Electrode structure for electrical stimulation

Abstract

An electrode structure for electrical stimulation according to an embodiment comprises: an electrode wire; and an electrode unit disposed on the outer surface of the electrode wire and including a plurality of electrode lines spaced apart from each other, wherein each of the plurality of electrode lines of the electrode unit is disposed in direct contact with the outer surface of the electrode wire.

Description

Electrode structure for electrical stimulation

[0001] The present invention relates to an electrode structure for electrical stimulation, and more particularly to an electrode structure for electrical stimulation having improved physical reliability and / or electrical reliability.

[0002] In medicine, electrodes are frequently inserted into parts of the body to stimulate or measure biosignals. Electrodes can be categorized into stimulating electrodes, which transmit electrical signals internally to the body, thereby generating electrical stimulation, and measuring electrodes, which are primarily used to measure neural activity and receive electrical signals generated in the brain and transmit them externally.

[0003] Treatment methods utilizing these electrodes have been actively developed recently. In particular, they are being actively applied to patients with neurological disorders. These electrode-based treatments require the implantation of an electrical stimulation device to transmit electrical signals within the body.

[0004] Accordingly, electrical stimulation devices applied in special environments require reliability and ease of molding suitable for such environments. Specifically, they must not cause adverse effects within the body, and the electrodes of the electrical stimulation device must not be damaged by bodily fluids.

[0005] Furthermore, during the process of insertion into the body, the electrode must be easily molded to facilitate easy insertion, movement, and deformation within the body. Therefore, a novel electrical stimulation electrode structure capable of resolving the aforementioned problems and an electrical stimulation device comprising the same are required.

[0006] The embodiment provides an electrode structure for electrical stimulation with improved electrical reliability and / or mechanical reliability and an electrical stimulation device including the same.

[0007] In addition, the embodiment provides an electrode structure for electrical stimulation with improved manufacturing processability and an electrical stimulation device including the same.

[0008] In addition, the embodiment provides an electrode structure for electrical stimulation with an easily adjustable number of electrode channels and an electrical stimulation device including the same.

[0009] In addition, the embodiment provides an electrode structure for electrical stimulation capable of improving the alignment of the electrode and an electrical stimulation device including the same.

[0010] The technical tasks to be achieved in the proposed embodiment are not limited to the technical tasks mentioned above, and other technical tasks not mentioned can be clearly understood by a person having ordinary skill in the technical field to which the proposed embodiment belongs from the description below.

[0011] An electrode structure for electrical stimulation according to an embodiment comprises: an electrode wire; and an electrode portion including a plurality of electrode lines arranged on an outer surface of the electrode wire and spaced apart from each other, wherein each of the plurality of electrode lines of the electrode portion is arranged in direct contact with an outer surface of the electrode wire.

[0012] Additionally, the electrode wire comprises at least one material selected from polyurethane, polycarbonate, silicone, liquid crystal polymer, thermoplastic elastomer, polyphenylene sulfide, and polyetherimide.

[0013] In addition, the electrode portion includes a metal layer formed by three-dimensionally metal printing a metal paste containing a binder and metal powder mixed onto the electrode wire.

[0014] Additionally, the metal powder includes at least one selected from silver (Ag), silver chloride (AgCl), platinum (Pt), copper (Cu), and carbon.

[0015] Additionally, the binder includes an insulating material identical to the insulating material constituting the electrode wire.

[0016] Additionally, each of the plurality of electrode lines includes an electrode pad and an electrode pattern connected to the electrode pad, and the electrode pattern of each of the plurality of electrode lines is arranged in a spiral turn on the electrode wire.

[0017] Additionally, the width of the electrode pattern of each of the plurality of electrode lines is 250 μm to 500 μm.

[0018] Additionally, the spacing between the electrode patterns of the plurality of electrode lines is 10 μm to 6 mm.

[0019] Additionally, the width of the electrode pattern of each of the plurality of electrode lines changes along the turning direction or extension direction of the electrode pattern.

[0020] Additionally, the spacing between the electrode patterns of the plurality of electrode lines changes along the turning direction or extension direction of the electrode patterns.

[0021] The electrode structure of the embodiment includes an electrode wire and an electrode portion arranged on the electrode wire. In this case, the electrode portion may be formed on the electrode wire through a three-dimensional metal printing method.

[0022] Accordingly, the embodiment can accurately form electrode lines of the electrode part at a desired target position by forming the electrode part on the electrode wire through a three-dimensional metal printing method, and further, can accurately form the spacing between the plurality of electrode lines and / or the width of each of the plurality of electrode lines to a target value.

[0023] Through this, the embodiment can form an electrode portion by directly depositing it on an electrode wire using a three-dimensional metal printing method, thereby ensuring adhesion between the electrode portion and the electrode wire, and allowing the electrode portion to be positioned on the electrode wire at a target position, target length, target width, and / or target spacing. Accordingly, the embodiment can further improve the operational reliability of the electrical stimulation device, and further improve the electrical reliability and / or mechanical reliability of the electrode structure.

[0024] Furthermore, the embodiment can improve the manufacturing process by forming the electrode portion using a three-dimensional metal printing method, thereby further improving the product yield.

[0025] In addition, since the embodiment forms the electrode portion using a three-dimensional metal printing method, the number of panels of the electrode line of the electrode portion can be more easily controlled, and further, the alignment of each electrode line can be improved, thereby further improving the operational reliability of the electrode structure and the electrical stimulation device including the same.

[0026] Additionally, the electrode section may include a plurality of electrode lines. In this case, the spacing between the plurality of electrode lines and / or the width of each of the plurality of electrode lines include different spacings or widths depending on the turning direction and / or the extending direction of the electrode lines.

[0027] For example, if the spacing and / or widths between the plurality of electrode lines of the electrode part are constant, the adhesion between the electrode part and the electrode wire may be reduced. In particular, if the spacing and / or widths between the plurality of electrode lines of the electrode part are constant, electrical reliability problems and / or physical reliability problems may occur in which the electrode part is separated from the electrode wire or the electrode part is disconnected during the bending process after the electrode structure is inserted into the human body.

[0028] Accordingly, the embodiment can be configured such that the spacing between the plurality of electrode lines of the electrode portion has different spacings and / or widths along the turning direction or the extending direction of the electrode lines, thereby further improving the adhesion between the electrode wire and the electrode portion.

[0029] Figure 1 is a perspective view illustrating an electrical stimulation device according to an embodiment.

[0030] FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating an electrode structure for electrical stimulation of FIG. 1 according to an embodiment.

[0031] Figure 3 is a drawing showing a defective state of an electrode structure for electrical stimulation according to a comparative example.

[0032] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of an electrode structure for electrical stimulation obtained along line B-B' of FIG. 2 according to the first embodiment.

[0033] Figure 5 is a flowchart for explaining the manufacturing method of an electrode structure for electrical stimulation according to an embodiment in process order.

[0034] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of an electrode structure for electrical stimulation obtained along C-C' of FIG. 2 according to the second embodiment.

[0035] Fig. 7 is an optical microscope photograph showing an electrode structure for electrical stimulation according to the third embodiment.

[0036] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. However, the technical concept of the present invention is not limited to the described embodiments, but may be implemented in various different forms. Within the scope of the technical concept of the present invention, one or more of the components of the embodiments may be selectively combined or substituted for use.

[0037] In addition, terms (including technical and scientific terms) used in the embodiments of the present invention may be interpreted as having a meaning that can be generally understood by a person of ordinary skill in the technical field to which the present invention belongs, unless explicitly and specifically defined and described, and terms that are commonly used, such as terms defined in a dictionary, may be interpreted in consideration of the contextual meaning of the relevant technology.

[0038] In addition, the terms used in the embodiments of the present invention are for the purpose of describing the embodiments and are not intended to limit the present invention. In this specification, the singular may also include the plural unless specifically stated in the phrase, and when it is described as “and (and) at least one (or more) of B, C,” it may include one or more of all combinations that can be combined with A, B, and C.

[0039] Additionally, in describing components of embodiments of the present invention, terms such as first, second, A, B, (a), (b), etc. may be used. These terms are only intended to distinguish the components from other components, and are not intended to limit the nature, order, or sequence of the components.

[0040] And, when a component is described as being 'connected', 'coupled' or 'connected' to another component, it may include not only cases where the component is directly connected, coupled or connected to the other component, but also cases where the component is 'connected', 'coupled' or 'connected' by another component between the component and the other component.

[0041] Additionally, when it is described as being formed or disposed "above or below" each component, above or below includes not only cases where the two components are in direct contact with each other, but also cases where one or more other components are formed or disposed between the two components.

[0042] Additionally, when expressed as “upper or lower,” it can include the meaning of not only the upward direction but also the downward direction based on one component.

[0043]

[0044] Hereinafter, an electrode structure for electrical stimulation and an electrical stimulation device including the same according to an embodiment will be described with reference to the attached drawings.

[0045] FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating an electrical stimulation device according to an embodiment, FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating an electrical stimulation electrode structure of FIG. 1 according to an embodiment, FIG. 3 is a drawing showing a defective state of an electrical stimulation electrode structure according to a comparative example, FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of an electrical stimulation electrode structure obtained along line B-B' of FIG. 2 according to a first embodiment, FIG. 5 is a flowchart for explaining a manufacturing method of an electrical stimulation electrode structure according to an embodiment in process order, FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of an electrical stimulation electrode structure obtained along line C-C' of FIG. 2 according to a second embodiment, and FIG. 7 is an optical microscope photograph showing an electrical stimulation electrode structure according to a third embodiment.

[0046]

[0047] Referring to FIG. 1, the electrical stimulation device includes a power supply unit (100), a cable (200), and an electrode structure (300).

[0048] At this time, the electrical stimulation device can be used as a deep brain stimulator. For example, the electrical stimulation device may have an electrode structure (300) implanted in a part of the body. At this time, a deep brain stimulator, such as an electrical stimulation device, can be implanted in a specific region (A) of the brain, and thus transmit electrical stimulation signals to the implanted specific region (A).

[0049] The power supply unit (100) can be electrically connected to the electrode structure (300). The power supply unit (100) can supply current to the electrode structure (300). In detail, the power supply unit (100) can supply current to the electrode structure (300) and apply an electrical signal to the electrode structure (300).

[0050] The power supply unit (100) can control the amount of current and / or time applied to the electrode structure (300). For example, the amount of current and / or time applied can be adjusted depending on the location of a specific part of the human body, such as the brain, neck, or spinal cord, to which the electrical stimulation device is applied.

[0051] For example, the amount of current and / or time may vary depending on the location of the human body where the electrode structure (300) is implanted. Accordingly, the power supply unit (100) may adjust the amount of current and / or the current application time applied to the electrode structure (300) depending on the implantation location of the electrode structure (300).

[0052] The power supply unit (100) may be electrically connected to the electrode structure (300). For this purpose, a cable (200) may be provided between the power supply unit (100) and the electrode structure (300). The cable (200) may provide a signal provided from the power supply unit (100) to the electrode structure (300).

[0053] The electrode structure (300) is electrically connected to the power supply unit (100) via a cable (200) and can thus receive current, which is an electrical signal supplied from the power supply unit (100).

[0054] The electrode structure (300) receives current applied from the power supply unit (100) via the cable (200), and can thereby provide stimulation to a specific area to be treated. For example, the electrode structure (300) can apply micro-electrical stimulation to a specific area (A) of the brain to be treated.

[0055] To this end, referring to FIG. 2, the electrode structure (300) may include an electrode wire for applying micro-electrical stimulation.

[0056] For example, the electrode structure (300) may include an electrode wire (310) and an electrode portion (320) disposed on the electrode wire (310).

[0057] The electrode wire (310) may comprise a flexible and durable material. Furthermore, the electrode wire (310) may comprise a material that is harmless to the human body. For example, the electrode wire (310) may be made of a polymer material.

[0058] Preferably, the electrode wire (310) may include at least one material selected from polyurethane (PU), polycarbonate (PC), silicone, liquid crystal polymer (LCP), thermoplastic elastomers, polyphenylene sulfide, and polyether imide.

[0059] The electrode structure (300) may have a shape that allows uniform electrical stimulation to be provided to a specific area where the electrode structure (300) is applied through an electrode portion (320) placed on the electrode wire (310). Preferably, the electrode wire (310) may have a cylindrical shape.

[0060] At this time, when the electrode wire (310) has a square column or polygonal column shape, it may be difficult to provide uniform electrical stimulation through the electrode part (320) arranged at the corner portion where different surfaces meet on the outer surface of the electrode wire (310), and thus the electrical reliability of the electrode stimulation device may be reduced. Furthermore, when the electrode wire (310) has a square column or polygonal column shape, the adhesion between the electrode wire (310) and the electrode part (320) may be reduced, and as a result, the electrode part (320) may be separated from the electrode wire (310) when the electrode structure (300) is inserted into the human body, and thus the physical reliability may be reduced.

[0061] Accordingly, the embodiment allows the electrode wire (310) to have a cylindrical shape. Through this, the embodiment can ensure that the electrode portion (320) is stably attached to the electrode wire (310), and thus, an electrical stimulation signal can be applied while the electrode portion (320) is stably attached to the electrode wire (310). Furthermore, the embodiment can ensure that a uniform electrical stimulation signal is applied along the circumferential direction of the electrode wire (310) through the electrode portion (320) disposed on the electrode wire (310). Therefore, the embodiment can improve the electrical reliability and / or physical reliability of the electrode structure (300).

[0062] The electrode wire (310) may have a certain diameter. For example, the diameter of the electrode wire (310) may be 0.5 mm to 2.5 mm, or 0.7 mm to 2.3 mm, or 1.0 mm to 2.2 mm. If the diameter of the electrode wire (310) is 0.5 mm, it may be difficult to secure a space for arranging the electrode part (320) on the electrode wire (310), and thus, it may be difficult for the electrode part (320) to have the target electrode length. For example, the electrode part (320) may include electrode lines corresponding to a plurality of channels on the electrode wire (310). At this time, if the diameter of the electrode wire (310) is 0.5 mm, it may be difficult to arrange the electrode lines of the electrode part (320) corresponding to the required number of channels on the electrode wire (310), or it may be difficult for the length, width, and / or spacing of the plurality of electrode lines to satisfy the required conditions. In addition, if the diameter of the electrode wire (310) exceeds 2.5 mm, the thickness of the electrode structure (300) increases, which may cause discomfort or rejection to the user when inserted into the human body.

[0063] An electrode portion (320) is disposed on the electrode wire (310). The electrode portion (320) may be disposed on the outer surface of the electrode wire (310). For example, the electrode portion (320) may be disposed by being wound around the outer surface of the electrode wire (310) from one end of the electrode wire (310) toward the other end. Preferably, the electrode portion (320) may be disposed in a spiral shape on the outer surface of the electrode wire (310).

[0064] At this time, if the electrode part (320) is arranged in a straight direction from one end of the electrode wire (310) to the other end, rather than in a form that turns on the electrode wire (310), it may be difficult to secure the length of the electrode line of the electrode part (320), and thus it may be difficult to apply stable micro-electrical stimulation through the electrode line of the electrode part (320). Furthermore, if the electrode part (320) is arranged in a straight direction from one end of the electrode wire (310) to the other end, rather than in a form that turns on the electrode wire (310), it may be difficult to secure adhesion between the electrode part (320) and the electrode wire (310), and as a result, a physical reliability problem may occur in which the electrode part (320) is separated from the electrode wire (310) in the usage environment of the electrical stimulation device.

[0065] The electrode portion (320) should be positioned on the electrode wire (310) with a target position, target length, target width, and / or target spacing based on the application position and / or application intensity of the micro-electrical stimulation.

[0066] At this time, according to the first comparative example, the electrode part may have a structure in which it is inserted into the electrode wire. That is, the first comparative example has a structure in which an electrode part manufactured in a bulk type is inserted into a cylindrical electrode wire. In this case, there is a limit to increasing the number of channels of the electrode line of the electrode part. For example, increasing the number of panels of the electrode line may cause the problem of increasing the thickness of the product, and as the thickness of the product increases, the problem of causing inconvenience or rejection to the user may arise.

[0067] Furthermore, according to the second comparative example, the electrode portion can be formed on the electrode wire through a plating process and an etching process. However, when the electrode portion is formed through a plating process or an etching process, there is a limit to securing adhesion between the electrode portion and the electrode wire, and further, there is a limit to precisely aligning and arranging the plurality of electrode lines of the electrode portion at the target position. In addition, due to the limitations of the process capability in the plating process or the etching process, a short-circuit defect (R1) due to an electrical short circuit in which a plurality of electrode lines are electrically connected to each other, as shown in (a) of Fig. 3, may occur, or an electrical open defect (R2) in which at least one electrode line is opened in the middle, as shown in (b) of Fig. 3, may occur.

[0068] Therefore, in order to solve the problems of the comparative examples described above, the embodiment forms the electrode part (320) by directly depositing it on the electrode wire (310). For example, the electrode part (320) can be formed on the electrode wire (310) through a three-dimensional metal printing method. When the electrode part (320) is formed on the electrode wire (310) through a three-dimensional metal printing method, the electrode lines of the electrode part (320) can be formed precisely at a desired target position, and further, the spacing between the plurality of electrode lines and / or the width of each of the plurality of electrode lines can be formed precisely at a target value.

[0069] Through this, the embodiment forms the electrode part (320) by directly depositing it on the electrode wire (310) using a three-dimensional metal printing method, thereby ensuring adhesion between the electrode part (320) and the electrode wire (310), and allowing the electrode part (320) to be arranged on the electrode wire (310) at a target position, a target length, a target width, and / or a target interval. Accordingly, the embodiment can further improve the operational reliability of the electrical stimulation device, and further improve the electrical reliability and / or mechanical reliability of the electrode structure (300).

[0070] Furthermore, the embodiment can improve the manufacturing process by forming the electrode part (320) using a three-dimensional metal printing method, thereby further improving the product yield.

[0071] In addition, since the embodiment forms the electrode part (320) using a three-dimensional metal printing method, the number of panels of the electrode line of the electrode part (320) can be more easily controlled, and further, the alignment of each electrode line can be improved, thereby further improving the operational reliability of the electrode structure (300) and the electrical stimulation device including the same.

[0072] At this time, the electrode unit (320) may include a plurality of electrode lines arranged on the electrode wire (310). At this time, the number of the plurality of electrode lines may correspond to the number of channels that the electrode unit (320) has. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 2, the number of electrode lines may be two, but is not limited thereto. That is, FIG. 2 may illustrate only some of the plurality of electrode lines for convenience of explanation. For example, the electrode unit (320) may be configured with four channels and may include four electrode lines arranged spaced apart from each other on the electrode wire (310).

[0073] The electrode portion (320) may have a certain thickness. The thickness of the electrode portion (320) may range from 7 μm to 25 μm. Preferably, the thickness of the electrode portion (320) may range from 8 μm to 22 μm. More preferably, the thickness of the electrode portion (320) may range from 10 μm to 20 μm.

[0074] If the thickness of the electrode portion (320) is less than 7 μm, it may be difficult to form the electrode portion (320) by applying a 3D printing method. If the thickness of the electrode portion (320) is less than 7 μm, adhesion between the electrode wire (310) and the electrode portion (320) may not be secured. In addition, if the thickness of the electrode portion (320) exceeds 35 μm, the thickness of the electrode structure (300) increases correspondingly, which may cause discomfort and rejection to the user.

[0075] At this time, the electrode portion (320) can be formed by depositing a metal paste on the electrode wire (310) using a 3D printing method. At this time, the metal paste can be a paste in which metal powder and a binder are mixed.

[0076] The metal powder constituting the metal paste may include any one of silver (Ag) powder, silver chloride (AgCl) powder, platinum (Pt) powder, copper (Cu) powder, and carbon powder.

[0077] At this time, when metal powder is deposited on the electrode wire (310) using a 3D printing method, it may be difficult to secure adhesion between the electrode wire (310) and the electrode portion (320). Accordingly, the metal paste may further include a binder. At this time, the binder may include a resin material. Preferably, the binder may include the same resin material as the resin material constituting the electrode wire (310).

[0078] Through this, the embodiment allows the metal paste to include a binder that includes the same resin material as the resin material constituting the electrode wire (310), thereby further improving the adhesion between the electrode wire (310) and the electrode portion (320).

[0079] At this time, as shown in (a) of Fig. 4, the electrode portion (320) may include only a metal layer deposited using a 3D printing method.

[0080] In contrast, as illustrated in (b) of FIG. 4, the electrode portion (320) may include a plurality of metal layers. For example, the electrode portion (320) may include a first metal layer (320a) deposited by the above-described three-dimensional printing method and disposed on the electrode wire (310). In addition, the electrode portion (320) may further include a second metal layer (320b) disposed on the first metal layer (320a). At this time, the electrode portion (320) may have a structure including only the first metal layer (320a), or may have a structure including both the first metal layer (320a) and the second metal layer (320b). In this case, the first metal layer (320a) may be referred to as a metal layer of the electrode portion (320), and the second metal layer (320b) may be referred to as an additional metal layer of the electrode portion (320).

[0081] At this time, the second metal layer (320b) can be formed by electroless plating on the first metal layer (320a). For example, the second metal layer (320b) can be formed by electroless plating at least one metal material among silver (Ag), platinum (Pt), and copper (Cu) on the first metal layer (320a).

[0082] Additionally, the electrode portion (320) may include a plurality of electrode lines, and each of the plurality of electrode lines may include an electrode pad (321) and an electrode pattern (322).

[0083] An electrode pad (321) may be provided at one end of each of a plurality of electrode lines. The electrode pad (321) may refer to a portion that applies actual electrical stimulation at an insertion location within the human body based on a current applied through a power supply unit (100).

[0084] The electrode pattern (322) is connected to the electrode pad (321) and can be arranged in a spiral shape on the electrode wire (310). The electrode pattern (322) can be arranged on the electrode wire (310) with a line width and spacing.

[0085] At this time, the line width and spacing of the electrode pattern (322) can be determined based on the length that the electrode pattern (322) must have.

[0086] The width (W) of the electrode pattern (322) may be 250 μm to 500 μm. Preferably, the width (W) of the electrode pattern (322) may be 255 μm to 480 μm. More preferably, the width (W) of the electrode pattern (322) may be 260 μm to 470 μm.

[0087] If the width (W) of the electrode pattern (322) is less than 250 μm, it may be difficult to secure adhesion between the electrode pattern (322) and the electrode wire (310), and as a result, the physical reliability of the electrode structure (300) may be reduced. If the width (W) of the electrode pattern (322) is less than 250 μm, the length of the electrode pattern (322) on the electrode wire (310) may increase, and as a result, the resistance of the electrode pattern (322) may increase. If the width (W) of the electrode pattern (322) exceeds 500 μm, it may be difficult to arrange all electrode lines of the desired number of channels on the electrode wire (310).

[0088] In addition, the spacing (S) of the electrode patterns (322) may be 10 μm to 6 mm. Preferably, the spacing (S) of the electrode patterns (322) may be 12 μm to 5.8 mm. More preferably, the spacing (S) of the electrode patterns (322) may be 15 μm to 5.5 mm. Here, the spacing (S) of the electrode patterns (322) may mean the spacing between electrode patterns arranged adjacent to each other among the electrode patterns of the plurality of electrode lines.

[0089] If the spacing (S) of the electrode patterns (322) is less than 10 μm, the length of each electrode line increases, and thus the resistance increases, which may lower the electrical reliability. In addition, if the spacing (S) of the electrode patterns (322) exceeds 6 mm, it may be difficult for the length of the electrode patterns of each electrode line to have the target length, or the thickness or length of the electrode wire (310) may increase.

[0090]

[0091] Referring to FIG. 5, the electrode structure (300) can be manufactured through the following process.

[0092] First, the embodiment may prepare an electrode wire (310) that serves as a basis for manufacturing an electrode structure (300). Thereafter, the embodiment may perform a process of cleaning the electrode wire (310). For example, the embodiment may clean the electrode wire (310) so that an electrode portion (320) is stably deposited on the electrode wire (310).

[0093] Thereafter, the embodiment may perform a process of forming an electrode portion (320) on the electrode wire (310) by performing a three-dimensional metal printing method on the electrode wire (310). Preferably, the embodiment may perform a process of forming a first metal layer (320a) of each of the plurality of electrode lines of the electrode portion (320) by performing a three-dimensional metal printing method on the electrode wire (310) (S20). At this time, the first metal layer (320a) of the electrode portion (320) may be deposited in a spiral turn on the electrode wire (310). To this end, the embodiment may rotate the electrode wire (310) while moving a nozzle for increasing the first metal layer (320a) in a horizontal direction (S30).

[0094] Next, the embodiment may proceed with a process of forming a second metal layer (320b), which is an additional metal layer, on the first metal layer (320a) formed through a three-dimensional metal printing method (S40). At this time, the second metal layer (320b) may be formed by performing electroless plating on the first metal layer (320a).

[0095] Thereafter, the embodiment can proceed with a process of washing the electrode structure (300) including the first metal layer (320a) formed through a three-dimensional metal printing method and the second metal layer (320b) formed through electroless plating (S50).

[0096] Through this, the embodiment can manufacture an electrode structure (300).

[0097] Meanwhile, referring to FIG. 6, the electrode unit (320) may include a plurality of electrode lines (320-1, 320-2). At this time, the plurality of electrode lines (320-1, 320-2) of the electrode unit (320) are illustrated as being composed of two lines, but this is not limited thereto, and the number of electrode lines of the electrode unit (320) may increase.

[0098] At this time, the spacing between the plurality of electrode lines (320-1, 320-2) may vary depending on the extension direction of the electrode lines (320-1, 320-2). For example, the plurality of electrode lines (320-1, 320-2) include electrode patterns, and the spacing between the electrode patterns of the plurality of electrode lines (320-1, 320-2) may vary depending on the extension direction of the electrode patterns or the turning direction of the electrode patterns on the electrode wire (310).

[0099] For example, the spacing between the electrode patterns of the plurality of electrode lines (320-1, 320-2) may include different spacings (S1, S2, S3, S4) depending on the extension direction of the electrode patterns or the turning direction of the electrode patterns on the electrode wire (310).

[0100] That is, the plurality of electrode lines (320-1, 320-2) can be spaced apart from each other by a first interval (S1) at a first position, can be spaced apart from each other by a second interval (S2) smaller than the first interval (S1) at a second position different from the first position, can be spaced apart from each other by a third interval (S3) larger than the second interval (S2) at a third position different from the first and second positions, and further can be spaced apart from each other by a fourth interval (S4) smaller than the third interval (S3) at a fourth position different from the first to third positions.

[0101] At this time, each of the first to fourth intervals (S1, S2, S3, S4) may be different from each other within a range of 10 µm to 6 mm, or 12 µm to 5.8 mm, or 15 µm to 5.5 mm.

[0102] In an embodiment, the spacing between the plurality of electrode lines (320-1, 320-2) of the electrode unit (320) may be different from each other in the turning direction or the extending direction of the electrode lines (S1, S2, S3, S4), thereby further improving the adhesion between the electrode wire (310) and the electrode unit (320). For example, if the spacing between the plurality of electrode lines of the electrode unit (320) is constant, the adhesion between the electrode unit (320) and the electrode wire (310) may be reduced. Specifically, if the spacing between the plurality of electrode lines of the electrode unit (320) is constant, when the electrode wire (310) is bent after the electrode structure (300) is inserted into the human body, an electrical reliability problem and / or a physical reliability problem may occur in which the electrode unit (320) is separated from the electrode wire (310) or the electrode unit (320) is disconnected.

[0103] Accordingly, the embodiment can make the spacing between the plurality of electrode lines (320-1, 320-2) of the electrode part (320) have different spacings (S1, S2, S3, S4) along the turning direction or the extending direction of the electrode lines, thereby further improving the adhesion between the electrode wire (310) and the electrode part (320).

[0104] Meanwhile, referring to FIG. 7, the electrode portion (320) may have different widths along the turning direction or the arrangement direction. For example, the electrode portion (320) includes a plurality of electrode lines (320-1, 320-2), and the electrode patterns (322) of each of the plurality of electrode lines (320-1, 320-2) may have different widths (W1, W2) along the turning direction or the extension direction of the electrode pattern (322).

[0105] For example, the electrode pattern (322) of each of the plurality of electrode lines (320-1, 320-2) of the electrode portion (320) may have a first width (W1) at a first position, and may have a second width (W2) smaller than the first width (W1) at a second position different from the first position. At this time, each of the first and second widths (W1, W2) may be different from each other in a range of 250 µm to 500 µm, or 255 µm to 480 µm, or 260 µm to 470 µm.

[0106] In an embodiment, the electrode patterns (322) of each of the plurality of electrode lines (320-1, 320-2) of the electrode unit (320) may have different widths (W1, W2) along the turning direction or the extending direction, thereby further improving the adhesion between the electrode wire (310) and the electrode unit (320). For example, if the widths of the electrode patterns of the plurality of electrode lines of the electrode unit (320) are constant, the adhesion between the electrode unit (320) and the electrode wire (310) may be reduced. Specifically, if the widths of the electrode patterns of each of the plurality of electrode lines of the electrode unit (320) are constant, when the electrode wire (310) is bent after the electrode structure (300) is inserted into the human body, an electrical reliability problem and / or a physical reliability problem may occur in which the electrode unit (320) is separated from the electrode wire (310) or the electrode unit (320) is disconnected.

[0107] Accordingly, the embodiment can make it so that the width of the electrode pattern (322) of each of the plurality of electrode lines (320-1, 320-2) of the electrode portion (320) has a different width (W1, W2) along the turning direction or the extending direction of the electrode pattern, thereby further improving the adhesion between the electrode wire (310) and the electrode portion (320).

[0108] The features, structures, effects, etc. described in the above-described embodiments are included in at least one embodiment of the present invention, and are not necessarily limited to just one embodiment. Furthermore, the features, structures, effects, etc. exemplified in each embodiment can be combined or modified in other embodiments by those skilled in the art to which the embodiments pertain. Therefore, the contents related to such combinations and modifications should be construed as being included within the scope of the present invention.

[0109] In addition, although the above description focuses on embodiments, these are merely examples and do not limit the present invention. Those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains will appreciate that various modifications and applications not exemplified above are possible without departing from the essential characteristics of the present embodiment. For example, each component specifically shown in the embodiments can be modified and implemented. In addition, differences related to such modifications and applications should be interpreted as being included within the scope of the present invention defined in the appended claims.

Claims

1. Electrode wire; and An electrode part including a plurality of electrode lines arranged on the outer surface of the electrode wire and spaced apart from each other, An electrode structure for electrical stimulation, wherein each of the plurality of electrode lines of the electrode part is arranged in direct contact with the outer surface of the electrode wire.

2. In paragraph 1, An electrode structure for electrical stimulation, wherein the electrode wire comprises at least one material selected from polyurethane, polycarbonate, silicone, liquid crystal polymer, thermoplastic elastomer, polyphenylene sulfide, and polyetherimide.

3. In paragraph 2, The electrode part is an electrode structure for electrical stimulation, including a metal layer formed by three-dimensional metal printing on the electrode wire using a metal paste mixed with a binder and metal powder.

4. In paragraph 3, An electrode structure for electrical stimulation, wherein the metal powder comprises at least one selected from silver (Ag), silver chloride (AgCl), platinum (Pt), copper (Cu), and carbon.

5. In paragraph 3, An electrode structure for electrical stimulation, wherein the binder comprises an insulating material identical to the insulating material constituting the electrode wire.

6. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 5, Each of the plurality of electrode lines includes an electrode pad and an electrode pattern connected to the electrode pad, An electrode structure for electrical stimulation, wherein the electrode pattern of each of the plurality of electrode lines is arranged in a spiral turn on the electrode wire.

7. In paragraph 6, An electrode structure for electrical stimulation, wherein the width of the electrode pattern of each of the plurality of electrode lines is 250 ㎛ to 500 ㎛.

8. In paragraph 6, An electrode structure for electrical stimulation, wherein the spacing between electrode patterns of the plurality of electrode lines is 10 μm to 6 mm.

9. In paragraph 7, An electrode structure for electrical stimulation, wherein the width of the electrode pattern of each of the plurality of electrode lines changes along the turning direction or the extension direction of the electrode pattern.

10. In paragraph 8, An electrode structure for electrical stimulation, wherein the spacing between electrode patterns of the plurality of electrode lines changes along the turning direction or the extension direction of the electrode patterns.

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