Microneedle electrode for brain-computer interface system

Abstract

The microneedle electrode for the brain-computer interface system comprises at least two microneedle assemblies and an electrode assembly, each microneedle assembly comprises at least one insertion part and a plurality of contacts, the plurality of contacts are arranged on the surface of the insertion part and are all connected to the insertion part, the electrode assembly comprises a flexible part, the flexible part is used for being connected with the at least two insertion parts, and the flexible part is used for being connected with the at least two insertion parts. And the flexible part has flexibility and can be bent. According to the utility model, the problems of high production cost and large power consumption caused by the fact that an area array structure with a plurality of contacts on the microneedle is formed by mutually connecting a plurality of integrated circuit chips and connecting rods which are arranged side by side can be effectively solved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of neural microelectrode technology, specifically to a microneedle electrode for a brain-computer interface system. Background Technology

[0002] Neural interfaces are widely used in the research and treatment of various neurological diseases, such as Parkinson's disease, epilepsy, depression, and essential tremor.

[0003] For example, Chinese invention patent CN114343655A, entitled "A Microneedle," includes at least two microneedle components and a restraint device. The restraint device is used to integrate the at least two microneedle components into a single unit, thereby assembling the microneedle components into a microneedle. This device assembles the microneedle components into a microneedle, forming a multi-contact array that enables multi-electrode contact recording of EEG signals, improving spatial resolution and signal accuracy. Although the above structure can form a multi-contact array structure, this array structure consists of multiple integrated circuit chips placed side by side and interconnected by connecting rods, resulting in high production costs and high power consumption.

[0004] Therefore, there is an urgent need for a microneedle electrode for brain-computer interface systems to solve the problem of high production cost and high power consumption caused by the array structure with multiple contacts on the microneedle, which is composed of multiple integrated circuit chips and connecting rods placed side by side. Utility Model Content

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to overcome the above-mentioned technical deficiencies and propose a microneedle electrode for a brain-computer interface system. This solves the technical problem in the prior art where the microneedle has a surface array structure with multiple contacts, which is composed of multiple integrated circuit chips and connecting rods placed side by side and connected to each other, resulting in high production costs and high power consumption.

[0006] To achieve the above-mentioned technical objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0007] This invention provides a microneedle electrode for a brain-computer interface system, comprising:

[0008] At least two microneedle assemblies, each microneedle assembly including at least one insertion portion and multiple contacts, wherein the multiple contacts are disposed on the surface of the insertion portion and are all connected to the insertion portion; and

[0009] An electrode assembly includes a flexible portion for connecting at least two of the insertion portions, and the flexible portion is flexible and bendable.

[0010] In some embodiments, the electrode assembly further includes a first connecting portion connected to the flexible portion and forming a T-shaped electrode assembly with the flexible portion, and at least two insertion portions are arranged parallel to each other and spaced apart, and are both connected to the flexible portion, and the insertion portions extend in a direction away from the connecting portion.

[0011] In some embodiments, the microneedle assembly further includes a second connecting portion, which is strip-shaped and disposed along the length direction of the flexible portion and connected to the flexible portion. The microneedle assembly has a plurality of insertion portions, which are arranged parallel to each other and spaced apart along the length direction of the second connecting portion and are all connected to the second connecting portion.

[0012] In some embodiments, the cross-sectional area of ​​the insertion portion gradually decreases in the direction away from the second connecting portion and has a pointed tip.

[0013] In some embodiments, the microneedle assembly further includes a first flexible electrode connected to the circumferential surface of the insertion portion, and a plurality of contacts are staggered along the extension direction of the first flexible electrode and are all connected to the circumferential outer wall of the first flexible electrode.

[0014] In some embodiments, the microneedle electrode for the brain-computer interface system further includes a support member, which is connected to a plurality of the second connecting portions and flexible portions.

[0015] In some embodiments, the support member has a first mounting groove relative to the flexible part, the first mounting groove is configured to match the shape of the flexible part, and the flexible part is embedded in the first mounting groove and connected to the inner wall of the first mounting groove.

[0016] In some embodiments, the support member is further provided with a plurality of second mounting slots, which are respectively connected to the first mounting slot. The second mounting slots are respectively provided with a corresponding second connecting portion. The second connecting portion is embedded in the second mounting slot and connected to the inner wall of the second mounting slot.

[0017] In some embodiments, the support is a flexible heating element.

[0018] In some embodiments, the second connecting portion and the insert portion are integral, and both the second connecting portion and the insert portion are made of highly biocompatible materials.

[0019] Compared with existing technologies, the beneficial effects of the microneedle electrodes for the brain-computer interface system provided by this utility model include: at least one insertion part has multiple contact points distributed on its surface, and at least two insertion parts are connected to a flexible part, which is flexible and bendable. Compared with existing technologies, by connecting at least two insertion parts to a flexible part, and utilizing the flexibility of the flexible part itself to bend within its own plane, multiple insertion parts located on a single line can be bent and presented as a multi-row parallel array structure. Furthermore, the multiple contact points distributed on the insertion parts allow for electrical connection between a single integrated circuit chip and multiple contact points, reducing production costs and power consumption. This solves the technical problem in existing technologies where the array structure with multiple contact points on the microneedle is composed of multiple parallel integrated circuit chips and connecting rods connected to each other, resulting in high production costs and high power consumption. Attached Figure Description

[0020] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional structural schematic diagram of a microneedle electrode for a brain-computer interface system provided in an embodiment of this utility model;

[0021] Figure 2 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the connection between the microneedle assembly and the electrode assembly provided in this embodiment of the utility model;

[0022] Figure 3 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the microneedle assembly and electrode assembly after being connected and bent according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 4 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the microneedle assembly and electrode assembly provided in this embodiment of the present invention after being connected and bent from another perspective.

[0024] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0025] Microneedle assembly 1; insertion part 11; contact point 12; second connection part 13; electrode assembly 2; connection part 21; flexible part 22; support member 3. Detailed Implementation

[0026] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this utility model clearer, the present utility model will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative of the present utility model and are not intended to limit the present utility model.

[0027] To address the technical problem of high production costs and high power consumption caused by the interconnection of multiple integrated circuit chips and connecting rods in the array structure with multiple contacts 12 on the microneedle, this invention provides a microneedle electrode for a brain-computer interface system. This electrode enables the connection of at least two insertion parts 11 to a flexible part 22. The flexible part 22 itself is flexible and can be bent within its own plane, allowing multiple insertion parts 11 located on a single line to bend and form a multi-row array structure. Furthermore, multiple contacts 12 are distributed on the insertion parts 11, enabling electrical connection between a single integrated circuit chip and multiple contacts 12. This reduces production costs and lowers power consumption.

[0028] It should be noted that the microneedle electrodes for the brain-computer interface system described in this utility model are used in, but not limited to, the field of neural microelectrode technology. For ease of explanation, this utility model only uses the application of the microneedle electrodes for the brain-computer interface system in the field of neural microelectrode technology as an example for explanation. The principle of applying the microneedle electrodes for the brain-computer interface system to other types of devices is essentially the same as the principle of applying them to the field of neural microelectrode technology, and will not be described in detail here.

[0029] Please see Figure 1 , Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a microneedle electrode for a brain-computer interface system according to an embodiment of the present invention. The microneedle electrode for the brain-computer interface system includes at least two microneedle components 1 and an electrode component 2. The microneedle component 1 includes at least one insertion part 11 and multiple contacts 12. The multiple contacts 12 are disposed on the surface of the insertion part 11 and are all connected to the insertion part 11. The electrode component 2 includes a flexible part 22. The flexible part 22 is used to connect at least two insertion parts 11, and the flexible part 22 is flexible and can be bent.

[0030] In this device, at least one insertion part 11 has a plurality of contacts 12 distributed on its surface, and at least two insertion parts 11 are connected to a flexible part 22, and the flexible part 22 is flexible and can be bent.

[0031] Compared to existing technologies, by connecting at least two insertion portions 11 to the flexible portion 22, and utilizing the flexibility of the flexible portion 22 itself to bend within its own plane, multiple insertion portions 11 located on a single line can be bent and presented as a multi-row parallel array structure. Furthermore, multiple contacts 12 are distributed on the insertion portions 11, enabling electrical connection between a single integrated circuit chip and multiple contacts 12. This reduces production costs and lowers power consumption, and solves the technical problem in existing technologies where the array structure with multiple contacts 12 on the microneedle is composed of multiple parallel integrated circuit chips and connecting rods connected to each other, resulting in high production costs and high power consumption.

[0032] In this embodiment, as Figure 1, Figure 2 As shown, the electrode assembly 2 also includes a first connecting portion 21, which is connected to the flexible portion 22 and together with the flexible portion 22 forms a T-shaped electrode assembly 2. At least two insertion portions 11 are arranged parallel to each other and spaced apart, and are both connected to the flexible portion 22. The insertion portions 11 extend in a direction away from the connecting portion 21.

[0033] The T-shaped electrode assembly 2 is an integral structure and is a flexible electrode. The flexible part 22 can be bent according to the usage requirements, so that the flexible part 22 is W-shaped, triangular or circular. After bending, the multiple insertion parts 11 always remain parallel to each other and spaced apart, and extend in the direction away from the connecting part 21, so that the user can insert the insertion part 11 into the target to be implanted.

[0034] Furthermore, the flexible electrode here is made of biocompatible metal materials such as platinum / platinum-iridium, iridium oxide, and titanium nitride. This flexible electrode is a conventional setting known to those skilled in the art and will not be described in detail further.

[0035] In this embodiment, as Figures 2 to 4 As shown, the microneedle assembly 1 also includes a second connecting part 13, which is strip-shaped and is arranged along the length direction of the flexible part 22 and connected to the flexible part 22. The microneedle assembly 1 has multiple insertion parts 11, which are arranged parallel to each other and spaced apart along the length direction of the second connecting part 13, and are all connected to the second connecting part 13.

[0036] The insertion part 11 is connected to the flexible part 22 through the second connecting part 13, and the second connecting part 13 serves to connect and support the insertion part 11.

[0037] In one embodiment, the second connecting portion 13 and the insert portion 11 are integral, and both the second connecting portion 13 and the insert portion 11 are made of highly biocompatible materials.

[0038] The second connecting part 13 and the insertion part 11 are an integral structure, and the second connecting part 13 and the insertion part 11 are single electrode silicon substrates. The width and thickness of the electrode silicon substrate are both in the micrometer range. The substrate material is not limited to polyimide / polyurethane, phenelzine and other highly biocompatible materials. The electrode silicon substrate here is a conventional setting known to those skilled in the art, and will not be described in detail.

[0039] Furthermore, the width of the flexible electrode in this device is the same as that of the silicon substrate, and the number of electrode channels can be adaptively selected according to actual needs. Moreover, through the post-CMOS circuit and host computer software, any number of contacts 12 can be programmed to realize electrophysiological signals and stimulation signals to the target brain region. The silicon substrate only covers a single set of microneedles, and each set of microneedles is connected only by a flexible electrode, without a rigid silicon substrate.

[0040] In one embodiment, the microneedle assembly 1 further includes a first flexible electrode connected to the circumferential surface of the insertion portion 11, and a plurality of contacts 12 are staggered along the extension direction of the first flexible electrode and are all connected to the circumferential outer wall of the first flexible electrode.

[0041] The first flexible electrode serves a connection function based on the distribution and arrangement of the contacts 12.

[0042] In one embodiment, such as Figures 2 to 4 As shown, the cross-sectional area of ​​the insertion part 11 gradually decreases in the direction away from the second connecting part 13, and a tip is formed.

[0043] The insertion part 11 has a pointed structure, which facilitates the insertion of the device into the target to be implanted.

[0044] In this embodiment, as Figure 1 As shown, the device also includes a support member 3, which is connected to multiple second connecting parts 13 and flexible parts 22.

[0045] By setting the support member 3 to fix and support the shape of the bent flexible part 22, deformation is avoided when the microneedle electrode is inserted into the target to be implanted.

[0046] In one embodiment, the support member 3 has a first mounting groove relative to the flexible part 22. The first mounting groove is configured to match the shape of the flexible part 22, and the flexible part 22 is embedded in the first mounting groove and connected to the inner wall of the first mounting groove.

[0047] The support portion has a first mounting groove relative to the flexible portion 22, and the shape of the first mounting groove is set to match the shape of the bent flexible portion 22. It is used to install and connect the flexible portion 22 and enhance the stability of the flexible portion 22 to prevent deformation when the microneedle electrode is inserted into the target to be implanted.

[0048] In one embodiment, the support member 3 is further provided with a plurality of second mounting slots, which are respectively connected to the first mounting slot. The second mounting slots are respectively provided with a corresponding second connecting part 13. The second connecting part 13 is embedded in the second mounting slot and connected to the inner wall of the second mounting slot.

[0049] The support portion also has a second mounting groove relative to the second connecting portion 13. The second mounting groove is set in conjunction with the second connecting portion 13 to enhance the stability of the flexible portion 22 and prevent deformation when the microneedle electrode is inserted into the target to be implanted.

[0050] In one embodiment, the support 3 is a flexible heating element.

[0051] Flexible heating elements are common and readily available equipment on the market, and are a standard setup known to those skilled in the art, so they will not be described in detail here.

[0052] To better understand this utility model, the following is combined with... Figures 1 to 4 The technical solution of this utility model is described in detail below:

[0053] In this device, at least one insertion portion 11 has a plurality of contacts 12 distributed on its surface, and at least two insertion portions 11 are connected to a flexible portion 22, which is flexible and bendable. Compared to the prior art, by connecting at least two insertion portions 11 to the flexible portion 22, and utilizing the flexibility of the flexible portion 22 itself to bend within its own plane, multiple insertion portions 11 located on a single line can be bent and arranged into a multi-row parallel array structure. Furthermore, the multiple contacts 12 distributed on the insertion portions 11 enable electrical connection between a single integrated circuit chip and multiple contacts 12, thereby reducing production costs and power consumption.

[0054] Furthermore, this device connects at least two microneedle components 1 and electrode components 2 to form a soft-hard composite array microneedle. The soft-hard composite array microneedle can integrate ultra-high throughput, bidirectional, low power consumption, and ultra-fine electrodes through MEMS process technology and CMOS circuit integration technology. It can be implanted into the target area and move with brain tissue without easily breaking.

[0055] Furthermore, the array of microneedles is formed into a three-dimensional microneedle array through a folding process. The three-dimensional microneedle array can be programmed and controlled by a CMOS, which overcomes the shortcomings of existing rigid microneedles such as breakage in brain tissue and the need for multiple implantation procedures and long-term surgery. It can be customized to implant into the region of interest.

[0056] This device, through the aforementioned structure, can solve the technical problem in the prior art where the array structure with multiple contacts 12 on the microneedle is composed of multiple integrated circuit chips and connecting rods placed side by side, resulting in high production costs and high power consumption.

[0057] The specific embodiments of this utility model described above do not constitute a limitation on the scope of protection of this utility model. Any other corresponding changes and modifications made based on the technical concept of this utility model should be included within the scope of protection of the claims of this utility model.

Claims

1. A microneedle electrode for a brain-computer interface system, characterized by, The application relates to an electrode assembly and a micro-needle assembly. The electrode assembly comprises a flexible part for connecting at least two insertion parts, and the flexible part is flexible and can be bent. The electrode assembly further comprises a first connecting part connected to the flexible part and forming a T-shaped electrode assembly together with the flexible part. The micro-needle assembly further comprises a second connecting part in the shape of a strip, which is arranged along the length direction of the flexible part and connected to the flexible part.

2. The microneedle electrode for a brain-computer interface system according to claim 1, wherein The number of the insertion parts in the micro-needle assembly is multiple, and the multiple insertion parts are arranged in parallel and at intervals along the length direction of the second connecting part and connected to the second connecting part.

3. The microneedle electrode for a brain-computer interface system according to claim 1, wherein The cross-sectional area of the insertion part gradually decreases in the direction away from the second connecting part and forms a tip.

4. The microneedle electrode for a brain-computer interface system according to claim 3, wherein The micro-needle assembly further comprises a first flexible electrode connected to the circumferential surface of the insertion part.

5. The microneedle electrode for a brain-computer interface system according to claim 4, wherein The multiple contact points are arranged in a staggered manner along the extension direction of the first flexible electrode and connected to the circumferential outer wall of the first flexible electrode.

6. The microneedle electrode for a brain-computer interface system according to claim 3, wherein The support is connected to the multiple second connecting parts and flexible parts.

7. The microneedle electrode for a brain-computer interface system according to claim 6, wherein The support is provided with a first mounting groove relative to the flexible part, the first mounting groove is matched with the shape of the flexible part, the flexible part is embedded in the first mounting groove, and the flexible part is connected to the inner wall of the first mounting groove.

8. The microneedle electrode for a brain-computer interface system according to claim 7, wherein The support is further provided with multiple second mounting grooves, the multiple second mounting grooves are respectively communicated with the first mounting groove, the second mounting grooves are arranged one by one with the second connecting parts, the second connecting parts are embedded in the second mounting grooves, and the second connecting parts are connected to the inner wall of the second mounting grooves.

9. The microneedle electrode for a brain-computer interface system according to claim 7, wherein The support is a flexible heating sheet.

10. The microneedle electrode for a brain-computer interface system of claim 3, wherein, The second connecting part and the insertion part are integrated, and the second connecting part and the insertion part are both high-biocompatibility materials.

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