Headset for alzheimer's cognitive intervention

Abstract

The utility model relates to a head -wearing device for alzheimer's disease cognitive intervention, its head -wearing device includes: flexible headband base body is equipped with the coaxial distribution's central electrode ring and peripheral electrode ring, and the central electrode ring is continuous closed loop conductor, and the peripheral electrode ring includes a plurality of arc electrode sections, elastic bellows connecting piece is connected respectively central electrode ring and peripheral electrode ring, and the wave crest and the wave trough of bellows connecting piece are arranged alternately and form the telescopic structure, control box is embedded flexible headband base body, contains with central electrode ring and peripheral electrode ring connection's micro -current generator, the impedance detection circuit board of bridging adjacent arc electrode section and respectively with micro -current generator and impedance detection circuit board connection's microcontroller. The utility model's structure combination finally reaches the comprehensive technical advantage of treatment effect promotion, wearing stability enhancement and security risk reduction.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of medical electronic equipment technology, and in particular to a head-mounted device for cognitive intervention in Alzheimer's disease. Background Technology

[0002] In the treatment of Alzheimer's disease, transcranial electrical stimulation (TCS) has been proven to improve cognitive function by modulating prefrontal cortex activity. Existing cognitive intervention head-mounted devices typically employ a rigid frame combined with a fixed electrode array for electrical stimulation. The electrode arrangement often uses a single-ring uniform distribution design or a separate electrode sheet structure. Because the stimulation range of a single-ring electrode is limited and cannot adapt to the anatomical characteristics of patients with different head circumferences, uneven current distribution occurs, affecting treatment efficacy. Furthermore, fixed electrode arrays lack adaptive adjustment capabilities, making them prone to poor electrode-skin contact during patient movement, requiring repeated adjustments to the wearing position and affecting treatment continuity.

[0003] To address the electrode compatibility issue, some improved designs employ a retractable headband with discrete electrode pads. However, because the electrode spacing adjustment relies on mechanical clips or segmented structures, gaps can easily form at the electrode contact surfaces during adjustment, leading to sudden increases in local current density and potentially causing skin burns. Furthermore, the rigid connection between the electrodes and the headband base limits wearing comfort, and prolonged use can easily cause pressure-related discomfort.

[0004] Furthermore, most commercially available products currently place the control module externally on the outside of the headband, connecting it to the electrodes via cables. Because the control module is relatively large and has uneven weight distribution, it can easily cause a shift in the center of gravity when worn, affecting the patient's daily activities. Utility Model Content

[0005] (a) Technical problems to be solved

[0006] In view of the above-mentioned shortcomings and deficiencies of the prior art, the present invention provides a head-mounted device for cognitive intervention in Alzheimer's disease, which solves the technical problems of existing Alzheimer's disease intervention head-mounted devices, such as poor adaptability of rigid electrodes, abnormal current caused by adjustment gaps, and imbalance of external modules, resulting in fluctuating efficacy, unstable wearing, and safety hazards.

[0007] (II) Technical Solution

[0008] To achieve the above objectives, the main technical solutions adopted by this utility model include:

[0009] In a first aspect, embodiments of the present invention provide a head-mounted device for cognitive intervention in Alzheimer's disease, comprising:

[0010] The flexible headband substrate has a coaxially distributed central electrode ring and an outer electrode ring. The central electrode ring is a continuous closed ring conductor, and the outer electrode ring includes multiple arc-shaped electrode segments.

[0011] The elastic corrugated connector connects the central electrode ring and the outer electrode ring respectively. The corrugated connector has alternating peaks and troughs to form a telescopic structure.

[0012] The control box, embedded in the flexible headband substrate, includes a microcurrent generator connected to the central electrode ring and the outer electrode ring, an impedance detection circuit board bridging adjacent arc-shaped electrode segments, and a microcontroller connected to the microcurrent generator and the impedance detection circuit board respectively.

[0013] Optionally, the outer electrode ring includes 4-8 arc-shaped electrode segments, with an insulating gap of 0.5-1.2 mm between adjacent electrode segments.

[0014] Optionally, at least three flexible corrugated connectors are provided and are evenly distributed along the circumference of the headband, with the central angle between the center lines of adjacent corrugated pipes being 30°-120°.

[0015] Optionally, the control box is embedded in a recessed area of ​​the flexible headband substrate, and the connection between the recessed area and the control box is provided with a magnetic power contact. The outer shell of the control box is provided with a curved surface that matches the curvature of the headband.

[0016] Optionally, the control box housing has heat dissipation structures distributed on its surface.

[0017] Optionally, the microcurrent generator includes multiple independently controllable constant current source ports, each of which is connected to the central electrode ring and each arc-shaped electrode segment via wires.

[0018] Optionally, the impedance detection circuit board includes: an AC excitation source bridging adjacent arc-shaped electrode segments, a sampling resistor connected in series between the arc-shaped electrode segments, a differential amplifier and an analog-to-digital converter connected in parallel across the sampling resistor.

[0019] Optionally, the microcontroller includes a first channel and a second channel, the first channel being connected to a microcurrent generator, and the second channel being connected to an analog-to-digital converter on an impedance detection circuit board via an SPI bus.

[0020] Optionally, the control box also includes a Bluetooth communication module connected to the microcontroller, the Bluetooth communication module having an inverted F-shaped printed antenna.

[0021] Optionally, the flexible headband substrate is also provided with a physical emergency stop switch connected to the control box, with the switch button protruding from the surface of the flexible headband substrate.

[0022] (III) Beneficial Effects

[0023] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows: This invention effectively improves electrode compatibility through the combined design of a flexible headband base and a double-layer electrode ring. The continuous closed structure of the central electrode ring, combined with the circumferential arrangement of the outer arc-shaped electrode segments, allows the electrode array to conform to the anatomical features of different head circumferences, ensuring uniform distribution of the stimulated current on the wearer's head, thereby enhancing the stability of cognitive intervention efficacy. Furthermore, the alternating peaks and troughs of the elastic corrugated connector form a telescopic structure, enabling adjustment of the spacing between the double-layer electrode rings, eliminating contact gaps caused by traditional mechanical adjustments, and significantly reducing the risk of abnormal local current density. Simultaneously, the embedded control box integrates a microcurrent generator and an impedance detection circuit board, using a microcontroller to coordinate the working state of each arc-shaped electrode segment in real time, solving the weight imbalance problem of the external module. This structural combination ultimately achieves comprehensive technical advantages in improving treatment efficacy, enhancing wearing stability, and reducing safety risks. Attached Figure Description

[0024] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the head-mounted device provided in an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0025] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the impedance detection circuit board of the head-mounted device provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] [Explanation of Labels in the Attached Image]

[0027] 1: Flexible headband substrate;

[0028] 2: Central electrode ring;

[0029] 3: Outer electrode ring;

[0030] 4: Flexible corrugated connectors;

[0031] 5: Control box. Detailed Implementation

[0032] To better explain and facilitate understanding of this utility model, the present utility model will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0033] like Figure 1As shown in the figure, a headband device for cognitive intervention in Alzheimer's disease proposed in this embodiment includes: a flexible headband base 1, with a central electrode ring 2 and an outer electrode ring 3 coaxially distributed, the central electrode ring 2 being a continuous closed ring conductor, and the outer electrode ring 3 being composed of multiple arc-shaped electrode segments arranged circumferentially; an elastic corrugated connector 4, connecting the central electrode ring 2 and the outer electrode ring 3 respectively, the corrugated connector having alternating peaks and troughs to form a telescopic structure; and a control box 5, embedded in the flexible headband base 1, including a microcurrent generator connected to the central electrode ring 2 and the outer electrode ring 3, an impedance detection circuit board bridging adjacent arc-shaped electrode segments, and a microcontroller connected to the microcurrent generator and the impedance detection circuit board respectively.

[0034] This invention effectively improves electrode compatibility through the combined design of a flexible headband base 1 and a double-layer electrode ring. The continuous closed structure of the central electrode ring 2, combined with the circumferential arrangement of the outer arc-shaped electrode segments, allows the electrode array to conform to the anatomical features of different head circumferences, ensuring uniform distribution of the stimulated current on the wearer's head, thereby enhancing the stability of cognitive intervention efficacy. Furthermore, the alternating peaks and troughs of the elastic corrugated connector 4 form a telescopic structure, enabling adjustment of the spacing between the double-layer electrode rings, eliminating contact gaps caused by traditional mechanical adjustments, and significantly reducing the risk of abnormal local current density. Simultaneously, the embedded control box 5 integrates a microcurrent generator and an impedance detection circuit board, coordinating the working state of each arc-shaped electrode segment in real time through a microcontroller, solving the weight imbalance problem of the external module. This structural combination ultimately achieves comprehensive technical advantages of improved treatment efficacy, enhanced wearing stability, and reduced safety risks.

[0035] To better understand the above technical solutions, exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Although exemplary embodiments of the present invention are shown in the drawings, it should be understood that the present invention can be implemented in various forms and should not be limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that the present invention can be understood more clearly and thoroughly, and that the scope of the present invention can be fully conveyed to those skilled in the art.

[0036] Furthermore, the flexible headband substrate 1 adopts a sandwich composite structure, specifically comprising the following layers: an outer layer (covering layer) made of medical-grade silicone or thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) with a thickness of 0.5-1.2mm, providing insulation, abrasion resistance, and surface feel; a middle layer as a support layer made of shape memory alloy (Ni-Ti or Cu-Al-Mn alloy) woven mesh with a thickness of 0.3-0.6mm, reducing weight through serpentine hollow weight-reducing channels; and an inner layer as a skin-friendly layer that directly contacts the skin.

[0037] Secondly, the design of the outer electrode ring 3 is further refined into a segmented, equal-arc-length electrode array. Specifically, this array consists of 4 to 8 circumferentially arranged arc-shaped electrode segments, each with an equal arc length, ensuring uniform distribution along the circumference of the headband. Adjacent electrode segments are separated by an insulating gap of 0.5-1.2 mm, which is made of insulating material (such as a polyimide or silicone filling layer). This not only avoids signal crosstalk between electrode segments but also provides buffer space for the relative displacement of the electrode segments when the headband bends.

[0038] It is important to emphasize that one end of each arc-shaped electrode segment is connected to the central electrode ring 2 via an elastic corrugated connector 4, while the other end is embedded in the fixing groove of the flexible headband substrate 1, forming a "flexible inside and solid outside" mechanical constraint. This design allows the outer electrode ring 3 to adapt to local curvature changes through the deformation of the insulation gap when subjected to head compression or stretching, while maintaining the circumferential continuity of the overall electrode array.

[0039] Next, the number of elastic corrugated connectors 4 is set to at least three, and they are strictly and evenly distributed along the circumference of the flexible headband. The central angle formed between the center lines of adjacent connectors is controlled within the range of 30° to 120°. This angle range can be flexibly adjusted according to the headband size (e.g., children's / adult sizes) or application scenario (e.g., high-dynamic motion / static monitoring). In this configuration, the corrugated connectors form a symmetrical radial support network, which not only disperses the local stress when the headband is stretched, but also enhances the adaptability to the curvature of the head through multi-point synchronous deformation.

[0040] Then, the control box 5 is embedded in a recessed area of ​​the flexible headband base 1. The connection between the recessed area and the control box 5 is provided with magnetic power contacts. The outer shell of the control box 5 is provided with a curved surface that matches the curvature of the headband. The surface of the outer shell is distributed with heat dissipation holes or heat dissipation fin arrays.

[0041] In one embodiment, the flexible headband substrate 1 has a pre-set arc-shaped recessed area whose outline strictly matches the curved surface of the control box 5 shell, and the recess depth is slightly greater than the thickness of the control box 5 (about 0.5-1.0 mm); the control box 5 shell is made of lightweight aluminum alloy or high-strength engineering plastic.

[0042] The control box 5 is connected to the recessed area with bipolar magnetic power contacts. The contact spacing is sealed according to the IPX4 protection standard, supporting blind insertion alignment and quick disassembly.

[0043] In addition, the control box 5 has multiple heat dissipation holes on its outer surface or a micro-scale heat dissipation fin array (fin height 1.2-2.0mm, spacing 0.8-1.5mm) formed by laser engraving process. This increases the convective heat transfer area to assist in heat dissipation of the microprocessor and power devices. The fins are arranged radially along the circumference of the headband, utilizing the self-cleaning effect of airflow during the wearer's movement to reduce the attenuation of heat dissipation efficiency caused by the accumulation of sweat or dust.

[0044] Furthermore, the microcurrent generator features multiple independently controllable constant current source ports, each connected to the central electrode ring 2 and each arc-shaped electrode segment via wires. Each constant current source is connected to the central electrode ring 2 and each arc-shaped electrode segment via flexible shielded wires, forming an independent current output channel. To eliminate the risk of crosstalk between multiple current sources, optocoupler isolation devices (such as HCNR201 high-speed linear optocouplers) are added to each branch to achieve electrical isolation between the drive end and the load end of the constant current source, while ensuring linear transmission of the current setpoint.

[0045] like Figure 2 As shown, the impedance detection circuit board includes:

[0046] (1) AC excitation source: connected between adjacent arc-shaped electrode segments, outputting a sinusoidal signal with a frequency of 10kHz-100kHz and adjustable amplitude to generate excitation current.

[0047] (2) Precision sampling resistor: connected in series in the arc-shaped electrode section circuit (resistance value 0.1Ω-1Ω, accuracy ±0.1%), converting the current flowing through the electrode into a voltage signal.

[0048] (3) The signal conditioning link consists of a differential amplifier (such as instrumentation amplifier AD8421) and a 24-bit Δ-Σ analog-to-digital converter (ADC) connected in parallel across the sampling resistor.

[0049] Furthermore, the microcontroller has dual control channels. The first channel is connected to a microcurrent generator to output PWM current, and the second channel is connected to the analog-to-digital converter of the impedance detection circuit board via the SPI bus.

[0050] Furthermore, the control box 5 also includes a Bluetooth communication module connected to the microcontroller. The Bluetooth communication module has an inverted F-shaped printed antenna, which is directly etched on the inside of the control box 5 housing using flexible PCB technology. The antenna radiator extends along the long axis of the headband, and the insulation properties of the headband substrate reduce the attenuation of signal transmission by human tissue.

[0051] The flexible headband base 1 is also equipped with a physical emergency stop switch connected to the control box 5. The switch button protrudes from the surface of the flexible headband base 1. Specifically, an embedded emergency stop switch is located near the area behind the ear (mastoid process of the temporal bone) on the flexible headband base 1. The switch button adopts a silicone-covered double-contact mushroom head design, protruding about 2-3mm from the headband surface. It supports single-finger press triggering. The switch status is reported through a dual-channel system of wired direct connection and Bluetooth wireless notification. Even if the Bluetooth communication module fails, the system operation can still be forcibly interrupted.

[0052] In the description of this utility model, it should be understood that the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of indicated technical features. Therefore, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this utility model, "a plurality of" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0053] In this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "joining," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. For those skilled in the art, the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model can be understood according to the specific circumstances.

[0054] In this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can mean that the first feature is in direct contact with the second feature, or that the first feature is in indirect contact with the second feature through an intermediate medium. Furthermore, "above," "on top of," and "over" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "beneath" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0055] In the description of this specification, the terms "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "embodiment," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., refer to specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described in connection with that embodiment or example, which are included in at least one embodiment or example of the present invention. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples. Moreover, without contradiction, those skilled in the art can combine and integrate the different embodiments or examples described in this specification, as well as the features of different embodiments or examples.

[0056] Although embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described above, it is understood that the above embodiments are exemplary and should not be construed as limiting the present invention. Those skilled in the art can make modifications, alterations, substitutions and variations to the above embodiments within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A head-mounted device for cognitive intervention in Alzheimer's disease, characterized in that, include: The flexible headband substrate has a coaxially distributed central electrode ring and an outer electrode ring. The central electrode ring is a continuous closed ring conductor, and the outer electrode ring includes multiple arc-shaped electrode segments. The elastic corrugated connector connects the central electrode ring and the outer electrode ring respectively. The corrugated connector has alternating peaks and troughs to form a telescopic structure. The control box, embedded in the flexible headband substrate, includes a microcurrent generator connected to the central electrode ring and the outer electrode ring, an impedance detection circuit board bridging adjacent arc-shaped electrode segments, and a microcontroller connected to the microcurrent generator and the impedance detection circuit board respectively.

2. The head-mounted device for cognitive intervention in Alzheimer's disease as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The outer electrode ring consists of 4-8 arc-shaped electrode segments, with an insulating gap of 0.5-1.2 mm between adjacent electrode segments.

3. The head-mounted device for cognitive intervention in Alzheimer's disease as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The elastic corrugated connectors are provided in at least three and are evenly distributed along the circumference of the head belt, with the central angle between the center lines of adjacent corrugated pipes being 30°-120°.

4. The head-mounted device for cognitive intervention in Alzheimer's disease as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The control box is embedded in a recessed area of ​​the flexible headband substrate. The connection between the recessed area and the control box is provided with magnetic power contacts. The outer shell of the control box is provided with a curved surface that matches the curvature of the headband.

5. The head-mounted device for cognitive intervention in Alzheimer's disease as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The control box casing has heat dissipation structures distributed on its surface.

6. The head-mounted device for cognitive intervention in Alzheimer's disease as described in any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, The microcurrent generator includes multiple independent and controllable constant current source ports, each of which is connected to the central electrode ring and each arc-shaped electrode segment via wires.

7. The head-mounted device for cognitive intervention in Alzheimer's disease as described in any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, The impedance detection circuit board includes: an AC excitation source bridging adjacent arc-shaped electrode segments, a sampling resistor connected in series between the arc-shaped electrode segments, and a differential amplifier and analog-to-digital converter connected in parallel across the sampling resistor.

8. The head-mounted device for cognitive intervention in Alzheimer's disease as described in any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, The microcontroller includes a first channel and a second channel. The first channel is connected to a microcurrent generator, and the second channel is connected to an analog-to-digital converter on an impedance detection circuit board via an SPI bus.

9. The head-mounted device for cognitive intervention in Alzheimer's disease as described in any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, The control box also includes a Bluetooth communication module that connects to the microcontroller, and the Bluetooth communication module has an inverted F-shaped printed antenna.

10. The head-mounted device for cognitive intervention in Alzheimer's disease as described in any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, The flexible headband substrate is also equipped with a physical emergency stop switch that is connected to the control box, with the switch button protruding from the surface of the flexible headband substrate.

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