A wearable ultrasound stimulation device

Abstract

The application provides a wearable ultrasonic stimulation device, comprising: a flexible circuit module connected with an ultrasonic transducer, the flexible circuit module and the ultrasonic transducer being arranged in a flexible packaging layer; an acoustic window for placing the ultrasonic transducer being arranged on the flexible packaging layer; wherein the flexible circuit module is used for acquiring a control instruction, generating an internal control signal according to the control instruction, and controlling the ultrasonic transducer to output ultrasonic waves through the internal control signal. Through the above technical scheme, the application realizes stable and close adhesion with human skin through flexible wearable design, can conveniently and accurately adjust ultrasonic stimulation intensity and duration through an intelligent terminal APP, and further achieves personalized and accurate non-invasive ultrasonic stimulation, and has the remarkable advantages of wearing comfort, strong portability, intelligent control and the like.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the fields of biomedical engineering, physical therapy and wearable electronics, and more specifically, to a wearable ultrasound stimulation device that integrates flexible electronics, wireless communication and ultrasound transduction technology. Background Technology

[0002] Traditional ultrasound stimulation devices are generally bulky, require cable connections, and necessitate operation by professionals, significantly limiting their widespread application in home healthcare and long-term rehabilitation. While some existing portable ultrasound devices have reduced their size, their core circuitry often uses rigid circuit boards, making it difficult to achieve a close fit to the curved surface of the skin during wear. This can lead to displacement, affecting the stability of the stimulation effect and wearing comfort. Furthermore, the control methods of these devices are relatively simple and cannot meet the needs of users for personalized and precise adjustments. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop an ultrasound stimulation device that is comfortable to wear, fits well, and supports intelligent control. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In view of this, the present invention proposes a wearable ultrasound stimulation device to solve the problems existing in the prior art.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides a wearable ultrasound stimulation device, comprising: A flexible circuit module is provided, which is connected to an ultrasonic transducer. The flexible circuit module and the ultrasonic transducer are disposed in a flexible encapsulation layer. An acoustic window for placing the ultrasonic transducer is provided on the flexible encapsulation layer. The flexible circuit module is used to acquire control commands, generate internal control signals according to the control commands, and control the ultrasonic transducer to output ultrasonic waves through the internal control signals.

[0005] Optionally, the flexible encapsulation layer also includes a power supply module, wherein the power supply module connects the flexible circuit module and the ultrasonic ring energy generator, and the power supply module uses a lithium battery.

[0006] Optionally, the flexible encapsulation layer includes a flexible upper encapsulation layer and a flexible lower encapsulation layer, wherein an acoustic window is provided on the flexible lower encapsulation layer for placing the emitting surface of the ultrasonic transducer, the flexible lower encapsulation layer is used for bonding, and the interiors of the flexible upper encapsulation layer and the flexible lower encapsulation layer form a sealed accommodating space.

[0007] Optionally, the flexible encapsulation layer is formed using medical-grade silicone or polyurethane film.

[0008] Optionally, the flexible circuit module includes an FPC flexible circuit board, wherein the FPC flexible circuit board integrates a control and communication unit and a signal driving unit, wherein the control and communication unit is used to acquire control commands and generate control signals according to the control commands; the signal driving unit is used to generate high-frequency electrical pulse signals according to the control signals, and use the high-frequency electrical pulse signals to excite the ultrasonic amplifier.

[0009] Optionally, the signal driving unit includes a boost circuit, a Coleman oscillator circuit, and a common-base amplifier circuit connected in sequence.

[0010] Optionally, the ultrasonic transducer is made of a piezoelectric ceramic sheet or a flexible piezoelectric composite material sheet. The ultrasonic transducer is provided with a positive electrode and a negative electrode, which are disposed on the same surface by a flanging electrode process.

[0011] Optionally, the flexible circuit module is connected to a smart terminal, which is used to provide control commands.

[0012] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are as follows: This invention features wearability and comfort: employing flexible circuitry and flexible packaging, the device can adaptively conform to the curves of the human body according to skin deformation, providing comfort even after prolonged wear and preventing it from easily falling off, thus significantly improving user experience and treatment compliance.

[0013] This invention is intelligent and controllable: it connects wirelessly to a smart terminal APP via Bluetooth, allowing users to intuitively and conveniently remotely adjust key parameters such as the intensity (indirectly controlled by duty cycle) and duration of ultrasound stimulation, thus achieving personalized and precise treatment.

[0014] This invention is small in size and highly integrated: the core size of the device is about 35mm×25mm×10mm, it is powered by a small lithium battery, the whole system is highly integrated, and there is no need for external complex cables, truly realizing portability and daily use.

[0015] This invention is highly safe and reliable: the maximum operating voltage of the circuit is 24V, which is within the safe voltage range for the human body. All electronic components are wrapped in a flexible encapsulation layer, which has waterproof, dustproof, and insulation protection functions, making it safe and reliable to use. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Various other advantages and benefits will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading the following detailed description of preferred embodiments. The accompanying drawings are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the invention. In the drawings: Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of an embodiment of the present invention.

[0017] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the ultrasonic transducer structure according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the layout of the flexible circuit module according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of intelligent terminal control according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] Figure 5 This is a main circuit diagram of an embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] Wherein: 1-Upper layer of flexible packaging; 2-Power supply module; 3-Flexible wire; 4-Flexible circuit module; 5-Ultrasonic transducer; 6-Lower layer of flexible packaging; 7-Positive electrode of ultrasonic transducer; 8-Negative electrode of ultrasonic transducer; 9-Signal drive unit components; 10-Top layer circuit of flexible circuit board; 11-Upper layer circuit of inner layer of flexible circuit board; 12-Lower layer circuit of inner layer of flexible circuit board; 13-Bottom layer circuit of flexible circuit board; 14-Control and communication unit components. Detailed Implementation

[0021] Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. While exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are shown in the drawings, it should be understood that the present disclosure may be implemented in various forms and should not be limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided to enable a more thorough understanding of the present disclosure and to fully convey the scope of the disclosure to those skilled in the art. It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the embodiments and features described herein can be combined with each other. The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0022] This embodiment proposes a wearable ultrasound stimulation device, such as Figure 1 As shown, the device includes: a flexible encapsulation layer, a flexible circuit module 4, a power supply module 2, and an ultrasonic transducer 5. The flexible circuit module 4 uses an FPC flexible circuit board and integrates a control and communication unit and a signal driving unit. The control and communication unit establishes a wireless connection with a smart terminal (such as a mobile APP) via Bluetooth, receives control commands, and controls the circuit to execute outputs. The signal driving unit generates a high-frequency sinusoidal pulse signal with specific parameters according to the commands of the control and communication unit, driving the ultrasonic transducer to generate ultrasonic waves. This invention achieves a stable and close fit to human skin through a flexible wearable design. Combined with wireless control technology, users can conveniently and precisely adjust the intensity and duration of ultrasonic stimulation through a smart terminal APP, thereby achieving personalized and precise non-invasive ultrasonic stimulation therapy. It has significant advantages such as comfortable wear, high portability, and intelligent operation.

[0023] The purpose of this invention is to overcome the defects and shortcomings of the prior art and provide a wearable ultrasound stimulation device. This device has flexible adhesion characteristics, is small in size and lightweight, has high wearing comfort, and can wirelessly adjust stimulation parameters through a smart terminal to achieve personalized and precise ultrasound stimulation therapy.

[0024] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution: a wearable ultrasonic stimulation device, comprising a flexible encapsulation layer, a flexible circuit module 4, a power supply module 2, and an ultrasonic transducer 5; The flexible circuit module 4 is an FPC flexible circuit board, which integrates a control and communication unit and a signal driving unit. The control and communication unit consists of a programmable Bluetooth module with electrical signal output function and its peripheral circuitry, which are mounted on the surface of the flexible circuit module 4. The control and communication unit receives control commands from user smart terminals (such as smartphones) via a Bluetooth chip and generates corresponding control signals based on the control commands. The signal driving unit is connected to the control and communication unit and is used to generate a high-frequency electrical pulse signal with specific parameters according to the control signal; The signal driving unit consists of a boost circuit, a Scherrer oscillator circuit, and a common-base amplifier circuit. The generated high-frequency electrical pulse signal is a sine wave pulse, which can be flexibly adjusted by the user through a smart terminal APP.

[0025] The ultrasonic transducer 5 is electrically connected to the output terminal of the signal driving unit and is used to convert the high-frequency electrical pulse signal into an ultrasonic signal output.

[0026] The power supply module 2 is electrically connected to the flexible circuit module 4 and is used to power the entire device. The power supply module 2 is a rechargeable lithium battery, which is connected to the flexible circuit module 4 via a flexible wire 3 to achieve a lightweight and thin design of the overall structure. The power supply module 2 also powers the ultrasonic transducer.

[0027] The flexible encapsulation layer is made of a biocompatible material that is suitable for wearing on human skin. The flexible circuit module 4, the power supply module 2 and the ultrasonic transducer 5 are all encapsulated in the flexible encapsulation layer. The flexible encapsulation layer has an acoustic window corresponding to the emitting surface of the ultrasonic transducer to ensure that the ultrasonic waves are effectively transmitted. The ultrasonic transducer 5 is a piezoelectric ceramic sheet or a flexible piezoelectric composite material sheet, which includes an ultrasonic transducer positive electrode 7 and an ultrasonic transducer negative electrode 8. The positive and negative electrodes are set on the same surface by a flanging electrode process.

[0028] In this invention, the control and communication unit is connected to a user smart terminal, on which a control application runs; and interacts with the user smart terminal: the user smart terminal establishes a connection with the control and communication unit in the wearable ultrasound stimulation device through a wireless communication link, and sends control commands containing stimulation parameters (stimulation time, stimulation intensity, and stimulation frequency, etc.) to the device; the control and communication unit parses the control commands and generates internal control signals; the signal driving unit responds to the internal control signals and generates high-frequency electrical pulse signals with specific electrical parameters; the ultrasound transducer 5 converts the high-frequency electrical pulse signals into ultrasound waves and outputs them through the acoustic window on the flexible encapsulation layer to provide non-invasive stimulation to the target tissue.

[0029] The above-described technical solution of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings: Example 1.

[0030] like Figure 1 As shown, this embodiment provides a wearable ultrasonic stimulation device, which is in the shape of a thin patch with a core size of approximately 35mm (length) × 25mm (width) × 10mm (thickness). The device includes, from the outside to the inside, a flexible encapsulation layer, and a power supply module 2, a flexible circuit module 4, and an ultrasonic transducer 5 encapsulated therein.

[0031] The flexible encapsulation layer consists of a flexible upper encapsulation layer 1 and a flexible lower encapsulation layer 6, forming a sealed accommodating space. Both the flexible upper encapsulation layer 1 and the flexible lower encapsulation layer 6 are made of medical-grade silicone or polyurethane film with excellent biocompatibility, flexibility, and insulation, ensuring that the device can safely, comfortably, and closely conform to the curved surface of human skin. An acoustic window is provided on the flexible lower encapsulation layer 6 corresponding to the ultrasonic wave emitting surface of the ultrasonic transducer 5, ensuring that ultrasonic waves can effectively penetrate and act on human tissue while maintaining the integrity of the encapsulation structure.

[0032] like Figure 1 As shown, the power supply module 2 uses a small rechargeable lithium battery and is electrically connected to the flexible circuit module 4 via flexible wires. This split flexible connection design allows the power supply module 2 to be arranged adaptably within the flexible encapsulation layer according to space, which helps to achieve a thinner and lighter overall device structure and optimized shape.

[0033] like Figure 1 and Figure 3As shown, the core of the flexible circuit module 4 is an FPC flexible circuit board. This circuit board integrates a control and communication unit and a signal driving unit. Specifically, the control and communication unit consists of a programmable Bluetooth module chip with electrical signal output function and its supporting peripheral control and communication unit components 14. These components are mounted on the surface of the flexible circuit board using surface mount technology (SMT). The Bluetooth module establishes a wireless connection with a dedicated APP on an external smart terminal (such as a smartphone) through its built-in antenna, such as... Figure 4 As shown, it receives control commands (including parameter settings described later) from the APP and parses the commands into internal control signals.

[0034] The signal driving unit consists of a series of high-performance analog circuit signal driving unit components 9, whose circuits are distributed in the multi-layer structure of the flexible circuit board 4 (including the top layer circuit 10, the inner upper layer circuit 11, the inner lower layer circuit 12, and the bottom layer circuit 13) to achieve a compact layout. The input terminal of the signal driving unit is connected to the control and communication unit, receives the aforementioned internal control signal, and generates a sinusoidal electrical pulse signal with specific parameters based on the signal. In this embodiment, the high-frequency electrical pulse signal is configured as a sinusoidal pulse train with a peak-to-peak value of 24V and a frequency of approximately 1.6MHz. The control commands sent by the user through the smart terminal APP include at least parameters for adjusting the duty cycle of the sinusoidal pulse train and the duration of a single stimulation, thereby enabling flexible and precise control of the final output ultrasound energy and stimulation mode.

[0035] The circuit configuration of the signal driving unit is as follows: Figure 5As shown, the input terminal VP is connected to the base of the 2SC2240 transistor. The collector is connected to a +24V voltage source through resistor R14. The +24V voltage source is connected to the source of MOSFET Q5, and the collector is connected to the gate. The emitter of the transistor is connected in parallel with the drain of the MOSFET as the first output. The emitter of the transistor is grounded through resistor R15. The first output is connected to the collector of transistor Q1 through resistor R8 and to the base of transistor Q1 through resistor R17. A capacitor C11 and a resistor R9 are connected in parallel between resistor R17 and the base, and then grounded. A section of resistor R8 away from the first output is connected in series with capacitors C12, C15, and C18. The emitter of transistor Q1 is connected in parallel between capacitors C12 and C15 through capacitor C16. The emitter of transistor Q1 is connected in parallel between capacitors C16 and capacitors C10 and C17, and then grounded. A capacitor C14 is connected in parallel between capacitors C15 and C18 and then grounded. One end of capacitor C18, closer to capacitor C15, is grounded through inductor L4. The output terminal of capacitor C18 furthest from capacitor C15 serves as the second output. The second output is connected to the cathode of the first diode. The anode of the first diode is connected to a +24V voltage source through resistor R11. The first diode and resistor R11 are connected to the base of the first transistor. The +24V voltage source is connected to the collector of the first transistor. The emitter of the first transistor is connected in series with capacitor C19 as the output terminal. The emitter of the first transistor is also connected to the emitter of the second transistor. The base of the second transistor is connected to the cathode of the second diode. The anode of the second diode is connected to the second output. The base and cathode of the second transistor are grounded through resistor R12. The collector of the second transistor is grounded. The second transistor is a PNP transistor, and the first diode is an NPN transistor. A resistor R13 is connected in parallel between capacitor C19 and the final output terminal and then grounded.

[0036] The ultrasonic transducer 5 is securely electrically connected to the output terminal of the signal drive unit on the flexible circuit board 4 via welding or conductive adhesive and a flexible wire 3. For example... Figure 2 As shown, the ultrasonic transducer 5 in this embodiment is preferably a piezoelectric ceramic sheet. This piezoelectric ceramic sheet employs a special electrode design: its ultrasonic transducer positive electrode 7 and ultrasonic transducer negative electrode 8 are guided and positioned on the same plane of the ceramic sheet through a flanged electrode process. This design ensures that all electrical connection points (ultrasonic transducer positive electrode 7 and ultrasonic transducer negative electrode 8) are located on the same side, greatly simplifying the connection process with the flexible circuit board 4. It enables planar, highly reliable connections, avoiding the problems of traditional double-sided electrodes requiring vertical leads or complex vias, effectively improving assembly efficiency and connection stability. The core function of the ultrasonic transducer 5 is to efficiently convert the high-frequency electrical pulse signal generated by the signal drive unit into mechanical vibration, i.e., ultrasonic signal, and output it through an acoustic window.

[0037] The working process of this invention is as follows: The device is attached to the area of ​​the body to be treated. For example... Figure 4 As shown, users set desired ultrasound stimulation parameters, such as the duty cycle of the pulse waveform (used to indirectly adjust the average output intensity) and the duration of a single treatment session, via a dedicated app on a smart terminal (such as a smartphone). After parameter settings are completed, the app wirelessly sends control commands containing these parameters to the control and communication unit within the device via Bluetooth. The control and communication unit receives and parses the commands, then outputs corresponding control signals to the signal drive unit; for example... Figure 5 As shown, the signal driving unit generates a high-frequency sinusoidal pulse electrical signal that meets the parameter requirements according to the control signal, driving the ultrasonic transducer 5 to work and generate ultrasonic waves with corresponding parameters; the ultrasonic waves act on the subcutaneous target tissue through the acoustic window of the lower layer 6 of the flexible encapsulation layer, and the device achieves therapeutic purposes such as nerve modulation, pain relief or tissue repair. Throughout the operation, the device is powered by the built-in power supply module 2, whose flexible characteristics ensure that the device can still maintain a close fit to the skin when the user is active, and is comfortable to wear.

[0038] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention and not to limit it. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the above embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications or equivalent substitutions can still be made to the specific implementation of the present invention. Any modifications or equivalent substitutions that do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention should be covered within the scope of protection of the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. A wearable ultrasound stimulation device, characterized by, include: A flexible circuit module is provided, which is connected to an ultrasonic transducer. The flexible circuit module and the ultrasonic transducer are disposed in a flexible encapsulation layer. An acoustic window for placing the ultrasonic transducer is provided on the flexible encapsulation layer. The flexible circuit module is used to acquire control commands for regulating stimulation parameters, generate internal control signals according to the control commands, and control the ultrasonic transducer to output ultrasonic waves through the internal control signals.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The flexible encapsulation layer also includes a power supply module, which connects the flexible circuit module and the ultrasonic ring energy generator. The power supply module uses a lithium battery.

3. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The flexible encapsulation layer includes a flexible upper encapsulation layer and a flexible lower encapsulation layer. An acoustic window is provided on the flexible lower encapsulation layer, which is used to place the emitting surface of the ultrasonic transducer. The flexible lower encapsulation layer is used for bonding. The interiors of the flexible upper encapsulation layer and the flexible lower encapsulation layer form a sealed accommodating space.

4. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The flexible encapsulation layer is formed using medical-grade silicone or polyurethane film.

5. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The flexible circuit module includes an FPC flexible circuit board, wherein the FPC flexible circuit board integrates a control and communication unit and a signal driving unit, wherein the control and communication unit is used to acquire control commands and generate control signals according to the control commands; the signal driving unit is used to generate high-frequency electrical pulse signals according to the control signals, and use the high-frequency electrical pulse signals to excite the ultrasonic amplifier.

6. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The signal driving unit includes a boost circuit, a Coleman oscillator circuit, and a common-base amplifier circuit connected in sequence.

7. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The ultrasonic transducer is made of piezoelectric ceramic sheet or flexible piezoelectric composite material sheet. The ultrasonic transducer is provided with a positive electrode and a negative electrode, which are set on the same surface by a flanged electrode process.

8. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The flexible circuit module is connected to a smart terminal, which is used to provide control commands.

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