Head mounting vibration apparatus

Abstract

The present invention relates to a head-mounted vibration device that is installed on a patient's head and can apply vibration waves, such as sound waves, to the inside of the head. The head-mounted vibration device according to the present invention is a head-mounted vibration device that is installed on a patient's head and supplies vibration or sound wave energy to the inside of the head, and comprises a main body having a head portion and a fastening portion, wherein a converter that converts electrical energy into vibration or sound wave energy is provided at the tip of the head portion and a connector that is electrically coupled to the converter is provided on the inside of the fastening portion, and a support member having a body that is fastened to the fastening portion and one or more wing portions that are integrally coupled to the outside of the body, wherein the main body is installed such that the head portion enters the inside of the skull through an installation hole, and the support member is characterized by the wing portions being in close contact with the inside of the skull to support the main body from the inside of the skull.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a head-mounted vibration device that is installed on a patient's head and capable of applying vibration waves, such as sound waves, to the inside of the head. Background Technology

[0002] Dementia is currently receiving attention as a major social issue. Dementia is an age-related disease that primarily affects the elderly and is a neuropsychiatric disorder characterized by impairment resulting from damage to nerve cells in the brain. The causes of dementia are very diverse, including primary, degenerative, and cerebrovascular types. Among these, Alzheimer's disease, a type of degenerative dementia, accounts for approximately 50% of all dementia patients.

[0003] Alzheimer's disease is a neurodegenerative brain disorder that causes a decline in cognitive function, which is studied to be primarily caused by the aggregation of beta-amyloid proteins in the form of plaques within nerve fibers of the cerebral cortex or the accumulation of hyperphosphorylated tau proteins. The subarachnoid space outside the cerebral cortex is filled with cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), which circulates along the ventricles and spinal cord. CSF plays a role in the circulation of metabolites, proteins, and ions into and from the brain. Loss of function or insufficiency of CSF due to aging, or stagnation or circulatory disorders of CSF caused by other factors, can lead to the adverse accumulation of beta-amyloid or tau proteins.

[0004] Attempts have been made to improve dementia symptoms in Alzheimer's patients by enhancing the circulation of cerebrospinal fluid and relaxing the binding forces of unnecessary proteins accumulated in the cerebral cortex through methods of physically applying vibrations to the cerebrospinal fluid or the cerebral cortex. For example, Korean Published Patent No. 10-2010-0126425 (Title: Method and device for preventing local stagnation of cerebrospinal fluid) discloses a method for improving cerebrospinal fluid stagnation by vibrating the cerebrospinal fluid through the patient's maxilla by transmitting vibration or sound wave energy. Additionally, Published Patent No. 10-2021-0136644 (Title: Vibration device installed in the subarachnoid space) discloses a method of directly applying vibration or sound wave energy to the cerebrospinal fluid by installing a vibration device in the subarachnoid space. Furthermore, a method of supplying ultrasonic energy to the inside of the skull by attaching an ultrasonic device to the outer side of the skull has been presented. However, methods of supplying sound wave energy through the skull or maxilla have limitations in delivering sufficient energy to the cerebrospinal fluid or cerebral cortex. Additionally, methods involving the installation of a vibration device in the subarachnoid space present difficulties in both the procedure and the maintenance of the device. The problem to be solved

[0005] The present invention was created in consideration of the above circumstances, and has a technical objective of providing a head-mounted vibration device that has a simple structure, is easy to operate, and can effectively supply vibration or sound wave energy to the cerebrospinal fluid and cerebral cortex. means of solving the problem

[0006] A head-mounted vibration device for realizing the above purpose is a head-mounted vibration device that is installed on a patient's head and supplies vibration or sound wave energy to the inside of the head, and comprises a main body having a head portion and a fastening portion, wherein a converter that converts electrical energy into vibration or sound wave energy is provided at the tip of the head portion and a connector that is electrically coupled to the converter is provided on the inside of the fastening portion, and a support member having a body that is fastened to the fastening portion and one or more wing portions that are integrally coupled to the outside of the body, wherein the main body is installed so that the head portion enters the inside of the skull through an installation hole, and the support member is characterized in that the wing portions are in close contact with the inside of the skull to support the main body inside the skull.

[0007] In addition, the head-mounted vibration device is characterized by being configured to additionally include a fixing member that is fastened to the fastening part and positioned opposite the support member with the skull in between.

[0008] In addition, the above-mentioned head-mounted vibrating device is characterized by being configured in a hemispherical shape and comprising a cover having a coupling part on the inside that is detachably coupled to a fastening part.

[0009] In addition, the head-mounted vibration device is characterized by being configured to additionally include a cushioning member positioned on the outer side of the skull.

[0010] In addition, the above-mentioned main body is characterized by being composed of platinum, titanium, or an alloy thereof.

[0011] In addition, the above-mentioned main body is characterized by being coated with a biocompatible coating material.

[0012] In addition, it is characterized by filling a filler material between the main body and the installation hole.

[0013] In addition, the above filler is characterized as being silicone or a bioadhesive.

[0014] In addition, the wing portion is characterized by being fixed to the inside of the skull through a bioadhesive. Effects of the invention

[0015] According to the present invention with the above-described configuration, the head-mounted vibration device is installed such that the main body is installed through an installation hole in the skull. A converter for converting an electrical signal into vibration or sound wave energy is provided at the front end of the main body, and a connector electrically coupled to the converter is installed at the rear end of the main body. When an electrical signal is supplied through the connector, the converter operates to supply vibration or sound wave energy to the cerebrospinal fluid or cerebral cortex. Accordingly, the head-mounted vibration device of the present invention enables easy implementation of frequency therapy for a patient and allows for very effective supply of vibration or sound wave energy to the cerebrospinal fluid and cerebral cortex. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0016] The attached drawings are intended to illustrate embodiments of the present invention. Therefore, it should be understood that some components may be exaggerated or omitted for effective explanation. FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view illustrating the configuration of a vibration device for head installation according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of the lumbar region showing the structure of a human head. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the process of installing a vibration device for installing tofu according to the present invention on tofu. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0017] Hereinafter, embodiments according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. However, the embodiments described below are merely illustrative examples of one preferred embodiment of the present invention, and such examples are not intended to limit the scope of the rights of the present invention. The present invention may be implemented with various modifications within the scope of the technical concept thereof.

[0018] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view illustrating the configuration of a head-mounted vibration device according to an embodiment of the present invention. In the drawing, the head-mounted vibration device (1) is configured to include a main body (10), a support member (20), a fixing member (30), and a cover (40). Here, the main body (10) is installed to enter the inside of the skull and is intended to supply vibration or sound wave energy to the cerebrospinal fluid and cerebral cortex inside the skull. The support member (20) is coupled to the main body (10) and is intended to stably support the main body (10) inside the skull and prevent the main body (10) from being pulled out to the outside of the skull. The fixing member (30) is fastened to the main body (10) and is positioned opposite the support member (20) with the skull in between to stably fix the main body (10) to the skull. The fixing member (30) may be omitted or removed as necessary. And the cover (40) is detachably attached to the main body (10) to protect the entire vibration device (1).

[0019] The main body (10) is provided with a head portion (11) and a fastening portion (12). The head portion (11) and the fastening portion (12) are preferably formed integrally. The head portion (11) and the fastening portion (12) are composed of metal, preferably titanium (Ti) or platinum (Pt), or an alloy thereof. The material of the main body (10) is not specified. Additionally, the main body (10) may preferably be covered with a biocompatible coating material such as Teflon.

[0020] A transducer (111) is provided at the tip of the head portion (11). The transducer (111) is provided with a head and a piezoelectric element attached thereto, as in a conventional form. Here, the head is typically made of a metal material, preferably titanium (Ti), platinum (Pt), or an alloy thereof, as in the main body (10). The transducer (111) vibrates according to an externally applied electrical signal to provide vibration or sound wave energy to the outside. At this time, the vibration or sound wave energy provided by the transducer (111) may include infrasonic, sonic, supersonic, or ultrasonic energy. This will be determined according to the frequency of the externally supplied electrical signal.

[0021] The fastening part (12) is formed in a cylindrical shape with a hollow interior. A screw portion (121) for fastening the support member (20) and the fixing member (30), etc., is formed on the outer surface of the fastening part (12), and a connector (13) for electrically connecting the main body (10) and an external treatment device (not shown) is installed on the inner side of the fastening part (12). Although not specifically shown in the drawing, the connector (13) is electrically connected to the converter (111) through a conventional method. The external treatment device supplies an electrical signal for driving to the converter (111) through the connector (13). Here, the fastening part (12) is configured in a cylindrical shape to accommodate the connection of the support member (20) and the fixing member (30), etc., through a screw connection method. If the method of connecting the support member (20) and the fixing member (30) is different, the shape of the fastening part (12) may also be different.

[0022] The support member (20) comprises a body (21) and a wing portion (22). The body (21) and the wing portion (22) are integrally formed. The body (21) and the wing portion (22) are made of a flexible material such as silicone. The body (21) is formed in a ring shape with a hollow center, and a screw portion (211) for connecting the support member (20) to the main body (10) is provided on the inner surface. The number of wing portions (22) is not specified. The wing portion (22) is preferably connected to the body (21) at an angle of inclination of less than 90 degrees so that it can be easily folded toward the center of the body (21).

[0023] The fixing member (30) includes a polygonal body (31) with a hollow central portion and a support plate (32) with a hollow central portion provided on one side of the body (31). Preferably, the support plate (32) is configured so that its lower surface has a radius of curvature identical to the outer surface of the head. The body (31) and the support plate (32) may be formed integrally. The fixing member (30) is preferably made of a metal material, more preferably titanium (Ti) or platinum (Pt), or an alloy thereof. Additionally, a screw portion (311) for connecting the body (31) to the main body (10) is provided on the inner surface of the body (31).

[0024] The cover (40) is formed in a hemispherical shape with a concave interior. The diameter of the cover (40) is preferably set to a size that can completely cover the fixing member (300). The material of the cover (40) is preferably a metal material, more preferably titanium (Ti) or platinum (Pt), or an alloy thereof. The material of the cover (40) is not specified. Although not specifically shown in the drawing, the inner surface of the cover (40) is provided with a coupling part for detachably connecting the cover (40) to the fastening part (12) of the main body (10), and the outer surface of the cover (40) is provided with a cross-shaped groove (41) so that the cover (40) can be rotated using a fastening means such as a screwdriver.

[0025] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the lumbar region showing the structure of a human head. In the drawing, the scalp (71) covers the outer side of the skull (72), and the cerebral cortex (78) is located on the inner side of the skull (72). On the outer side of the cerebral cortex (78), the pia mater (77) and the arachnoid mater (75) are located. Between the pia mater (77) and the arachnoid mater (75), there is a subarachnoid space (76), which is filled with cerebrospinal fluid. Also, between the skull (72) and the arachnoid mater (75), there is a dura mater consisting of a double structure of the periosteal dura mater (73) and the meningeal dura mater (74). The vibration device (1) of the present invention is fixedly installed on the skull (72). At this time, the vibrating device (1) is installed so that its tip, i.e., the transducer (111), is positioned appropriately between the skull (72) and the subarachnoid space (76), more preferably between the skull (72) and the arachnoid membrane (75).

[0026] FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the process of installing a vibration device (1) according to the present invention on the head. When installing the vibration device (1), as shown in FIG. 3a, the scalp (71) and skull (72) of an appropriate part of the head are first perforated to provide an installation hole (50). At this time, the size of the installation hole (50) is appropriately set so that the head part (11) of the main body (10) can pass through it.

[0027] Next, as shown in FIG. 3b, a support member (20) is attached to the fastening part (12) of the main body (10), and a surgical rod (60) is attached to the end of the fastening part (12). When attaching the support member (20) to the main body (10), preferably, a bio-adhesive, such as mussel adhesive, is applied to the upper surface of the head part (11) where the main body (10) and the support member (20) come into contact with each other, the outer surface of the fastening part (12), and the lower surface and inner surface of the body (21) so that the main body (10) and the support member (20) can be attached semi-permanently. Then, using the surgical rod (60), the head part (11) of the main body (10) and the support member (20) are inserted into the inside of the installation hole (50). When inserting the support member (20) into the installation hole (20), preferably, a bio-adhesive is applied to the upper surface of the wing part (22). This is to ensure that the wing portion (22) can be stably attached to the inner surface of the skull (72).

[0028] After inserting the head portion (11) and the support member (20) into the installation hole (50), as shown in FIG. 3c, the surgical rod (80) is pulled outward so that the wing portion (22) adheres to the inner surface of the skull (72), and a filling material (65) is filled into the space between the installation hole (50) and the fastening portion (12). For example, silicone or bioadhesive may be preferably used as the filling material.

[0029] Next, as shown in FIG. 3d, the surgical rod (60) is removed from the fastening part (12), and a fixing member (30) is attached to the fastening part (12). The fixing member (30) is attached temporarily or semi-permanently. In the case of attaching the fixing member (30) semi-permanently, a bio-adhesive is preferably applied to the lower surface of the support plate (32) and the inner surface of the body (31) so that the fixing member (30) is semi-permanently fixed to the skull (72) and the main body (10). Then, when the installation of the vibration device for the head is completed, a cover (40) is attached to the end of the fastening part (12). In the case of temporarily fastening the fixing member (30), the fixing member (30) is fastened to the fastening part (12) to firmly fix the main body (10) in the installation hole, and then the fixing member (30) is removed while the main body (10) is fixed to the skull after the bio-adhesive or filler (65) has hardened.

[0030] In addition, in another preferred embodiment of the present invention, a cushioning member formed in the shape of a washer may be provided on the lower side of the fixing member (30). This cushioning member may be made of a material such as silicone or Teflon.

[0031] The above-described vibration device (1) is installed semi-permanently on the patient's head. The patient visits the hospital when vibration therapy is needed. At the hospital, the doctor opens the cover (40) of the vibration device (1) and connects a treatment device (not shown) to the connector (13). Then, the doctor activates the transducer (111) by supplying an electrical signal of an appropriate frequency through the connector (13). The operating time and driving frequency of the transducer (111) will be appropriately set by the doctor according to the patient's condition. When the transducer (111) is activated, the vibration or sound wave energy generated by the vibration device (1) vibrates the cerebrospinal fluid in the subarachnoid space (76) through the arachnoid membrane (75), and such vibration is transmitted to the cerebral cortex (78). When the treatment is finished, the doctor removes the treatment device from the connector (13) and attaches the cover (40) to the connection part (12) to end the treatment.

[0032] The embodiments according to the present invention have been described above. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above and can be applied in various ways within the scope of the technical concept of the present invention. For example, the vibration device (1) described above can be applied in the same manner to hydrocephalus caused by impaired cerebrospinal fluid flow, in addition to Alzheimer's disease. Explanation of the symbols

[0033] 1: Vibration device, 10: Main body. 11: Head part, 12: Fastening part, 13: Connector, 20: Support member, 21: Body, 22: Wing, 30: Fixed member, 31: Body, 32: Support plate, 40: Cover, 41: Cross groove, 111: Converter, 121, 211, 311: Screw section.

Claims

Claim 1 A head-installing vibration device for supplying vibration or sound wave energy to the inside of a patient's head, comprising: a main body having a head portion and a fastening portion, wherein a converter for converting electrical energy into vibration or sound wave energy is provided at the tip of the head portion and a connector electrically coupled to the converter is provided on the inside of the fastening portion; a support member having a body portion fastened to the fastening portion and one or more wing portions integrally coupled to the outside of the body portion, wherein the main body is installed so that the head portion enters the inside of the skull through an installation hole, and the support member is characterized by the wing portions being in close contact with the inside of the skull to support the main body from the inside of the skull. Claim 2 A head-installing vibration device according to claim 1, characterized in that the head-installing vibration device is further provided with a fixing member that is fastened to the fastening part and positioned opposite the supporting member with the skull in between. Claim 3 A head-installing vibration device according to claim 1, characterized in that the head-installing vibration device is configured in a hemispherical shape and includes a cover having a coupling part on the inside that is detachably coupled to a fastening part. Claim 4 A head-mounting vibration device according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the head-mounting vibration device is further configured to include a cushioning member disposed on the outer side of the skull. Claim 5 A vibrating device for head installation according to claim 1, characterized in that the main body is composed of platinum, titanium, or an alloy thereof. Claim 6 A vibrating device for head installation according to claim 1, characterized in that the main body is covered with a biocompatible coating material. Claim 7 A vibrating device for head installation according to claim 1, characterized in that a filling material is filled between the main body and the installation hole. Claim 8 A vibrating device for head installation according to claim 7, characterized in that the filler is silicone or a bioadhesive. Claim 9 A head-mounted vibrating device according to claim 1, characterized in that the wing portion is fixed to the inside of the skull through a bioadhesive.

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