A transcutaneous acupoint electrical stimulation device

Abstract

This invention relates to the field of medical device technology and discloses a transcutaneous acupoint electrical stimulation device, comprising: a main unit, electrodes, and an adsorption assembly. The main unit and electrodes are detachably electrically connected via wires. The adsorption assembly includes an adsorption cover, an automatic winding component, and an operating component. The bottom of the adsorption cover is made of a flexible material to form negative pressure against the skin. The electrodes are movably disposed at the bottom of the adsorption cover. The automatic winding component is built into the adsorption cover, and the wires are wound and wound around the automatic winding component, which has a locking slider for locking or releasing the wires. This invention, by adding an adsorption assembly, allows the electrodes to not only adhere to the skin through a conductive gel layer but also achieve physical fixation through the negative pressure adsorption of the adsorption cover. Combined with the elastic connection of the flexible band, this effectively prevents the electrodes from falling off during treatment, ensuring the stability of electrical stimulation conduction.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of medical device technology, and more specifically, to a transcutaneous acupoint electrical stimulation device. Background Technology

[0002] Transcutaneous electrical stimulation (TES) is a treatment method that combines traditional acupuncture theory with modern transcutaneous electrical stimulation technology. It is widely used in pain management, rehabilitation therapy, and home healthcare. Currently, most TES devices on the market have a split structure, where the main unit and electrodes are connected by wires, and the electrodes are attached to the acupoints on the skin through a conductive gel layer at the bottom.

[0003] However, traditional split-type transcutaneous acupoint electrical stimulation devices still have certain drawbacks in practical applications, such as the problem of electrodes easily falling off. Since the electrodes are only attached to the skin by the adhesive of conductive gel, as the treatment time increases, especially when the patient's limbs are active or the skin is sweating, the electrodes are prone to lifting or even falling off, which in turn affects the treatment effect. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide a transcutaneous acupoint electrical stimulation device to solve the aforementioned technical problems.

[0005] The present invention solves the above-mentioned technical problems through the following technical solutions: The present invention provides a transcutaneous acupoint electrical stimulation device, comprising: a main unit, electrodes and an adsorption assembly, wherein the main unit and the electrodes are detachably electrically connected by wires. The adsorption assembly includes an adsorption cover, an automatic winding component, and an operating component. The bottom of the adsorption cover is made of a flexible material to form negative pressure by adhering to the skin; the electrodes are movably disposed at the bottom of the adsorption cover. The automatic winding component is built into the adsorption cover, the wire is wound and wound onto the automatic winding component, and the automatic winding component has a locking slider for locking or releasing the wire. The operating component is movably mounted on the top of the adsorption hood and is linked with the automatic winding component. The automatic winding component can be driven to move within the adsorption cover by operating the operating component, thereby controlling the electrode to extend out of the adsorption cover for treatment or to retract back into the adsorption cover for storage. In the state where the electrode is extended, the adsorption cover is used to fix it to the skin by negative pressure, and the automatic winding component controls the stretching or winding of the wire by locking the slider.

[0006] Preferably, the adsorption cover includes a rigid part at the top and a flexible part at the bottom; the flexible part has a funnel-shaped opening for close contact with the skin to form a negative pressure cavity.

[0007] Preferably, a venting structure is provided on one side of the rigid part, the venting structure including a miniature vent hole provided on the rigid part, and an openable and closable silicone sealing plug provided in the vent hole.

[0008] Preferably, the rigid part is made of medical-grade plastic and the flexible part is made of medical-grade silicone.

[0009] Preferably, the electrode is connected to the bottom of the flexible part by multiple circumferentially distributed flexible strips, so that the electrode can adaptively conform to the curvature of human skin.

[0010] Preferably, the automatic winding component includes a support disposed within the adsorption hood, a winding wheel rotatably mounted on the support, the wire being wound around the winding wheel, a torsion spring for driving the winding wheel to rotate being sleeved on the shaft of the winding wheel, a locking slider being provided on the adsorption hood at the exit path of the wire, the locking slider being used to lock the wire, and the support being fixed to the electrode by multiple elastic connecting rods.

[0011] Preferably, the operating component includes a pressing rod that slides through the top of the adsorption cover, the lower end of the pressing rod being fixedly connected to an automatic winding component, a return spring being sleeved on the pressing rod, and a knob being rotatably mounted on the top of the pressing rod, with a locking structure between the knob and the top of the adsorption cover.

[0012] Preferably, the locking structure includes an external thread at the bottom of the knob and a threaded groove at the top of the adsorption cover; by rotating the knob, the external thread engages or disengages with the threaded groove, thereby achieving locking and unlocking of the electrode in the extended state.

[0013] Preferably, both ends of the conductor are provided with conductive buckles, and both the host and the electrode are provided with buckle seats that engage with the conductive buckles.

[0014] Preferably, the end of the locking slider that contacts the wire is provided with a soft rubber pad to increase friction and protect the wire sheath.

[0015] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows: This invention adds an adsorption component, which allows the electrode to not only adhere to the skin through the conductive gel layer, but also achieve physical fixation through the negative pressure adsorption of the adsorption cover. Combined with the elastic connection of the flexible band, it can effectively prevent the electrode from falling off during treatment and ensure the stability of electrical stimulation conduction. This invention incorporates an automatic winding mechanism within the adsorption hood. On one hand, the adsorption hood serves as a storage compartment, utilizing a winding wheel, torsion spring, and locking slider to achieve on-demand stretching, length locking, and automatic winding of the wires, solving the problem of tangled wires and improving the user experience. On the other hand, the adsorption hood also functions as a protective structure, with the automatic winding mechanism simultaneously extending and retracting the electrodes. After use, the electrodes can retract back into the adsorption hood, forming a closed storage space. This prevents contamination of the conductive gel layer, slows down gel moisture evaporation, and extends the effective lifespan of the electrodes. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the transcutaneous acupoint electrical stimulation device of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view of the adsorption cover in the transcutaneous acupoint electrical stimulation device of the present invention; Figure 3 This is the present invention. Figure 2 A magnified view of a portion of point A in the middle; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure between the automatic winding component and the electrode in the transcutaneous acupoint electrical stimulation device of the present invention; Figure 5 This is a bottom view of the adsorption cover in the transcutaneous acupoint electrical stimulation device of the present invention; Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure on the back of the main unit of the transcutaneous acupoint electrical stimulation device of the present invention.

[0017] In the diagram: 1. Main unit; 2. Electrode; 21. Buckle; 22. Conductive gel layer; 23. Flexible belt; 24. Connecting rod; 3. Adsorption assembly; 31. Adsorption cover; 311. Rigid part; 3111. Threaded groove; 3112. Vent hole; 3113. Silicone sealing plug; 312. Flexible part; 32. Automatic winding component; 321. Support; 322. Winding wheel; 323. Torsion spring; 324. Locking slider; 3241. Soft rubber pad; 33. Operating component; 331. Pressing rod; 332. Return spring; 333. Knob; 3331. External thread; 4. Wire; 41. Conductive buckle. Detailed Implementation

[0018] The subject matter described herein will now be discussed with reference to exemplary embodiments. It should be understood that these embodiments are discussed only to enable those skilled in the art to better understand and implement the subject matter described herein, and changes may be made to the function and arrangement of the elements discussed without departing from the scope of this specification. Various processes or components may be omitted, substituted, or added as needed in the examples. Furthermore, features described in some examples may be combined in other examples.

[0019] Please refer to the following: Figures 1 to 6 A transcutaneous acupoint electrical stimulation device includes: a main unit 1, electrodes 2, and an adsorption assembly 3. The main unit 1 and electrodes 2 are detachably electrically connected via wires 4. The main unit 1 is used to generate electrical stimulation signals, and the electrodes 2 are used to conduct the electrical signals to acupoints on the human body.

[0020] The adsorption component 3 is the core improvement of the present invention, which includes an adsorption cover 31, an automatic winding component 32, and an operating component 33.

[0021] The adsorption cover 31 consists of a rigid part 311 and a flexible part 312. The rigid part 311 is located at the top and is made of medical-grade plastic material (such as ABS, PC, etc.), providing mechanical support for the entire adsorption assembly 3. The flexible part 312 is located at the bottom and is made of medical-grade silicone material (preferably Shore A hardness 30-40). It has a funnel-shaped opening that can closely fit the skin to form a negative pressure chamber. This hardness range ensures both airtightness and avoids skin discomfort caused by excessively hard material, while also supporting alcohol wiping disinfection and being reusable.

[0022] The electrode 2 is movably disposed at the bottom of the adsorption cover 31. Preferably, the electrode 2 is connected to the bottom of the flexible part 312 by multiple circumferentially distributed flexible strips 23. The flexible strips 23 are made of elastic silicone material, and gaps are maintained between each flexible strip 23, allowing external air to enter the flexible part 312 through these gaps. This allows the electrode 2 to adaptively conform to the curvature of human skin within a certain range, buffering the pulling force caused by slight limb movements and further improving fixation stability. A conductive gel layer 22 is retained at the bottom of the electrode 2 for conducting electrical stimulation.

[0023] The automatic winding component 32 is built into the adsorption cover 31 and is used to automatically wind and lock the wire 4. Specifically, the automatic winding component 32 includes a support 321, a winding wheel 322, a torsion spring 323, and a locking slider 324. The support 321 is disposed inside the adsorption cover 31. The winding wheel 322 is rotatably connected to the support 321, and the wire 4 is wound around the winding wheel 322. The torsion spring 323 is sleeved on the rotating shaft of the winding wheel 322 and is used to provide the elastic force to drive the winding wheel 322 to rotate and automatically wind the wire 4. The locking slider 324 is slidably disposed on the path of the wire 4 in the adsorption cover 31 and has a locked position and an unlocked position. In this example, the locking slider 324 consists of a sliding body and a spring connected to one side of the sliding body. In the locked position, the sliding body, supported by the spring force, presses against the surface of the wire 4, overcoming the spring force of the torsion spring 323 and locking the extension length of the wire 4. In the unlocked position, the locking of the wire 4 is released, and the wire 4 can automatically rewind under the action of the torsion spring 323. A plurality of elastic connecting rods 24 are fixedly connected between the bottom of the support 321 and the electrode 2. When the support 321 moves up and down, the connecting rods 24 can drive the electrode 2 to perform synchronous extension and retraction movements.

[0024] Furthermore, a soft rubber pad 3241 is provided at the end of the locking slider 324 that contacts the wire 4. The soft rubber pad 3241 is preferably made of silicone or rubber, which increases the friction with the wire 4 to ensure reliable locking, and also avoids wear on the wire sheath caused by hard contact, extending the wire's service life. The operating end of the locking slider 324 can be provided with a cross-shaped anti-slip texture for easy hand operation.

[0025] The operating component 33 is movably disposed on the top of the adsorption cover 31 and is linked with the automatic winding component 32 to control the extension and retraction of the electrode 2. The operating component 33 includes a pressing rod 331, a return spring 332, and a knob 333. The pressing rod 331 slides through the top of the adsorption cover 31 (i.e., the top of the rigid part 311), and its lower end is fixedly connected to the top of the support 321. The return spring 332 is sleeved on the pressing rod 331, and its two ends are respectively connected to the inner side of the rigid part 311 and the top of the support 321, to provide elastic force for driving the pressing rod 331 and the automatic winding component 32 to return upward. The knob 333 is rotatably mounted on the top of the pressing rod 331, and a locking structure is provided between the knob 333 and the top of the adsorption cover 31.

[0026] In a preferred embodiment of this invention, the locking structure includes an external thread 3331 at the bottom of the knob 333 and a threaded groove 3111 at the top of the adsorption cover 31 (top of the rigid part 311). By rotating the knob 333, the external thread 3331 can be engaged or disengaged from the threaded groove 3111, thereby locking and unlocking the electrode 2 in the extended state.

[0027] To facilitate the release of negative pressure, an exhaust structure is provided on one side of the rigid part 311. Preferably, the exhaust structure includes a miniature exhaust hole 3112 on the rigid part 311, and an openable and closable silicone sealing plug 3113 is provided in the exhaust hole 3112. In use, blocking the silicone sealing plug 3113 can ensure the sealing of negative pressure; in disassembly, pulling out the silicone sealing plug 3113 allows for quick air intake to release negative pressure, which is convenient and avoids repeated bending of the flexible part, thus preventing aging and damage.

[0028] Both ends of the wire 4 are equipped with conductive clips 41, and both the main unit 1 and the electrode 2 are equipped with latches 21 that engage with the conductive clips 41. The engagement of the conductive clips 41 and latches 21 enables quick assembly and disassembly. As a further preferred embodiment, a micro-mechanical anti-loosening structure (such as an elastic hook) can be added to the engagement point between the conductive clips 41 and latches 21. After engagement, the clips automatically lock in place, preventing them from loosening due to limb movement during treatment and ensuring the stability of the electrical connection. To unfasten, only a light press of the clip is required, without affecting the ease of assembly and disassembly.

[0029] The specific working process of the transcutaneous acupoint electrical stimulation device provided by this invention is as follows: Step 1, Preparation before use: Initially, electrode 2 is retracted inside the adsorption cover 31. In use, press down on the knob 333 at the top of the adsorption cover 31. The knob 333 causes the pressing rod 331 to slide downwards along the rigid part 311, thereby pushing the automatic winding component 32 downwards simultaneously. During the downward movement of the automatic winding component 32, electrode 2, which is linked to it, extends downwards from the bottom of the flexible part 312. At the same time, the return spring 332 at the lower end of the pressing rod 331 is compressed and stores force. After continuously pressing down on the knob 333 until electrode 2 is fully extended, rotate the knob 333 to engage and lock the external thread 3331 at the bottom of the knob 333 with the threaded groove 3111 at the top of the rigid part 311. This fixes the position of the pressing rod 331 and the automatic winding component 32, keeping electrode 2 extended, thus completing the mechanical preparation before use.

[0030] Step two, procedures during treatment: The conductive gel surface 22 of the extended electrode 2 is tightly attached to the skin of the target acupoint. The rigid part 311 of the adsorption cover 31 is pressed firmly to squeeze out the air between the flexible part 312 and the skin. The negative pressure makes the adsorption cover 31 stably adsorbed on the skin. Under the dual action of negative pressure and flexible band 23, the electrode 2 remains in close contact with the skin, effectively preventing it from falling off.

[0031] The locking slider 324 on the sliding automatic rewinding component 32 separates the locking slider 324 from the wire 4, releasing the compression and fixation of the wire 4. The wire 4 is then stretched outward to the required length to match the placement position of the main unit 1 and the patient's body position. The locking slider 324 is released, and the slider resets under its own elasticity or the action of the built-in spring. The soft rubber pad 3241 presses against the surface of the wire 4 to achieve mechanical locking of the length of the wire 4, preventing the spring force of the torsion spring 323 from causing the wire 4 to retract automatically.

[0032] The conductive clips 41 at the protruding end of the wire 4 are fastened to the buckle 21 of the host 1, completing the electrical connection between the wire 4, the host 1, and the electrode 2. The host 1 is then started to perform transcutaneous acupoint electrical stimulation therapy.

[0033] Step 3, storage after use: After treatment, turn off the main unit 1, unplug the conductive clip 41 at the protruding end of the wire 4 to disconnect the electrical connection between the wire 4 and the main unit 1; unplug the silicone sealing plug 3113 on the rigid part 311 to allow air to enter between the flexible part 312 and the skin through the exhaust hole 3112, quickly release the negative pressure adsorption, and remove the entire adsorption component 3 from the skin. Rotate the knob 333 in the opposite direction to engage and separate the external thread 3331 at the bottom of the knob 333 from the threaded groove 3111 at the top of the rigid part 311. This releases the position lock on the pressing rod 331 and the automatic winding member 32. The reset spring 332 releases its stored force and pushes the pressing rod 331 and the automatic winding member 32 upward in sync. The automatic winding member 32 drives the electrode 2 to retract upward into the adsorption cover 31, thus achieving the closed storage of the electrode 2.

[0034] Slide the locking slider 324 to release the compression and fixation of the wire 4. The winding wheel 322 rotates in the opposite direction under the rebound force of the torsion spring 323, automatically winding up the externally stretched wire 4, so that the wire 4 is neatly wrapped around the winding wheel 322, completing the overall storage of the wire 4 and the electrode 2.

[0035] In summary, this invention, through a purely mechanical adsorption component, achieves three major functions—negative pressure fixation of the electrode, automatic winding and locking of the wire, and telescopic storage of the electrode—without altering the core functions of the original host and electrode. It effectively solves the pain points of traditional equipment and has the advantages of compact structure, simple operation, low cost, and convenient maintenance, making it suitable for large-scale application in clinical and home settings.

[0036] The embodiments of the present invention have been described above, but the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments described above. The specific embodiments described above are merely illustrative and not restrictive. Those skilled in the art can make many other forms under the guidance of the present invention, all of which are within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A transcutaneous acupoint electrical stimulation device, characterized in that, include: The host, electrodes, and adsorption components are provided, with the host and electrodes connected by a detachable electrical connection via wires. The adsorption assembly includes an adsorption cover, an automatic winding component, and an operating component. The bottom of the adsorption cover is made of a flexible material to form negative pressure by adhering to the skin; the electrodes are movably disposed at the bottom of the adsorption cover. The automatic winding component is built into the adsorption cover, the wire is wound and wound onto the automatic winding component, and the automatic winding component has a locking slider for locking or releasing the wire. The operating component is movably mounted on the top of the adsorption hood and is linked with the automatic winding component. The automatic winding component can be driven to move within the adsorption hood by operating the operating component, thereby controlling the electrode to extend out of the adsorption hood for treatment or to retract back into the adsorption hood for storage. With the electrode extended, the adsorption cover is used to fix it to the skin by negative pressure, and the automatic winding component controls the stretching or winding of the wire by locking the slider.

2. The transcutaneous acupoint electrical stimulation device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The adsorption cover includes a rigid part at the top and a flexible part at the bottom; the flexible part has a funnel-shaped opening for close contact with the skin to form a negative pressure cavity.

3. The transcutaneous acupoint electrical stimulation device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The rigid part is provided with an exhaust structure on one side. The exhaust structure includes a miniature exhaust hole provided on the rigid part, and an openable and closable silicone sealing plug is provided in the exhaust hole.

4. The transcutaneous acupoint electrical stimulation device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The rigid part is made of medical-grade plastic, and the flexible part is made of medical-grade silicone.

5. The transcutaneous acupoint electrical stimulation device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The electrode is connected to the bottom of the flexible part by multiple circumferentially distributed flexible strips, so that the electrode can adaptively conform to the curvature of human skin.

6. The transcutaneous acupoint electrical stimulation device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The automatic winding component includes a support disposed within the adsorption hood, a winding wheel rotatably mounted on the support, the wire being wound around the winding wheel, a torsion spring for driving the winding wheel to rotate being sleeved on the shaft of the winding wheel, a locking slider being provided on the adsorption hood at the exit path of the wire, the locking slider being used to lock the wire, and the support and the electrode being fixed together by multiple elastic connecting rods.

7. The transcutaneous acupoint electrical stimulation device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The operating component includes a pressing rod that slides through the top of the adsorption cover. The lower end of the pressing rod is fixedly connected to an automatic winding component. A return spring is sleeved on the pressing rod. A knob is rotatably mounted on the top of the pressing rod. A locking structure is provided between the knob and the top of the adsorption cover.

8. The transcutaneous acupoint electrical stimulation device according to claim 7, characterized in that, The locking structure includes an external thread at the bottom of the knob and a threaded groove at the top of the adsorption cover; by rotating the knob, the external thread and the threaded groove are engaged or disengaged, thereby locking and unlocking the electrode in the extended state.

9. The transcutaneous acupoint electrical stimulation device according to claim 1, characterized in that, Both ends of the conductor are provided with conductive buckles, and the main unit and the electrode are provided with buckle seats that cooperate with the conductive buckles to engage.

10. The transcutaneous acupoint electrical stimulation device according to claim 6, characterized in that, The locking slider has a soft rubber pad at the end that contacts the wire to increase friction and protect the wire sheath.

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