Brain-computer interface with protective device

Abstract

The brain-computer interface comprises an electrode plate and a protection block fixedly connected with the upper surface of the electrode plate, a guide rod is arranged on the outer side of the electrode plate, a guide groove is formed in the middle of the protection block, a dust discharging channel and a guide groove are formed in the protection block, and the electrode plate is arranged in the dust discharging channel. An air inlet is formed in the upper half portion of the peripheral side of the protection block, an air guide groove is formed in the lower surface of the protection block, a protection ring is fixedly installed on the lower surface of the guide rod, an air guide plug is fixedly installed on the upper surface of the guide rod, a first spring is fixedly installed on the upper surface of the air guide plug, and the other end of the first spring is fixedly connected with the inner wall of the air guide groove; according to the invention, the protection ring, the guide rod, the air guide plug and the spring I are combined for use, so that dust in the electrode slice interface can be cleaned, and meanwhile, air can be sucked for storage and the electrode slice can be protected after resetting, so that the effects of cleaning dust and prolonging the service life of the electrode slice are achieved.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to the technical field of brain-computer interface, and particularly relates to a brain-computer interface with a protection device. BACKGROUND

[0002] The brain-computer interface with the protection device is a brain-computer interface device equipped with an additional protection component or designed with a protection function.

[0003] When the brain-computer interface is used, the brain-computer interface is first worn on the head of a user, and then an electrode lead is inserted into each electrode interface on the brain-computer interface. When the use of the brain-computer interface is finished, the electrode lead is pulled out of the electrode interface. After the electrode lead is pulled out, the electrode interface is in an open state. At this time, the brain-computer interface is placed randomly on a table or a special placing box. This placing method will cause dust to enter the inside of the electrode interface, which will affect the next insertion of the electrode lead, cause unstable data transmission, and cause interface wear.

[0004] The existing protection device only places the brain-computer interface inside a protection cover. If dust is stored inside the protection cover, the protection cover cannot avoid the influence of the dust on the brain-computer interface. Therefore, the protection effect is not good, and the dust that has entered the inside of the electrode interface cannot be removed.

[0005] At the same time, because the brain-computer interface needs to adapt to the shape of the head of a person, a material with soft quality and easy deformation is used. When the brain-computer interface is not used, the brain-computer interface will be in a flaccid state. This state will cause the electrodes inside to contact and collide with each other, thereby generating friction and causing wear of the electrodes. The existing protection device does not have the function of protecting the electrodes.

[0006] Therefore, the present application provides a brain-computer interface with a protection device. SUMMARY

[0007] The present application aims at the above-mentioned technical problems, and provides a brain-computer interface with a protection device, which has the effects of dust prevention, dust removal, and high electrode service life.

[0008] Therefore, the present application provides a brain-computer interface with a protection device, which has the effects of dust prevention, dust removal, and high electrode service life. A guide groove is formed in the middle of the protection block. A dust removal channel and a guide groove are formed in the inside of the protection block. An air inlet is formed in the upper half of the circumferential side of the protection block. A gas guide groove is formed in the lower surface of the protection block. A protective ring is fixedly installed on the lower surface of the guide rod, and an air guide plug is fixedly installed on the upper surface of the guide rod. A spring is fixedly installed on the upper surface of the air guide plug, and the other end of the spring is fixedly connected to the inner wall of the air guide groove.

[0009] Preferably, the air inlet is connected to the inside of the guide groove, and the air inlet and the guide groove are designed as a whole in a conical structure. The diameter of the inlet port on the outer surface of the protective block is larger than the diameter of the inner port, forming a gradual shape that expands outward and contracts inward.

[0010] Preferably, the inner wall of the guide groove has two kinds of spiral grooves, which are left-handed and right-handed, and the two kinds of spiral grooves are distributed alternately.

[0011] Preferably, the air guide groove is connected to the guide groove and the interior of the air inlet, and the upper end of the air guide groove is located at the connection between the guide groove and the air inlet. The air guide groove, the air inlet and the guide groove are connected to the interior of the guide groove, and a spiral groove is formed on the inner wall of the air inlet.

[0012] Preferably, the dust discharge channel is connected to the interior of the guide groove, and the dust discharge channel is inclined, with an inclination angle between 45 degrees and 60 degrees.

[0013] Preferably, a support block is fixedly installed on the inner wall of the lower half of the guide groove, a spring is fixedly installed on the upper surface of the support block, and a sliding plug is fixedly installed on the upper end of the spring.

[0014] Preferably, the peripheral side of the sliding plug is slidably connected to the inner wall of the guide groove, and a valve is fixedly installed on the inner surface of the sliding plug.

[0015] Preferably, a number of electrode pads are provided with a brain-computer interface, a protective cover is attached to the outside of the brain-computer interface, and a number of protective blocks are embedded in the outer surface of the protective cover.

[0016] Preferably, the protective ring is made of medical-grade silicone, and the inner diameter of the protective ring is larger than the outer diameter of the electrode sheet.

[0017] Preferably, one end of the guide rod extends through to the inside of the brain-computer interface, and the protective ring is located inside the brain-computer interface, while the air guide plug slides on the inner wall of the air guide groove.

[0018] Compared with the prior art, the present invention provides a brain-computer interface with a protective device, which has the following beneficial effects: 1. This invention, through the combined use of a protective ring, a guide rod, an air plug, and a spring, enables the cleaning of dust inside the electrode interface, while simultaneously allowing for air intake and protection of the electrode after resetting, thereby achieving the effects of cleaning dust and extending the lifespan of the electrode.

[0019] This invention, by setting a valve, can clean the surface of the electrode lead connector, preventing dust from entering the electrode plate interface, thereby achieving a dustproof effect.

[0020] This invention, by setting a protective cover, can prevent dust and friction on the outer surface of the brain-computer interface, thereby achieving the effects of dust prevention and extending the service life of the brain-computer interface.

[0021] This invention, by setting a spiral groove and its two states, can accelerate the movement of airflow, thereby cleaning the dust in the electrode plate interface and achieving the effect of cleaning dust effectively.

[0022] The parts of this device not covered herein are the same as or can be implemented using existing technologies. This invention has a simple structure and is easy to operate. Attached Figure Description

[0023] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a brain-computer interface structure with a protective device proposed in this invention; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a protective shield structure for a brain-computer interface with a protective device proposed in this invention; Figure 3 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the dust exhaust channel structure of a brain-computer interface with a protective device proposed in this invention. Figure 4 This is an enlarged schematic diagram of the structure at point A of a brain-computer interface with a protective device proposed in this invention; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure of the air inlet of a brain-computer interface with a protective device proposed in this invention. Figure 6 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the air channel structure of a brain-computer interface with a protective device proposed in this invention. Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the air inlet structure of a brain-computer interface with a protective device proposed in this invention; Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the protective ring structure of a brain-computer interface with a protective device proposed in this invention; Figure 9 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the protective block structure of a brain-computer interface with a protective device proposed in this invention.

[0024] In the diagram: 1. Brain-computer interface; 2. Protective shield; 3. Protective block; 4. Electrode pad; 5. Protective ring; 31. Valve; 32. Sliding plug; 33. Dust exhaust channel; 34. Spring; 35. Support block; 36. Air guide groove; 37. Air inlet; 38. Guide groove; 39. Guide groove; 51. Guide rod; 52. Air guide plug; 53. Spring 1; 371. Spiral groove 1; 391. Spiral groove. Detailed Implementation

[0025] The technical solutions of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments.

[0026] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the terms "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this invention.

[0027] Example: A brain-computer interface with a protective device, such as Figures 1-9 As shown, the interface includes electrode pads 4, several electrode pads 4 together forming a brain-computer interface 1, a protective cover 2 attached to the outside of the brain-computer interface 1, the protective cover 2 forming an overall protective structure, isolating external mechanical impact and friction, protecting the internal electrode pads 4, thereby extending the life of the electrode pads 4, and a protective block 3 fixedly connected to the upper surface of the electrode pads 4, several protective blocks 3 embedded in the outer surface of the protective cover 2, a guide rod 51 provided on the outside of the electrode pads 4, one end of the guide rod 51 penetrating to the inside of the brain-computer interface 1, a guide groove 38 opened in the middle of the protective block 3, a support block 35 fixedly installed on the lower half of the inner wall of the guide groove 38, which serves to fix the spring 34 and limit the downward movement limit of the sliding plug 32, preventing the sliding plug 32 from excessively moving downward and causing the electrode pads 4 to be squeezed, while providing stable support for the spring 34, ensuring uniform and stable reset force; Furthermore, a spring 34 is fixedly installed on the upper surface of the support block 35, and a sliding plug 32 is fixedly installed on the upper end of the spring 34. The periphery of the sliding plug 32 slides against the inner wall of the guide groove 38. A valve 31 is fixedly installed on the inner surface of the sliding plug 32. The force that opens the valve 31 is greater than the elastic force of the spring 34. When the force pushing the electrode lead connector compresses the spring 34 to its limit, the downward pressure can open the valve 31. At the same time, the electrode lead connector continues to move downward, and the valve 31 scrapes and cleans the dust on the surface of the electrode lead connector. A dust discharge channel 33 and a guide groove 39 are opened inside the protective block 3. The dust discharge channel 33 is connected to the inside of the guide groove 38, and the dust discharge channel 33 is inclined. The inclination angle of the dust discharge channel 33 is... The angle should be between 45 and 60 degrees. If the angle is too small, the tilt of the dust exhaust duct 33 will be close to a horizontal angle. At this time, the driving force for the upward flow of gas is weak, and impurities are easily accumulated at the bottom of the dust exhaust duct 33 due to gravity, which will increase the accumulation of dust. If the angle of the dust exhaust duct 33 is too large, the guiding effect of the tilt of the dust exhaust duct 33 will be close to that of a vertical pipe. On the contrary, the airflow impact on the pipe wall may cause turbulence and disturbance, resulting in additional loss of kinetic energy. The angle between 45 and 60 degrees can provide a stable upward guiding force for the gas through appropriate tilting, reduce eddy current loss, and avoid the problem of dust accumulation caused by too small an angle. This will make the gas flow smoother and achieve a high dust exhaust efficiency. Furthermore, two types of spiral grooves 391 are formed on the inner wall of the guide groove 39. The air outlet of the guide groove 39 is located at the upper end of the electrode plate 4 interface. The spiral grooves 391 are in two states: left-handed and right-handed. The two types of spiral grooves 391 are distributed alternately. The spiral grooves 391 are wedge-shaped grooves, and the groove depth gradually decreases from the inlet to the outlet. The groove spacing gradually decreases as the spirals switch. The interlaced wedge-shaped grooves force the airflow to be compressed during rotation. The left-handed grooves guide the airflow to rotate to the left, while the right-handed grooves produce the effect of suddenly changing direction, causing the airflow to form a local vortex when turning. The pressure at the center of the vortex decreases, thereby driving the surrounding airflow to accelerate and fill, achieving the effect of airflow acceleration. The accelerated airflow can blow away the dust at the electrode plate 4 interface, making the dust free. After the airflow reaches the bottom of the electrode plate 4, a vortex and an upward state will appear, ensuring that the dust can be blown away from the electrode plate 4 interface. Furthermore, an air inlet 37 is provided on the upper half of the perimeter of the protective block 3. The air inlet 37 is connected to the interior of the guide groove 39, and the air inlet 37 and the guide groove 39 are designed in a conical shape. The conical structure design causes the airflow to experience increasing pressure as it enters the air inlet 37. The increased pressure increases the airflow velocity, thereby achieving natural acceleration and increasing the intake volume. The air guide groove 36 is connected to the interior of the guide groove 39 and the air inlet 37, and the upper end of the air guide groove 36 is located at the connection between the guide groove 39 and the air inlet 37. The air guide groove 36, the air inlet 37, and the guide groove 39 are connected to the interior of the guide groove 38. A spiral groove 371 is provided on the inner wall of the air inlet 37. The diameter of the inlet port on the outer surface of the protective block 3 is larger than the diameter of the inner port, forming a gradually expanding and contracting shape. A spiral groove 371 is provided on the lower surface of the protective block 3. The device has an air channel 36 and a protective ring 5 fixedly installed on the lower surface of the guide rod 51. When the brain-computer interface 1 is not in use, the protective ring 5 loses the pushing force of the scalp and returns to its initial position. At this time, the limp brain-computer interface 1 will cause the electrode pads 4 to stick together and rub against each other. The protective ring 5 can provide an isolation space for the electrode pads 4, avoiding collision and friction between the electrode pads 4, and extending the service life of the electrode pads 4. The protective ring 5 is located inside the brain-computer interface 1. The protective ring 5 is made of medical-grade silicone and its inner diameter is larger than the outer diameter of the electrode pads 4. The flexible properties of the protective ring 5 can make slight deformations according to the contour of the scalp to ensure a tight fit. At the same time, it first contacts the scalp when worn, avoiding the electrode pads 4 from directly pressing on the scalp, increasing the force-bearing area of ​​the scalp, reducing the pressure on the scalp, and thus improving the wearing comfort. Furthermore, an air plug 52 is fixedly installed on the upper surface of the guide rod 51. The air plug 52 slides on the inner wall of the air channel 36. A spring 53 is fixedly installed on the upper surface of the air plug 52. The other end of the spring 53 is fixedly connected to the inner wall of the air channel 36. The guide rod 51, the air plug 52, and the spring 53 slide in cooperation with the inner wall of the air channel 36. When the brain-computer interface 1 is not worn, the air plug 52 is reset under the elastic force of the spring 53. During the reset process, air is drawn out from the air inlet 37. At the same time, the guide rod 51 supports the reset of the protective ring 5. When the brain-computer interface 1 is worn, the protective ring 5 is pressed and drives the guide rod 51 to move upward. The air plug 52 moves upward synchronously, and the gas is pushed into the guide groove 39, thereby realizing the automatic triggering of cleaning upon wearing and realizing the integration of cleaning and protection.

[0028] A one-way valve and a removable filter are installed at the air inlet 37. The one-way valve and the removable filter are existing technologies and will not be described in detail here, nor are they shown in the figure. A one-way valve is installed at the dust outlet of the dust exhaust duct 33. The one-way valve is existing technology and will not be described in detail here, nor is it shown in the figure. The protective cover 2 is made of medical silicone material, which can better adapt to the head and the shape changes of the brain-computer interface 1. The valve 31 is existing technology and will not be described in detail here. There are several air inlets 37, several guide rods 51, and two dust exhaust ducts 33 that are symmetrically distributed.

[0029] Compared with existing technologies: Existing brain-computer interface protective covers are mostly made of hard plastic or have a dispersed structure, which makes it difficult to adapt to the deformation of the head contour. In this invention, the protective cover 2 is made of medical-grade silicone material, which can form an overall rigid support through the protective block 3 to protect the internal components and electrode pads 4. It can also adapt to the deformation of the head contour and brain-computer interface 1, thus solving the contradiction between protective rigidity and wearing comfort.

[0030] In existing technologies, electrode pad protection is mostly a sealing measure during use, without considering practical protection during idle periods. The protective ring 5 of this invention, when in use, converts the pressure during wearing into a force to blow dust away from the interface of the electrode pad 4. When idle, the protective ring 5 supports the isolation space under the restoring force of the spring 53, preventing the electrode pads 4 from colliding and rubbing against each other due to the brain-computer interface 1 becoming soft. This solves the problem of signal attenuation caused by contact wear of traditional electrode pads and extends the service life of the electrode pads 4.

[0031] In the prior art, cleaning during electrode lead insertion mostly relies on pretreatment methods and lacks the ability to clean in real time during the insertion process. In this invention, the valve 31 is set to have an opening force greater than the elastic force of the spring 34. When the electrode lead connector is inserted and the spring 34 is compressed to its limit, the force that continues to move downward will push the valve 31 open. At this time, the edge of the valve 31 will scrape off the dust and impurities on the connector surface, thereby achieving the ability to clean in real time during the insertion process.

[0032] Existing cleaning functions often require manual operation, lack automation, and are prone to being forgotten. In contrast, this invention allows for automatic dust removal when the brain-computer interface 1 is worn, through the combination of the protective ring 5, guide rod 51, air plug 52, and spring 53. When the brain-computer interface 1 is removed, the protective ring 5, guide rod 51, air plug 52, and spring 53 reset and begin inhalation, preparing for the next cleaning cycle. This achieves fully automated cleaning that starts as soon as the device is worn, requiring no additional operation and solving the problems of cumbersome operation and easy forgetting in traditional cleaning functions.

[0033] Working principle: When using the brain-computer interface 1, it is first placed on the user's head. At this time, the protective ring 5 is compressed and moves upward, and the guide rod 51 begins to move upward. The air plug 52 on the guide rod 51 compresses the spring 53. At this time, the spring 53 compresses inside the air groove 36, and the air plug 52 slides upward on the inner wall of the air groove 36. The guide rod 51 begins to enter the air groove 36. Through the sliding of the air plug 52, the gas inside the guide groove 39 can flow towards the electrode plate 4 interface. When the airflow passes through the spiral groove 391, the spiral groove 391 can accelerate the airflow, causing the airflow to rush out of the guide groove 39 and into the electrode plate 4 interface. Dust inside the electrode pad 4 interface is blown away by the airflow, which simultaneously impacts the inner wall of the electrode pad 4 interface. This creates upward and turbulent airflow, causing the dust to rise and become free, thus blowing it out of the electrode pad 4 interface and ensuring its cleanliness. Simultaneously, some dust moves along the dust exhaust channel 33 to the outside of the protective block 3, completing the first dust removal. After the brain-computer interface 1 is fitted, the electrode leads are inserted into the protective block 3. The electrode lead connectors first contact the valve 31, and the valve 31, under pressure, moves the sliding plug 32 downwards. The movement of the sliding plug 32 compresses the spring 34. Spring 34 contracts, and the movement of sliding plug 32 compresses the gas. The compressed gas flows into the dust exhaust channel 33 and from there to the outside of the protective block 3. Simultaneously, free dust continues to move with the airflow to the outside of the protective block 3, achieving a second dust removal and further ensuring the cleanliness of the electrode plate 4 interface. The sliding plug 32 continues to move downwards, reaching the lower half of the guide groove 38, and spring 34 is compressed to its limit. The increasing pressure then opens valve 31, causing the electrode lead connector to move downwards. Valve 31 scrapes away dust from the surface of the electrode lead connector, and sliding plug 32 stops moving. Simultaneously, the electrode lead connector is inserted into the electrode plate 4 connector. After the brain-computer interface 1 is used, the electrode lead connector is pulled upwards. At the same time, the sliding plug 32 and the valve 31 move upwards, and the spring 34 unfolds. When the sliding plug 32 moves to the top of the guide groove 38, the sliding plug 32 stops moving. At the same time, the electrode lead connector disengages from the valve 31, completing the removal of the electrode lead connector. Then, the brain-computer interface 1 is removed from the user's head. At this time, the pressure on the protective ring 5 decreases, and the pressure on the spring 53 decreases. At this time, the spring 53 unfolds, and the air plug 52 is pushed by the spring 53. The guide rod 51 moves away from the interior of the air groove 36. At this time, the protective ring 5 moves to the underside of the electrode 4, thereby completing the protection of the electrode 4.

[0034] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention, but the scope of protection of the present invention is not limited thereto. Any equivalent substitutions or modifications made by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technology disclosed in the present invention, based on the technical solution and inventive concept of the present invention, should be covered within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A brain-computer interface with a protective device, comprising an electrode pad (4) and a protective block (3) fixedly connected to the upper surface of the electrode pad (4), characterized in that, A guide rod (51) is provided on the outside of the electrode sheet (4); The protective block (3) has a guide groove (38) in the middle. The protective block (3) has a dust exhaust channel (33) and a guide groove (39) inside. An air inlet (37) is provided on the upper half of the periphery of the protective block (3). The lower surface of the protective block (3) is provided with an air guide groove (36); A protective ring (5) is fixedly installed on the lower surface of the guide rod (51), and an air guide plug (52) is fixedly installed on the upper surface of the guide rod (51). A spring (53) is fixedly installed on the upper surface of the air guide plug (52), and the other end of the spring (53) is fixedly connected to the inner wall of the air guide groove (36).

2. The brain-computer interface with a protective device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The air inlet (37) is connected to the inside of the guide groove (39), and the air inlet (37) and the guide groove (39) are designed as a cone shape. The diameter of the inlet port on the outer surface of the protective block (3) is larger than the diameter of the inner port, forming a gradual shape that expands outward and contracts inward.

3. A brain-computer interface with a protective device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The inner wall of the guide groove (39) has two kinds of spiral grooves (391), which are left-handed and right-handed, and the two kinds of spiral grooves (391) are distributed alternately.

4. A brain-computer interface with a protective device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The air guide groove (36) is internally connected to the guide groove (39) and the air inlet (37), and the upper end of the air guide groove (36) is located at the connection between the guide groove (39) and the air inlet (37). The air guide groove (36), the air inlet (37) and the guide groove (39) are internally connected to the guide groove (38). The inner wall of the air inlet (37) is provided with a spiral groove (371).

5. A brain-computer interface with a protective device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The dust discharge channel (33) is connected to the interior of the guide groove (38), and the dust discharge channel (33) is inclined, with an inclination angle between 45 degrees and 60 degrees.

6. A brain-computer interface with a protective device according to claim 5, characterized in that, A support block (35) is fixedly installed on the inner wall of the lower half of the guide groove (38), and a spring (34) is fixedly installed on the upper surface of the support block (35). A sliding plug (32) is fixedly installed on the upper end of the spring (34).

7. A brain-computer interface with a protective device according to claim 6, characterized in that, The circumference of the sliding plug (32) is slidably connected to the inner wall of the guide groove (38), and a valve (31) is fixedly installed on the inner surface of the sliding plug (32).

8. A brain-computer interface with a protective device according to claim 1, characterized in that, Several electrode pads (4) are provided with a brain-computer interface (1), and a protective cover (2) is attached to the outside of the brain-computer interface (1). Several protective blocks (3) are embedded in the outer surface of the protective cover (2).

9. A brain-computer interface with a protective device according to claim 8, characterized in that, The protective ring (5) is made of medical-grade silicone, and the inner diameter of the protective ring (5) is larger than the outer diameter of the electrode sheet (4).

10. A brain-computer interface with a protective device according to claim 8, characterized in that, One end of the guide rod (51) extends through to the inside of the brain-computer interface (1), and the protective ring (5) is located inside the brain-computer interface (1). The air plug (52) slides on the inner wall of the air groove (36).

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