Device for treating xerophthalmia
Through the combination device of magnetoelectric plug and magnetocontrol patch, the magnetostriction and piezoelectric effect are used to generate electrical stimulation, solving the accuracy and individual differences of dry eye treatment in the prior art, achieving efficient and personalized tear secretion treatment, and improving patient comfort and safety.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202510712323.1
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-05-30
- Publication Date
- 2025-08-12
AI Technical Summary
When treating dry eye disease, the existing external vibration stimulation technology has low accuracy and targeting, making it difficult to accurately regulate the stimulation points, resulting in unstable tear generation and large individual differences, and there is a problem of the difference in the treatment effect of extranasal vibration on different patients.
The combination device of magnetoelectric plug and magnetoelectric patch is used to generate electrical stimulation through magnetostriction and piezoelectric effect. The magnetoelectric plug is placed in the nasal cavity. The magnetoelectric patch controls the magnetoelectric plug to generate electrical stimulation signals and activates the lacrimal gland to secrete natural tear fluid. The device includes magnetoelectric modules, controllers, communication modules and batteries, and uses the high magnetoelectric effect of magnetoelectric composite materials to achieve precise regulation.
It improves the accuracy and personalization of treatment, simplifies operations, enhances patient comfort and safety, achieves long-term stable tear secretion, avoids the side effects of traditional methods, and provides a convenient and efficient treatment plan.
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Figure CN120459534A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The present invention relates to the field of nerve stimulation and conduction, and in particular to a device for treating dry eye. Background Art
[0002] Dry eye is a common ophthalmic disease. Typical clinical symptoms include eye fatigue, foreign body sensation, and dry eyes. Severe cases can lead to corneal ulcers, perforations, or secondary infections. Scars can also form, seriously affecting the patient's vision. Meibomian gland dysfunction leads to insufficient oil secretion, which in turn causes excessive tear evaporation and uneven distribution of the tear film, which is the main factor causing dry eye. Traditional methods of treating dry eye are through wearing steam eye masks or eye drops. Although they can relieve eye discomfort to a certain extent, long-term use may lead to dependence, and the self-cleaning function of the eyes will decrease, thereby increasing the risk of eye discomfort and injury. In addition, it will damage the conjunctival cells in the eyes, causing irreversible damage to the eyes.
[0003] For a more scientific treatment of dry eye, the secretion of natural tears is necessary. Natural tears contain water, lipids, and mucin, which can effectively relieve dry eye symptoms. The handheld secretagogue uses non-invasive technology, utilizing the nerve reflex pathway between the external nasal nerves and the lacrimal glands. Through a unique vibration frequency, it stimulates the anterior ethmoid nerves on both sides of the nose, activates the lacrimal gland secretion function, promotes the body's natural tear secretion, and improves dry eye symptoms. This technology is easy to operate, works quickly, and can quickly relieve dry eye symptoms. At the same time, its all-natural, zero-preservative, and zero-drug properties reduce dependence on medications and possible side effects, thereby improving patients' quality of life.
[0004] Although it provides a non-invasive treatment approach for patients with dry eye, there are some significant shortcomings in actual application. The accuracy and targeting of extranasal vibration stimulation are relatively low, and it is difficult to precisely control the stimulation points to target specific neural pathways, thereby affecting the stimulation effect on tear production. Compared with invasive electrical stimulation technology, extranasal vibration stimulation has limited ability to directly activate the lacrimal nerves, which may lead to insufficient or unstable tear secretion. At the same time, due to individual differences, environmental changes and other factors, the therapeutic effect of extranasal vibration on different patients may vary. Summary of the Invention
[0005] The purpose of the present invention is to overcome the deficiencies in the above-mentioned background technology and provide a device for treating dry eye, which should be easy to use and have good therapeutic effects.
[0006] The technical solution of the present invention is:
[0007] A dry eye treatment device, comprising a magnetic electric plug placed in the nasal cavity and a magnetic control patch attached to the nose for controlling the magnetic electric plug to generate an electrical stimulation signal;
[0008] The magnetic control sticker includes an outer bracket and a controller, an electromagnetic module, a communication module, and a battery arranged in the outer bracket;
[0009] The magnetoelectric plug includes an inner bracket and a plurality of magnetoelectric modules arranged on the circumferential surface of the inner bracket; the magnetoelectric modules include a piezoelectric part, a magnetostrictive part and an electrode.
[0010] The outer bracket is curved in an arc shape; the inner bracket includes an annular support net and support rings located at both ends of the support net.
[0011] The magnetoelectric modules are arranged in a scattered pattern around the inner bracket; the magnetoelectric modules are set in the hollow grid of the support net; the electrodes of the magnetoelectric modules are located on the outer circumferential surface of the support ring; the piezoelectric part of the magnetoelectric module is bonded and fixed to the magnetostrictive part and the electrode respectively.
[0012] The piezoelectric part is in the shape of a rectangular sheet; the magnetostrictive part is in the shape of a sheet and both ends of the magnetostrictive part are wider than the middle part; the magnetostrictive part is bonded and fixed to the side surface of the piezoelectric part.
[0013] The magnetostrictive part and the piezoelectric part are both one, the magnetostrictive part is bonded and fixed to the grid, and the piezoelectric part is bonded and fixed to the grid.
[0014] Alternatively, the magnetostrictive portion and the piezoelectric portion are both one, the magnetostrictive portion is bonded and fixed to the grid, the piezoelectric portion is bonded and fixed to the grid, and the area of the magnetostrictive portion is 1.5-2 times that of the piezoelectric portion.
[0015] Alternatively, there are two magnetostrictive parts and one piezoelectric part, the magnetostrictive parts are bonded to both sides of the piezoelectric part, and the magnetostrictive parts are bonded and fixed to the grid.
[0016] The magnetoelectric module is L-shaped; the piezoelectric part is simultaneously bonded and fixed to two magnetostrictive parts arranged at a certain angle, and the magnetostrictive part is bonded and fixed to the grid.
[0017] The magnetoelectric module is M-shaped; the piezoelectric part is bonded and fixed to two connecting arms at the same time. The connecting arms include a first magnetostrictive part and a second magnetostrictive part arranged at a certain angle. The piezoelectric part is bonded and fixed to the grid through the first magnetostrictive part and the second magnetostrictive part in sequence.
[0018] The included angle between the first magnetostrictive portion and the second magnetostrictive portion is 30-40 degrees, the length ratio of the first magnetostrictive portion to the second magnetostrictive portion is 2-3:1, or the cross-section of the first magnetostrictive portion gradually increases in a direction away from the piezoelectric portion.
[0019] There are two piezoelectric circuits and two magnetostrictive parts; the magnetostrictive part is concave in shape, the notches of the two magnetostrictive parts are arranged facing each other, the piezoelectric part is bonded and fixed between the bosses of the two magnetostrictive parts, and the magnetostrictive part is bonded and fixed to the grid.
[0020] The magnetostrictive part is made of Terfenol-D material; the piezoelectric part is made of piezoelectric ceramic PZT material; and the controller is electrically connected to the electromagnetic module and the communication module.
[0021] The beneficial effects of the present invention are:
[0022] The present invention applies magnetoelectric composite materials (magnetoelectric modules) to the field of dry eye treatment, generates electrical stimulation through magnetostriction and piezoelectric effects, and activates the lacrimal glands to secrete natural tears; wherein: the magnetoelectric plug is small in size and attached to the inner wall of the nasal cavity, adopts an extremely minimally invasive stimulation method, which improves the patient's comfort and simplifies the operation steps, which is conducive to the stability and safety of long-term stimulation and monitoring; the magnetoelectric module of the magnetoelectric plug has a high magnetoelectric effect, which greatly improves the sensitivity and anti-interference ability of signal detection, thereby realizing the collection of extremely weak deep magnetoelectric signals; the stress concentration of the magnetoelectric module of the magnetoelectric plug makes the magnetoelectric conversion efficient, and there is no need to implant a power supply in the nasal cavity, which is safer and more reliable; the magnetic control patch can communicate with external equipment to accurately control the stimulation frequency, intensity and duration of the magnetoelectric module, providing patients with a more personalized, refined, convenient and efficient treatment plan. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0023] Figure 1 It is a schematic diagram of the working principle of the present invention.
[0024] Figure 2 It is a schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of the magnetic control sticker of the present invention.
[0025] Figure 3 It is a schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of the inner support of the present invention.
[0026] Figure 4 This is one of the three-dimensional structural schematic diagrams of the magnetoelectric module of the present invention.
[0027] Figure 5 This is the second schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of the magnetoelectric module of the present invention.
[0028] Figure 6 This is the third schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of the magnetoelectric module of the present invention.
[0029] Figure 7 This is the fourth schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of the magnetoelectric module of the present invention.
[0030] Figure 8 This is the fifth schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of the magnetoelectric module of the present invention.
[0031] Figure 9 This is the sixth schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of the magnetoelectric module of the present invention.
[0032] Figure 10 This is the seventh schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of the magnetoelectric module of the present invention.
[0033] Figure 11 This is the eighth schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of the magnetoelectric module of the present invention.
[0034] Figure 12 It is a schematic diagram of the arrangement of the magnetoelectric modules of the present invention.
[0035] Reference numerals:
[0036] Outer bracket 1, bracket arm 1-1, inner bracket 2, support ring 2-1, support mesh 2-2, hollow grid 2-3, piezoelectric part 4, magnetostrictive part 5, first magnetostrictive part 5-1, second magnetostrictive part 5-2, notch 5.1, boss 5.2, electrode 6. DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0037] In order to make the purpose, technical solutions and advantages of the present invention more clearly understood, the present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are only used to explain the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention.
[0038] In response to the above problems, the present invention proposes a dry eye treatment device that activates nerves and promotes tear secretion by generating electrical stimulation through magnetostriction and piezoelectric effect.
[0039] like Figure 1 The device, shown in Figure 1, includes a magnetic patch and a magnetic plug. When used, the patch is attached to the nose, and the plug is placed in the nasal cavity. The magnetic patch generates an electrical stimulation signal through the magnetic field to activate the lacrimal glands to secrete natural tears, thereby treating dry eyes.
[0040] 1. Magnetic stickers
[0041] like Figure 1 As shown, the magnetic control sticker includes an outer bracket 1, a controller, an electromagnetic module, a communication module, and a battery.
[0042] The outer bracket is curved and has two bracket arms 1-1. The shape of the outer bracket is ergonomic, ensuring that the bracket arms fit tightly against the bridge of the nose and the sides of the nose wings during use, preventing slippage and reducing pressure and irritation on the skin. Taking into account the differences in nose shape and skin quality among different users, the outer bracket can be provided in a variety of sizes to meet individual needs.
[0043] The controller, electromagnetic module, communication module and battery are arranged in the outer bracket. The controller is electrically connected to the electromagnetic module and the communication module.
[0044] The electromagnetic module is used to generate a changing magnetic field. There can be one electromagnetic module, which is used to simultaneously control the magnetic plugs placed in both nostrils to generate electrical stimulation signals. There can also be two electromagnetic modules, one in each support arm, which controls the magnetic plug placed in the corresponding nostril to generate electrical stimulation signals.
[0045] The electromagnetic module can be an electromagnet that controls the magnetic field strength and direction through electric current. The electromagnetic module can also be an electromagnetic coil that generates an alternating magnetic field when energized. The electromagnetic coil is made of a highly permeable material (such as nickel-iron alloy or cobalt-iron alloy) to improve the control accuracy of the magnetic field strength and direction. The number of turns and diameter of the coil are optimized according to treatment needs to ensure that the generated magnetic field can cover the entire lacrimal gland area.
[0046] The communication module is used to communicate with external devices. It can use a Bluetooth module or an NFC module to achieve wireless connection with external devices (such as smartphones and smartwatches). Users can easily adjust stimulation parameters based on their personal needs (such as tear production and user comfort). The controller includes a microprocessor and a driver.
[0047] The communication module receives control signals from external devices, and the microprocessor processes the signals and sends instructions to the driver. The driver provides the required precise current and voltage to the electromagnetic module according to the instructions, thereby driving the electromagnetic module to generate the required magnetic field.
[0048] The magnetic patch is worn on the nose by adhesive bonding. The outer support is made of a soft, breathable, and biocompatible material, such as medical-grade silicone or flexible electronic materials. Hydrogel is used to adhere the magnetic patch to the bridge of the nose, ensuring comfort and safety for long-term wear, as well as the convenience of flexible attachment.
[0049] The magnetic stickers must strictly comply with the safety standards and electromagnetic compatibility requirements of medical equipment to ensure that they do not cause interference or damage to the user's body or other electronic devices.
[0050] 2. Magnetic plug
[0051] The magnetoelectric plug generates an electrical stimulation signal by sensing changes in the external magnetic field. The magnetoelectric plug includes an inner bracket 2 and a magnetoelectric module.
[0052] like Figure 3 As shown, the inner support is used as a skeleton to support the magnetic plug, including a support net 2-2 and a support ring 2-1. The support net is annular, and the support ring is fixed at both ends of the support net. Figure 3-Figure 7 As shown, the support mesh comprises several crisscrossing wires, with the areas between the wires forming hollow grids 2-3 in a quadrilateral shape. The specific dimensions (length and diameter) of the stent are adjusted based on the patient's specific condition to accommodate the different nasal anatomy. The stent is made of a biocompatible material (such as titanium alloy, stainless steel, bioceramic, or a polymer such as polyetheretherketone and polycarbonate).
[0053] The magnetoelectric modules are arranged in the grid of the inner bracket, and the number of the magnetoelectric modules is determined according to needs.
[0054] The magnetoelectric module includes a piezoelectric part 4, a magnetostrictive part 5 and an electrode 6. The electrode of the magnetoelectric module is located on the outer circumference of the support ring to ensure the current stimulation effect.
[0055] like Figure 12 The magnetoelectric modules are arranged in a scattered pattern around the inner bracket to ensure that the current of the magnetoelectric modules can accurately stimulate the corresponding nasal nerves while minimizing the number of magnetoelectric modules. The specific arrangement and number of magnetoelectric modules are determined according to needs. The piezoelectric portion of the magnetostrictive module is bonded to the magnetostrictive portion and the electrode.
[0056] In particular, compared with the direct plug-in nerve stimulation of the existing technology, the advantage of the present invention is that there is no complex structure inside the magnetoelectric plug. The magnetoelectric module can achieve non-invasive treatment only through the coupling effect of the magnetic field and the electric field, effectively preventing the risks of contact dermatitis, cross-infection, etc., improving the safety of the treatment process, and at the same time reducing the patient's discomfort caused by direct physical contact, greatly enhancing the patient's comfort and acceptance.
[0057] The magnetostrictive portion is made of Terfenol-D, a material with a magnetostrictive effect. The piezoelectric portion is made of PZT, a piezoelectric ceramic with an electrostrictive effect. Metallic glass (Metglas) and nanomaterials can also be used to make the piezoelectric and magnetostrictive portions to enhance the magnetoelectric effect.
[0058] The magnetoelectric module adopts the following structures:
[0059] Structure 1:
[0060] like Figure 4 As shown, the magnetoelectric module includes a piezoelectric part, a magnetostrictive part and two electrodes.
[0061] The piezoelectric component is a rectangular sheet with typical dimensions of 3mm in length, 2mm in width, and 0.2mm in thickness, which can be adjusted depending on the application. The magnetostrictive component is also sheet-shaped, with the ends wider than the center (dumbbell-shaped). When subjected to a magnetic field, the magnetostrictive material deforms more significantly at the ends, which in turn translates into mechanical stress on the piezoelectric component.
[0062] The electrodes are respectively bonded and fixed to two opposite side surfaces of the piezoelectric portion, the other two opposite side surfaces of the piezoelectric portion are respectively bonded and fixed to one end of the magnetostrictive portion and the grid, and the other end of the magnetostrictive portion is bonded and fixed to the grid.
[0063] The piezoelectric part and magnetostrictive part of the magnetoelectric module are respectively bonded and fixed to two opposite edges of the grid. The area of the piezoelectric part is slightly larger than the area of the magnetostrictive part ( Figure 4 area of the side shown).
[0064] Structure 2:
[0065] like Figure 5 As shown, the difference from Structure 1 is that the area of the magnetostrictive portion is larger than that of the piezoelectric portion, and the area of the magnetostrictive portion is 1.5-2 times that of the piezoelectric portion. Due to the larger area of the magnetostrictive portion, the magnetostrictive portion can sense changes in the magnetic field over a wider range. Due to the significant magnetostrictive effect of the magnetostrictive portion, it will undergo significant dimensional changes under the action of the magnetic field. Although the piezoelectric portion has a smaller area, its unique piezoelectric effect can sensitively respond to the deformation of the magnetostrictive portion caused by changes in the magnetic field, thereby converting this deformation into electrical stimulation.
[0066] Structure 3:
[0067] like Figure 6 As shown, the difference from Structure 1 is that the number of magnetostrictive portions is two.
[0068] The electrodes are respectively bonded and fixed to two opposite side surfaces of the piezoelectric part, the other two opposite side surfaces of the piezoelectric part are respectively bonded and fixed to one end of the two magnetostrictive parts, and the other ends of the two magnetostrictive parts are bonded and fixed to the grid.
[0069] Since the piezoelectric part is located between the two magnetostrictive parts, the magnetoelectric module is bonded and fixed to two opposite edges of the grid through the magnetostrictive parts, that is, one end of the magnetostrictive part is bonded and fixed to the piezoelectric part, and the other end is bonded and fixed to the grid.
[0070] This structure also enlarges the magnetostrictive part, so that the magnetostrictive part can sense a wider range of magnetic field changes, enhances the sensitivity to magnetic field changes, significantly improves the magnetoelectric conversion efficiency, and expands the perception range of magnetic field changes, so that it can work stably and efficiently in a wider magnetic field range.
[0071] Structure 4:
[0072] like Figure 7 As shown, the magnetoelectric module is L-shaped and includes a piezoelectric part, two magnetostrictive parts and two electrodes.
[0073] The piezoelectric portion is in the shape of a rectangular sheet. The magnetostrictive portion is in the shape of an elongated strip. The two magnetostrictive portions are arranged at a certain angle, with the piezoelectric portion arranged between the two magnetostrictive portions. Two adjacent side surfaces of the piezoelectric portion are respectively bonded to one end of the two magnetostrictive portions, and the other two adjacent side surfaces of the piezoelectric portion are respectively bonded to the electrodes. The other ends of the two magnetostrictive portions are respectively bonded to two adjacent edges of the grid.
[0074] The advantage of this structure is that when the external magnetic field changes, the two magnetostrictive parts produce different deformations. This deformation propagates along the two long arms of the L-shape and produces greater stress concentration at the middle connection. The piezoelectric part of the sheet structure greatly increases the deformation amplitude, causing the piezoelectric part to generate greater charge and voltage.
[0075] Structure 5:
[0076] like Figure 8 As shown, the magnetoelectric module is M-shaped and includes a piezoelectric part, two connecting arms and two electrodes.
[0077] The piezoelectric part is arranged between two connecting arms, and the piezoelectric part is bonded to the grid through the connecting arms.
[0078] The connecting arm is V-shaped and includes a first magnetostrictive portion 5-1 and a second magnetostrictive portion 5-2 arranged at a certain angle (preferably 90 degrees). Both the first magnetostrictive portion and the second magnetostrictive portion are long strips.
[0079] Two adjacent side surfaces of the piezoelectric portion are bonded to one end of the two first magnetostrictive portions, respectively. The other two adjacent side surfaces of the piezoelectric portion are bonded to the electrodes, respectively. The other end of the first magnetostrictive portion is bonded to one end of the second magnetostrictive portion, and the other end of the second magnetostrictive portion is bonded to the mesh. The two second magnetostrictive portions are bonded to two adjacent edges of the mesh, respectively.
[0080] The advantage of this structure is that when the external magnetic field changes, the second magnetostrictive portion produces axial deformation, causing the first magnetostrictive portion to be subjected to a torque perpendicular to its own length direction, ultimately causing the middle piezoelectric portion to produce greater stress, further increasing the deformation, and thus generating greater charge and voltage.
[0081] Structure 6:
[0082] like Figure 9 As shown, the difference from structure 5 is that the angle between the first magnetostrictive portion and the second magnetostrictive portion is 30-40 degrees, and the length ratio of the first magnetostrictive portion to the second magnetostrictive portion is 2-3:1.
[0083] When the first magnetostrictive portion is longer, it can better absorb and amplify the deformation from the second magnetostrictive portion. Combined with the acute angle design, the deformation is further amplified, causing the middle piezoelectric portion to generate greater stress, further increasing the deformation, and thus generating greater charge and voltage.
[0084] Structure 7:
[0085] like Figure 10 As shown, the difference from Structure 6 is that the two ends of the first magnetostrictive portion have different sizes. The closer to the piezoelectric portion, the smaller the cross-section of the first magnetostrictive portion, and the closer to the second magnetostrictive portion, the larger the cross-section of the first magnetostrictive portion. The change in cross-sectional size can generate different mechanical stresses. The stress generated in the area with a smaller cross-sectional area is greater. There is stress concentration at the location of the piezoelectric portion, which can cause greater deformation, thereby generating greater charge and voltage.
[0086] Structure 8:
[0087] like Figure 11 As shown, the magnetoelectric module includes two piezoelectric parts and two magnetostrictive parts, and each piezoelectric part has an electrode.
[0088] The two piezoelectric parts are arranged between the two magnetostrictive parts at the same time, and the piezoelectric part is bonded to the grid through the magnetostrictive parts on both sides.
[0089] The magnetostrictive portion is concave in shape, with an arc-shaped notch 5.1 on the side closest to the piezoelectric portion (forming a circular hole between the two magnetostrictive portions). Bosses 5.2 are located on either side of the notch, and the side facing away from the piezoelectric portion is bonded to the mesh. The piezoelectric portion is bonded to the bosses on either side of the magnetostrictive portion, and electrodes are located on the side facing away from the circular hole. Two secondary magnetostrictive portions are bonded to two opposing edges of the mesh.
[0090] The advantage of this structure is that when the external magnetic field changes, the magnetostrictive part deforms. In addition, the contact cross-sectional area with the piezoelectric part is small, and stress concentration occurs at the location of the piezoelectric part, which can cause greater deformation and thus generate greater charge and voltage.
[0091] In particular, the surfaces of the magnetostrictive and piezoelectric components are treated with micro- and nano-scale modified layers, typically produced by coating, etching, or doping. Coating or etching can form one or more fine structures on the material surface. These structures can increase the contact area and interaction between the material and other media (such as the substrate, coating material, etc.), significantly improving interfacial bonding and enhancing the overall stability and durability of the material. Micro- and nano-scale doping techniques can introduce highly conductive nanoparticles or functional groups onto the material surface, forming conductive channels or networks, thereby enhancing the material's electrical conductivity.
[0092] In particular, in order to achieve mechanical amplification, the stiffness of the inner bracket is 10-20 times that of the piezoelectric part, and the stiffness of the piezoelectric part is 10-20 times that of the magnetostrictive part.
[0093] The difference in stiffness between these components results in the smaller one producing a larger deformation when subjected to the same external force, thereby amplifying the mechanical effect: the magnetostrictive part has the smallest stiffness, and is the first to deform and squeeze the piezoelectric part. The piezoelectric part has a slightly larger stiffness, and the piezoelectric material is fixed on the inner bracket. In order to avoid the piezoelectric part squeezing the bracket when deforming and damaging the inner bracket, the stiffness of the inner bracket needs to be the largest.
[0094] The working mode of the present invention is as follows:
[0095] 1. Place the magnetic plug into the nasal cavity, stick the magnetic control sticker on the bridge of the nose, set the parameters on the external device, and send the start signal;
[0096] 2. The communication module receives signals from external devices, and the microprocessor (Arduino) calculates and sends instructions to the driver. The driver converts the instructions into the precise current and voltage values required by the electromagnetic module to drive the electromagnetic module to generate the required magnetic field;
[0097] 3. The electromagnetic module generates a changing magnetic field, causing the magnetostrictive part to deform, which in turn converts into mechanical stress on the piezoelectric part. The piezoelectric part, subjected to mechanical stress, becomes polarized and generates an electrical signal that directly acts on specific nerve points in the nose. The electrically stimulated eye and nasal nerves transmit the signal to the lacrimal glands, and the secreted tears flow naturally through the lacrimal ducts, moisturizing the eyeball and thus alleviating dry eye symptoms.
[0098] 4. During this process, users can adjust parameters (such as current size, direction or position of electromagnet) on external devices according to personal needs to change the stimulation effect, so as to achieve precise and dynamic regulation of tear secretion.
[0099] The present invention utilizes a nasal stimulation therapy mechanism, applying spatially or temporally patterned stimulation to one or more anatomical structures in the nasal region. The magnetostrictive effect of the magnetostrictive portion is extremely sensitive to changes in the external magnetic field, which in turn drives the tightly coupled piezoelectric material to deform, efficiently converting mechanical energy into electrical energy. This drives the piezoelectric portion to generate a stronger and more precise electrical signal, stimulating the nasal trigeminal nerve. This stimulation signal is transmitted to the central nervous system, then to the superior salivary nucleus. After passing through the greater petrosal nerve, it is transmitted to general visceral motor fibers emanating from the pterygopalatine ganglion, reaching the lacrimal gland and controlling tear secretion.
[0100] The innovation of the present invention is:
[0101] 1. High-sensitivity detection: Utilizing magnetoelectric composite materials (magnetoelectric modules) with high magnetoelectric effects, the sensitivity and anti-interference performance of signal detection are greatly improved, thereby enabling the acquisition of extremely weak deep magnetoelectric signals.
[0102] 2. Special sensing unit: It adopts a bracket-structured magnetoelectric composite material (magnetoelectric module) that can be attached to the inner wall of the nasal cavity, improving patient comfort, simplifying the implantation process, and facilitating the stability and safety of long-term stimulation and monitoring.
[0103] 3. Personalized treatment: The present invention achieves precise regulation of stimulation frequency, intensity and duration through preset programs of external devices or real-time feedback signal adjustment, providing patients with a more personalized and refined treatment plan.
[0104] 4. Application of magnetoelectric composite materials (magnetoelectric modules): This invention applies magnetoelectric composite materials (magnetoelectric modules) to the treatment of dry eye for the first time, generating electrical stimulation through magnetostriction and piezoelectric effects to activate the lacrimal glands to secrete natural tears.
[0105] 5. Modification of the surface of micro-nano materials: through coating, etching or doping to improve the interfacial bonding, conductivity, biocompatibility or mechanical properties of the material.
[0106] 6. Special structural design: stress concentration is achieved through different structural design, which makes the magnetoelectric conversion efficient and eliminates the need to implant a power source in the nasal cavity, making it safer and more reliable.
[0107] 7. The present invention does not require the patient to hold or touch any device, avoiding the problem of inaccurate or excessive stimulation due to improper operation, and can achieve precise control of stimulation frequency, intensity and duration, providing patients with a more personalized and refined treatment plan.
[0108] The accompanying drawings show preferred embodiments of the present invention. However, the present invention can be implemented in many different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described in this specification. On the contrary, the purpose of providing these embodiments is to make the understanding of the disclosure of the present invention more thorough and comprehensive.
Claims
1. A dry eye treatment device, characterized by: The device includes a magnetoelectric plug placed in the nasal cavity and a magnetic control patch attached to the nose for controlling the magnetoelectric plug to generate an electrical stimulation signal; The magnetic control patch comprises an outer bracket (1) and a controller, an electromagnetic module, a communication module, and a battery arranged in the outer bracket; The magnetoelectric plug comprises an inner bracket (2) and a plurality of magnetoelectric modules arranged on the circumferential surface of the inner bracket; the magnetoelectric modules comprise a piezoelectric part (4), a magnetostrictive part (5) and an electrode (6).
2. The dry eye treatment device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The outer support is curved in an arc shape; the inner support comprises an annular support net (2-2) and support rings (2-1) located at both ends of the support net.
3. A dry eye treatment device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The magnetoelectric modules are arranged in a scattered pattern around the inner bracket; the magnetoelectric modules are set in the hollow grids (2-3) of the support network; the electrodes of the magnetoelectric modules are located on the outer circumferential surface of the support ring; the piezoelectric parts of the magnetoelectric modules are respectively bonded and fixed to the magnetostrictive parts and the electrodes.
4. The dry eye treatment device according to claim 3, characterized in that: The piezoelectric part is in the shape of a rectangular sheet; the magnetostrictive part is in the shape of a sheet and both ends of the magnetostrictive part are wider than the middle part; the magnetostrictive part is bonded and fixed to the side surface of the piezoelectric part.
5. The dry eye treatment device according to claim 4, characterized in that: The magnetostrictive part and the piezoelectric part are both one, the magnetostrictive part is bonded and fixed to the grid, and the piezoelectric part is bonded and fixed to the grid. Alternatively, the magnetostrictive portion and the piezoelectric portion are both one, the magnetostrictive portion is bonded and fixed to the grid, the piezoelectric portion is bonded and fixed to the grid, and the area of the magnetostrictive portion is 1.5-2 times that of the piezoelectric portion. Alternatively, there are two magnetostrictive parts and one piezoelectric part, the magnetostrictive parts are bonded to both sides of the piezoelectric part, and the magnetostrictive parts are bonded and fixed to the grid.
6. The dry eye treatment device according to claim 3, characterized in that: The magnetoelectric module is L-shaped; the piezoelectric part is simultaneously bonded and fixed to two magnetostrictive parts arranged at a certain angle, and the magnetostrictive part is bonded and fixed to the grid.
7. The dry eye treatment device according to claim 3, characterized in that: The magnetoelectric module is M-shaped; the piezoelectric part is bonded and fixed to two connecting arms at the same time; the connecting arms include a first magnetostrictive part (5-1) and a second magnetostrictive part (5-2) arranged at a certain angle; the piezoelectric part is bonded and fixed to the grid in sequence through the first magnetostrictive part and the second magnetostrictive part.
8. The dry eye treatment device according to claim 7, characterized in that: The included angle between the first magnetostrictive portion and the second magnetostrictive portion is 30-40 degrees, the length ratio of the first magnetostrictive portion to the second magnetostrictive portion is 2-3:1, or the cross-section of the first magnetostrictive portion gradually increases in a direction away from the piezoelectric portion.
9. The dry eye treatment device according to claim 3, characterized in that: There are two piezoelectric circuits and two magnetostrictive parts; the magnetostrictive parts are concave in shape, the notches of the two magnetostrictive parts are arranged facing each other, the piezoelectric part is bonded and fixed between the bosses of the two magnetostrictive parts, and the magnetostrictive part is bonded and fixed to the grid.
10. A dry eye treatment device according to claim 5, 6, 8 or 9, characterized in that: The magnetostrictive part is made of Terfenol-D material; the piezoelectric part is made of piezoelectric ceramic PZT material; and the controller is electrically connected to the electromagnetic module and the communication module.