Neurostimulation device

Abstract

This disclosure provides a neurostimulation device. It includes a control unit and a stimulation unit; the control unit is electrically connected to the stimulation unit and is used to wirelessly power the stimulation unit; the stimulation unit includes a charging circuit, a boost circuit, and a stimulation generating circuit connected in sequence; the charging circuit receives power from the control unit, and its output is connected to the input of the boost circuit, allowing the charging circuit to output to the boost circuit; the output of the boost circuit is connected to the stimulation generating circuit, which boosts the output voltage of the charging circuit to a preset multiple of the operating voltage and outputs the operating voltage to the input of the stimulation generating circuit; the stimulation generating circuit outputs stimulation pulses based on the operating voltage. By using the control unit to wirelessly power the stimulation unit, a battery is eliminated, and the corresponding operating voltage is output to the stimulation generating circuit based on the power supply voltage signal received by the charging circuit, miniaturization of the implantable portion in the neurostimulation device is achieved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to the field of stimulation device technology, and more particularly to a nerve stimulation device. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, implantable neurostimulators are used in human treatment. To ensure the device can operate for a longer period, neurostimulators typically include a battery module. Because the battery module is difficult to miniaturize, the surgical implantation of the neurostimulator results in a relatively large wound.

[0003] The wireless power supply circuit used in current implanted neurostimulators employs complex circuits and chips to control the charging process, resulting in a complex circuit structure and difficulty in miniaturizing the circuit size. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to overcome the defect of excessive size of the existing nerve stimulation device and to provide a nerve stimulation device.

[0005] The present invention solves the above-mentioned technical problems through the following technical solution:

[0006] A nerve stimulation device is provided, including a control unit and a stimulation unit;

[0007] The control unit is electrically connected to the stimulation unit, and the control unit is used to wirelessly power the stimulation unit.

[0008] The stimulation unit includes a charging circuit, a boost circuit, and a stimulation generation circuit connected in sequence.

[0009] The charging circuit receives power from the control unit, and the output terminal of the charging circuit is connected to the input terminal of the boost circuit. The charging circuit is used to output to the boost circuit.

[0010] The output terminal of the boost circuit is connected to the stimulation generating circuit. The boost circuit is used to boost the output voltage of the charging circuit to a preset multiple of the working voltage and output the working voltage to the input terminal of the stimulation generating circuit.

[0011] The stimulation generating circuit is used to output stimulation pulses based on the operating voltage.

[0012] Optionally, the boost circuit includes at least one rectifier boost module.

[0013] Optionally, the boost circuit includes a rectifier boost module, which includes a first diode, a second diode, a first capacitor, and a second capacitor;

[0014] The anode of the first diode is connected to the first terminal of the first capacitor, and the cathode of the first diode is connected to the charging circuit.

[0015] The anode of the second diode is connected to the cathode of the first diode, and the cathode of the second diode is connected to the stimulation generating circuit;

[0016] The second terminal of the first capacitor is connected to the charging circuit;

[0017] The first terminal of the second capacitor is connected to the charging circuit, and the second terminal of the second capacitor is connected to the stimulation generating circuit.

[0018] Optionally, the boost circuit includes a first rectifier boost module and a second rectifier boost module. The first rectifier boost module includes a third diode, a fourth diode, a third capacitor, and a fourth capacitor. The second rectifier boost module includes a fifth diode, a sixth diode, a fifth capacitor, and a sixth capacitor.

[0019] The anode of the third diode is connected to the charging circuit, and the cathode of the third diode is connected to the first terminal of the third capacitor.

[0020] The anode of the fourth diode is connected to the cathode of the third diode, and the cathode of the fourth diode is connected to the stimulation generating circuit.

[0021] The second terminal of the third capacitor is connected to the charging circuit.

[0022] The first terminal of the fourth capacitor is connected to the charging circuit, and the second terminal of the fourth capacitor is connected to the stimulation generating circuit.

[0023] The anode of the fifth diode is connected to the first terminal of the fifth capacitor, and the cathode of the fifth diode is connected to the charging circuit.

[0024] The anode of the sixth diode is connected to the stimulation generating circuit, and the cathode of the sixth diode is connected to the anode of the fifth diode.

[0025] The second terminal of the fifth capacitor is connected to the charging circuit.

[0026] The second terminal of the sixth capacitor is connected to the stimulation generating circuit.

[0027] Optionally, the charging circuit is a charging coil.

[0028] Optionally, a voltage-regulated energy storage circuit may also be included;

[0029] The input terminal of the voltage-stabilized energy storage circuit is connected to the output terminal of the boost circuit, and the output terminal of the voltage-stabilized energy storage circuit is connected to the input terminal of the stimulus generation circuit.

[0030] Optionally, it may also include a stimulator housing and a stimulator working circuit board, wherein the stimulator housing covers the stimulator working circuit board;

[0031] The stimulation unit is mounted on the stimulation circuit board.

[0032] Optionally, the stimulator housing has a cylindrical structure.

[0033] Optionally, the control unit includes a control adjustment unit and a power supply unit;

[0034] The control and adjustment circuit is connected to the power supply circuit. The control and adjustment circuit is used to receive operation commands and control the power supply circuit to supply power to the stimulation unit.

[0035] The power supply circuit is used to supply energy to the charging circuit.

[0036] Optionally, it may also include a controller housing and a controller circuit board, with the control unit mounted on the controller circuit board;

[0037] The controller housing is provided with an operation interface, which is connected to the control and adjustment unit. The operation interface is used to input operation commands.

[0038] Based on common knowledge in the field, the above optional conditions can be combined arbitrarily to obtain various preferred embodiments of this disclosure.

[0039] The positive and progressive effects of this invention are as follows: the control unit provides wireless power to the stimulation unit, eliminating the need for a battery in the implanted stimulation unit. The power supply structure of the implanted part is formed by the boost circuit and the charging circuit in the stimulation unit. The corresponding working voltage is output to the stimulation generation circuit according to the power supply voltage signal received by the charging circuit. The stimulation generation circuit outputs stimulation pulses to the stimulation object, thereby simplifying the structure of the stimulation unit in the nerve stimulation device, miniaturizing the size of the implanted part in the nerve stimulation device, facilitating the implantation operation, and effectively reducing the trauma to the user during the implantation process. Attached Figure Description

[0040] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the first circuit structure of a nerve stimulation device provided as an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0041] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the second circuit structure of a nerve stimulation device provided as an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0042] Figure 3A schematic diagram of the fourth circuit structure of a nerve stimulation device provided in an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0043] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the fourth circuit structure of a nerve stimulation device provided in an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0044] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the component structure of a nerve stimulation device provided for an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0045] The present invention will be further illustrated by way of embodiments below, but the present invention is not limited to the scope of the embodiments described herein.

[0046] The prefixes such as "first" and "second" used in this disclosure are merely for distinguishing different descriptive objects and do not limit the position, order, priority, quantity, or content of the described objects. The use of ordinal numbers and other prefixes used to distinguish descriptive objects in this disclosure does not constitute a limitation on the described objects. The description of the described objects is given in the claims or the context of the embodiments, and should not be construed as an unnecessary limitation. Furthermore, in the description of this embodiment, unless otherwise stated, "multiple" means two or more.

[0047] Example

[0048] This embodiment provides a nerve stimulation device, such as... Figure 1 As shown, it includes a control unit 100 and a stimulation unit 200;

[0049] The control unit 100 is electrically connected to the stimulation unit 200, and the control unit 100 is used to wirelessly power the stimulation unit 200;

[0050] The stimulation unit 200 includes a charging circuit 230, a boost circuit, and a stimulation generating circuit 220 connected in sequence.

[0051] The charging circuit 230 receives power from the control unit 100, and the output terminal of the charging circuit 230 is connected to the input terminal of the boost circuit. The charging circuit 230 is used to output to the boost circuit.

[0052] The output terminal of the boost circuit is connected to the stimulation generating circuit 220. The boost circuit is used to boost the output voltage of the charging circuit 230 to a preset multiple of the working voltage and output the working voltage to the input terminal of the stimulation generating circuit 220.

[0053] The stimulation generating circuit 220 is used to output stimulation pulses based on the operating voltage.

[0054] In this solution, the control unit 100 provides wireless power to the stimulation unit 200, eliminating the need for a battery in the implanted stimulation unit 200. The power supply structure for the implanted part is formed by the boost circuit and the charging circuit 230 in the stimulation unit 200. Based on the power supply voltage signal received by the charging circuit 230, the corresponding working voltage is output to the stimulation generation circuit 220, which then outputs stimulation pulses to the stimulation object. This simplifies the structure of the stimulation unit 200 in the nerve stimulation device, miniaturizes the implanted part of the nerve stimulation device, facilitates the implantation operation, and effectively reduces the trauma to the user during the implantation process.

[0055] In one possible implementation, the boost circuit includes at least one rectifier boost module.

[0056] In this solution, for nerve stimulators implanted within 5 cm subcutaneously, such as spinal nerves, peripheral nerves, hypoglossal nerves, etc., the stimulation generation unit is matched with the corresponding working voltage based on different stimulation locations and target nerves. At least one rectifier boost module is configured based on the working voltage requirements to simplify the circuit structure and achieve miniaturization of the implanted part in the nerve stimulation device.

[0057] As a feasible approach, such as Figure 2 As shown, the boost circuit includes a rectifier boost module, which includes a first diode D1, a second diode D2, a first capacitor C1, and a second capacitor C2.

[0058] The anode of the first diode D1 is connected to the first terminal of the first capacitor C1, and the cathode of the first diode D1 is connected to the charging circuit 230.

[0059] The anode of the second diode D2 is connected to the cathode of the first diode D1, and the cathode of the second diode D2 is connected to the stimulation generating circuit 220.

[0060] The second terminal of the first capacitor C1 is connected to the charging circuit 230;

[0061] The first end of the second capacitor C2 is connected to the charging circuit 230, and the second end of the second capacitor C2 is connected to the stimulation generating circuit 220.

[0062] In this scheme, both capacitors C1 and C2 are boost capacitors. During each positive half-cycle of the input voltage, capacitor C1 is charged, and capacitor C2 is charged during the negative half-cycle. Through alternating charging and discharging, the capacitors increase the input voltage. The current direction is controlled by diodes D1 and D2. During the positive half-cycle of the input voltage, diode D1 is turned on, and capacitor C1 is charged to the peak value of the input voltage. Diode D2 is reverse biased and not turned on at this time. After one cycle, the voltage on capacitor C2, as the output voltage, will reach twice the input voltage. The boost circuit amplifies the output of the charging circuit 230 to meet the operating voltage requirements of the stimulation generation circuit, which is used for the operation of the load resistor RL.

[0063] As a feasible approach, such as Figure 3 As shown, the boost circuit includes a first rectifier boost module and a second rectifier boost module. The first rectifier boost module includes a third diode D3, a fourth diode D4, a third capacitor C3, and a fourth capacitor C4. The second rectifier boost module includes a fifth diode D5, a sixth diode D6, a fifth capacitor C5, and a sixth capacitor C6.

[0064] The anode of the third diode D3 is connected to the charging circuit 230, and the cathode of the third diode D3 is connected to the first terminal of the third capacitor C3.

[0065] The anode of the fourth diode D4 is connected to the cathode of the third diode D3, and the cathode of the fourth diode D4 is connected to the stimulation generating circuit 220.

[0066] The second terminal of the third capacitor C3 is connected to the charging circuit 230;

[0067] The first end of the fourth capacitor C4 is connected to the charging circuit 230, and the second end of the fourth capacitor C4 is connected to the stimulation generating circuit 220.

[0068] The anode of the fifth diode D5 is connected to the first terminal of the fifth capacitor C5, and the cathode of the fifth diode D5 is connected to the first terminal of the sixth capacitor C6.

[0069] The anode of the sixth diode D6 is connected to the stimulation generating circuit 220, and the cathode of the sixth diode D6 is connected to the anode of the fifth diode D5.

[0070] The second terminal of the fifth capacitor C5 is connected to the charging circuit 230;

[0071] The second terminal of the sixth capacitor C6 is connected to the stimulation generating circuit 220.

[0072] In this scheme, during the positive half-cycle of the input voltage, the third diode D3 is turned on, and the third capacitor C3 is charged to the peak value of the input voltage. The fourth diode D4, the fifth diode D5, and the sixth diode D6 are in reverse bias and do not conduct. During the negative half-cycle of the input voltage, the third diode D3 is turned off, the fourth diode D4 is turned on, and the fourth capacitor C4 is charged to twice the input voltage. During the next positive half-cycle of the input voltage, the third diode D3 is turned on, and the third capacitor C3 is charged again to the peak value of the input voltage. The fourth diode D4 is turned off, the fifth diode D5 is turned on, and the fifth capacitor C5 is charged to three times the input voltage. During the next negative half-cycle of the input voltage, the third diode D3 is turned off, the fourth diode D4 is turned on, the fourth capacitor C4 remains charged, the fifth diode D5 is turned off, the sixth diode D6 is turned on, and the sixth capacitor C6 is charged to four times the input voltage. The output voltage of the sixth capacitor C6 is used as the operating voltage to power the stimulation generating circuit 220. The output circuit of the charging circuit 230 is amplified by combining multiple boost circuits to meet the higher operating voltage requirements of the stimulation generation circuit and to operate the load resistor RL.

[0073] As one possible implementation, the charging circuit 230 is a charging coil.

[0074] In this scheme, the charging coil forms a resonant circuit with a charging capacitor CL and a charging inductor L1 to match the operating frequency of the power supply circuit in the control unit 100, thereby improving energy transmission efficiency. Matching the charging inductor L1 with the power supply circuit extends the wireless power supply distance and improves the energy reception stability of the charging circuit 230.

[0075] As a feasible approach, such as Figure 4 As shown, it also includes a voltage-stabilized energy storage circuit 240;

[0076] The input terminal of the voltage-stabilized energy storage circuit 240 is connected to the output terminal of the boost circuit, and the output terminal of the voltage-stabilized energy storage circuit 240 is connected to the input terminal of the stimulation generating circuit 220.

[0077] In this scheme, the voltage regulation and energy storage circuit 240 includes at least one energy storage capacitor. After storing the output energy of the boost circuit, the voltage regulation and energy storage circuit 240 discharges rapidly when the stimulation generation circuit is activated, ensuring a stable voltage and sufficient energy supply, and improving the rapid release efficiency of the stimulation pulse.

[0078] As a feasible approach, such as Figure 5 As shown, it also includes a stimulator housing 260 and a stimulation working circuit board 250, wherein the stimulator housing 260 covers the stimulation working circuit board 250;

[0079] The stimulation unit 200 is disposed on the stimulation working circuit board 250.

[0080] In this solution, by integrating the circuitry onto the stimulation working circuit board 250, the space occupied by the circuitry in the stimulation unit 200 is reduced, simplifying the structure of the implanted part of the nerve stimulation device. The stimulation working circuit board 250 is covered by the stimulator housing 260 to protect the single circuit of the stimulation unit 200. At the same time, stimulation electrodes are reserved on the stimulator housing 260. The stimulation electrodes are connected to the stimulation unit 200 and are used to output stimulation pulses to the target nerve.

[0081] As one possible approach, the stimulator housing 260 is a cylindrical structure.

[0082] In this design, the cylindrical design of the stimulator housing 260 better adapts to human anatomy, especially along implantation paths along nerve or muscle fibers. The flexibility and length of the cylindrical structure make it easy to conform to the natural curves and tissue morphology beneath the skin. The smooth edges and uniform surface of the cylindrical stimulator help reduce damage to surrounding tissues during implantation. Compared to other shapes, the cylindrical shape is easier to implant and reduces friction and irritation to tissues. Simultaneously, the cylindrical stimulator allows for uniform electrode distribution circumferentially, ensuring that stimulation signals are applied evenly to the target nerve region.

[0083] In one possible implementation, the control unit 100 includes a control adjustment unit and a power supply unit;

[0084] The control and adjustment unit is connected to the power supply unit. The control and adjustment unit is used to receive operation commands and control the power supply unit to supply power to the stimulation unit 200.

[0085] The power supply unit is used to supply energy to the charging circuit 230.

[0086] In this solution, the control unit 100 provides wireless power to the stimulation unit 200, eliminating the need for a battery in the implanted stimulation unit 200. The boost circuit and charging circuit 230 in the stimulation unit 200 form a power supply structure for the implanted part only. Based on the power supply voltage signal received by the charging circuit 230, the corresponding working voltage is output to the stimulation generation circuit 220, which then outputs stimulation pulses to the stimulation object. This simplifies the structure of the stimulation unit 200 in the nerve stimulation device, thereby miniaturizing the implanted part of the nerve stimulation device, facilitating the implantation operation, and reducing trauma to the user during the implantation process.

[0087] As one possible implementation, it also includes a controller housing 120 and a controller circuit board 110, with the control unit 100 disposed on the controller circuit board 110;

[0088] The controller housing 120 is provided with an operation interface, which is connected to the control adjustment unit and is used to input operation commands.

[0089] In this solution, the controller structure is simplified by integrating the control and adjustment unit and the power supply unit onto the controller circuit board 110. The corresponding operation command is input through the operating interface on the controller housing 120, and the charging circuit 230 sends power energy corresponding to the operation command to the stimulation unit 200. The stimulation generation circuit 220 outputs stimulation pulses to the stimulation object. The operating interface includes at least one of buttons, a touchpad, and a microphone.

[0090] The nerve stimulation device provided in this embodiment uses the control unit 100 to wirelessly power the stimulation unit 200, eliminating the need for a battery in the implanted stimulation unit 200. The power supply structure for the implanted part is formed by the boost circuit and the charging circuit 230 in the stimulation unit 200. According to the power supply voltage signal received by the charging circuit 230, the corresponding working voltage is output to the stimulation generating circuit 220, and the stimulation generating circuit 220 outputs stimulation pulses to the stimulation object. This simplifies the structure of the stimulation unit 200 in the nerve stimulation device, miniaturizes the size of the implanted part in the nerve stimulation device, facilitates the implantation operation, and effectively reduces the trauma caused to the user during the implantation process.

[0091] While specific embodiments of the present invention have been described above, those skilled in the art should understand that these are merely illustrative examples, and the scope of protection of the present invention is defined by the appended claims. Those skilled in the art can make various changes or modifications to these embodiments without departing from the principles and essence of the present invention, but all such changes and modifications fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A nerve stimulation device, characterized by, Includes a control unit and a stimulation unit; The control unit is electrically connected to the stimulation unit, and the control unit is used to wirelessly power the stimulation unit. The stimulation unit includes a charging circuit, a boost circuit, and a stimulation generation circuit connected in sequence. The charging circuit receives power from the control unit, and the output terminal of the charging circuit is connected to the input terminal of the boost circuit. The charging circuit is used to output to the boost circuit. The output terminal of the boost circuit is connected to the stimulation generating circuit. The boost circuit is used to boost the output voltage of the charging circuit to a preset multiple of the working voltage and output the working voltage to the input terminal of the stimulation generating circuit. The stimulation generating circuit is used to output stimulation pulses based on the operating voltage.

2. The nerve stimulation device of claim 1, wherein, The boost circuit includes at least one rectifier boost module.

3. The nerve stimulation device of claim 2, wherein, The boost circuit includes a rectifier boost module, which includes a first diode, a second diode, a first capacitor, and a second capacitor. The anode of the first diode is connected to the first terminal of the first capacitor, and the cathode of the first diode is connected to the charging circuit. The anode of the second diode is connected to the cathode of the first diode, and the cathode of the second diode is connected to the stimulation generating circuit; The second terminal of the first capacitor is connected to the charging circuit. The first terminal of the second capacitor is connected to the charging circuit, and the second terminal of the second capacitor is connected to the stimulation generating circuit.

4. The nerve stimulation device of claim 2, wherein, The boost circuit includes a first rectifier boost module and a second rectifier boost module. The first rectifier boost module includes a third diode, a fourth diode, a third capacitor, and a fourth capacitor. The second rectifier boost module includes a fifth diode, a sixth diode, a fifth capacitor, and a sixth capacitor. The anode of the third diode is connected to the charging circuit, and the cathode of the third diode is connected to the first terminal of the third capacitor. The anode of the fourth diode is connected to the cathode of the third diode, and the cathode of the fourth diode is connected to the stimulation generating circuit. The second terminal of the third capacitor is connected to the charging circuit. The first terminal of the fourth capacitor is connected to the charging circuit, and the second terminal of the fourth capacitor is connected to the stimulation generating circuit. The anode of the fifth diode is connected to the first terminal of the fifth capacitor, and the cathode of the fifth diode is connected to the charging circuit. The anode of the sixth diode is connected to the stimulation generating circuit, and the cathode of the sixth diode is connected to the anode of the fifth diode. The second terminal of the fifth capacitor is connected to the charging circuit. The second terminal of the sixth capacitor is connected to the stimulation generating circuit.

5. The nerve stimulation device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The charging circuit is a charging coil.

6. The nerve stimulation device according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes voltage-stabilized energy storage circuits; The input terminal of the voltage-stabilized energy storage circuit is connected to the output terminal of the boost circuit, and the output terminal of the voltage-stabilized energy storage circuit is connected to the input terminal of the stimulus generation circuit.

7. The nerve stimulation device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, It also includes a stimulator housing and a stimulator working circuit board, wherein the stimulator housing covers the stimulator working circuit board; The stimulation unit is mounted on the stimulation circuit board.

8. The nerve stimulation device of claim 7, wherein, The stimulator's outer shell has a cylindrical structure.

9. The nerve stimulation device of claim 7, wherein, The control unit includes a control and regulation circuit and a power supply circuit; The control and adjustment circuit is connected to the power supply circuit. The control and adjustment circuit is used to receive operation commands and control the power supply circuit to supply power to the stimulation unit. The power supply circuit is used to supply energy to the charging circuit.

10. The nerve stimulation device of claim 9, wherein, It also includes a controller housing and a controller circuit board, with the control unit mounted on the controller circuit board; The controller housing is provided with an operation interface, which is connected to the control and adjustment circuit. The operation interface is used to input operation commands.

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