A muscle electrical stimulation device and method

Abstract

This invention discloses a muscle electrical stimulation device and method. The device includes: an electrical stimulation component, which is a flexible structure with electrode contacts on its surface, and can be flexibly fitted onto the muscle to be stimulated; a control module, wiredly connected to the electrical stimulation component, which has multiple preset electrical stimulation programs and executes the corresponding programs according to different muscle sites, controlling the electrical stimulation component to apply electrical stimulation to the muscle; a power supply unit, connected to the control module, providing power to the muscle electrical stimulation device; and fixing components, disposed on both sides of the electrical stimulation component. The device provided by this invention allows for passive muscle movement through electrical stimulation without requiring active human effort, effectively maintaining muscle activity and blood circulation. It is suitable for muscle function maintenance scenarios in confined spaces, offering convenience and strong applicability.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the technical field of medical rehabilitation equipment and sports assistive devices, and in particular relates to a muscle electrical stimulation device and method suitable for maintaining human muscle function in confined spaces. Background Technology

[0002] In scenarios such as spaceflight, underground mining, deep-sea exploration, and intensive care, the human body is often confined to narrow spaces with severely limited range of motion, making normal active movement impossible. Prolonged lack of active movement leads to disuse atrophy of muscle fibers, a significant decrease in muscle strength and endurance, and slowed blood circulation, which can easily cause limb swelling, thrombosis, and metabolic disorders, seriously affecting human health and subsequent mobility.

[0003] Existing muscle electrical stimulation devices are mostly designed for conventional scenarios and have many limitations: some devices are bulky and complex in structure, making them inconvenient to carry and wear in confined spaces, resulting in poor adaptability; some flexible electrical stimulation patches lack reliable fixing structures, making them easy to fall off after wearing and unable to stably act on the target muscle area; most devices have a single electrical stimulation program, which can only achieve simple muscle contractions and cannot simulate the rhythm and intensity changes of human active movement, thus failing to effectively replace active movement to maintain muscle activity; in addition, some devices have insufficient power supply and cannot meet the needs of long-term operation or care in confined spaces.

[0004] Therefore, there is an urgent need for a small, easy-to-wear, reliable, programmable, and long-lasting muscle electrical stimulation device to solve technical problems such as muscle atrophy and poor blood circulation caused by the inability of the human body to move actively in confined spaces, and to achieve effective maintenance of muscle function. Summary of the Invention

[0005] To address the aforementioned problems, this invention proposes a muscle electrical stimulation device and method to solve the technical problem that the human body cannot perform active movements in confined spaces, which can easily lead to muscle atrophy and poor blood circulation.

[0006] The objective of this invention is achieved through the following technical solution: a muscle electrical stimulation device, comprising: The electrical stimulation component is a flexible structure with electrode contacts on its surface. The electrical stimulation component can be flexibly attached to the muscle area to be stimulated. The control module is wired to the electrical stimulation component. The control module has multiple preset electrical stimulation programs and executes the corresponding electrical stimulation program according to different muscle parts, controlling the electrical stimulation component to apply electrical stimulation to the muscles. The power supply unit, connected to the control module, provides power to the muscle electrical stimulation device. Fixing components are located on both sides of the electrical stimulation component.

[0007] Preferably, the electrical stimulation component uses flexible electrode patches.

[0008] Preferably, the flexible electrode patch comprises, from the inside out, a substrate layer, a conductive gel layer, and electrode contacts.

[0009] Preferably, the control module is integrated into the edge of the electrical stimulation component or set up independently as a miniature box, and is connected to the electrical stimulation component via wires.

[0010] Preferably, the control module includes: The storage unit is pre-stored with various electrical stimulation programs that simulate active human movement; Signal generation unit, used to output electrical pulse signals; The main control chip controls the signal generation unit to output corresponding electrical pulse signals according to a preset program or user instructions, which are then applied to the muscle nerves through the electrical stimulation component.

[0011] Preferably, the control module also includes a wireless communication unit to communicate with the terminal device and realize program switching, parameter adjustment and data recording.

[0012] Preferably, the power supply unit and the control module are detachably connected.

[0013] Preferably, the fixing component adopts an adjustable strap structure, and the strap can be adjusted by adjusting the buckle.

[0014] Preferably, the adjustment buckle is a snap-on type or Velcro.

[0015] In addition to providing a muscle electrical stimulation device, the present invention also provides a method for performing muscle electrical stimulation using the above-mentioned device, the method comprising the following steps: In a confined space, the user attaches the electrical stimulation component to the muscle area requiring maintenance and secures the device to the muscle area using a fixing component, ensuring a close fit between the electrical stimulation component and the skin. The control module selects the electrical stimulation program corresponding to the muscle area, sets the running time, and starts the device. The control module outputs electrical pulse signals according to the preset program, which act on the muscle nerves of the muscle area to be maintained through the electrical stimulation component, driving the muscle to perform rhythmic contraction and relaxation, simulating the movement of the muscle area.

[0016] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows: As can be seen from the above scheme, the present invention provides a muscle electrical stimulation device and method. The device includes a flexible electrode patch, a control module, a power supply unit, and a fixing component. The flexible electrode patch can be attached to the target muscle area of ​​the human body. The control module has built-in electrical stimulation programs that simulate active movement and can output electrical pulse signals of preset frequency and intensity. Through the flexible electrode patch, it acts on the muscle nerve, driving the muscle to perform rhythmic contraction and relaxation, thereby achieving passive movement. The fixing component adopts an adjustable strap structure to adapt to different body parts. The overall device is small in size and light in weight, and can be conveniently worn and used in narrow spaces.

[0017] The device provided by this invention can drive muscles to complete passive movements through electrical stimulation without the need for the human body to exert force during operation, effectively maintaining muscle activity and blood circulation. It is suitable for muscle function maintenance scenarios in narrow spaces and is convenient and applicable. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the muscle electrical stimulation device in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the flexible electrode patch structure in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] In the figure, 1 is the flexible electrode patch; 11 is the substrate layer; 12 is the conductive gel layer; 13 is the electrode contact; 2 is the control module; 3 is the power supply unit; 4 is the fixing component; and 5 is the strap body. Detailed Implementation

[0020] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this invention clearer, the technical solutions in this embodiment will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some, not all, of the embodiments of this invention. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this invention without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this invention.

[0021] like Figure 1 As shown, the technical solution of the present invention provides a muscle electrical stimulation device, comprising: The electrical stimulation component is a flexible structure with electrode contacts on its surface. The electrical stimulation component can be flexibly attached to the muscle area to be stimulated. Control module 2 is wired to the electrical stimulation component. The control module has multiple preset electrical stimulation programs and executes the corresponding electrical stimulation program according to different muscle parts, controlling the electrical stimulation component to apply electrical stimulation to the muscles. Power supply unit 3 is connected to control module 2 and provides power to the muscle electrical stimulation device; Fixing component 4 is located on both sides of the electrical stimulation component.

[0022] The components work together to achieve passive muscle movement and functional maintenance. like Figure 2 As shown, in one embodiment of the present invention, the electrical stimulation component employs a flexible electrode patch 1. The flexible electrode patch 1 is made of medical-grade flexible conductive material and includes a base layer 11, a conductive gel layer 12, and electrode contacts 13. The base layer is made of breathable silicone material with a thickness of 0.3mm-0.8mm, allowing it to closely conform to target muscle areas such as the limbs and torso, adapting to the body's curves, improving wearing comfort, and avoiding skin discomfort caused by prolonged wear. The conductive gel layer 12 uses a biocompatible gel, which is non-irritating to the skin and reduces the contact resistance between the electrode and the skin, ensuring stable conduction of the electrical pulse signal. The electrode contacts are circular or elliptical, numbering 2-4, and evenly distributed on the patch. Their placement can be adjusted according to the target muscle area, precisely targeting the muscle nerves. Specifically, the flexible electrode patch 1 is a medium-sized patch suitable for the arm and lower leg. The base layer 11 is a 0.5mm thick medical-grade breathable silicone, the conductive gel layer 12 is a biocompatible hydrogel, and the electrode contacts 13 are four circular contacts with a diameter of 0.8cm, evenly distributed in the center of the patch with a spacing of 2cm to ensure that the electrical pulse signal is evenly applied to the target muscle nerve. In this embodiment, the flexible electrode patch 1 can be designed in different sizes according to the size of the target muscle area, such as small for the wrist and ankle, medium for the arm and lower leg, and large for the thigh and torso, improving device compatibility.

[0023] In one embodiment of the present invention, the control module 2 is integrated into the edge of the flexible electrode patch or set as a separate miniature box, electrically connected to the flexible electrode patch 1 via wires. The overall volume does not exceed 3cm × 5cm × 1cm, and the weight is ≤20g, making it easy to carry and conceal. The module incorporates a main control chip, a storage unit, a signal generation unit, and a wireless communication unit. The storage unit pre-stores various electrical stimulation programs simulating active human movement such as flexion, extension, contraction, and relaxation, covering different frequency combinations (1Hz-100Hz), intensity combinations (0mA-50mA), and pulse width combinations (50μs-500μs), adaptable to the movement needs of different muscle types such as skeletal and smooth muscles. The main control chip, according to the preset program or user instructions, controls the signal generation unit to output corresponding electrical pulse signals, which act on the muscle nerves through the flexible electrode patch, driving the muscles to rhythmically contract and relax, simulating the physiological process of active movement. The wireless communication unit supports Bluetooth or WiFi connectivity, enabling communication with mobile phones, tablets, and other terminal devices to achieve functions such as program switching, parameter adjustment, and data recording. In this embodiment, the control module also has a built-in pressure sensor that can detect the contact pressure between the electrode patch and the skin in real time. When the pressure is lower than a preset threshold, a reminder signal is sent through the terminal device to avoid affecting the electrical stimulation effect due to poor contact.

[0024] In one embodiment of the present invention, the power supply unit 3 and the control module 2 are detachably connected. The power supply unit 3 uses a rechargeable lithium battery with a capacity of not less than 400mAh. It is compact in size and has a long battery life, allowing for continuous use for 8 hours on a single charge, meeting the needs of long-term use in confined spaces. The power supply unit and the control module are detachably connected, support USB-Type-C interface charging, and have overcharge, over-discharge, and short-circuit protection functions to improve safety. A magnetic charging component can be optionally provided to avoid the inconvenience of plugging and unplugging wires in confined spaces.

[0025] In one embodiment of the present invention, the fixing component 4 adopts an adjustable strap structure, including a strap body, an adjusting buckle, and an adhesive layer. The strap body is made of elastic and breathable fabric, with a width of 2cm-5cm, possessing good elasticity and breathability, and can be adapted to different body parts such as the arms, thighs, and waist. The adjusting buckle adopts a snap-on or Velcro design, which is convenient for one-handed operation and can quickly adjust the tightness of the strap, ensuring that the flexible electrode patch fits tightly to the skin without affecting blood circulation. The adhesive layer is set on the inner side of the strap corresponding to the position of the electrode patch, which can help fix the electrode patch and prevent the patch from shifting or falling off due to slight limb movements during wear.

[0026] like Figures 1 to 2As shown, in a specific embodiment of the present invention, a specific muscle electrical stimulation device is provided, including a flexible electrode patch 1, a control module 2, a power supply unit 3, and a fixing component 4. The flexible electrode patch 1 is centrally mounted, the control module 2 is integrated on the left edge of the patch and is detachably connected to the power supply unit 3 via a magnetic interface, and the straps 5 of the fixing component 4 are symmetrically distributed on both sides of the flexible electrode patch 1. The overall structure is compact, intuitively demonstrating the device's small and portable characteristics. In this embodiment, the flexible electrode patch 1 is of medium size, suitable for the arm and lower leg. The base layer 11 is a 0.5mm thick medical-grade breathable silicone, the conductive gel layer 12 is a biocompatible hydrogel, and the electrode contacts 13 are four circular contacts with a diameter of 0.8cm, evenly distributed in the center of the patch with a spacing of 2cm to ensure that the electrical pulse signal is uniformly applied to the target muscle nerve. The control module 2 is integrated into the left edge of the flexible electrode patch, measuring 2.5cm × 4cm × 0.8cm and weighing 15g. It incorporates an STM32 series main control chip, a 16GB storage unit, a high-precision signal generation unit, a Bluetooth 5.0 communication unit, and a pressure sensor. The storage unit contains pre-stored electrical stimulation programs: Program 1 (frequency 20Hz, intensity 10mA-20mA, pulse width 200μs) simulates arm flexion and extension; Program 2 (frequency 30Hz, intensity 15mA-25mA, pulse width 250μs) simulates leg contraction; Program 3 (frequency 10Hz, intensity 5mA-15mA, pulse width 150μs) is for muscle relaxation; Program 4 (frequency 50Hz, intensity 20mA-30mA, pulse width 300μs) is for enhancing muscle strength; and Program 5 (frequency 5Hz, intensity 5mA-10mA, pulse width 100μs) is for promoting blood circulation. The pressure sensor has a preset contact pressure threshold of 0.1 MPa. When insufficient pressure is detected, it sends a vibration alert to the mobile terminal via Bluetooth. The power supply unit 3 is a 300mAh rechargeable lithium battery, connected to the control module 2 magnetically. The charging interface is USB-Type-C, providing 12 hours of battery life on a single charge. It features overcharge and over-discharge protection, and charging takes approximately 1.5 hours. The strap body 5 of the fixing component 4 is made of 3cm wide elastic knitted fabric, offering good breathability and elasticity. The adjustment buckle is a Velcro design, with a length adjustment range of 20cm-40cm to accommodate limbs of different sizes. The adhesive layer is medical pressure-sensitive adhesive, positioned on the inside of the strap corresponding to the flexible electrode patch 1, assisting in fixing the patch and preventing displacement. The device provided in this embodiment can be widely used in aerospace, underground, and rehabilitation nursing scenarios, effectively solving the problem of the inability to actively move the human body in confined spaces, maintaining muscle activity and blood circulation. It is convenient, safe, reliable, and highly adaptable.

[0027] In addition to providing a muscle electrical stimulation device, the present invention also provides a method for performing muscle electrical stimulation using the above-mentioned device, the method comprising the following steps: In a confined space, the user attaches the flexible electrode patch 1 to the biceps brachii muscle area of ​​the arm, selecting the muscle region to be maintained, such as the arm. The user then wraps the arm with the straps of the fixing component 4, adjusting the tightness of the Velcro to ensure a tight fit to the skin. Once the pressure sensor detects sufficient pressure, it sends a normal signal back to the terminal. The user then connects to the control module 2 via Bluetooth on their mobile phone, selects the corresponding electrical stimulation program (e.g., program 1), sets the running time (e.g., 30 minutes), and starts the device. The control module 2 outputs electrical pulse signals according to the preset program, which act on the biceps brachii nerve through the electrode contacts, driving the muscle to rhythmically contract and relax, simulating arm flexion and extension movements. During operation, the user can adjust the electrical stimulation intensity in real time via their mobile phone. The device automatically records data such as muscle stimulation duration and parameters for later review and adjustment.

[0028] The device provided by this invention solves the technical problem that the human body cannot carry out active movement in narrow spaces, which can easily lead to muscle atrophy and poor blood circulation. It can drive muscles to complete passive movement without the human body having to exert force, effectively maintaining muscle activity and blood circulation. It is also convenient to wear, highly adaptable, and flexible in use.

[0029] The device provided by this invention is small in size and light in weight. The fixing components are adaptable to different body parts and can be conveniently worn in narrow spaces such as spacecraft cabins, underground wells, and hospital beds without taking up too much space. Moreover, it does not affect the limited movement of the human body after being worn, breaking through the usage scenario limitations of conventional sports equipment and effectively solving the problem of exercise in narrow spaces.

[0030] This invention, through the built-in multiple electrical stimulation programs, can output electrical pulse signals with different parameters to precisely drive the rhythmic contraction and relaxation of muscles. Without the need for the human body to exert force, it can simulate the physiological processes of active movement such as walking and flexion and extension, effectively maintain muscle fiber activity, prevent disuse atrophy, promote blood circulation, reduce the occurrence of problems such as thrombosis and swelling, simulate active movement, and maintain muscle function.

[0031] This invention uses flexible electrode patches that conform to the curves of the human body, which are breathable and comfortable. Different sizes can be replaced to fit different muscle areas. The fixing components are adjustable to help fix the patches and prevent them from shifting or falling off. It supports wireless control and long-lasting power supply, is easy to operate, and is convenient for long-term use. It is highly adaptable and convenient.

[0032] This invention uses medical-grade materials and multiple safety protection designs, is non-irritating to the skin, and avoids the risk of electric shock. It can flexibly adjust parameters and switch programs through terminal devices to adapt to the personalized needs of different groups of people (such as rehabilitation patients and workers), with a wide range of applications and outstanding safety and practicality.

[0033] The above are preferred embodiments of the present invention. It should be noted that, for those skilled in the art, several improvements and modifications can be made without departing from the principle of the present invention, and these improvements and modifications should also be considered within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A muscle electrical stimulation device, characterized in that: The device includes: The electrical stimulation component is a flexible structure with electrode contacts on its surface. The electrical stimulation component can be flexibly attached to the muscle area to be stimulated. The control module (2) is wired to the electrical stimulation component. The control module (2) has multiple preset electrical stimulation programs. It executes the corresponding electrical stimulation program according to different muscle parts and controls the electrical stimulation component to perform electrical stimulation on the muscles. The power supply unit (3) is connected to the control module (2) to provide power to the muscle electrical stimulation device; Fixing components (4) are set on both sides of the electrical stimulation component.

2. The muscle electrical stimulation device as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The electrical stimulation component uses flexible electrode patches (1).

3. The muscle electrical stimulation device as described in claim 2, characterized in that: The flexible electrode patch (1) includes, from the inside out, a base layer (11), a conductive gel layer (12), and electrode contacts (13).

4. The muscle electrical stimulation device as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The control module (2) is integrated into the edge of the electrical stimulation component or set as a separate miniature box and is connected to the electrical stimulation component through wires.

5. The muscle electrical stimulation device as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The control module includes: The storage unit is pre-stored with various electrical stimulation programs that simulate active human movement; Signal generation unit, used to output electrical pulse signals; The main control chip controls the signal generation unit to output corresponding electrical pulse signals according to a preset program or user instructions, which are then applied to the muscle nerves through the electrical stimulation component.

6. The muscle electrical stimulation device as described in claim 5, characterized in that: The control module also includes a wireless communication unit that communicates with the terminal device to enable program switching, parameter adjustment, and data recording.

7. The muscle electrical stimulation device as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The power supply unit (3) is detachably connected to the control module (2).

8. The muscle electrical stimulation device as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The fixing component (4) adopts an adjustable strap structure, and the strap can be adjusted by adjusting the buckle.

9. A muscle electrical stimulation device as described in claim 8, characterized in that: The adjustment buckle can be either a snap-on type or a Velcro fastener.

10. A method for electrical muscle stimulation, characterized in that: The method of performing electrical muscle stimulation using the device according to any one of claims 1-9 includes the following steps: In a confined space, the user attaches the electrical stimulation component to the muscle area that needs maintenance, and fixes the device to the muscle area through the fixing component (4), so that the electrical stimulation component fits tightly against the skin; the control module (2) selects the electrical stimulation program corresponding to the muscle area, sets the running time, and starts the device; the control module (2) outputs electrical pulse signals according to the preset program, and acts on the muscle nerves of the muscle area to be maintained through the electrical stimulation component, driving the muscle to perform rhythmic contraction and relaxation, simulating the movement of the muscle area.

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