Wearable flexible electrode device for upper limb rehabilitation

Abstract

The utility model provides a wearable flexible electrode device for upper limb rehabilitation, which comprises a multi-channel connecting wire, a flexible substrate, an electrode array arranged on one side of the flexible substrate, a female port circuit board arranged on the other side of the flexible substrate, and a magnetic connecting seat female head connected with the female port circuit board, the electrode array comprises a plurality of reference electrodes and working electrodes which are arranged according to a preset mode; each reference electrode and each working electrode are connected with the female port circuit board through wires; the magnetic connection seat female head is connected with the multi-channel electrical stimulator through the multi-channel connection line.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model relates to the field of auxiliary medical rehabilitation training, and in particular to a wearable flexible electrode device for upper limb rehabilitation. Background Art

[0002] In the field of rehabilitation therapy, electrical stimulation technology has been widely used to restore damaged muscle function and promote motor recovery. Specifically, electrical stimulation transmits electric current to muscles through electrodes, which can be used for functional training and play a compensatory role.

[0003] However, the electrical stimulator devices currently on the market cannot select channels, are difficult to wear, and have low comfort, such as the electrical stimulation skin electrode disclosed in utility model patent 202222196409.8. To solve the problem of non-selectable channels, CN117852072A provides a modular multi-channel stimulator for rehabilitation, which provides rehabilitation professionals with a flexible tool to develop personalized rehabilitation plans based on each patient's unique condition and rehabilitation stage. In the early stages of rehabilitation treatment, the number and intensity of stimulation channels can be adjusted according to the patient's muscle damage and rehabilitation goals.

[0004] In the existing technology, when using electrical stimulation for upper limb rehabilitation treatment, there are many locations that need to be stimulated. According to the existing technology, multiple electrodes need to be arranged at different locations to be stimulated, and each electrode is connected to a multi-channel stimulator through a wire, which leads to a long wiring time and chaotic wiring before treatment, affecting the subsequent strength control of electrodes at different locations. How to design a wearable flexible electrode device suitable for upper limb rehabilitation has become an urgent problem to be solved.

[0005] In order to solve the above problems, people have been seeking an ideal technical solution. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The purpose of the utility model is to address the deficiencies of the existing technology and thus provide a wearable flexible electrode device for upper limb rehabilitation.

[0007] To achieve the above-mentioned objectives, the technical solution adopted by the present invention is: a wearable flexible electrode device for upper limb rehabilitation, comprising a multi-channel connecting line, a flexible substrate, an electrode array arranged on one side of the flexible substrate, and a female circuit board arranged on the other side of the flexible substrate, wherein the electrode array comprises a plurality of reference electrodes and working electrodes arranged in a preset manner; each reference electrode and each working electrode is connected to the female circuit board via a wire;

[0008] The female port circuit board is provided with a female head for a magnetic connection seat, and the female head for the magnetic connection seat is connected to the multi-channel electrical stimulator through the multi-channel connecting line.

[0009] Preferably, it includes 2 reference electrodes and 16 working electrodes arranged in a first manner, or the electrode array includes 2 reference electrodes and 5 working electrodes arranged in a second manner.

[0010] Compared with the existing technology, the present invention has substantial characteristics and progress. Specifically, the present invention arranges a plurality of reference electrodes and working electrodes in a preset manner on a flexible substrate to form an electrode array. Each reference electrode or working electrode is connected to the female head of the magnetic connection seat through a female circuit board. When in use, it is only necessary to connect the multi-channel stimulator to the female head of the magnetic connection seat through a multi-channel connecting line. The wiring is simple and the wiring cross-confusion phenomenon is reduced, so that the circuit channels of the multi-channel electrical stimulation can be applied to actual upper limb electrical stimulation rehabilitation, thereby improving the rehabilitation effect while maintaining a high level of comfort and ease of use. It has broad application prospects. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] Figure 1 It is a structural diagram of the present utility model.

[0012] Figure 2 This is a circuit connection block diagram of the utility model.

[0013] Figure 3 It is a schematic diagram of the multi-channel connecting line of the present invention.

[0014] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the first electrode array position of the present utility model.

[0015] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the second electrode array position of the present invention.

[0016] Figure: 1. Flexible substrate; 2. Multi-channel connecting cable; 3. Electrode array; 31. Reference electrode; 32. Working electrode; 4. Elastic Velcro; 51. Male magnetic connector; 52. Female magnetic connector. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0017] The technical solution of the present utility model is further described in detail below through specific implementation methods.

[0018] Example 1

[0019] The utility model provides a wearable flexible electrode device for upper limb rehabilitation, such as Figure 1-5As shown, it includes a multi-channel connecting line 2, a flexible substrate 1, an electrode array 3 arranged on one side of the flexible substrate 1, and a motherboard circuit board arranged on the other side of the flexible substrate 1. The electrode array 3 includes a plurality of reference electrodes 31 and working electrodes 32 arranged in a preset manner; each reference electrode 31 and each working electrode 32 is connected to the motherboard circuit board via a wire;

[0020] The female port circuit board is provided with a female connector 52 for magnetic attraction, and the female connector 52 for magnetic attraction is connected to the multi-channel electrical stimulator through the multi-channel connecting line 2.

[0021] When in use, wiring can be achieved by connecting the multi-channel connecting line 1 to the magnetic connector female head 52 and the multi-channel electrical stimulator respectively. The wiring process is simple and reduces the phenomenon of wiring cross-confusion. The multi-channel electrical stimulator can control the number and strength of the electrode pieces of the corresponding channel according to actual needs, improve the rehabilitation effect, and maintain a high level of comfort and ease of use, and has broad application prospects.

[0022] Preferably, the multi-channel electrical stimulator includes a main controller and at least one multi-channel electrical stimulation module; the multi-channel electrical stimulation module includes an 8-way ADG1414 switch chip and a multi-channel high-voltage switch circuit. One end of each of the 8 switches on the 8-way ADG1414 switch chip is connected to a 5V stable voltage, and the other end outputs a high voltage to each of the eight working electrodes. During use, multiple multi-channel electrical stimulation modules can be cascaded via the SPI interface.

[0023] The main controller is STM32F103C8T6, and the SYNC pin and DIN pin of the STM32F103C8T6 are connected to the ADG1414 switch chip.

[0024] Further, such as Figure 3 As shown, the multi-channel connecting cable 2 includes a first magnetic connector male head and a second magnetic connector male head connected by wires. The female circuit board is connected to the multi-channel connecting cable 2 via the magnetic connector female head and the first magnetic connector male head; the multi-channel connecting cable 2 is connected to the magnetic connector female head on the multi-channel electrical stimulator via the second magnetic connector male head. It can be understood that the first magnetic connector male head and the second magnetic connector male head are the same magnetic connector male head 51.

[0025] It can be understood that the female head 52 of the magnetic connector and the male head 51 of the magnetic connector use common magnetic connectors on the market, such as 10-pin magnetic connector, 8-pin magnetic connector, 5-pin magnetic connector, etc., which can be specifically set according to the number of reference electrodes 31 and working electrodes 32 contained in the electrode array 3.

[0026] For example, when the electrode array 3 includes 2 reference electrodes 31 and 16 working electrodes 32, the number of the magnetic connector female heads 52 can be 2, and respectively use the female head of a 10-pin magnetic connector and the female head of an 8-pin magnetic connector; the corresponding multi-channel connecting cables 2 also have two, one of which has two ends of a 10-pin magnetic connector male head, and the other has two ends of an 8-pin magnetic connector male head.

[0027] For another example, when the electrode array 3 includes 2 reference electrodes 31 and 5 working electrodes 32, the number of the magnetic connector female head 52 is 1, and specifically, an 8-pin magnetic connector female head can be used; the corresponding multi-channel connecting cable 2 also has 1, and both ends of the multi-channel connecting cable 2 are male heads of 8-pin magnetic connectors.

[0028] It should be noted that the selection of the magnetic connector female head 52 and the multi-channel connecting line 2 is merely an example and is not necessarily adopted in practice.

[0029] Specifically, when the electrode array 3 includes 2 reference electrodes 31 and 16 working electrodes 32, and the 2 reference electrodes 31 and 16 working electrodes 32 are arranged according to Figure 4 When arranged in the first arrangement manner, the wearable flexible electrode device can be used for rehabilitation training of the forearm. Specifically, the wearable flexible electrode device can perform targeted electrical stimulation on the brachioradialis, extensor carpi radialis longus and brevis, extensor digitorum, extensor carpi ulnaris, flexor carpi ulnaris, flexor digitorum superficialis, flexor carpi radialis and other muscles of the forearm.

[0030] When the electrode array 3 includes 2 reference electrodes 31 and 5 working electrodes 32, and the 2 reference electrodes 31 and 16 working electrodes 32 are arranged in accordance with Figure 5 When arranged in the second arrangement manner, the wearable flexible electrode device can be used for rehabilitation training of the upper arm. Specifically, targeted electrical stimulation can be performed on the long and short heads of the biceps, brachialis, and lateral and long heads of the triceps.

[0031] It can be understood that the reference electrode provides a stable reference voltage, ensuring the accuracy and reliability of the working electrode measurement.

[0032] Furthermore, gel patches are provided on the surfaces of the working electrode 32 and the reference electrode 31. The application of gel patches improves the comfort and biocompatibility of the electrode contact with the skin, reduces skin irritation, and can be directly attached to the patient's skin to improve the electrical stimulation effect.

[0033] In one embodiment, the flexible substrate 1 includes a first single-layer cloth, on which a metal button female end corresponding to the electrode array 3 is pierced, and the metal button female end is connected to the female port circuit board via a wire;

[0034] A metal button male end is provided on the back of each reference electrode 31 or each working electrode 32, and each reference electrode 31 or each working electrode 32 is plugged into a metal button female end through the metal button male end to achieve connection with the female port circuit board.

[0035] In the storage state or when not in use, the flexible substrate 1 is not equipped with a reference electrode 31 or a working electrode 32. When the wearable flexible electrode device is needed, the reference electrode 31 or the working electrode 32 is inserted into the female end of the metal button at the corresponding position through the male end of the metal button on the back of the flexible substrate 1. The position of the reference electrode 31 or the working electrode 32 can be adjusted according to the following conditions: Figure 4 or Figure 5 This arrangement prolongs the service life of the reference electrode 31 or the working electrode 32 and facilitates the storage of the flexible substrate 1 .

[0036] Preferably, graphite paper is attached between each reference electrode 31 or each working electrode 32 and the male end of the metal button. Specifically, the graphite paper can be attached using conductive double-sided tape. The combination of graphite paper and metal buttons, along with the use of conductive double-sided tape, ensures high conductivity and a reliable connection between the working and reference electrodes.

[0037] Furthermore, the flexible substrate 1 also includes a second single layer of cloth, which covers the side of the first single layer of cloth on which the female circuit board is provided, and the female head 52 of the magnetic connector extends from between the first single layer of cloth and the second single layer of cloth to the outside of the flexible substrate 1 through a wire.

[0038] Preferably, the first single-layer cloth and the second single-layer cloth are both PU cloth, and the fleece surfaces of the two layers of PU cloth are arranged opposite to each other.

[0039] As can be understood, the two layers of PU cloth not only provide flexibility and adaptability, allowing the electrode array 3 to conform to the irregular surface of the patient's skin, but also ensure the stability of the working electrode 32 and reference electrode 31. Furthermore, the two layers of PU cloth can effectively protect the female circuit board and corresponding wiring, reducing the risk of wear and breakage, and improving the durability of the entire device.

[0040] Furthermore, the hook surface of elastic Velcro 4 is provided at end I of the first single-layer fabric, where the female end of the metal button is located. The loop surface of elastic Velcro 4 is provided at end II of the second single-layer fabric, where the female end of the magnetic connector is located. The elastic Velcro 4 securely secures the electrode array 3 of the wearable flexible electrode device to the corresponding position on the patient's forearm or upper arm, while maintaining a certain degree of elasticity to prevent excessive pressure on the skin and improve wearing comfort. The elastic Velcro 4 allows a certain degree of movement and stretch, ensuring that the electrode array maintains a good fit and electrical conductivity even when the patient is moving.

[0041] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solution of the utility model and not to limit it; although the utility model has been described in detail with reference to the preferred embodiments, ordinary technicians in the field should understand that the specific implementation methods of the utility model can still be modified or some technical features can be replaced by equivalents; without departing from the spirit of the technical solution of the utility model, they should all be included in the scope of the technical solution for which protection is requested in the utility model.

Claims

1. A wearable flexible electrode device for upper limb rehabilitation, characterized by: The device comprises a multi-channel connecting line, a flexible substrate, an electrode array disposed on one side of the flexible substrate, a female connector circuit board disposed on the other side of the flexible substrate, and a female magnetic connector connected to the female connector circuit board. The electrode array includes a plurality of reference electrodes and working electrodes arranged in a preset manner; each reference electrode and each working electrode is connected to the female connector circuit board via a wire. The female head of the magnetic connection seat is connected to the multi-channel electrical stimulator through the multi-channel connection line.

2. The wearable flexible electrode device for upper limb rehabilitation according to claim 1, characterized in that: The electrode array includes 2 reference electrodes and 16 working electrodes arranged in a first manner, or the electrode array includes 2 reference electrodes and 5 working electrodes arranged in a second manner.

3. The wearable flexible electrode device for upper limb rehabilitation according to claim 1, characterized in that: The flexible substrate comprises a first single-layer cloth, the first single-layer cloth is provided with a metal button female end corresponding to the electrode array, and the metal button female end is connected to the female port circuit board via a wire; A metal button male end is provided on the back of each reference electrode or each working electrode, and each reference electrode or each working electrode is plugged into a metal button female end through the metal button male end to achieve connection with the female port circuit board.

4. The wearable flexible electrode device for upper limb rehabilitation according to claim 3, characterized in that: Graphite paper is also pasted between each reference electrode or each working electrode and the male end of the metal button.

5. The wearable flexible electrode device for upper limb rehabilitation according to claim 3, characterized in that: The flexible substrate also includes a second single-layer cloth, which covers the side of the first single-layer cloth where the female circuit board is provided. The female head of the magnetic connector extends from between the first single-layer cloth and the second single-layer cloth to the outside of the flexible substrate through a wire.

6. The wearable flexible electrode device for upper limb rehabilitation according to claim 5, characterized in that: The first single-layer cloth and the second single-layer cloth are both PU cloths, and the fleece surfaces of the two layers of PU cloths are arranged opposite to each other.

7. The wearable flexible electrode device for upper limb rehabilitation according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that: The end I of the first single-layer cloth facing away from the female circuit board is provided with a hook surface of an elastic Velcro, and the end II of the second single-layer cloth facing away from the female circuit board is provided with a fleece surface of an elastic Velcro.

8. The wearable flexible electrode device for upper limb rehabilitation according to claim 1, characterized in that: The multi-channel connecting cable includes a first magnetic connecting seat male head and a second magnetic connecting seat male head connected by wires. The female port circuit board is connected to the multi-channel connecting cable through the magnetic connecting seat female head and the first magnetic connecting seat male head; the multi-channel connecting cable is connected to the magnetic connecting seat female head on the multi-channel electrical stimulator through the second magnetic connecting seat male head.

9. The wearable flexible electrode device for upper limb rehabilitation according to claim 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 or 8, characterized in that: Gel patches are provided on the surfaces of the working electrode and the reference electrode.

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