Neuromuscular electrical stimulation patch

Abstract

A neuromuscular electrical stimulation patch comprises a flexible substrate layer, a wiring layer, an electrode layer and a hydrogel layer, the flexible substrate layer covers the wiring layer, the wiring layer covers the electrode layer, and the wiring layer and the electrode layer are electrically connected, and the hydrogel layer is coated on the surface of the electrode layer away from the wiring layer. The neuromuscular electrical stimulation patch has a layered design of electrodes and wires, and the wires can be designed to well avoid interference between the electrodes, thereby avoiding the problem of crosstalk between the electrodes.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of electrical stimulation equipment technology, and in particular to a neuromuscular electrical stimulation patch. Background Technology

[0002] Functional electrical stimulation (FES) is widely used in muscle facilitation and motor function reconstruction after nerve injuries such as stroke. Traditional clinical practice often uses bipolar or quadrupole adhesive electrodes in combination with multichannel stimulators. By changing the relative positions of the electrodes and stimulation parameters, contraction of the target muscle group or sensory input is induced.

[0003] Currently, the electrical stimulation patch circuitry and electrodes are on the same layer. Due to the limited area on the same layer, crosstalk between electrodes is likely to occur when they are laid out on the same layer. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In view of this, the purpose of this utility model is to provide a neuromuscular electrical stimulation patch with a layered design of electrodes and circuits. The circuit design can effectively avoid interference between electrodes, thereby avoiding crosstalk problems between electrodes.

[0005] This invention provides a neuromuscular electrical stimulation patch, comprising a flexible substrate layer, a wiring layer, an electrode layer, and a hydrogel layer. The flexible substrate layer covers the wiring layer, the wiring layer covers the electrode layer, and the wiring layer is electrically connected to the electrode layer. The hydrogel layer is coated on the surface of the electrode layer away from the wiring layer.

[0006] In one embodiment, the wiring layer includes a first layer and a controller. The first layer is etched with circuits, the controller is disposed on the first layer and electrically connected to the circuits, and the first layer is also provided with a plurality of through holes. Conductive treatment is performed in the plurality of through holes to form a conductive plating layer. The circuits are electrically connected to the conductive plating layer, and the electrode layer is electrically connected to the circuits through the conductive plating layer. The flexible substrate layer and the electrode layer respectively cover both sides of the first layer.

[0007] In one embodiment, the electrode layer includes a second layer body and a plurality of electrodes, the plurality of electrodes being embedded in the second layer body and the electrodes being inserted into corresponding through holes to be electrically connected to the circuit through the conductive plating layer, the second layer body being located between the wiring layer and the hydrogel layer.

[0008] In one embodiment, the flexible substrate layer includes a third layer and an elastic cover, the elastic cover being disposed on the third layer and protruding from the third layer, the elastic cover being positioned opposite to the controller, and the third layer covering the first layer.

[0009] In one embodiment, notches are provided on the flexible substrate layer, the wiring layer, and the electrode layer.

[0010] In one embodiment, the hydrogel layer includes a plurality of hydrogel partitions and a medical pressure-sensitive adhesive layer. The plurality of hydrogel partitions and the medical pressure-sensitive adhesive layer are coated on the electrode layer, and the medical pressure-sensitive adhesive layer is disposed around the hydrogel partitions to isolate each hydrogel partition.

[0011] In one embodiment, the flexible substrate layer, wiring layer, and electrode layer are all in the form of biloba, quadriloba, or rectangular shapes.

[0012] The neuromuscular electrical stimulation patch provided by this invention features a layered design of electrodes and circuitry. The circuitry design effectively avoids interference between electrodes, thereby preventing crosstalk problems between electrodes. Attached Figure Description

[0013] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model, the drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. It should be understood that the following drawings only show some embodiments of this utility model and should not be regarded as a limitation on the scope. For those skilled in the art, other related drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0014] Figure 1 An exploded view of the neuromuscular electrical stimulation patch provided in Example 1.

[0015] Figure 2 This is a side view of the neuromuscular electrical stimulation patch provided in Example 1.

[0016] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the wiring layer of the neuromuscular electrical stimulation patch provided in Example 1.

[0017] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the flexible substrate layer of the neuromuscular electrical stimulation patch provided in Example 1.

[0018] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the neuromuscular electrical stimulation patch provided in Example 2.

[0019] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the wiring layer of the neuromuscular electrical stimulation patch provided in Example 2. Detailed Implementation

[0020] The specific embodiments of this utility model will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are merely some, not all, of the embodiments of this utility model. Based on the description of this utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of this utility model.

[0021] In the description of this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "set," "install," and "connect," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; 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. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms according to the specific circumstances.

[0022] The terms “upper,” “lower,” “left,” “right,” “front,” “back,” “top,” “bottom,” “inner,” and “outer,” etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, or the orientation or positional relationship commonly used when the product is in use. They are used only for the convenience of description and simplification, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this utility model.

[0023] The terms “first,” “second,” “third,” etc., are used merely to distinguish elements with similar properties, not to indicate or imply relative importance or a specific order.

[0024] The terms “include,” “comprising,” or any other variation thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, which includes not only the elements listed but also other elements not expressly listed.

[0025] Example 1

[0026] Please see Figure 1 and Figure 2 The neuromuscular electrical stimulation patch provided in this embodiment includes a flexible substrate layer 1, a wiring layer 2, an electrode layer 3, and a hydrogel layer 4. The flexible substrate layer 1 covers the wiring layer 2, the wiring layer 2 covers the electrode layer 3, and the wiring layer 2 and the electrode layer 3 are electrically connected. The hydrogel layer 4 is coated on the surface of the electrode layer 3 away from the wiring layer 2.

[0027] It is understood that the flexible substrate layer 1 can be made of materials such as PI, PET or composite film, and the wiring layer 2 and electrode layer 3 can also be made of materials with good insulation properties such as PI, PET or composite film. The lines 204 laid on the power wiring layer 2 supply power to the electrode layer 3. The electrode layer 3 is attached to the neuromuscular position on the body through the hydrogel layer 4. The electrode layer 3 provides electrical stimulation to the neuromuscular position on the body through the hydrogel layer 4 to achieve the initial rehabilitation treatment. The flexible substrate layer 1, wiring layer 2 and electrode layer 3 can be bonded together with medical adhesive.

[0028] Please see Figure 1 and Figure 3 In some embodiments, the wiring layer 2 includes a first layer body 201 and a controller 203. The first layer body 201 is etched with lines 204. The controller 203 is disposed on the first layer body 201 and electrically connected to the lines 204. The first layer body 201 is also provided with a plurality of through holes 202. The through holes 202 are conductively treated to form a conductive plating layer. The lines 204 are electrically connected to the conductive plating layer. The electrode layer 3 is electrically connected to the lines 204 through the conductive plating layer. The flexible substrate layer 1 and the electrode layer 3 respectively cover both sides of the first layer body 201.

[0029] It is understood that the line 204 can be formed of silver / silver chloride, conductive carbon, or conductive polymer ink, and the line 204 can be formed by "nearby fan-out + ring bus" and converged to the center of the first layer 201 to reduce crossover and return paths. The conductive treatment in the through hole 202 can be in the form of chemical copper plating or conductive paste coating on the through hole wall. The controller 203 can be internally configured with a passive adapter or a small drive / identification board. The controller 203 and the first layer 201 can be connected by heat fusion or adhesive sealing. The controller 203 can be provided with a power interface for connecting an external power source. The wiring layer 2 structure of this structure is simple.

[0030] Please see Figure 1 In some embodiments, the electrode layer 3 includes a second layer body 301 and a plurality of electrodes 302. The plurality of electrodes 302 are embedded in the second layer body 301 and the electrodes 302 are inserted into corresponding through holes 202 to be electrically connected to the line 204 through the conductive plating layer. The second layer body 301 is located between the wiring layer 2 and the hydrogel layer 4.

[0031] It is understood that each electrode 302 is an independent conductive island. The electrodes 302 can be arranged in a regular grid to form an array, and insulating trenches and metal guard rings (which can be ring or polygonal closed structures) can be set around the periphery of the electrodes 302 to maintain electrical isolation from adjacent electrodes 302. The material of the electrodes 302 can be Ag / AgCl or noble metal composite materials to reduce polarization resistance. The electrode layer 3 of this structure is simple and can be well connected with the wiring layer 2.

[0032] Please see Figure 4 In some embodiments, the flexible substrate layer 1 includes a third layer 101 and an elastic cover 102. The elastic cover 102 is disposed on the third layer 101 and protrudes from the third layer 101. The elastic cover 102 is positioned opposite to the controller 203. The third layer 101 covers the first layer 201.

[0033] It is understandable that the elastic cover 102 is made of the same material as the third layer 101, and it is an integral structure with the third layer 101. The elastic cover 102 may have some control button markings 103, which are opposite to the positions of the buttons on the controller 203. The elastic cover 102 has an opening, which is opposite to the position of the power interface.

[0034] Please see Figure 1 In some embodiments, notches are provided on the flexible substrate layer 1, the wiring layer 2, and the electrode layer 3.

[0035] Understandably, the gaps facilitate positioning when fixing different layers.

[0036] Please see Figure 1 In some embodiments, the hydrogel layer 4 includes several hydrogel partitions and a medical pressure-sensitive adhesive layer. The several hydrogel partitions and the medical pressure-sensitive adhesive layer are coated on the electrode layer 3, and the medical pressure-sensitive adhesive layer is arranged around the hydrogel partitions to isolate each hydrogel partition.

[0037] Understandably, the hydrogel partitions cover the corresponding areas of the electrode 302, and the medical pressure-sensitive adhesive separates the adjacent hydrogel partitions to form a partitioned conductive and lateral current-limiting interface, thereby significantly suppressing lateral current leakage and short circuits. The hydrogel layer 4 contacts the skin to conduct electricity in order to electrically stimulate the neuromuscular system.

[0038] Please see Figure 1 In some embodiments, the flexible substrate layer 1, the wiring layer 2, and the electrode layer 3 are all in a four-leaf shape.

[0039] It is understandable that the four-leaf shape can be four leaf-like structures connected together to form a butterfly-like shape. The flexible substrate layer 1, wiring layer 2 and electrode layer 3 can also be equipped with some ventilation holes to improve overall comfort. The design of each shape can meet the fitting needs of different parts such as the neck, upper arm, forearm and quadriceps.

[0040] Example 2

[0041] Please see Figures 5 to 6 The neuromuscular electrical stimulation patch provided in this embodiment differs from other embodiments in that the flexible substrate layer 1, wiring layer 2, and electrode layer 3 are all bilobed.

[0042] It is understandable that a bilobal structure can be formed by symmetrically arranging two leaf-like structures.

[0043] Example 3

[0044] The neuromuscular electrical stimulation patch provided in this embodiment differs from other embodiments in that the flexible substrate layer 1, wiring layer 2, and electrode layer 3 are all rectangular.

[0045] As can be seen from the above description, the neuromuscular electrical stimulation patch provided by this utility model has a layered design of electrode 302 and circuit 204. When designing circuit 204, interference with electrode 302 can be well avoided, thereby avoiding crosstalk problems between electrodes 302.

[0046] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this utility model, but the protection scope of this utility model is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in this utility model should be included within the protection scope of this utility model. Therefore, the protection scope of this utility model should be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A neuromuscular electrical stimulation patch, characterized in that, It includes a flexible substrate layer, a wiring layer, an electrode layer, and a hydrogel layer. The flexible substrate layer covers the wiring layer, the wiring layer covers the electrode layer, and the wiring layer is electrically connected to the electrode layer. The hydrogel layer is coated on the surface of the electrode layer away from the wiring layer.

2. The neuromuscular electrical stimulation patch as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The wiring layer includes a first layer and a controller. The first layer has lines etched on it. The controller is disposed on the first layer and electrically connected to the lines. The first layer also has several through holes. The through holes are conductively treated to form a conductive plating layer. The lines are electrically connected to the conductive plating layer. The electrode layer is electrically connected to the lines through the conductive plating layer. The flexible substrate layer and the electrode layer respectively cover both sides of the first layer.

3. The neuromuscular electrical stimulation patch as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The electrode layer includes a second layer body and a plurality of electrodes. The plurality of electrodes are embedded in the second layer body and are inserted into the corresponding through holes to be electrically connected to the circuit through the conductive plating layer. The second layer body is located between the wiring layer and the hydrogel layer.

4. The neuromuscular electrical stimulation patch as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The flexible substrate layer includes a third layer and an elastic cover. The elastic cover is disposed on the third layer and protrudes from the third layer. The elastic cover is positioned opposite to the controller. The third layer covers the first layer.

5. The neuromuscular electrical stimulation patch as described in claim 1, characterized in that, Notches are provided on the flexible substrate layer, wiring layer and electrode layer.

6. The neuromuscular electrical stimulation patch as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The hydrogel layer includes several hydrogel partitions and a medical pressure-sensitive adhesive layer. The several hydrogel partitions and the medical pressure-sensitive adhesive layer are coated on the electrode layer, and the medical pressure-sensitive adhesive layer is arranged around the hydrogel partitions to isolate each hydrogel partition.

7. The neuromuscular electrical stimulation patch as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The flexible substrate layer, wiring layer, and electrode layer are all in the form of biloba, quadriloba, and rectangle.

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