A small wearable system for surface muscle electrical stimulation and assessment

Abstract

This utility model discloses a small wearable system for surface muscle electrical stimulation and assessment, including a housing with a wearing mechanism, which can be worn on a patient's arm for electrical stimulation therapy, making it convenient to use; the electrical stimulation circuit includes a stimulation output module and an electromyography (EMG) assessment module; both the stimulation output module and the EMG assessment module are connected to electrode pads; a display interface is located on the upper surface of the housing, and the electrode pads are located on the lower surface of the housing, allowing the electrode pads to contact the surface muscle; the stimulation output module can output a stimulation current; the EMG assessment module can collect the electrical values ​​of the muscle; the electrical stimulation circuit also includes a detachment detection module for detecting the position of the electrode pads, and issuing an alarm when electrode pad detachment is detected to ensure the progress of the therapy.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of medical device technology, and in particular to a small wearable system for surface muscle electrical stimulation and evaluation. Background Technology

[0002] Wrist dorsiflexion dysfunction in stroke-induced hemiplegia is mainly manifested as decreased upper limb muscle strength, reduced muscle coordination, motor and balance disorders, increased resting muscle tone, and spasticity. Stroke primarily occurs due to infarction of brain tissue. The brain is the central nervous system controlling the functions of various organs in the body; once infarction occurs, corresponding symptoms will appear. Stroke and its sequelae cause significant inconvenience to patients' lives, thus creating a huge social demand for electromyographic biofeedback stimulation therapy. Statistics show that approximately 2 million new stroke patients are diagnosed in my country each year. Therefore, effective treatment to improve upper limb motor dysfunction in stroke patients is essential. Acute stroke is a common neurological disease caused by a sudden decrease in blood supply to the brain, leading to brain tissue damage. Upper limb muscle dysfunction is one of the most common complications in ACI patients; according to relevant departments, approximately 45% to 65% of ACI patients develop secondary limb dysfunction, which is detrimental to patient prognosis. Therefore, effective treatment of secondary limb dysfunction in ACI is particularly important. In recent years, neuromuscular electrical stimulation therapy has attracted much attention, and studies have found that NMES can promote the recovery of upper limb function in patients.

[0003] Current wearable electrical stimulation devices output stimulation current and collect electromyography through electrode pads. The electrode pads are mostly assembled through embedded or snap-fit ​​structures, which are prone to falling off during vibration or movement, affecting the treatment process.

[0004] Some wearable electrical stimulation devices use optocouplers to detect whether the electrode pads have fallen off. The optocouplers detect the working status of the electrode pads through logic level conversion, which makes them susceptible to current or voltage surges or interference during use. Utility Model Content

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide a small wearable system for surface muscle electrical stimulation and assessment, which can be worn on the patient's arm for electrical stimulation therapy. The electrical stimulation circuit is equipped with a detachment detection module to detect whether the electrode pads have detached and to provide an alarm to ensure the progress of the therapy.

[0006] To achieve this objective, the present invention adopts the following technical solution: A small wearable system for surface muscle electrical stimulation and assessment includes a housing with a wearing mechanism. It also includes an MCU control module and a display interface and electrical stimulation circuit connected to the MCU control module; The electrical stimulation circuit includes a stimulation output module and an electromyography (EMG) assessment module; both the stimulation output module and the EMG assessment module are connected to electrode pads. The display interface is located on the upper surface of the casing; The electrode pads are located on the lower surface of the casing, and the electrode pads can contact the surface muscles; The stimulation output module can output stimulation current; The electromyography (EMG) assessment module can collect the electrical values ​​of muscles; The electrical stimulation circuit also includes a detachment detection module for detecting the position of the electrode pads.

[0007] In some implementations, the detachment detection module includes an optical coupler U23. One end of the optical coupler U23 is connected to the electrode plate, and the other end is connected to the MCU control module. The model of the optical coupler U23 is TLP185.

[0008] In some implementations, the electrical stimulation circuit also includes a stimulation intensity adjustment module, which can adjust the parameters of the stimulation current, and the stimulation intensity adjustment module has a closed-loop structure.

[0009] In some implementations, the stimulation intensity adjustment module includes a first amplifier U24A, resistor R124, and resistor R125; Pin 1 of the first amplifier U24A is connected to resistor R124, and then the second part of the electromyography assessment module is connected to pin 2 of amplifier U24B. The first amplifier U24A is connected to pin 3 by a resistor R125, and then to port PA4. The model number of the first amplifier U24A is LMC64821MMX / NO.

[0010] In some embodiments, two electrode pads are provided, and the stimulation output module includes multiple relays, a transformer T1, and an electrical stimulation driver Q8; the electrical stimulation driver Q8 may be of model SI3456DDV. Two electrode pads are connected to a transformer T1 via multiple relays. The transformer T1 is connected to an electrical stimulation driver Q8, which in turn is connected to an electromyography (EMG) assessment module, thus forming a dual-channel stimulation and EMG assessment structure.

[0011] In some implementations, the electromyography assessment module includes a second amplifier U24B, pin 6 of which is connected to the electrode pads; the model number of the second amplifier U24B is LMC64821MMX / NOPB. A filter unit is connected to pin 6 of the second amplifier U24B.

[0012] In some implementations, the display interface can show functional interfaces and treatment parameters; It also includes a button module, which includes touch buttons and physical buttons, allowing treatment parameters to be adjusted via the buttons.

[0013] In some implementations, a communication module is also included, which is connected to the MCU control module; The communication module can connect to mobile terminals.

[0014] In some implementations, the MCU control module can be connected to the electrical stimulation circuit via a first terminal or a second terminal.

[0015] The beneficial effects of this utility model are: This wearable system can be worn on the patient's arm for electrical stimulation therapy and is easy to use; The electrical stimulation circuit is equipped with a detachment detection module to detect whether the electrode pads have detached and to issue an alarm to ensure the progress of the physical therapy. The electrical stimulation circuit is equipped with a closed-loop stimulation intensity adjustment module, which allows for more precise adjustment of the stimulation current. This wearable system has two electrode pads, forming a dual-channel structure, and is compatible with various wiring methods. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Figure 1 This is a structural diagram of a small wearable system for surface muscle electrical stimulation and evaluation according to the present invention; Figure 2 This is a structural diagram of a small wearable system for surface muscle electrical stimulation and evaluation according to the present invention; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the wearable system of this utility model worn on the arm; Figure 4 This is one of the connection structure diagrams of the various functional modules of this utility model; Figure 5 This is the second connection structure diagram of the various functional modules of this utility model; Figure 6 This is the third connection structure diagram of the various functional modules of this utility model; Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the electrical stimulation circuit of this utility model; Figure 8 This is a partial schematic diagram of the electrical stimulation circuit of this utility model; Figure 9 This is a partial schematic diagram of the electrical stimulation circuit of this utility model; Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the wiring terminal of this utility model; Figure 11 This is a waveform diagram of the stimulation current output of this utility model; Figure 12 This is a functional display diagram of the display interface of this utility model; Figure 13This is a diagram of electromyography (EMG) evaluation parameters for the display interface of this utility model. Figure 14 This is an image showing the electrode detachment alarm for the display interface of this utility model. Wherein: 100-housing; 200-wearing mechanism; 1-MCU control module; 2-display interface; 3-interface display control module; 4-button module; 41-touch button; 42-physical button; 5-communication module; 6-electrical stimulation circuit; 61-stimulation output module; 62-electromyography assessment module; 63-stimulation intensity adjustment module; 64-drop detection module; 7-electrode pads. Detailed Implementation

[0017] The present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0018] refer to Figures 1 to 4 A small wearable system for surface muscle electrical stimulation and assessment includes a housing 100, which is provided with a wearing mechanism 200. The housing 100 is worn on the arm via the wearing mechanism 200. The wearing mechanism 200 can be a wearing strap structure, which can be fixed or adjusted by buckles or Velcro, thereby achieving wearability and making it more convenient to use.

[0019] The system also includes an MCU control module 1, a display interface 2 connected to the MCU control module 1, and an electrical stimulation circuit 6; The electrical stimulation circuit 6 is located inside the housing 100; the electrical stimulation circuit 6 includes a stimulation output module 61 and an electromyography assessment module 62; both the stimulation output module 61 and the electromyography assessment module 62 are connected to the electrode pads 7. The display interface 2 is located on the upper surface of the housing 100 and can display the function interface and physiotherapy parameters, so that users can intuitively understand the status of physiotherapy. Electrode 7 is disposed on the lower surface of housing 100 and can contact the surface muscles; electrode 7 can be embedded in the lower surface of housing 100, for example, the lower surface of housing 100 can be provided with a groove to accommodate electrode 7. The stimulation output module 61 can output a stimulation current to provide physical therapy to the patient. The electromyography assessment module 62 can collect the electrical values ​​of the muscle, and the system can appropriately set or adjust the intensity of the stimulation current based on these electrical values.

[0020] Before electrical stimulation therapy, the electrical values ​​of the muscles are collected for assessment. Then, an appropriate intensity of electrical stimulation current is set to perform therapy on the patient.

[0021] The stimulation current is transmitted to the patient's muscles through electrode pad 7, and the electrical value of the muscles is also collected through electrode pad 7.

[0022] The MCU control module 1 can be an STM32 microcontroller or a processing chip, which has certain data processing and timing functions, enabling the stimulation output module 61 and the electromyography assessment module 62 to work together in a predetermined time sequence.

[0023] To improve the precision of physiotherapy, electromyography (EMG) data collection and assessment can be performed periodically, and the intensity of the stimulation current can be adjusted in a timely manner to achieve better therapeutic results.

[0024] refer to Figures 7 to 9 The stimulation output module 61 includes an electrical stimulation driver Q8, a transformer T1, and a relay. The electrical stimulation driver Q8 is connected to the first coil of the transformer T1, the second coil of the transformer T1 is connected to the relay, and the relay is connected to the electrode plate 7. The second coil has more turns than the first coil. Specifically, pins 1, 2, 5, and 6 of the electrical stimulation driver Q8 are all connected to the first coil of the transformer T1. The first coil of the transformer T1 is connected to a filter structure composed of resistor R121, capacitor C113, and capacitor C117. The relay is connected to the MCU control module 1 through the corresponding port, so that the MCU control module 1 can control the closing and opening of the relay.

[0025] refer to Figure 7 and Figure 9 The electromyography assessment module 62 includes a second amplifier U24B, with pin 6 of the second amplifier U24B connected to the electrode pad 7, so that the collected electromyographic values ​​are processed and amplified by the second amplifier U24B.

[0026] Specifically, pin 6 of the second amplifier U24B is connected to pin 4 of the electrical stimulation driver Q8, and the electrical stimulation driver Q8 is then connected to the electrode plate 7 through the transformer T1 and the relay; pin 7 of the second amplifier U24B is connected to pin 3 of the electrical stimulation driver Q8, so that the intensity of the stimulation current can be appropriately set and adjusted according to the electromyographic value.

[0027] For example, the DAC output of the electrical stimulation circuit 6 can achieve different intensities to regulate the stimulation current. The microcontroller controls two PWM waveforms of different frequencies to control the frequency and pulse width of the stimulation current output.

[0028] refer to Figure 9 The electromyography (EMG) assessment module 62 also includes a filtering unit, which includes resistors R128 and R129 and capacitor C117. One end of resistor R128 is connected to pin 6 of the second amplifier U24B, and the other end of resistor R128 is grounded. Resistor R129 and capacitor C117 are connected in series and in parallel with resistor R128. Thus, the EMG values ​​are filtered and noise-reduced before being transmitted to the second amplifier U24B, improving accuracy.

[0029] The collected electromyographic values ​​can be processed by the IIR filtering algorithm to obtain accurate and effective data, and the data is displayed as a curve on display interface 2, that is, the electromyographic value evaluation curve is displayed.

[0030] refer to Figure 7 and Figure 9 The electrical stimulation circuit 6 also includes a stimulation intensity adjustment module 63, which can adjust the parameters of the stimulation current, such as the intensity of the current. The stimulation intensity adjustment module 63 has a closed-loop structure, which makes the adjustment of the stimulation current more precise.

[0031] Specifically, the stimulation intensity adjustment module 63 includes a first amplifier U24A, resistors R124 and R125. Pin 1 of the first amplifier U24A is connected to resistor R124 and then to pin 2 of the second amplifier U24B of the electromyography assessment module 62. Pin 3 of the first amplifier U24A is connected to resistor R125 and then to port PA4, which can be connected to the MCU control module 1. Thus, the combination of the first amplifier U24A, resistors R124 and R125 enables fine-tuning of the current. The two ends of resistor R125 are connected to capacitors C114 and C112, respectively. Both capacitors C114 and C112 are grounded, forming a certain filtering function.

[0032] refer to Figure 7 and Figure 9 The electrical stimulation circuit 6 also includes a detachment detection module 64, used to detect the position of the electrode pad 7, that is, to detect whether the electrode pad 7 is assembled in place, whether it has detached, and whether it is in a conductive connection state. If the electrode pad 7 is not detached, it is conductive with the electrical stimulation circuit 6; if the electrode pad 7 is detached, it is not conductive with the electrical stimulation circuit 6.

[0033] The detachment detection module 64 is equipped with an optocoupler U23. One end of the optocoupler U23 is connected to the corresponding electrode 7 via a relay, and the other end of the optocoupler U23 is connected to the MCU control module 1, i.e., port PE8 is connected to the MCU control module 1, thereby collecting detection signals. When the electrode 7 is not detached, the optocoupler U23 can detect a voltage of about 3V. When the electrode 7 is detached, the optocoupler U23 detects a voltage drop or equal to zero. The voltage change at the pin of the optocoupler U23 determines whether the electrode 7 has detached. When the detachment of the electrode 7 is detected, the display interface 2 can display a message such as "Electrode 7 has detached" and a voice alarm.

[0034] One end of the optocoupler U23 is also connected to a half-bridge filter structure composed of diodes D8 and D9. Diode D8 is also connected to resistor R118 to protect the circuit.

[0035] refer to Figure 5 and Figure 6Two electrode pads 7 can be provided. The two electrode pads 7 are connected to the transformer T1 through multiple relays. The transformer T1 is connected to the electrical stimulation driver Q8. The electrical stimulation driver Q8 is connected to the electromyography assessment module 62, thereby forming a dual-channel electrical stimulation and electromyography assessment structure.

[0036] For example, there are 8 relays (U21, U22, U25, U26, U27, U27, U29, U30). Relays (U21, U22, U25, U26) are in the first group, and relays (U27, U27, U29, U30) are in the second group, which are connected to two electrode plates 7 respectively.

[0037] Among them, relay U21 has a switch Q7, and port PE5 of switch Q7 is connected to MCU control module 1; relay U25 has a switch Q9, and port PE6 of switch Q9 is connected to MCU control module 1; relay U27 has a switch Q10, and port PE9 of switch Q10 is connected to MCU control module 1; relay U29 has a switch Q11, and port PE7 of switch Q10 is connected to MCU control module 1. Thus, MCU control module 1 controls the opening and closing of the corresponding relays through the ports, thereby realizing the switching between stimulation function and electromyography assessment function. All of the above relays can be solid-state relays, which have a faster response time.

[0038] refer to Figure 5 , Figure 6 and Figure 10 The MCU control module 1 can be connected to the electrical stimulation circuit 6 via either the first terminal CH1 or the second terminal CH2, thus accommodating various wiring methods and making it more convenient to use. For example, the MCU control module 1 can be connected to the electrical stimulation circuit 6 via a combination of the first motor wire and the first terminal CH1, or the MCU control module 1 can be connected to the electrical stimulation circuit 6 via a combination of the second motor wire and the second terminal CH2. The connection of the motor wire can be detected when it is connected.

[0039] refer to Figures 11 to 14 Display interface 2 is connected to MCU control module 1 via interface display control module 3, thereby realizing interface switching and display. Display interface 2 can display function interfaces such as evaluation function interface, stimulation function interface, and setting function interface, and can also display physiotherapy parameters, such as muscle electrophysiological value, waveform of stimulation current, stimulation state curve, muscle electrophysiological value evaluation curve, etc. Display interface 2 can be a display screen, touch screen, etc.

[0040] refer to Figure 1The system also includes a button module 4, which includes a touch button 41 and a physical button 42. The button module 4 can adjust treatment parameters and switch function interfaces through the buttons, such as adding buttons, reducing buttons, returning buttons, starting and stopping buttons, etc. The touch button 41 can be set on the display interface 2.

[0041] The system also includes a communication module 5, which is connected to the MCU control module 1. The communication module 5 can establish a connection with a mobile terminal via Bluetooth, WIFI, etc. The mobile terminal can be a smartphone, tablet, etc., and the mobile terminal can have a corresponding APP, mini program or software to realize communication between the wearable system and the mobile terminal.

[0042] The above description only discloses some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, various modifications and improvements can be made without departing from the inventive concept of this utility model, and these all fall within the protection scope of this utility model.

Claims

1. A small wearable system for surface muscle electrical stimulation and assessment, characterized by Includes a housing (100), wherein the housing (100) is provided with a wearing mechanism (200); It also includes an MCU control module (1) and a display interface (2) connected to the MCU control module (1) and an electrical stimulation circuit (6); The electrical stimulation circuit (6) includes a stimulation output module (61) and an electromyography assessment module (62); both the stimulation output module (61) and the electromyography assessment module (62) are connected to the electrode pads (7); The display interface (2) is located on the upper surface of the casing (100); The electrode sheet (7) is disposed on the lower surface of the housing (100), and the electrode sheet (7) is able to contact the surface muscles; The stimulation output module (61) is capable of outputting a stimulation current; The electromyography assessment module (62) is capable of collecting the electrical values ​​of muscles; The electrical stimulation circuit (6) further includes a detachment detection module (64), which is capable of detecting the position of the electrode sheet (7); The detachment detection module (64) is equipped with an optical coupler U23. One end of the optical coupler U23 is connected to the electrode sheet (7), and the other end of the optical coupler U23 is connected to the MCU control module (1). One end of the optocoupler U23 is also connected to a half-bridge filter structure composed of diodes D8 and D9, and diode D8 is connected to resistor R118.

2. A small wearable system for surface muscle electrical stimulation and assessment according to claim 1, characterized in that, The electrical stimulation circuit (6) also includes a stimulation intensity adjustment module (63), which can adjust the parameters of the stimulation current. The stimulation intensity adjustment module (63) has a closed-loop structure.

3. A small wearable system for surface muscle electrical stimulation and evaluation according to claim 2, characterized in that, The stimulation intensity adjustment module (63) includes a first amplifier U24A, a resistor R124, and a resistor R125; Pin 1 of the first amplifier U24A is connected to resistor R124 and then to pin 2 of the second amplifier U24B of the electromyography assessment module (62); Pin 3 of the first amplifier U24A is connected to resistor R125 and then to port PA4.

4. A compact wearable system for surface EMG stimulation and assessment according to claim 1, characterized in that, The electrode pads (7) are provided in two, and the stimulation output module (61) includes multiple relays, a transformer T1 and an electrical stimulation drive Q8; The two electrode pads (7) are connected to a transformer T1 via multiple relays. The transformer T1 is connected to an electrical stimulation drive Q8, which is connected to an electromyography assessment module (62), thereby forming a dual-channel stimulation and electromyography assessment structure.

5. A small wearable system for surface EMG stimulation and assessment according to claim 4, characterized in that, The electromyography assessment module (62) includes a second amplifier U24B, and pin 6 of the second amplifier U24B is connected to the electrode plate (7); A filter unit is connected to pin 6 of the second amplifier U24B.

6. A compact wearable system for surface EMG stimulation and assessment according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a communication module (5), which is connected to the MCU control module (1); The communication module (5) can connect to the terminal.

7. A compact wearable system for surface EMG stimulation and assessment according to claim 1, characterized in that, The MCU control module (1) can be connected to the electrical stimulation circuit (6) through the first terminal or the second terminal.

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