjust the recording site and resulting in a relatively limited recording location. When testing different brain regions or different neurons, the fixed nature of the electrodes restricts the flexibility of neural activity detection. Summary of the Invention
[0003] The main objective of this application is to provide a stepping mechanism, an electrophysiological signal acquisition device and system, which aims to improve the flexibility of neural activity detection.
[0004] To achieve the above objectives, a first aspect of this application provides a stepping mechanism, the stepping mechanism comprising: An electrode insert having a receiving cavity for fixing a target electrode, the receiving cavity being formed by the inner wall of the electrode insert; A sleeve is fitted over the outside of the electrode insert and conforms to the outer surface of the electrode insert. The sleeve is used to restrict the rotation of the electrode insert. The sleeve has a through hole along the axial direction of the sleeve, which extends from a first end of the sleeve to a second end of the sleeve. The through hole is used to guide the electrode insert to move along the axial direction of the sleeve.
[0005] In some embodiments, the outer surface of the sleeve is covered with heat shrink tubing.
[0006] In some embodiments, the outer surface of the electrode insert has a limiting region, the limiting region is provided with a spiral limiting structure, the limiting region is not covered by the sleeve, the spiral limiting structure spirally surrounds the outer surface of the electrode insert, and the spiral limiting structure is used to limit the movement distance of the electrode insert along the axial direction of the sleeve.
[0007] In some embodiments, the spiral limiting structure is made of pure silver wire.
[0008] In some embodiments, the receiving cavity is also used to secure the optical fiber and the drug delivery tube.
[0009] To achieve the above objectives, a second aspect of this application provides an electrophysiological signal acquisition device, which includes a preamplifier and the stepping mechanism described in the first aspect. The preamplifier is connected to the first electrode of the target electrode, and the second electrode of the target electrode is provided with an electrode recording site for detecting neural signals. The preamplifier is used to convert the neural signals into wireless signals to obtain electrophysiological signals.
[0010] In some embodiments, the preamplifier includes a signal recording module, a signal amplification module, and a Bluetooth wireless transmission module. The signal recording module is used to acquire the neural signal, and the signal amplification module is connected to the signal recording module and is used to amplify the neural signal to obtain an amplified signal. The Bluetooth wireless transmission module is connected to the signal amplification module and is used to convert the amplified signal into a wireless signal to obtain the electrophysiological signal.
[0011] In some embodiments, the electrophysiological signal acquisition device further includes a Bluetooth signal receiving module, which is communicatively connected to the Bluetooth wireless transmission module and is used to receive the electrophysiological signals transmitted by the Bluetooth wireless transmission module.
[0012] In some embodiments, the electrophysiological signal acquisition device further includes a battery for powering the signal recording module, the signal amplification module, and the Bluetooth wireless transmission module, respectively.
[0013] To achieve the above objectives, a third aspect of the present application provides an electrophysiological signal acquisition system, which includes the electrophysiological signal acquisition device described in the second aspect.
[0014] The stepping mechanism, electrophysiological signal acquisition device and system proposed in this application guide the electrode insert carrying the target electrode to move axially through a sleeve, and restrict the electrode insert from rotating or shifting during axial movement. This allows the target electrode to move with the electrode insert when detecting different brain regions or different neurons, and the recording sites set on the target electrode are also dynamically adjusted during the movement, thereby improving the flexibility of neural activity detection. Attached Figure Description
[0015] Figure 1 This is a structural diagram of the stepping mechanism provided in the embodiments of this application; Figure 2 This is a structural diagram of the electrode insert in the stepping mechanism provided in the embodiments of this application; Figure 3 This is another structural diagram of the stepping mechanism provided in the embodiments of this application; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the electrophysiological signal acquisition device provided in the embodiments of this application; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the preamplifier structure in the electrophysiological signal acquisition device provided in the embodiments of this application; Reference numerals: 100 Stepping mechanism; 110 Electrode insert; 120 Sleeve; 130 Target electrode; 131 Electrode recording point; 140 Heat shrink tubing; 150 Spiral limiting structure; 200 Preamplifier; 210 Signal recording module; 220 Signal amplification module; 230 Bluetooth wireless transmission module; 240 Bluetooth signal receiving module; 250 Power supply module. Detailed Implementation
[0016] The embodiments of this application are described in detail below. Examples of these embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are only used to explain this application, and should not be construed as limiting this application.
[0017] In the description of this application, it should be understood that the orientation descriptions, such as up, down, front, back, left, right, etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this application.
[0018] In the description of this application, "several" means one or more, "multiple" means two or more, "greater than," "less than," and "exceeding" are understood to exclude the stated number, while "above," "below," and "within" are understood to include the stated number. The use of "first" and "second" in the description is merely for distinguishing technical features and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance, or implicitly indicating the number of indicated technical features, or implicitly indicating the order of the indicated technical features.
[0019] In the description of this application, unless otherwise expressly defined, terms such as "setup," "installation," and "connection" should be interpreted broadly, and those skilled in the art can reasonably determine the specific meaning of the above terms in this application in conjunction with the specific content of the technical solution.
[0020] In the description of this application, the terms "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "illustrative embodiment," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., refer to specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described in connection with that embodiment or example, which are included in at least one embodiment or example of this application. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples.
[0021] Firstly, please refer to Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3 This application provides a stepping mechanism 100, which includes an electrode insert 110 and a sleeve 120. For example... Figure 2 As shown, the electrode insert 110 has a receiving cavity for fixing the target electrode 130, and the receiving cavity is formed by the inner wall of the electrode insert. One end of the target electrode is provided with an electrode recording point 131, through which electrophysiological signals of neurons in a specific region can be acquired. If it is necessary to simultaneously record the electrophysiological signals of a large number of neurons, the target electrode 130 can be a high-throughput electrode, such as a multi-channel silicon electrode. The electrode insert 110, as the mounting component of the target electrode 130, is responsible for fixing and supporting the electrode and is the core carrier for acquiring neuronal electrophysiological signals. Its material can be stainless steel, ceramic, etc. The end of the target electrode 130 with the electrode recording point 131 can be inserted into the electrode insert 110. Using the fluidity of adhesives such as 502 glue or AB glue, the adhesive can be permeated into the electrode insert 110 to fix the electrode insert 110 and the target electrode 130. In bioelectrical measurements, the material of the sleeve 120 is mainly a biocompatible insulator, such as medical silicone rubber or polytetrafluoroethylene. The sleeve 120 provides a movement track for the electrode insert 110. The sleeve 120 is fitted over the outside of the electrode insert 110 and conforms to its outer surface. After the electrode insert 110 is inserted into the sleeve 120, static friction restricts its rotation. Figure 1 As shown, the sleeve 120 has a through-hole extending axially from one end to the other, serving to guide the electrode insert along the sleeve's axial direction. The sleeve 120 with the through-hole provides a linear path for the electrode insert 110. The direction of the linear path is as follows... Figure 1 As indicated by the arrow.
[0022] This application integrates the target electrode and electrode insert into a reusable functional unit. When using the stepping mechanism for bioelectrical measurements, the cannula can be fitted against the skull surface and sealed with dental cement, making the cannula, skull screw, and skull surface a single unit, simplifying the surgical electrode implantation process. After measurement, the entire stepping mechanism can be removed from the skull, and the target electrode and electrode insert can be withdrawn from the cannula, completing electrode recovery and ensuring the reusability of the electrode insert and target electrode.
[0023] It should be noted that the retention distance between the target electrode and the cannula can be estimated before electrode implantation, or adjusted during the procedure, to ensure that the cannula, carrying the target electrode, fits snugly against the skull surface when inserted, preventing the seepage of dental cement. If there is an error in electrode implantation, the gap between the cannula and the skull can be pre-sealed with slightly hardened dental cement.
[0024] In the stepping mechanism, the sleeve acts as a motion track limiter for the electrode insert, providing a linear trajectory path for the electrode insert and constraining it to move only in a straight line along the axial direction. This prevents rotational deviation of the electrode insert during axial movement, ensuring that the stepping direction does not deviate, thereby ensuring the accuracy of the electrode recording site and solving the problem of a single recording site. The stepping mechanism of this embodiment is simple, does not occupy too much operating space in the animal's head, avoids interference with the synchronous use of neural circuit modulation techniques such as optogenetic regulation and neuropharmacological intervention, and improves compatibility with other technologies.
[0025] In some embodiments, please refer to Figure 3 The outer surface of the cannula 120 is covered with heat-shrink tubing 140. During bioelectrical measurements, sealing the heat-shrink tubing with dental cement provides effective support for the target electrode, thus providing a stable environment for measuring neural activity. The heat-shrink tubing 140 is used to keep the cannula 120 and electrode insert 110 clean and to prevent dental cement from contaminating the mating gap between the electrode insert 110 and the cannula 120.
[0026] After completing a bioelectric measurement, the reusable functional unit consisting of the target electrode and electrode insert can be recombined with the cannula and heat shrink tubing to form a new stepping mechanism. After electrode implantation, surgical implantation and recording of neuronal electrophysiological signals can be performed.
[0027] After sealing the electrode with dental cement, the recording site cannot be adjusted. Individual animal differences can lead to deviations between the recording and target sites, resulting in low accuracy of bioelectrical measurements. This application's embodiment utilizes a three-layer structure of insert-sleeve-heat shrink tubing to create a dedicated stepping track for the electrode, enabling it to step dynamically according to measurement needs and thus improving the accuracy of bioelectrical measurements. Simultaneously, due to the protective effect of the heat shrink tubing, the dental cement will not come into contact with the sleeve and electrode insert.
[0028] In some embodiments, please refer to Figure 3 The outer surface of the electrode insert 110 has a limiting area, which is the area not covered by the sleeve. The limiting area is provided with a spiral limiting structure 150. The spiral limiting structure 150 spirally surrounds the outer surface of the electrode insert 110 and is used to limit the movement distance of the electrode insert 110 along the axial direction of the sleeve 120.
[0029] For example, the outer diameter of the spiral limiting structure 150 is larger than the diameter of the sleeve 120, forming a protruding structure that can block the axial movement of the electrode insert 110, thereby limiting the movement distance. When the electrode insert 110 moves axially along the sleeve 120, and the top end of the sleeve 120 contacts the spiral limiting structure 150 in the limiting area, the electrode insert 110 cannot continue to move axially along the sleeve 120 due to the blocking effect of the spiral limiting structure 150, thus limiting the movement distance of the electrode insert 110.
[0030] For example, the inner wall of the sleeve 120 may be provided with an internal thread groove, and the helical limiting structure 150 reliably engages with the internal thread groove. The helical limiting structure 150 and the internal thread groove are screwed together to form a threaded pair, which limits the movement distance of the electrode insert 110 along the axial direction of the sleeve 120. When the internal thread groove of the sleeve 120 engages with the helical limiting structure 150, the electrode insert 110 moves along the axial direction of the sleeve 120, achieving self-locking and limiting, thus preventing the electrode insert 110 from continuing to move along the axial direction of the sleeve 120 and limiting the movement distance of the electrode insert.
[0031] Furthermore, the electrode insert 110 can be dynamically adjusted to move upwards or downwards along the axial direction of the sleeve 120 via the threaded pair, thereby dynamically adjusting the position of the electrode recording point 131 according to measurement requirements. The threaded pair can also control the stepping accuracy of the target electrode 130, i.e., the minimum controllable movement distance. The smaller the pitch of the threaded pair, the smaller the distance moved per revolution, and the higher the stepping accuracy.
[0032] It should be noted that after completing the bioelectric measurement, the stepping mechanism 100 can be removed entirely from the skull, the spiral limiting device 150 can be removed, the reusable functional unit can be pulled out in the reverse electrode implantation direction, and the surface of the electrode insert can be cleaned. The reverse electrode implantation direction is... Figure 1 The arrows shown point in the opposite direction.
[0033] In some embodiments, the spiral limiting structure 150 is made of pure silver wire. Pure silver is not only easy to process and operate, but its cross-sectional diameter can also control the stepping accuracy. The cross-sectional diameter is related to the thickness of the silver wire; the smaller the cross-sectional diameter, the thinner the silver wire. When the pure silver wire is wound into a spiral structure, the pitch is approximately equal to the cross-sectional diameter of the silver wire. The smaller the cross-sectional diameter, the smaller the pitch, and the higher the stepping accuracy.
[0034] The spiral limiting structure 150 can be fixed to the limiting area of the electrode insert 110 with an adhesive such as 502 glue. Utilizing the brittleness of the adhesive after curing, the silver wire can be easily removed, further improving the ease of use of the stepping mechanism. After the electrode is mounted, the three-layer structure consisting of the electrode insert, sleeve, and heat shrink tubing becomes the linear track for electrode stepping. The electrode insert carries the electrode downwards along the track, and the amount of silver wire removed directly determines the moving distance of the target electrode.
[0035] In some embodiments, the cavity also serves to secure an optical fiber and a drug delivery tube. The optical fiber transmits laser light to the target brain region to be bioelectrically measured for optogenetic stimulation, while the drug delivery tube delivers medication to the target brain region. The optical fiber and drug delivery tube move in tandem with the target electrode to achieve neural activity detection based on a three-modal approach of light, drug, and electricity.
[0036] Secondly, please refer to Figure 4 This application provides an electrophysiological signal acquisition device, which includes a preamplifier 200 and the aforementioned stepping mechanism 100. The preamplifier 200 is connected to the first electrode of a target electrode 130, and the second electrode of the target electrode 130 is provided with an electrode recording site 131. The electrode recording site 131 is used to detect neural signals generated by neural activity. The preamplifier 200 is used to convert the neural signals into wireless signals to obtain electrophysiological signals. These electrophysiological signals are in vivo behavioral electrophysiological signals of animals. The acquisition of electrophysiological signals can be completed by combining the stepping mechanism 100 and the preamplifier 200.
[0037] The wired equipment required for power supply, signal amplification, and transmission of signal recording devices severely limits the application of in vivo electrophysiological techniques in complex behavioral paradigms and can also cause uncontrollable interference with animal behavior, affecting measurement results. To ensure the accuracy of neural activity measurements, a preamplifier with wireless transmission capability is connected to the stepping mechanism.
[0038] Please see Figure 5 The preamplifier 200 includes a signal recording module 210, a signal amplification module 220, and a Bluetooth wireless transmission module 230. The signal recording module 210 is used to acquire neural signals detected at electrode recording sites. The signal amplification module 210 is connected to the signal recording module 220 and is used to amplify the neural signals to obtain an amplified signal. The Bluetooth wireless transmission module 230 is connected to the signal amplification module 220 and is used to convert the amplified signal into a wireless signal to obtain an electrophysiological signal.
[0039] In some embodiments, please refer to Figure 5The electrophysiological signal acquisition device also includes a Bluetooth signal receiving module 240, which is communicatively connected to the Bluetooth wireless transmission module 230. The Bluetooth signal receiving module 240 is used to receive the electrophysiological signals transmitted by the Bluetooth wireless transmission module 230. Bluetooth technology is a short-range wireless communication technology that enables devices to exchange data and communicate without a wired connection, avoiding the influence of wired devices on the neural activity measurement results.
[0040] In some embodiments, the electrophysiological signal acquisition device further includes an external display device. The Bluetooth signal receiving module 240 is connected to the external display device, which is used to display the wireless signals received by the Bluetooth signal receiving module. The external display device can be a computer device, a tablet device, etc.
[0041] In some embodiments, the electrophysiological signal acquisition device further includes a battery, and the preamplifier further includes a power supply module 250. The power supply module 250 includes a charging interface and a power supply interface. The charging interface includes a positive terminal and a negative terminal. The positive terminal is connected to the positive terminal of the battery, and the negative terminal is connected to the negative terminal of the battery. The power supply interface 250 is connected to the signal recording module 210, the signal amplification module 220, and the Bluetooth wireless transmission module 230, respectively, to supply power to these modules. The battery can be secured in various ways, such as by attaching it to the animal's back with a backpack or by adhering it to the preamplifier with dental wax.
[0042] The electrophysiological signal acquisition device of this application embodiment enables the electrodes to have a stepping function through a stepping mechanism, which can realize the dynamic adjustment of the electrode recording site and improve the flexibility of neural activity detection. At the same time, the neural signal is converted into a wireless signal through a preamplifier, which facilitates the subsequent signal processing and analysis process.
[0043] Thirdly, embodiments of this application provide an electrophysiological signal acquisition system, which includes the aforementioned electrophysiological signal acquisition device. The electrophysiological signal acquisition system of this application embodiment can dynamically acquire and record electrophysiological signals from different brain regions or neurons, improving the flexibility of neural activity detection.
[0044] The embodiments of this application have been described in detail above with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, this application is not limited to the above embodiments, and various changes can be made within the scope of knowledge possessed by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of this application. Furthermore, the embodiments and features in the embodiments of this application can be combined with each other unless otherwise specified.
Claims
1. A stepping mechanism, characterized in that, The stepping mechanism includes: An electrode insert having a receiving cavity for fixing a target electrode, the receiving cavity being formed by the inner wall of the electrode insert; A sleeve is fitted over the outside of the electrode insert and conforms to the outer surface of the electrode insert. The sleeve is used to restrict the rotation of the electrode insert. The sleeve has a through hole along the axial direction of the sleeve, which extends from a first end of the sleeve to a second end of the sleeve. The through hole is used to guide the electrode insert to move along the axial direction of the sleeve.
2. The stepping mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, The outer surface of the sleeve is covered with heat shrink tubing.
3. The stepping mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, The outer surface of the electrode insert has a limiting area, and the limiting area is provided with a spiral limiting structure. The limiting area is not covered by the sleeve. The spiral limiting structure spirally surrounds the outer surface of the electrode insert and is used to limit the movement distance of the electrode insert along the axial direction of the sleeve.
4. The stepping mechanism according to claim 3, characterized in that, The spiral limiting structure is made of pure silver wire.
5. The stepping mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The cavity also serves to secure the optical fiber and the drug delivery tube.
6. An electrophysiological signal acquisition device, characterized in that, The electrophysiological signal acquisition device includes a preamplifier and a stepping mechanism as described in any one of claims 1 to 5. The preamplifier is connected to the first electrode of the target electrode, and the second electrode of the target electrode is provided with an electrode recording site. The electrode recording site is used to detect neural signals, and the preamplifier is used to convert the neural signals into wireless signals to obtain electrophysiological signals.
7. The electrophysiological signal acquisition device according to claim 6, characterized in that, The preamplifier includes a signal recording module, a signal amplification module, and a Bluetooth wireless transmission module. The signal recording module is used to acquire the neural signals. The signal amplification module is connected to the signal recording module and is used to amplify the neural signals to obtain an amplified signal. The Bluetooth wireless transmission module is connected to the signal amplification module and is used to convert the amplified signal into a wireless signal to obtain the electrophysiological signal.
8. The electrophysiological signal acquisition device according to claim 7, characterized in that, The electrophysiological signal acquisition device further includes a Bluetooth signal receiving module, which is communicatively connected to the Bluetooth wireless transmission module. The Bluetooth signal receiving module is used to receive the electrophysiological signals transmitted by the Bluetooth wireless transmission module.
9. The electrophysiological signal acquisition device according to claim 7, characterized in that, The electrophysiological signal acquisition device also includes a battery, which is used to power the signal recording module, the signal amplification module and the Bluetooth wireless transmission module respectively.
10. An electrophysiological signal acquisition system, characterized in that, The electrophysiological signal acquisition system includes the electrophysiological signal acquisition device as described in any one of claims 6 to 9.