Connecting assembly for flexible neural electrode and flexible neural electrode kit

Abstract

The embodiment of the invention provides a connecting assembly for a flexible neural electrode and a flexible neural electrode kit. The flexible neural electrode comprises a near-end contact part, the near-end contact part comprises at least one near-end contact, a through hole is formed in the position of the near-end contact, and the through hole is used for exposing a conductive layer at the position of the near-end contact; the connecting assembly comprises a connecting terminal, the connecting terminal comprises a first connecting component, the first connecting component comprises at least one conductive needle, and the conductive needle can be inserted into the through hole and is electrically connected with the near-end contact through the conductive layer exposed in the through hole. According to the connecting assembly, reliable electric connection between the flexible neural electrode and the external equipment can be achieved, meanwhile, the multi-channel and high-density connection requirements are met, and the stability and adaptability of the structure are improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the technical field of flexible neural electrodes, and specifically to a connection component and a flexible neural electrode kit for flexible neural electrodes, which are intended to achieve reliable electrical connection between flexible neural electrodes and external devices, and are suitable for fields such as neural signal acquisition, neural electrical stimulation, and neuroscience research. Background Art

[0002] In the field of neuroscience research and clinical neurological disease treatment, flexible neural electrodes have gradually become an important tool due to their softness, lightness and biocompatibility. Flexible neural electrodes can record signals or electrically stimulate target neural tissue through the electrode sites they are set at. However, in the prior art, the connection reliability between flexible neural electrodes and external devices is low: due to the tiny size of the electrode contacts and the characteristics of the flexible materials, the assembly and fixation between the electrode contacts and the external connection parts are very challenging, which can easily lead to a decrease in conductivity, damage to the connection points, or affect the service life due to poor contact. In addition, traditional connection methods often make the electrode contacts susceptible to external stress, thereby affecting the stability of signal conduction.

[0003] In the prior art, the main reason for the low reliability of the connection between flexible neural electrodes and external devices is the limitations of electrode materials and connection methods. Flexible neural electrodes are usually composed of flexible polymer materials and metal conductive layers, and their conductive parts are more sensitive to external pressure and high temperature conditions. In traditional welding connection methods, such as soldering or pressure welding, since high temperature or large mechanical pressure needs to be applied to the electrode contacts, it is often easy to cause deformation or heat damage to the metal conductive layer, and even excessive temperature during the welding process causes partial dissolution of the metal conductive layer, thereby affecting the signal conduction performance. In addition, soldering and pressure welding have high requirements for welding quality, and a slight misalignment may cause poor contact or solder joint detachment. This method not only increases the complexity of the manufacturing process, but also limits the high-density and multi-channel connection requirements of flexible neural electrodes. Summary of the invention

[0004] In view of the above-mentioned problems existing in the prior art, the purpose of the embodiments of the present application is to provide a connection component for a flexible neural electrode and a flexible neural electrode kit having the connection component, so as to achieve reliable electrical connection between the flexible neural electrode and an external device, and avoid high temperature damage to the flexible neural electrode that may be caused by welding or crimping.

[0005] The technical solution adopted in the embodiment of the present application is a connection component for a flexible neural electrode, The flexible neural electrode comprises a proximal contact portion, the proximal contact portion comprises at least one proximal contact, a through hole is provided at the position of the proximal contact, and the through hole is used to expose the conductive layer at the position of the proximal contact; The connection assembly includes a connection terminal, the connection terminal includes a first connection member, the first connection member includes at least one conductive pin, the conductive pin can be inserted into the through hole and form an electrical connection with the proximal contact through the conductive layer exposed in the through hole.

[0006] In an optional embodiment, the proximal contact portion is a sheet-like structure, and the conductive needle is inserted into the through hole in a manner perpendicular to the sheet-like surface of the proximal contact portion.

[0007] In an optional embodiment, there are multiple proximal contacts, and there are multiple conductive needles of the first connecting member. The multiple conductive needles are distributed and fixed in an array according to the arrangement of the multiple through holes, so that the multiple conductive needles can be inserted into the multiple through holes at the same time in a one-to-one manner.

[0008] In an optional embodiment, the shape of the conductive needle is a combination of one or more of the following shapes that match the shape of the through hole: circular, elliptical, and polygonal.

[0009] In an optional embodiment, the connecting terminal is an integrated structure or a split structure; When the connecting terminal is a split structure, it includes a plurality of split sub-terminals, and the plurality of sub-terminals are arranged in sequence along the bendable direction of the proximal contact portion so that a relatively movable state can be maintained between two adjacent sub-terminals after the conductive needle is inserted into the through hole.

[0010] In an optional embodiment, the connection assembly further includes a second connection member, the second connection member includes a plug-in portion, the conductive needle can be plugged into the plug-in portion and electrically connected to the plug-in portion, and the plug-in portion can form an electrical connection with an external device.

[0011] In an optional embodiment, the connection assembly further includes a packaging shell, wherein the packaging shell is configured to enclose the first connection member and the proximal contact portion and expose the plug-in portion from the packaging shell so as to be electrically connected to the external device.

[0012] In an optional embodiment, the packaging shell includes a base plate, a first side plate and a second side plate respectively connected to a first side and a second side opposite to the base plate, and an end plate connected to a third side of the base plate, the first side plate, the end plate and the second side plate are connected in sequence, and together with the base plate, form a cavity for accommodating the proximal contact portion and the connecting terminal, a first opening is formed on a side of the cavity opposite to the base plate to expose the plug-in portion therefrom, and a second opening is formed on a side of the cavity opposite to the end plate to allow the lead connecting portion of the flexible neural electrode to extend into the cavity and be connected to the proximal contact portion.

[0013] In an optional embodiment, the outer peripheral side of the proximal contact portion is fixed to the inner side surface of the cavity.

[0014] In an optional embodiment, the packaging shell extends along the length direction of the flexible nerve electrode to the lead connection portion distal to the proximal contact portion, and at least wraps a portion of the lead connection portion.

[0015] A flexible neural electrode kit comprises a flexible neural electrode and a connecting assembly according to any of the above embodiments, wherein the flexible neural electrode comprises a proximal contact portion, wherein the proximal contact portion comprises at least one proximal contact, and a through hole is provided at the position of the proximal contact, wherein the through hole is used to expose a conductive layer at the proximal contact position so as to be electrically connected to a conductive needle of the connecting assembly.

[0016] In an optional embodiment, the cross-sectional area of ​​the through hole is smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the proximal contact in which the through hole is located, so that the proximal contact surrounds the through hole.

[0017] In an optional embodiment, the conductive needle and the proximal contact surrounding the through hole are fixed by an auxiliary conductive material.

[0018] In an optional embodiment, the auxiliary conductive material includes solder paste, conductive silver paste or conductive carbon paste.

[0019] In an optional embodiment, the flexible neural electrode is a long sheet-like structure, and the flexible neural electrode further comprises a lead connection portion and a distal electrode site portion, and the proximal contact portion, the lead connection portion and the distal electrode site portion are sequentially arranged along the length direction of the flexible neural electrode; The lead connection portion includes at least one electrode wire; The distal electrode site portion includes at least one electrode site, which includes a stimulation electrode site and / or a recording electrode site, and the electrode site is electrically connected to the proximal contact via the electrode wire.

[0020] In an optional embodiment, the flexible neural electrode is constructed as a stacked structure along a thickness direction perpendicular to its length direction, the stacked structure includes a first flexible insulating layer, a second flexible insulating layer, and a conductive layer located between the first flexible insulating layer and the second flexible insulating layer, and the electrode wire is covered by the first flexible insulating layer and the second flexible insulating layer; wherein The first flexible insulating layer and / or the second flexible insulating layer are not provided at the electrode site; and / or The first flexible insulating layer and / or the second flexible insulating layer is not provided at the proximal contact.

[0021] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the embodiments of the present application are as follows: the present application achieves a stable electrical connection by setting a through hole on the flexible neural electrode and inserting the conductive pin of the connection terminal into the through hole; and then fixes it with auxiliary conductive materials to further enhance the stability and reliability of the electrical connection; at the same time, the semi-wrapping method of the packaging shell is adopted to protect the connection and retain the function of connecting the connection terminal to the external device. This design not only improves the reliability and stability of the connection, but also facilitates subsequent maintenance and replacement, significantly improves the performance and life of the flexible neural electrode in practical applications, and provides a new solution for the development of neural interface technology.

[0022] It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the present application.

[0023] The overview of various implementations or examples of the technology described in this application is not a comprehensive disclosure of the entire scope or all features of the disclosed technology. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] In the drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, the same reference numerals may describe similar components in different views. The drawings generally illustrate various embodiments by way of example and not limitation, and together with the specification and claims, serve to illustrate the claimed embodiments. Where appropriate, the same reference numerals are used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or similar parts.

[0025] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of the flexible neural electrode according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0026] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of a connecting component used for a flexible neural electrode according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0027] Figure 3 for Figure 2 Schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure from one of the viewing angles in part A.

[0028] Figure 4 for Figure 2 Schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure in another perspective state of part A.

[0029] Figure 5 This is another three-dimensional structural schematic diagram of the connecting component of an embodiment of the present application connected to the proximal contact portion of the flexible nerve electrode.

[0030] Figure 6 This is another three-dimensional structural schematic diagram of the connecting component of the embodiment of the present application connected to the proximal contact portion of the flexible nerve electrode.

[0031] Figure 7This is a schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of the flexible neural electrode kit according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0032] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of the proximal contact portion of the flexible neural electrode according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0033] Fig. 9 This is an exploded view of the proximal contact portion of the flexible neural electrode according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0034] Fig.10 for Fig. 9 A further breakdown of the diagram.

[0035] Reference numerals: 1-flexible neural electrode; 11-proximal contact portion; 111-proximal contact; 112-through hole; 113-conductive layer; 114-first flexible insulating layer; 115-second flexible insulating layer; 12-lead connection portion; 121-electrode wire; 13-distal electrode site portion; 131-stimulating electrode site; 132-recording electrode site; 2-connection assembly; 21-connection terminal; 211-first connection member; 2111-conductive pin; 212-second connection member; 2121-plug-in portion; 213-sub-terminal; 22-encapsulation shell; 221-bottom plate; 222-first side plate; 223-second side plate; 224-end plate; 3- Auxiliary conductive materials. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0036] In order to make the purpose, technical solution and advantages of the embodiment of the present application clearer, the technical solution of the embodiment of the present application will be clearly and completely described in conjunction with the drawings of the embodiment of the present application. Obviously, the described embodiment is a part of the embodiment of the present application, not all of the embodiments. Based on the described embodiment of the present application, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without creative work are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0037] Unless otherwise defined, the technical terms or scientific terms used in this application should be understood by people with ordinary skills in the field to which this application belongs. "First", "second" and similar words used in this application do not indicate any order, quantity or importance, but are only used to distinguish different components. "Include" or "comprise" and similar words mean that the elements or objects appearing before the word cover the elements or objects listed after the word and their equivalents, without excluding other elements or objects. "Connect" or "connected" and similar words are not limited to physical or mechanical connections, but may include electrical connections, whether direct or indirect. "Up", "down", "left", "right" and the like are only used to indicate relative positional relationships. When the absolute position of the described object changes, the relative positional relationship may also change accordingly.

[0038] In order to keep the following description of the embodiments of the present application clear and concise, the present application omits detailed descriptions of known functions and known components.

[0039] An embodiment of the present application provides a connection component for a flexible neural electrode, and the connection component 2 is intended to achieve a reliable electrical connection between the flexible neural electrode 1 and an external device.

[0040] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the flexible neural electrode 1 includes a proximal contact portion 11, and the proximal contact portion 11 includes at least one proximal contact 111 (see Fig. 9 ), a through hole 112 is provided at the position of the proximal contact 111, and the through hole 112 is used to expose the conductive layer 113 at the position of the proximal contact 111.

[0041] like Figures 3 to 6 As shown, the connection assembly 2 includes a connection terminal 21, and the connection terminal 21 includes a first connection member 211, and the first connection member 211 includes at least one conductive needle 2111, and the conductive needle 2111 can be inserted into the through hole 112, and is electrically connected to the proximal contact 111 through the conductive layer 113 exposed in the through hole 112. The conductive needle 2111 is also directly or indirectly electrically connected to an external device, so that the electrical connection between the flexible neural electrode 1 and the external device is realized.

[0042] The connection component 2 of the embodiment of the present application can form a reliable electrical connection with the conductive layer 113 exposed in the through hole 112 at the proximal contact 111 of the flexible nerve electrode 1 through the first connection member 211 including the conductive needle 2111, thereby avoiding the high temperature damage problem that may be caused by welding or crimping, and improving the stability of signal conduction.

[0043] The shape and outer diameter of the conductive needle 2111 are adapted to the shape and inner diameter of the through hole 112 to ensure that the conductive needle 2111 can be inserted and fit the inner wall of the through hole 112 as closely as possible, so as to contact the exposed area of ​​the conductive layer 113 in the through hole 112. This design can provide a certain degree of positioning and stability when the conductive needle 2111 is inserted into the through hole 112, and prevent the conductive needle 2111 from shaking too much in the through hole 112. For example, the diameter of the through hole 112 can be designed to be 5 microns to 5 millimeters; the diameter of the conductive needle 2111 is designed to be 5 microns to 5 millimeters, and the length is designed to be 1 millimeter to 5 centimeters, which can adapt to different application requirements.

[0044] In some embodiments, Figure 1 and Figure 8 As shown, the proximal contact portion 11 is a sheet-like structure. Figure 3 and Figure 5 As shown, the conductive needle 2111 can be inserted into the through hole 112 in a manner substantially perpendicular to the sheet surface of the proximal contact portion 11. Moreover, the conductive needle 2111 can also be inserted into the through hole 112 at different angles relative to the sheet structure to adapt to the limitations of different structural designs and meet the convenience of operation, that is, the conductive needle 2111 does not necessarily have to be inserted absolutely perpendicular to the surface of the proximal contact portion 11. Exemplarily, the insertion angle of the conductive needle 2111 relative to the sheet structure can be between 30 degrees and 90 degrees. This flexible insertion method further improves the applicability of the connection component 2.

[0045] In some embodiments, Figure 3 , Figure 4 , Fig. 9 and Fig.10 As shown, the proximal contact portion 11 has a plurality of proximal contacts 111, and the first connecting member 211 has a plurality of conductive pins 2111, and the plurality of conductive pins 2111 are distributed and fixed in an array form according to the arrangement of the plurality of through holes 112, so that the plurality of conductive pins 2111 can be inserted into the plurality of through holes 112 simultaneously and one by one. That is, the plurality of proximal contacts 111 are distributed in an array form on the proximal contact portion 11, and a through hole 112 is provided for each proximal contact 111, so that the plurality of through holes 112 form the same array arrangement as the plurality of proximal contacts 111, and at the same time, the array distribution form of the conductive pins 2111 is designed according to the arrangement of the through holes 112, so that the arrangement of the conductive pins 2111 is consistent with the through holes 112, and it is ensured that the plurality of conductive pins 2111 can be accurately inserted into the corresponding through holes 112.

[0046] The shape of the conductive needle 2111 is not limited, for example, it can be a combination of one or more of the following shapes: circular, elliptical and polygonal. Correspondingly, the shape of the through hole 112 is also a combination of one or more of the following shapes: circular, elliptical and polygonal, and the corresponding conductive needle 2111 has the same shape as the through hole 112 to ensure that the conductive needle 2111 can be inserted and form a tight fit after insertion. The so-called multiple combinations means that when there are multiple conductive needles 2111 and through holes 112, the shapes of the multiple needles are different.

[0047] The connection terminal 21 of the connection assembly 2 of the embodiment of the present application can be an integrated structure or a split structure. Figure 5 As shown, the connecting terminal 21 is a split structure and includes a plurality of split sub-terminals 213. The plurality of sub-terminals 213 are arranged in sequence along the bendable direction of the proximal contact portion 11. Combined with the flexible characteristics of the flexible neural electrode 1, the conductive needle 2111 can maintain a relatively movable state between two adjacent sub-terminals 213 after being inserted into the through hole 112.

[0048] By designing the connecting terminal 21 to include a plurality of split sub-terminals 213, after the conductive needle 2111 is inserted into the through hole 112, the split sub-terminals 213 are indirectly connected through the flexible structure of the flexible neural electrode 1. Combined with the deformable characteristics of the flexible neural electrode 1, a certain relative mobility can be maintained between the sub-terminals 213, allowing the sub-terminals 213 to move freely within a certain range without affecting the electrical connection, thereby avoiding the limitation of the performance of the flexible neural electrode 1 caused by the rigid fixation of the connecting terminal 21 and enhancing the flexibility of use.

[0049] The multiple proximal contacts 111 of the proximal contact portion 11 are respectively connected to different electrode sites (such as the stimulation electrode site 131 and the recording electrode site 132) of the distal electrode site portion 13 (to be introduced below) of the flexible neural electrode 1 to form different types of proximal contacts 111.

[0050] The division method of each sub-terminal 213 of the connection terminal 21 is not limited. For example, the connection terminal 21 can be divided according to the type of the proximal contact 111 to which it is connected, and the parts connected to the proximal contacts 111 of the same type are divided into the same sub-terminal 213. In this way, the number of sub-terminals 213 will be related to the number of types of proximal contacts 111. These split sub-terminals 213 can independently connect to the proximal contacts 111 of the corresponding type, thereby simplifying the process of connecting with external devices and improving the flexibility of the overall system.

[0051] In some embodiments, Figures 3 to 6As shown, the connection assembly 2 also includes a second connection member 212, and the second connection member 212 includes a plug-in portion 2121. The conductive pin 2111 can be plugged into the plug-in portion 2121 and electrically connected to the plug-in portion 2121, and the plug-in portion 2121 can be electrically connected to an external device. By providing the second connection member 212 including the plug-in portion 2121, it is convenient to realize the electrical connection between the conductive pin 2111 and the external device.

[0052] The number of the plug-in portions 2121 of the second connection member 212 matches the number of the conductive pins 2111 , and are distributed in an array according to the arrangement of the conductive pins 2111 , so that each conductive pin 2111 can be electrically connected to an external device respectively.

[0053] The end of the plug-in portion 2121 of the second connecting member 212 used for connecting to an external device can be designed as a male connector, a female connector, other connectors that are easy to connect, or a combination of the above types according to the interface type of the external device, to ensure a stable electrical connection with the external device and meet the compatibility requirements of different types of external devices. The end of the plug-in portion 2121 used for connecting to the conductive pin 2111 can be designed to be hole-shaped, and the shape of the hole is adapted to the form of the conductive pin 2111, so that the conductive pin 2111 is inserted, and the conductive pin 2111 is electrically connected to the above-mentioned male connector or female connector after insertion.

[0054] The outer shape of the second connecting member 212 is not limited, and its outer contour can be adapted to the outer contour of the proximal contact portion 11, for example, it is roughly a cubic structure.

[0055] In some embodiments, Figure 6 As shown, the connection component 2 also includes a packaging shell 22, which can be made of waterproof and corrosion-resistant materials. The packaging shell 22 is constructed to wrap the first connection member 211 and the proximal contact portion 11, and expose the plug-in portion 2121 from the packaging shell 22 so as to be electrically connected to an external device. By providing the packaging shell 22, while ensuring the stability of the connection, the conductive needle 2111 and the proximal contact 111 can also be fully wrapped to protect them, avoid mechanical damage or signal interference to each component by the external environment, and improve the durability of the connection component 2; moreover, the packaging shell 22 half-wraps the second connection member 212, and the plug-in portion 2121 is exposed from the packaging shell 22, so that it can be directly connected to an external device, thereby achieving a good balance between protection performance and ease of use. The innovative structure of the additional packaging shell further enhances the applicability of the connection component in multi-channel neural signal conduction and complex operating environments on the basis of ensuring the core functions of the connection component 2.

[0056] Continue to combine Figure 6The package shell 22 includes a bottom plate 221, a first side plate 222 and a second side plate 223 connected to the first side and the second side opposite to the bottom plate 221, and an end plate 224 connected to the third side of the bottom plate 221. The first side plate 222, the end plate 224 and the second side plate 223 are connected in sequence and enclose a cavity for accommodating the proximal contact portion 11 and the connecting terminal 21 with the bottom plate 221. A first opening is formed on the side of the cavity opposite to the bottom plate 221 so that the plug-in portion 2121 is exposed therefrom. A second opening is formed on the side of the cavity opposite to the end plate 224 so that the lead connecting portion 12 of the flexible neural electrode 1 extends into the cavity and connects to the proximal contact portion 11. The package shell 22 has a simple and reasonable structure, which can not only effectively protect the first connecting member 211 and the proximal terminal, but also expose the plug-in portion 2121 of the second connecting member 212.

[0057] The packaging shell 22 can be fixed together with the proximal contact portion 11 of the flexible nerve electrode 1 to form an integral structure.

[0058] The fixing position and fixing method of the packaging shell 22 and the proximal contact portion 11 are not limited. For example, the fixing position may be between the outer peripheral side of the proximal contact portion 11 and the inner side surface of the cavity surrounded by the packaging shell 22. The fixing method may be, for example, bonding or other connection methods to firmly fix the proximal contact portion 11 of the flexible neural electrode 1. The type of adhesive used for bonding is not limited, for example, it may be epoxy resin. When connecting, the adhesive is evenly coated on the contact surface between the packaging shell 22 and the proximal contact portion 11 of the flexible neural electrode 1 to form a continuous adhesive layer, and the adhesive layers on the packaging shell 22 and the proximal contact portion 11 are relatively fitted, thereby achieving a fixed connection between the packaging shell 22 and the flexible neural electrode 1. The outer peripheral side of the proximal contact portion 11 forms a contact surface of the proximal contact portion 11. When the proximal contact portion 11 is placed in the cavity, the inner side surface of the cavity corresponding to the contact surface of the proximal contact portion 11 forms a contact surface of the packaging shell 22. An adhesive is applied to at least one of the two contact surfaces, and the proximal contact portion 11 is fixed to the inner side surface of the cavity of the packaging shell 22 through its outer peripheral side.

[0059] In some embodiments, the combination Figure 6 The packaging shell 22 extends along the length direction of the flexible neural electrode 1 to the lead connection part 12 distal to the proximal contact part 11, and at least wraps a portion of the lead connection part 12. This design provides additional mechanical protection, further improves the protection performance of the connection component 2, and can effectively protect the structural integrity of the flexible neural electrode 1 in the soft and hard connection area, avoiding damage caused by external pulling or bending, thereby improving the environmental adaptability and durability of the connection component 2.

[0060] like Figure 7As shown, an embodiment of the present application also provides a flexible neural electrode kit, which includes a flexible neural electrode 1 and a connecting component 2 in any of the above embodiments. The flexible neural electrode 1 includes a proximal contact portion 11, and the proximal contact portion 11 includes at least one proximal contact 111. A through hole 112 is provided at the position of the proximal contact 111. The through hole 112 is used to expose the conductive layer 113 at the position of the proximal contact 111 to electrically connect with the conductive needle 2111 of the connecting component 2. The flexible neural electrode kit of the embodiment of the present application can achieve a reliable electrical connection between the flexible neural electrode 1 and an external device, while ensuring stability in a complex application environment. The present application can be widely used in fields such as neural signal acquisition, neural electrical stimulation, and neuroscience research.

[0061] In some embodiments, the design of the through hole 112 is optimized in size so that the cross-sectional area of ​​the through hole 112 is smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the proximal contact 111 where the through hole 112 is located, so that the proximal contact 111 surrounds the through hole 112. Such a design can ensure that when the conductive needle 2111 is inserted into the through hole 112, there is sufficient contact area with the proximal contact 111 around the through hole 112, thereby enhancing the reliability of the electrical connection and reducing the problem of increased resistance or unstable signal transmission caused by insufficient contact. The so-called cross-sectional area refers to the area of ​​the cross section taken in a direction perpendicular to the axis of the through hole 112.

[0062] Further, such as Figure 3 and Figure 5 As shown, the conductive pin 2111 and the proximal contact 111 surrounding the through hole 112 are fixed by the auxiliary conductive material 3, further enhancing the stability and reliability of the electrical connection between the conductive pin 2111 and the conductive layer 113 exposed in the through hole 112. The auxiliary conductive material 3 can be arranged around the conductive pin 2111 to increase the firmness.

[0063] The auxiliary conductive material 3 can be selected as needed, and this application does not make any specific limitation thereto. The auxiliary conductive material 3 can include, for example, solder paste, conductive silver paste, conductive carbon paste or other conductive materials.

[0064] In some embodiments, Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 7As shown, the flexible neural electrode 1 is a long sheet-like structure. In addition to the proximal contact portion 11, the flexible neural electrode 1 also includes a lead connection portion 12 and a distal electrode site portion 13. The proximal contact portion 11, the lead connection portion 12 and the distal electrode site portion 13 are arranged in sequence along the length direction of the flexible neural electrode 1. The lead connection portion 12 includes at least one electrode wire 121. The distal electrode site portion 13 includes at least one electrode site, and the electrode site includes a stimulation electrode site 131 and / or a recording electrode site 132. The electrode site is electrically connected to the proximal contact 111 via the electrode wire 121.

[0065] The width of the proximal contact portion 11, the lead connection portion 12 and the distal electrode site of the flexible neural electrode 1 can be designed to be 100 microns to 10 mm, while the thickness is controlled below 1 mm. Such a size design can be flexibly adjusted according to specific application requirements to optimize the mechanical flexibility and biocompatibility of the flexible neural electrode 1 while ensuring the conductive performance. In addition, in order to enhance the anchoring effect of the flexible neural electrode 1 with the tissue in the body, the width of the flexible neural electrode 1 can vary at different positions. For example, the distal electrode site portion 13 can be designed as a slightly wider structure, so as to form a more secure fixation with the target tissue after implantation.

[0066] The flexible neural electrode 1 is constructed as a stacked structure along the thickness direction perpendicular to its length direction, and the stacked structures of the proximal contact portion 11, the lead connection portion 12 and the distal electrode site portion 13 are the same. Taking the proximal contact portion 11 as an example, Fig. 9 and Fig.10 As shown, the stacked structure includes a first flexible insulating layer 114, a second flexible insulating layer 115, and a conductive layer 113 located between the first flexible insulating layer 114 and the second flexible insulating layer 115. The proximal contact 111 of the proximal contact portion 11 is disposed on the conductive layer 113, and at the position of the proximal contact 111, the through hole 112 penetrates the first flexible insulating layer 114, the conductive layer 113, and the second flexible insulating layer 115 in the thickness direction.

[0067] The conductive layer 113 may be made of metal materials such as gold, platinum, iridium, or a combination of these materials to form a metal conductive layer. Such material selection can ensure the conductive performance of the flexible neural electrode 1 and have good biocompatibility.

[0068] The first flexible insulating layer 114 and the second flexible insulating layer 115 are composed of one or more of the following materials: SU-8 photoresist, parylene, polyparaxylene, fluorinated polymer or polyimide. These materials have excellent electrical insulation and mechanical flexibility, and can ensure the structural stability and long-term performance of the flexible neural electrode 1. The electrode wire 121 of the lead connection part 12 is arranged on the metal conductive layer and is covered by the first flexible insulating layer 114 and the second flexible insulating layer 115. The width of each electrode wire 121 is designed to be 100 nanometers to 10 millimeters, and the maximum diameter of a single proximal contact 111 is designed to be 10 micrometers to 10 millimeters, so as to achieve high-density, multi-channel electrical connection functions.

[0069] The specific electrode connection mode between the electrode sites and the proximal contacts 111 of the flexible neural electrode 1 is one-to-one, that is, each electrode site is connected to a proximal contact 111 through an electrode wire 121, and these electrode sites and the proximal contacts 111 are structurally independent of each other and are not interconnected. Therefore, the number of electrode sites included in the flexible neural electrode 1 is equal to the number of proximal contacts 111. In addition, in most cases, some electrode sites can be designed as grounding sites to optimize signal conduction and noise shielding performance.

[0070] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 7 As shown, the distal electrode site portion 13 shown in the embodiment of the present application includes two stimulation electrode sites 131 and six recording electrode sites 132, a total of eight electrode sites. The proximal contact portion 11 includes eight proximal contacts 111, and the eight proximal contacts 111 are arranged in two parallel rows on the proximal contact portion 11, wherein one of the ends of the two rows is connected to the two stimulation electrode sites 131 through an electrode wire 121, and the remaining six proximal contacts 111 are connected to the six recording electrode sites 132 through six electrode wires 121 in a one-to-one correspondence. The eight proximal contacts 111 form two groups of different contact types and correspond to two split sub-terminals 213 (see Figure 5 Since there is a flexible and bendable proximal contact portion 11 between the two split sub-terminals 213, the two split sub-terminals 213 can move relative to each other, thereby increasing flexibility and meeting different usage requirements.

[0071] It can be understood that the number and type of electrode sites of the distal electrode site portion 13 of the flexible neural electrode 1 and the number of proximal contacts 111 of the proximal contact portion 11 in the embodiment of the present application are merely examples and are not intended to be a limitation. The specific type and quantity can be selected and determined based on actual usage needs.

[0072] In some embodiments, the first flexible insulating layer 114 and / or the second flexible insulating layer 115 may not be provided at the electrode site. The first flexible insulating layer 114 and / or the second flexible insulating layer 115 may also not be provided at the proximal contact 111. This design is to form exposed conductive areas in these areas. Specifically, the metal conductive layer at the electrode site is directly exposed to ensure effective contact with the nerve tissue, thereby achieving efficient signal conduction or stimulation; and the exposure of the metal conductive layer at the proximal contact 111 is used to ensure direct physical contact with the conductive needle 2111 to form a reliable electrical connection.

[0073] In the specific operation of the flexible neural electrode kit of the embodiment of the present application, the conductive needles 2111 of the connecting terminal 21 are first inserted into the through holes 112 of the flexible neural electrode 1 in an array arrangement to ensure that each conductive needle 2111 is in good contact with the conductive layer 113 of the proximal contact 111. Then, apply an appropriate amount of solder paste to the contact area between the conductive needle 2111 and the through hole 112, and heat it to an appropriate temperature. In the process of using the solder paste, the solder paste is first evenly applied to the contact area between the conductive needle 2111 and the exposed conductive layer 113 in the through hole 112, and then heated to the melting point of the solder paste to completely melt it and evenly wrap the contact area. During the cooling process, the solder paste gradually solidifies to form a stable conductive connection structure and enhance the mechanical strength of the contact area, thereby achieving reliable fixation of the conductive needle 2111 and the proximal contact around the through hole 112. Finally, the packaging shell 22 is covered on the conductive needle 2111 and the proximal contact portion 11, and the packaging shell 22 is firmly bonded to the flexible neural electrode 1 by an adhesive or other fixing method. The provision of the packaging shell 22 not only protects the key connection components of the flexible neural electrode 1, but also effectively improves the reliability and life of the connection components in actual use.

[0074] The embodiments of the present application propose a connection component and a flexible neural electrode kit for a flexible neural electrode through structural optimization and material selection, which achieves a technological breakthrough in the coordination of the conductive needle 2111 and the through hole 112, the setting of the proximal contact 111 and the arrangement of the insulating layer. At the same time, the stability and applicability of the connection component 2 are improved through the design of the packaging shell 22 and the split sub-terminal 213, providing an efficient solution for the reliable connection of the flexible neural electrode 1 with external equipment.

[0075] The above description is intended to be illustrative rather than restrictive, and those skilled in the art may make changes, modifications, substitutions and variations to the above embodiments within the scope of the present disclosure. Moreover, the above examples (or one or more of them) may be used in combination with each other, and it is contemplated that these embodiments may be combined with each other in various combinations or permutations.

Claims

1. A connection assembly for a flexible neural electrode, characterized in that: The flexible neural electrode comprises a proximal contact portion, the proximal contact portion comprises at least one proximal contact, a through hole is provided at the position of the proximal contact, and the through hole is used to expose the conductive layer at the position of the proximal contact; The connection assembly includes a connection terminal, the connection terminal includes a first connection member, the first connection member includes at least one conductive pin, the conductive pin can be inserted into the through hole and form an electrical connection with the proximal contact through the conductive layer exposed in the through hole.

2. The connection assembly for flexible neural electrodes according to claim 1, characterized in that: The proximal contact portion is a sheet-like structure, and the conductive needle is inserted into the through hole in a manner perpendicular to the sheet-like surface of the proximal contact portion.

3. The connection assembly for flexible neural electrodes according to claim 1, characterized in that: There are multiple proximal contacts, and there are multiple conductive needles of the first connecting member. The multiple conductive needles are distributed and fixed in an array according to the arrangement of the multiple through holes, so that the multiple conductive needles can be inserted into the multiple through holes simultaneously in a one-to-one correspondence.

4. The flexible neural electrode point connection assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that: The shape of the conductive needle is a combination of one or more of the following shapes that match the shape of the through hole: circular, elliptical, and polygonal.

5. The connection assembly for flexible neural electrodes according to claim 1, characterized in that: The connecting terminal is an integrated structure or a split structure; When the connecting terminal is a split structure, it includes a plurality of split sub-terminals, and the plurality of sub-terminals are arranged in sequence along the bendable direction of the proximal contact portion so that a relatively movable state can be maintained between two adjacent sub-terminals after the conductive needle is inserted into the through hole.

6. The connection assembly for a flexible neural electrode according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: The connection assembly also includes a second connection component, the second connection component includes a plug-in portion, the conductive needle can be plugged into the plug-in portion and electrically connected to the plug-in portion, and the plug-in portion can form an electrical connection with an external device.

7. The connection assembly for flexible neural electrodes according to claim 6, characterized in that: The connection assembly further includes a packaging shell, which is configured to enclose the first connection member and the proximal contact portion and expose the plug-in portion from the packaging shell so as to be electrically connected to the external device.

8. The connection assembly for flexible neural electrodes according to claim 7, characterized in that: The packaging shell includes a base plate, a first side plate and a second side plate respectively connected to the first side and the second side opposite to the base plate, and an end plate connected to the third side of the base plate. The first side plate, the end plate and the second side plate are connected in sequence, and together with the base plate, form a cavity for accommodating the proximal contact portion and the connecting terminal. A first opening is formed on the side of the cavity opposite to the base plate to expose the plug-in portion, and a second opening is formed on the side of the cavity opposite to the end plate to allow the lead connecting portion of the flexible neural electrode to extend into the cavity and be connected to the proximal contact portion.

9. The connection assembly for a flexible neural electrode according to claim 8, characterized in that: The outer peripheral side of the proximal contact portion is fixed to the inner side surface of the cavity.

10. The connection assembly for flexible neural electrodes according to claim 7, characterized in that: The packaging shell extends along the length direction of the flexible nerve electrode to the lead connection portion distal to the proximal contact portion, and at least wraps a portion of the lead connection portion.

11. A flexible neural electrode kit, characterized in that: It comprises a flexible neural electrode and a connection component as described in any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the flexible neural electrode comprises a proximal contact portion, the proximal contact portion comprises at least one proximal contact, a through hole is provided at the position of the proximal contact, and the through hole is used to expose the conductive layer at the proximal contact position so as to be electrically connected to the conductive needle of the connection component.

12. The flexible neural electrode kit according to claim 11, characterized in that: The cross-sectional area of ​​the through hole is smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the proximal contact where the through hole is located, so that the proximal contact surrounds the through hole.

13. The flexible neural electrode kit according to claim 12, characterized in that: The conductive needle is fixed to the proximal contact surrounding the through hole by an auxiliary conductive material.

14. The flexible neural electrode kit according to claim 13, characterized in that: The auxiliary conductive material includes solder paste, conductive silver paste or conductive carbon paste.

15. The flexible neural electrode kit according to claim 11, characterized in that: The flexible neural electrode is a long sheet-like structure, and further comprises a lead connection portion and a distal electrode site portion, wherein the proximal contact portion, the lead connection portion and the distal electrode site portion are sequentially arranged along the length direction of the flexible neural electrode; The lead connection portion includes at least one electrode wire; The distal electrode site portion includes at least one electrode site, which includes a stimulation electrode site and / or a recording electrode site, and the electrode site is electrically connected to the proximal contact via the electrode wire.

16. The flexible neural electrode kit according to claim 15, characterized in that: The flexible neural electrode is constructed into a stacked structure along a thickness direction perpendicular to its length direction, the stacked structure includes a first flexible insulating layer, a second flexible insulating layer, and a conductive layer located between the first flexible insulating layer and the second flexible insulating layer, and the electrode wire is covered by the first flexible insulating layer and the second flexible insulating layer; in The first flexible insulating layer and / or the second flexible insulating layer are not provided at the electrode site; and / or The first flexible insulating layer and / or the second flexible insulating layer is not provided at the proximal contact.

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