Electrical stimulation control circuit and anti-snoring device

Abstract

This utility model discloses an electrical stimulation control circuit and an anti-snoring device, relating to the field of medical device technology. The electrical stimulation control circuit includes: an electrical pulse output circuit, the output terminal of which is electrically connected to an electrode plate; and a main control circuit, which is electrically connected to the electrical pulse output circuit. The main control circuit controls the electrical pulse output circuit to output electrical pulses of a preset frequency and a preset pulse width to the electrode plate. The electrode plate is used to conduct the electrical pulses to the human jaw to stimulate the hypoglossal nerve. The preset frequency ranges from 18kHz to 22kHz, and the preset pulse width ranges from 45μs to 55μs. This utility model aims to solve the technical problem that existing anti-snoring devices often cannot effectively stimulate the hypoglossal nerve, thus affecting the user experience.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of medical equipment technology, and in particular to an electrical stimulation control circuit and an anti-snoring device. Background Technology

[0002] As people pay increasing attention to sleep quality, anti-snoring devices, as an auxiliary treatment for snoring, are gradually becoming an important tool for improving sleep health. Existing anti-snoring devices work by applying weak electrical stimulation or other physical interventions to the user's jaw, neck, or throat muscles, thereby regulating the activity of respiratory muscle groups and reducing or eliminating snoring.

[0003] However, existing anti-snoring devices often fail to effectively stimulate the hypoglossal nerve, affecting the user experience. Utility Model Content

[0004] The main purpose of this invention is to propose an electrical stimulation control circuit and an anti-snoring device, aiming to solve the technical problem that existing anti-snoring devices usually cannot effectively stimulate the hypoglossal nerve, thus affecting the user experience.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model proposes an electrical stimulation control circuit for use in an anti-snoring device. The anti-snoring device includes electrode pads for attaching to the skin of the human jaw. The electrical stimulation control circuit includes:

[0006] An electrical pulse output circuit, wherein the output terminal of the electrical pulse output circuit is electrically connected to the electrode plate;

[0007] The main control circuit is electrically connected to the electrical pulse output circuit. The main control circuit is used to control the electrical pulse output circuit to output electrical pulses with a preset frequency and preset pulse width to the electrode plate. The electrode plate is used to conduct the electrical pulses to the human jaw to stimulate the hypoglossal nerve.

[0008] The preset frequency ranges from 18kHz to 22kHz, and the preset pulse width ranges from 45μs to 55μs.

[0009] In one embodiment, the electrical stimulation control circuit further includes:

[0010] Battery circuitry;

[0011] A boost circuit is provided, wherein the input terminal of the boost circuit is connected to the discharge terminal of the battery circuit, and the output terminal of the boost circuit is connected to the input terminal of the electrical pulse output circuit. The boost circuit is used to convert the voltage output by the battery circuit into a first preset voltage so that the electrical pulse output circuit can output electrical pulses.

[0012] In one embodiment, the boost circuit includes:

[0013] Multiple boost branches, the boost branches including:

[0014] The system comprises a first switching circuit, a second switching circuit, a discharge circuit, and a capacitor module. The input terminal of the first switching circuit is connected to the discharge terminal of the battery circuit, the output terminal of the first switching circuit is connected to the first terminal of the capacitor module, and the controlled terminal of the first switching circuit is electrically connected to the main control circuit.

[0015] The input terminal of the second switching circuit is connected to the first terminal of the capacitor module, the output terminal of the second switching circuit is connected to the input terminal of the electrical pulse output circuit, and the controlled terminal of the second switching circuit is electrically connected to the main control circuit.

[0016] The input terminal of the discharge circuit is connected to the first terminal of the capacitor module, the output terminal of the discharge circuit is grounded, the controlled terminal of the discharge circuit is electrically connected to the main control circuit, and the second terminal of the capacitor module is grounded.

[0017] In one embodiment, the first switching circuit includes:

[0018] The system comprises a first switch, a second switch, a first resistor, a second resistor, a third resistor, and a fourth resistor. The input terminal of the first switch is connected to the discharge terminal of the battery circuit, the output terminal of the first switch is connected to the first terminal of the capacitor module, the first terminal of the first resistor is connected to the controlled terminal of the first switch, the first terminal of the second resistor is connected to the input terminal of the first switch, and the second terminal of the second resistor is connected to the second terminal of the first resistor.

[0019] The input terminal of the second switch is connected to the second terminal of the first resistor, the output terminal of the second switch is grounded, the controlled terminal of the second switch is connected to the second terminal of the third resistor, the first terminal of the third resistor is electrically connected to the main control circuit, the first terminal of the fourth resistor is connected to the controlled terminal of the second switch, and the second terminal of the fourth resistor is grounded.

[0020] The second switching circuit includes:

[0021] The circuit comprises a third switch, a fourth switch, a fifth resistor, a sixth resistor, a seventh resistor, and an eighth resistor. The input terminal of the third switch is connected to the first terminal of the capacitor module, and the output terminal of the third switch is connected to the input terminal of the electrical pulse output circuit. The first terminal of the fifth resistor is connected to the controlled terminal of the third switch, the first terminal of the sixth resistor is connected to the input terminal of the third switch, and the second terminal of the sixth resistor is connected to the second terminal of the fifth resistor.

[0022] The input terminal of the fourth switch is connected to the second terminal of the fifth resistor, the output terminal of the fourth switch is grounded, the controlled terminal of the fourth switch is connected to the second terminal of the seventh resistor, the first terminal of the seventh resistor is electrically connected to the main control circuit, the first terminal of the eighth resistor is connected to the controlled terminal of the fourth switch, and the second terminal of the eighth resistor is grounded.

[0023] In one embodiment, the discharge circuit includes:

[0024] The circuit includes a fifth switch, a ninth resistor, a tenth resistor, and an eleventh resistor. The first end of the tenth resistor is connected to the first end of the capacitor module, the second end of the tenth resistor is connected to the input end of the fifth switch, and the output end of the fifth switch is grounded. The first end of the ninth resistor is electrically connected to the main control circuit, the second end of the ninth resistor is connected to the controlled end of the fifth switch, the first end of the tenth resistor is connected to the controlled end of the fifth switch, and the second end of the tenth resistor is grounded.

[0025] In one embodiment, the boost circuit further includes:

[0026] The system includes a boost control module and a drive circuit. The input terminal of the boost control module is connected to the discharge terminal of the battery circuit. The output terminal of the boost control module is connected to the input terminals of multiple first switch circuits. The controlled terminal of the boost control module is connected to the output terminal of the drive circuit. The input terminal of the drive circuit is electrically connected to the main control circuit.

[0027] The main control circuit is used to control the drive circuit so that the drive circuit drives the boost control module to convert the voltage output by the battery circuit into a second preset voltage, and the boost branch is used to convert the first preset voltage into a first preset voltage.

[0028] Wherein, the first preset voltage is greater than the second preset voltage.

[0029] In one embodiment, the electrical pulse output circuit, the main control circuit, the battery circuit, and the boost circuit are integrated on the same circuit board, which has a length of 40mm and a width of 20mm.

[0030] In one embodiment, the electrical stimulation control circuit further includes:

[0031] The circuits are a third switch circuit, a fourth switch circuit, a fifth switch circuit, and a sixth switch circuit. The input terminals of the third switch circuit and the fourth switch circuit are both connected to the output terminal of the boost circuit. The output terminal of the third switch circuit is electrically connected to the first electrode of the electrode plate. The controlled terminal of the third switch circuit is connected to the main control circuit.

[0032] The output terminal of the fourth switching circuit is electrically connected to the second electrode of the electrode sheet, and the controlled terminals of the third and fourth switching circuits are both electrically connected to the main control circuit.

[0033] The input terminal of the fifth switching circuit is electrically connected to the first electrode of the electrode plate, the output terminal of the fifth switching circuit is grounded, and the controlled terminal of the fifth switching circuit is connected to the controlled terminal of the fourth switching circuit.

[0034] The input terminal of the sixth switch circuit is electrically connected to the first electrode of the electrode plate, the output terminal of the sixth switch circuit is grounded, and the controlled terminal of the sixth switch circuit is connected to the controlled terminal of the third switch circuit.

[0035] In one embodiment, the electrical stimulation control circuit further includes:

[0036] Wearing detection circuit, wherein the detection terminal of the wearing detection circuit is electrically connected to the positive / negative terminal of the electrode plate, and the output terminal of the wearing detection circuit is electrically connected to the main control circuit;

[0037] The wear detection circuit is used to output a wear detection signal to the main control circuit when a current is detected on the positive / negative electrode of the electrode, so that the main control circuit controls the electrical pulse output circuit to output electrical pulses of preset frequency and preset pulse width to the electrode.

[0038] This utility model also proposes an anti-snoring device, including electrode pads and the electrical stimulation control circuit described in any of the above claims; wherein the electrode pads are electrically connected to the electrical stimulation control circuit.

[0039] This invention relates to an electrical stimulation control circuit for use in an anti-snoring device. The circuit includes an electrical pulse output circuit, a main control circuit, a battery circuit, and a boost circuit. The output terminal of the electrical pulse output circuit is electrically connected to the electrode pads. The main control circuit is also electrically connected to the electrical pulse output circuit. The main control circuit controls the electrical pulse output circuit to output electrical pulses of a preset frequency and pulse width to the electrode pads. The electrode pads transmit the electrical pulses to the lower jaw to stimulate the hypoglossal nerve. The preset frequency ranges from 18kHz to 22kHz, and the preset pulse width ranges from 45μs to 55μs. With this configuration, in practical applications, electrical pulse stimulation at frequencies between 18kHz and 22kHz significantly reduces the capacitive impedance of the skin, allowing the current on the electrode pads to penetrate the stratum corneum more easily, thus acting more efficiently on the hypoglossal nerve and effectively stimulating it. This helps to reopen the user's blocked airway and restore normal breathing. Furthermore, electrical pulses with a pulse width between 45μs and 55μs can precisely cover the excitation period of the hypoglossal nerve fibers, ensuring that a single pulse fully triggers the action potential and avoiding repeated triggering caused by the channel not being fully opened due to the pulse width being too short or by the pulse width being too long. Attached Figure Description

[0040] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on the structures shown in these drawings without creative effort.

[0041] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a module according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0042] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a module according to another embodiment of the present invention;

[0043] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of a module according to another embodiment of the present invention;

[0044] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the circuit structure of an embodiment of the present invention;

[0045] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the circuit structure of another embodiment of the present utility model;

[0046] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of a module according to another embodiment of the present invention;

[0047] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of a module according to another embodiment of the present utility model;

[0048] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of a module according to another embodiment of the present invention;

[0049] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the circuit structure of another embodiment of the present invention.

[0050] Explanation of icon numbers:

[0051] 10. Electrode plate; 20. Electrical pulse output circuit; 30. Main control circuit; 40. Battery circuit; 50. Boost circuit; 51. First switch circuit; 52. Second switch circuit; 53. Discharge circuit; 54. Capacitor module; 60. Wear detection circuit; 70. Third switch circuit; 80. Fourth switch circuit; 90. Fifth switch circuit; 100. Sixth switch circuit; 110. Boost control circuit; 120. Drive circuit.

[0052] The realization of the purpose, functional features and advantages of this utility model will be further explained in conjunction with the embodiments and with reference to the accompanying drawings. Detailed Implementation

[0053] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present utility model.

[0054] It should be noted that if the embodiments of this utility model involve directional indicators (such as up, down, left, right, front, back, etc.), the directional indicators are only used to explain the relative positional relationship and movement of the components in a specific posture. If the specific posture changes, the directional indicators will also change accordingly.

[0055] Furthermore, if the embodiments of this utility model involve descriptions such as "first" or "second," these descriptions are for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying their relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Therefore, a feature defined with "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of those features. Additionally, the use of "and / or" or "and / or" throughout the text includes three parallel solutions. For example, "A and / or B" includes solution A, solution B, or a solution where both A and B are satisfied simultaneously. Furthermore, the technical solutions of the various embodiments can be combined with each other, but this must be based on the ability of those skilled in the art to implement them. When the combination of technical solutions is contradictory or impossible to implement, it should be considered that such a combination of technical solutions does not exist and is not within the scope of protection claimed by this utility model.

[0056] As people pay increasing attention to sleep quality, anti-snoring devices, as an auxiliary treatment for snoring, are gradually becoming an important tool for improving sleep health. Existing anti-snoring devices work by applying weak electrical stimulation or other physical interventions to the user's jaw, neck, or throat muscles, thereby regulating the activity of respiratory muscle groups and reducing or eliminating snoring.

[0057] However, existing anti-snoring devices often fail to effectively stimulate the hypoglossal nerve, affecting the user experience.

[0058] Therefore, this utility model proposes an electrical stimulation control circuit and an anti-snoring device, aiming to solve the technical problem that existing anti-snoring devices often fail to effectively stimulate the hypoglossal nerve, thus affecting the user experience. In one embodiment of this utility model, reference is made to... Figure 1 An electrical stimulation control circuit is used in an anti-snoring device, which includes electrode pads 10 for attaching to the skin of the human jaw. The electrical stimulation control circuit includes:

[0059] An electrical pulse output circuit 20, the output terminal of which is electrically connected to the electrode plate 10;

[0060] The main control circuit 30 is electrically connected to the electrical pulse output circuit 20. The main control circuit 30 is used to control the electrical pulse output circuit 20 to output electrical pulses with a preset frequency and preset pulse width to the electrode plate 10. The electrode plate 10 is used to conduct the electrical pulses to the human jaw to stimulate the hypoglossal nerve.

[0061] The preset frequency ranges from 18kHz to 22kHz, and the preset pulse width ranges from 45μs to 55μs.

[0062] It should be noted that the cell membrane and intercellular lipid layer of keratinocytes form a capacitor-like structure, exhibiting capacitive impedance to alternating current. When using mid-frequency electrical pulses (18kHz–22kHz), the change in capacitive impedance follows this rule: Xc = 1 / (2πfC), where Xc is the capacitive impedance, f is the frequency of the electrical pulse, and C is the equivalent capacitance ranging from 0.01 to 0.1 μF / cm². From the above formula, we know that the higher the frequency, the lower the capacitive impedance. Existing anti-snoring devices output electrical pulse frequencies less than 10kHz. Lower frequencies result in higher skin impedance, leading to significant energy loss in the epidermis, making it difficult for lower-frequency electrical pulses to effectively penetrate to the depth of the hypoglossal nerve. However, excessively high-frequency electrical pulses (e.g., 50kHz–100kHz) can cause local temperature increases, leading to skin burns or mucosal damage. Under 18kHz to 22kHz mid-frequency electrical pulse stimulation, the capacitive impedance of the stratum corneum decreases, making it easier for the current on the electrode to penetrate the skin surface, reducing energy dissipation in the stratum corneum, and enabling the electrical pulse to be efficiently transmitted to the hypoglossal nerve. Moreover, the frequency of 18kHz to 22kHz is a mid-frequency and will not cause a local temperature increase.

[0063] In addition, the human hearing perception range is about 20Hz-20kHz. The frequency design of 18kHz to 22kHz places the main frequency of the electrical pulse signal at the edge of the audible frequency band (greater than 18kHz), which avoids triggering the auditory nerve (such as tinnitus) and reduces the user's sensitivity to electrical stimulation, thus improving comfort.

[0064] It should be noted that the absolute refractory period of the motor fibers of the hypoglossal nerve is approximately 50μs to 60μs. If the pulse width of the electrical pulse exceeds 60μs, the latter half of the pulse will fall into the refractory period, resulting in wasted energy; if it is shorter than 45μs, the voltage needs to be significantly increased to compensate for the energy, increasing power consumption and the risk of burns. An electrical pulse with a pulse width of 45μs to 55μs can precisely cover the excitation period of the hypoglossal nerve, ensuring effective triggering of the action potential. This avoids the ion channels (sodium ion channels) on the nerve cell membrane not being fully open due to an excessively short pulse width, or repeated triggering due to an excessively long pulse width. Repeated triggering may prevent the hypoglossal nerve from contracting at the expected rhythm (such as maintaining airway closure), and instead cause muscle spasms or loss of control due to high-frequency signal interference.

[0065] In this embodiment, optionally, the electrical pulse output circuit 20 can be implemented based on a microcontroller. The microcontroller outputs a PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) signal through programming. After amplification and filtering, the PWM signal forms an electrical pulse suitable for human stimulation. Alternatively, the electrical pulse output circuit 20 can be implemented based on an electrical pulse generation chip. The main control circuit 30 only needs to provide simple control signals to generate the required electrical pulse.

[0066] In this embodiment, the main control circuit 30 can be implemented using a main controller, such as an MCU (Microcontroller Unit), a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), or a SOC (System On Chip).

[0067] One issue to consider is that existing anti-snoring devices are about the size of a laptop, making them inconvenient for users to carry around. To address this, this invention integrates the electrical pulse output circuit 20, the main control circuit 30, the battery circuit 40, and the boost circuit 50 onto a single small circuit board measuring 40mm long and 20mm wide. This facilitates a miniaturized design of the anti-snoring device, thereby improving its portability and wearing comfort.

[0068] This utility model relates to an electrical stimulation control circuit for use in an anti-snoring device. The circuit includes an electrical pulse output circuit 20, a main control circuit 30, a battery circuit 40, and a boost circuit 50. The output terminal of the electrical pulse output circuit 20 is electrically connected to the electrode pad 10. The main control circuit 30 is electrically connected to the electrical pulse output circuit 20. The main control circuit 30 controls the electrical pulse output circuit 20 to output electrical pulses of a preset frequency and preset pulse width to the electrode pad 10. The electrode pad 10 transmits the electrical pulses to the lower jaw to stimulate the hypoglossal nerve. The preset frequency ranges from 18kHz to 22kHz, and the preset pulse width ranges from 45μs to 55μs. With this configuration, in practical applications, the capacitive impedance of the skin significantly decreases under electrical pulse stimulation at frequencies between 18kHz and 22kHz, allowing the current on the electrode pad 10 to more easily penetrate the stratum corneum, thus acting more efficiently on the hypoglossal nerve and effectively stimulating it, thereby reopening the user's blocked airway and restoring normal breathing. Furthermore, electrical pulses with a pulse width between 45μs and 55μs can precisely cover the excitation period of the hypoglossal nerve fibers, ensuring that a single pulse fully triggers the action potential and avoiding repeated triggering caused by the channel not being fully opened due to the pulse width being too short or by the pulse width being too long.

[0069] It is worth noting that most existing anti-snoring devices rely on mains power, which restricts users' movement due to the location of the power outlet, thus affecting the flexibility of using the device.

[0070] In one embodiment of this utility model, reference is made to... Figure 2 The electrical stimulation circuit includes:

[0071] Battery circuit 40;

[0072] A boost circuit 50 is provided, the input terminal of which is connected to the discharge terminal of the battery circuit 40, and the output terminal of which is connected to the input terminal of the electrical pulse output circuit 20. The boost circuit 50 is used to convert the voltage output by the battery circuit 40 into the operating voltage of the electrical pulse output circuit 20 to power the electrical pulse output circuit 20.

[0073] It should be noted that, in order to save on material costs and overall size of the anti-snoring device, the battery circuit 40 can be implemented using a more common small lithium battery. Since the power supply voltage of a small lithium battery is relatively low (approximately 3.3V or 5V), while the operating voltage of the electrical pulse output circuit 20 is relatively high, usually tens of volts, the power supply voltage of the battery circuit 40 needs to be boosted by the boost circuit 50 before it can power the electrical pulse output circuit 20, so that the electrical pulse output circuit 20 can generate an electrical pulse signal of sufficient intensity to stimulate the hypoglossal nerve.

[0074] With this design, the present invention introduces a battery circuit 40 as a power module, replacing the traditional AC power supply method. The battery circuit 40 can provide a stable DC power supply for the entire anti-snoring device, eliminating the dependence on AC power outlets. In practical applications, users can use the anti-snoring device anytime and anywhere without worrying about the location restrictions of power outlets, significantly improving the portability and flexibility of the anti-snoring device.

[0075] It should be noted that the boost circuit 50 usually has charging and discharging processes. If the output frequency and output voltage of the boost circuit 50 need to be increased, the discharging process of the boost circuit 50 needs to be lengthened and its charging process shortened. However, this requires the boost circuit 50 to have extremely high performance. There are few boost circuits 50 with extremely high performance on the market, and they are expensive.

[0076] In one embodiment of this utility model, reference is made to... Figure 3 The boost circuit 50 includes:

[0077] Multiple boost branches, the boost branches including:

[0078] The system comprises a first switching circuit 51, a second switching circuit 52, a discharge circuit 53, and a capacitor module 54. The input terminal of the first switching circuit 51 is connected to the discharge terminal of the battery circuit 40, the output terminal of the first switching circuit 51 is connected to the first terminal of the capacitor module 54, and the controlled terminal of the first switching circuit 51 is electrically connected to the main control circuit 30.

[0079] The input terminal of the second switching circuit 52 is connected to the first terminal of the capacitor module 54, the output terminal of the second switching circuit 52 is connected to the input terminal of the electrical pulse output circuit 20, and the controlled terminal of the second switching circuit 52 is electrically connected to the main control circuit 30.

[0080] The input terminal of the discharge circuit 53 is connected to the first terminal of the capacitor module 54, the output terminal of the discharge circuit 53 is grounded, the controlled terminal of the discharge circuit 53 is electrically connected to the main control circuit 30, and the second terminal of the capacitor module 54 is grounded.

[0081] In this embodiment, the first switching circuit 51 and the second switching circuit 52 can be implemented using at least one switching transistor, such as a MOSFET, IGBT, thyristor, transistor, power transistor, etc.

[0082] In this embodiment, when the first switching circuit 51 is turned on and the second switching circuit 52 is turned off, the capacitor module 54 stores the electrical energy output from the battery circuit 40. After the capacitor module 54 has finished storing energy, the first switching circuit 51 is turned off and the second switching circuit 52 is turned on, so that the capacitor module 54 outputs a high voltage to the electrical pulse output circuit 20. During the discharge process, the voltage received by the electrical pulse output circuit 20 is the first preset voltage. When the voltage of the capacitor module 54 drops to the preset voltage value, the discharge circuit 53 is controlled to release the remaining charge of the capacitor module 54, and the first switching circuit 51 is turned on and the second switching circuit 52 is turned off, so that the battery circuit 40 recharges the capacitor module 54.

[0083] When one boost circuit discharges, the other boost circuits receive power from the battery circuit 40 to charge their capacitor modules 54. When one boost circuit finishes discharging, it controls another boost circuit to discharge and controls the other boost circuits to charge. This configuration allows multiple boost circuits to discharge to the electrical pulse output circuit 20 continuously or at a higher frequency, effectively lengthening and shortening the charging process of the boost circuit 50. This results in a higher and more stable output frequency and voltage for the boost circuit 50, thus meeting the power supply requirements of the electrical pulse output circuit 20.

[0084] In one embodiment, reference Figure 4 The first switching circuit 51 includes:

[0085] The circuit consists of a first switch Q1, a second switch Q2, a first resistor R1, a second resistor R2, a third resistor R3, and a fourth resistor R4. The input terminal of the first switch Q1 is connected to the discharge terminal of the battery circuit 40, the output terminal of the first switch Q1 is connected to the first terminal of the capacitor module 54, the first terminal of the first resistor R1 is connected to the controlled terminal of the first switch Q1, the first terminal of the second resistor R2 is connected to the input terminal of the first switch Q1, and the second terminal of the second resistor R2 is connected to the second terminal of the first resistor R1.

[0086] The input terminal of the second switch Q2 is connected to the second terminal of the first resistor R1, the output terminal of the second switch Q2 is grounded, the controlled terminal of the second switch Q2 is connected to the second terminal of the third resistor R3, the first terminal of the third resistor R3 is electrically connected to the main control circuit 30, the first terminal of the fourth resistor R4 is connected to the controlled terminal of the second switch Q2, and the second terminal of the fourth resistor R4 is grounded.

[0087] The second switching circuit 52 includes:

[0088] The circuit consists of a third switch Q3, a fourth switch Q4, a fifth resistor R5, a sixth resistor R6, a seventh resistor R7, and an eighth resistor R8. The input terminal of the third switch Q3 is connected to the first terminal of the capacitor module 54, and the output terminal of the third switch Q3 is connected to the input terminal of the electrical pulse output circuit 20. The first terminal of the fifth resistor R5 is connected to the controlled terminal of the third switch Q3, the first terminal of the sixth resistor R6 is connected to the input terminal of the third switch Q3, and the second terminal of the sixth resistor R6 is connected to the second terminal of the fifth resistor R5.

[0089] The input terminal of the fourth switch Q4 is connected to the second terminal of the fifth resistor R5, the output terminal of the fourth switch Q4 is grounded, the controlled terminal of the fourth switch Q4 is connected to the second terminal of the seventh resistor R7, the first terminal of the seventh resistor R7 is electrically connected to the main control circuit 30, the first terminal of the eighth resistor R8 is connected to the controlled terminal of the fourth switch Q4, and the second terminal of the eighth resistor R8 is grounded.

[0090] In this circuit, the first switch Q1 and the third switch Q3 are PNP transistors, while the second switch Q2 and the fourth switch Q4 are NPN transistors. When it is necessary to control the charging of the capacitor module 54, the main control circuit 30 controls the second switch Q2 to turn on, pulling down the base voltage of the first switch Q1 to turn it on. The main control circuit 30 also controls the fourth switch Q4 to turn off, pulling down the base voltage of the third switch Q3 to turn it off. At this time, the battery circuit 4... The current from 0 flows to the capacitor module 54 through the first switch Q1; conversely, when it is necessary to control the capacitor module 54 to discharge, the main control circuit 30 controls the second switch Q2 to turn off, and the base voltage of the first switch Q1 is pulled low, so that the first switch Q1 is turned off. The main control circuit 30 also controls the fourth switch Q4 to turn on, so that the base voltage of the third switch Q3 is pulled low, and the third switch Q3 is turned on. The current from the battery circuit 40 discharges to the electrical pulse output circuit 20 through the third switch Q3.

[0091] In this embodiment, reference Figure 5 The discharge circuit 53 includes:

[0092] The circuit consists of a fifth switch Q5, a ninth resistor R9, a tenth resistor R10, and an eleventh resistor R11. The first terminal of the tenth resistor R10 is connected to the first terminal of the capacitor module 54, and the second terminal of the tenth resistor R10 is connected to the input terminal of the fifth switch Q5. The output terminal of the fifth switch Q5 is grounded. The first terminal of the ninth resistor R9 is electrically connected to the main control circuit 30, and the second terminal of the ninth resistor R9 is connected to the controlled terminal of the fifth switch Q5. The first terminal of the tenth resistor R10 is also connected to the controlled terminal of the fifth switch Q5, and the second terminal of the tenth resistor R10 is grounded. The fifth switch Q5 can be an NPN transistor. When the main control circuit 30 controls the fifth switch Q5 to conduct, the current released by the capacitor module 54 is released to ground through the fifth switch Q5.

[0093] It is important to consider that when the battery circuit uses a relatively common small lithium battery, the voltage of the small lithium battery is low, only 3.3V. Existing single-stage boost circuits are usually unable to stably boost 3.3V directly to the tens of volts supply voltage required by the electrical pulse output circuit.

[0094] In one embodiment, reference is made to... Figure 6 The boost circuit 50 further includes:

[0095] The system includes a boost control module 110 and a drive circuit 120. The input terminal of the boost control module 110 is connected to the discharge terminal of the battery circuit 40. The output terminal of the boost control module 110 is connected to the input terminals of multiple first switch circuits 51. The controlled terminal of the boost control module 110 is connected to the output terminal of the drive circuit 120. The input terminal of the drive circuit 120 is electrically connected to the main control circuit 30.

[0096] The main control circuit 30 is used to control the drive circuit 120 so that the drive circuit 120 drives the boost control module 110 to convert the voltage output by the battery circuit 40 into a second preset voltage. The boost branch is used to convert the first preset voltage into a first preset voltage.

[0097] Wherein, the first preset voltage is greater than the second preset voltage.

[0098] The function of the boost control module 110 is to boost the low voltage output by the battery circuit 40 to an intermediate voltage (second preset voltage). The boost branch further boosts the intermediate voltage (second preset voltage) output by the boost control module 110 to the final required high voltage (first preset voltage). This staged boost design avoids the inefficiency and instability caused by excessive voltage difference in single-stage boosting.

[0099] It should be noted that the boost control module 110 can be implemented using a DC / DC circuit, and the drive circuit 120 can be implemented using a drive circuit based on a MOSFET drive chip.

[0100] It's important to consider that in anti-snoring devices, electrical pulses are sequentially transmitted to the skin surface through the positive and negative electrodes of electrode 10, stimulating the hypoglossal nerve or related muscle groups to alleviate snoring. However, if the current direction remains constant, it can lead to uneven ion distribution on the skin surface, causing charge buildup. This charge buildup can cause skin tingling, burning sensations, or other discomfort, and may even lead to local skin damage.

[0101] In one embodiment of this utility model, reference is made to... Figure 8 The electrical stimulation control circuit further includes:

[0102] The third switch circuit 70, the fourth switch circuit 80, the fifth switch circuit 90, and the sixth switch circuit 100 are provided. The input terminals of the third switch circuit 70 and the fourth switch circuit 80 are both connected to the output terminal of the boost circuit 50. The output terminal of the third switch circuit 70 is electrically connected to the first electrode of the electrode plate 10. The controlled terminal of the third switch circuit 70 is connected to the main control circuit 30.

[0103] The output terminal of the fourth switching circuit 80 is electrically connected to the second electrode of the electrode plate 10, and the controlled terminals of the third switching circuit 70 and the fourth switching circuit 80 are both electrically connected to the main control circuit 30.

[0104] The input terminal of the fifth switching circuit 90 is electrically connected to the first electrode of the electrode plate 10, the output terminal of the fifth switching circuit 90 is grounded, and the controlled terminal of the fifth switching circuit 90 is connected to the controlled terminal of the fourth switching circuit 80.

[0105] The input terminal of the sixth switch circuit 100 is electrically connected to the first electrode of the electrode plate 10, the output terminal of the sixth switch circuit 100 is grounded, and the controlled terminal of the sixth switch circuit 100 is connected to the controlled terminal of the third switch circuit 70.

[0106] In this embodiment, the third switch circuit 70, the fourth switch circuit 80, the fifth switch circuit 90 and the sixth switch circuit 100 can all be implemented using at least one switching transistor, such as a MOSFET, IGBT, thyristor, transistor, power transistor, etc.

[0107] In this embodiment, the main control circuit 30 controls the third switch circuit 70 and the fifth switch circuit 90 to be turned on, and controls the fourth switch circuit 80 and the sixth switch circuit 100 to be turned off, so that the current output by the boost circuit 50 flows through the path of the third switch circuit 70, the first electrode, the second electrode, and the sixth switch circuit 100. At this time, the first electrode is the positive electrode and the second electrode is the negative electrode. Positive charges will accumulate near the first electrode, and negative charges will accumulate near the second electrode. The main control circuit 30 also controls the fourth switch circuit 80 and the sixth switch circuit 100 to be turned on, and controls the third switch circuit 70 and the fifth switch circuit 90 to be turned off, so that the current output by the boost circuit 50 flows through the path of the fourth switch circuit 80, the second electrode, the first electrode, and the fifth switch circuit 90. At this time, the first electrode is the negative electrode and the second electrode is the negative electrode, so that the previous charge distribution is reversed, thereby canceling the previous charge accumulation. In this way, by constantly exchanging the positions of the positive and negative electrodes, the charge distribution on the skin surface is kept in balance, avoiding long-term charge accumulation.

[0108] In one embodiment of this utility model, reference is made to Figure 7 The electrical stimulation control circuit further includes:

[0109] Wearing detection circuit 60, the detection terminal of the wearing detection circuit 60 is electrically connected to the positive and negative terminals of the electrode plate 10, and the output terminal of the wearing detection circuit 60 is electrically connected to the main control circuit 30;

[0110] The wear detection circuit 60 is used to output a wear detection signal to the main control circuit 30 when a current is detected on the positive / negative electrode of the electrode 10, so that the main control circuit 30 controls the electrical pulse output circuit 20 to output electrical pulses with a preset frequency and preset pulse width to the electrode 10.

[0111] It should be noted that when the electrode pad 10 is attached to human skin, a low-impedance loop is formed between the human skin and tissue and the positive and negative electrodes of the electrode pad 10, meaning that current flows between the positive and negative electrodes. When the wear detection circuit 60 detects the current, it outputs a feedback signal to the main control circuit 30. After receiving the feedback signal, the main control circuit 30 controls the electrical pulse output circuit 20 to output electrical pulses of a preset frequency and preset pulse width to the electrode pad 10. However, when the electrode pad 10 is not in contact with the human body, the resistance between the positive and negative electrodes of the electrode pad 10 is extremely high, equivalent to an open circuit, causing almost no current to flow. In this case, the wear detection circuit 60 does not detect the current, and the main control circuit 30 determines that the electrode pad 10 is not in contact with the human body without receiving a feedback signal.

[0112] In this embodiment, optionally, the wear detection circuit 60 can be implemented using a current detection circuit. The current detection circuit is used to detect the current on the positive / negative electrode and output a corresponding current detection signal. When the main control circuit determines that there is current on the positive / negative electrode based on the current detection signal, it controls the electrical pulse output circuit to output an electrical pulse with a preset frequency and preset pulse width to the electrode plate.

[0113] The circuit structures of the third switch circuit 70, the fourth switch circuit 80, the fifth switch circuit 90, and the sixth switch circuit 100 described above will be explained in conjunction with the above descriptions. (Refer to...) Figure 9 The wear detection circuit 60 includes: a sixth switch Q6, a Zener diode D1, a twelfth resistor R12, a thirteenth resistor R13, and a fourteenth resistor R14. The first end of the twelfth resistor R12 is connected to the discharge terminal of the battery circuit 40, and the second end of the twelfth resistor R12 is connected to the input terminal of the sixth switch Q6. The input terminal of the sixth switch Q6 is also electrically connected to the main control circuit. The output terminal of the sixth switch Q6 is grounded. The controlled terminal of the sixth switch Q6 is connected to the second end of the thirteenth resistor R13 and the first end of the fourteenth resistor R14, respectively. The second end of the fourteenth resistor R14 is grounded. The first end of the thirteenth resistor R13 is connected to the cathode of the Zener diode D1. The anode of the Zener diode D1 is grounded. The cathode of the Zener diode D1 is also electrically connected to the output terminal of the fifth switch circuit 90 and the output terminal of the sixth switch circuit 100.

[0114] The sixth switch Q6 is an NPN transistor. When the electrode 10 is attached to the human skin, a low-impedance loop is formed between the positive and negative terminals. When the electrical stimulation control circuit of this invention is working, the boost circuit 50 outputs current, and the main control circuit 30 controls the fourth switch circuit 80 and the fifth switch circuit 90 to conduct, and the third switch circuit 70 and the sixth switch circuit 100 to conduct. The current output by the boost circuit 50 flows to the Zener diode D1 and breaks down the Zener diode D1. After the Zener diode D1 is broken down, the voltage of the fourteenth resistor R14 rises to conduct the sixth switch Q6. After the sixth switch Q6 is conducted, the voltage of the GPIO interface of the main control circuit 30 used to connect to the sixth switch Q6 is pulled low. After detecting the low level, the main control circuit 30 controls the electrical pulse output circuit 20 to output an electrical pulse. When the electrode 10 is not attached to the human skin, no circuit is formed between the positive and negative electrodes, and the current cannot flow to the Zener diode D1. The Zener diode D1 is not broken down. At this time, the sixth switch Q6 is in the off state. When the main control circuit 30 detects a high level, it controls the electrical pulse output circuit 20 to stop outputting electrical pulses to avoid false triggering.

[0115] This invention also proposes an anti-snoring device, including electrode pads and an electrical stimulation control circuit as described above; wherein the electrode pads are electrically connected to the electrical stimulation control circuit.

[0116] It is worth noting that since the anti-snoring device of this utility model is based on the above-mentioned electrical stimulation control circuit, the embodiments of the anti-snoring device of this utility model include all the technical solutions of all the embodiments of the above-mentioned electrical stimulation control circuit, and the technical effects achieved are exactly the same, so they will not be repeated here.

[0117] The above description is merely an exemplary embodiment of the present utility model and does not limit the patent scope of the present utility model. Any equivalent structural transformations made based on the technical concept of the present utility model and the contents of the present utility model specification and drawings, or direct / indirect applications in other related technical fields, are included within the patent protection scope of the present utility model.

Claims

1. An electrical stimulation control circuit for use in an anti-snoring device, the anti-snoring device comprising electrode pads for attaching to the skin of the human jaw, characterized in that, The electrical stimulation control circuit includes: An electrical pulse output circuit, wherein the output terminal of the electrical pulse output circuit is electrically connected to the electrode plate; The main control circuit is electrically connected to the electrical pulse output circuit. The main control circuit is used to control the electrical pulse output circuit to output electrical pulses with a preset frequency and preset pulse width to the electrode plate. The electrode plate is used to conduct the electrical pulses to the human jaw to stimulate the hypoglossal nerve. The preset frequency ranges from 18kHz to 22kHz, and the preset pulse width ranges from 45μs to 55μs.

2. The electrical stimulation control circuit as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The electrical stimulation control circuit also includes: Battery circuitry; A boost circuit is provided, wherein the input terminal of the boost circuit is connected to the discharge terminal of the battery circuit, and the output terminal of the boost circuit is connected to the input terminal of the electrical pulse output circuit. The boost circuit is used to convert the voltage output by the battery circuit into a first preset voltage so that the electrical pulse output circuit can output electrical pulses.

3. The electrical stimulation control circuit as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The boost circuit includes: Multiple boost branches, the boost branches including: The system comprises a first switching circuit, a second switching circuit, a discharge circuit, and a capacitor module. The input terminal of the first switching circuit is connected to the discharge terminal of the battery circuit, the output terminal of the first switching circuit is connected to the first terminal of the capacitor module, and the controlled terminal of the first switching circuit is electrically connected to the main control circuit. The input terminal of the second switching circuit is connected to the first terminal of the capacitor module, the output terminal of the second switching circuit is connected to the input terminal of the electrical pulse output circuit, and the controlled terminal of the second switching circuit is electrically connected to the main control circuit. The input terminal of the discharge circuit is connected to the first terminal of the capacitor module, the output terminal of the discharge circuit is grounded, the controlled terminal of the discharge circuit is electrically connected to the main control circuit, and the second terminal of the capacitor module is grounded.

4. The electrical stimulation control circuit as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The first switching circuit includes: The system comprises a first switch, a second switch, a first resistor, a second resistor, a third resistor, and a fourth resistor. The input terminal of the first switch is connected to the discharge terminal of the battery circuit, the output terminal of the first switch is connected to the first terminal of the capacitor module, the first terminal of the first resistor is connected to the controlled terminal of the first switch, the first terminal of the second resistor is connected to the input terminal of the first switch, and the second terminal of the second resistor is connected to the second terminal of the first resistor. The input terminal of the second switch is connected to the second terminal of the first resistor, the output terminal of the second switch is grounded, the controlled terminal of the second switch is connected to the second terminal of the third resistor, the first terminal of the third resistor is electrically connected to the main control circuit, the first terminal of the fourth resistor is connected to the controlled terminal of the second switch, and the second terminal of the fourth resistor is grounded. The second switching circuit includes: The circuit comprises a third switch, a fourth switch, a fifth resistor, a sixth resistor, a seventh resistor, and an eighth resistor. The input terminal of the third switch is connected to the first terminal of the capacitor module, and the output terminal of the third switch is connected to the input terminal of the electrical pulse output circuit. The first terminal of the fifth resistor is connected to the controlled terminal of the third switch, the first terminal of the sixth resistor is connected to the input terminal of the third switch, and the second terminal of the sixth resistor is connected to the second terminal of the fifth resistor. The input terminal of the fourth switch is connected to the second terminal of the fifth resistor, the output terminal of the fourth switch is grounded, the controlled terminal of the fourth switch is connected to the second terminal of the seventh resistor, the first terminal of the seventh resistor is electrically connected to the main control circuit, the first terminal of the eighth resistor is connected to the controlled terminal of the fourth switch, and the second terminal of the eighth resistor is grounded.

5. The electrical stimulation control circuit as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The discharge circuit includes: The circuit includes a fifth switch, a ninth resistor, a tenth resistor, and an eleventh resistor. The first end of the tenth resistor is connected to the first end of the capacitor module, the second end of the tenth resistor is connected to the input end of the fifth switch, and the output end of the fifth switch is grounded. The first end of the ninth resistor is electrically connected to the main control circuit, the second end of the ninth resistor is connected to the controlled end of the fifth switch, the first end of the tenth resistor is connected to the controlled end of the fifth switch, and the second end of the tenth resistor is grounded.

6. The electrical stimulation control circuit as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The boost circuit also includes: The system includes a boost control module and a drive circuit. The input terminal of the boost control module is connected to the discharge terminal of the battery circuit. The output terminal of the boost control module is connected to the input terminals of multiple first switch circuits. The controlled terminal of the boost control module is connected to the output terminal of the drive circuit. The input terminal of the drive circuit is electrically connected to the main control circuit. The main control circuit is used to control the drive circuit so that the drive circuit drives the boost control module to convert the voltage output by the battery circuit into a second preset voltage, and the boost branch is used to convert the first preset voltage into a first preset voltage. Wherein, the first preset voltage is greater than the second preset voltage.

7. The electrical stimulation control circuit as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The electrical pulse output circuit, the main control circuit, the battery circuit, and the boost circuit are integrated on the same circuit board, which is 40mm long and 20mm wide.

8. The electrical stimulation control circuit as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The electrical stimulation control circuit also includes: The circuits are a third switch circuit, a fourth switch circuit, a fifth switch circuit, and a sixth switch circuit. The input terminals of the third switch circuit and the fourth switch circuit are both connected to the output terminal of the boost circuit. The output terminal of the third switch circuit is electrically connected to the first electrode of the electrode plate. The controlled terminal of the third switch circuit is connected to the main control circuit. The output terminal of the fourth switching circuit is electrically connected to the second electrode of the electrode sheet, and the controlled terminals of the third and fourth switching circuits are both electrically connected to the main control circuit. The input terminal of the fifth switching circuit is electrically connected to the first electrode of the electrode plate, the output terminal of the fifth switching circuit is grounded, and the controlled terminal of the fifth switching circuit is connected to the controlled terminal of the fourth switching circuit. The input terminal of the sixth switch circuit is electrically connected to the first electrode of the electrode plate, the output terminal of the sixth switch circuit is grounded, and the controlled terminal of the sixth switch circuit is connected to the controlled terminal of the third switch circuit.

9. The electrical stimulation control circuit as described in claim 1 or 8, characterized in that, The electrical stimulation control circuit also includes: Wearing detection circuit, wherein the detection terminal of the wearing detection circuit is electrically connected to the positive / negative terminal of the electrode plate, and the output terminal of the wearing detection circuit is electrically connected to the main control circuit; The wear detection circuit is used to output a wear detection signal to the main control circuit when a current is detected on the positive / negative electrode of the electrode, so that the main control circuit controls the electrical pulse output circuit to output electrical pulses of preset frequency and preset pulse width to the electrode.

10. An anti-snoring device, characterized in that, It includes electrode pads and an electrical stimulation control circuit as described in any one of claims 1 to 9; wherein the electrode pads are electrically connected to the electrical stimulation control circuit.

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