Digital wearable body stimulation band and healthcare system using same

Abstract

A body stimulation band that can be worn comfortably during daily activities and that provides physical stimulation beyond mere pressure, and a health care system using same, are provided. The body stimulation band is a body stimulation device including a base having a shape extending in a first direction and having one side and the other side, wherein the body stimulation device defines, in sequence from one side to the other side in the first direction, a first region, a second region, a third region, and a fourth region. The body stimulation device further comprises: a loop-forming ring coupled to one end of the first region; a piezoelectric element disposed in the second region; a first coupling means disposed on the other side of the third region; and a second coupling means disposed on the one side of the fourth region and forming a reversible fastening structure with the first coupling means.

Description

Digital wearable body stimulation band and healthcare system using the same

[0001] The present invention relates to a digital wearable body stimulation band and a healthcare system utilizing the same. More specifically, the present invention relates to a body stimulation band that can be worn comfortably during daily life and provides physical stimulation beyond just pressure, and to a healthcare system utilizing the same.

[0002] Joint protectors are a general term for devices used to protect joints and prevent injury. Typically, they come in the form of elastic bands or other forms that wrap around the joint, exerting pressure to restrict or support joint movement.

[0003] Joint protectors can be an effective way to reduce the risk of injury and improve exercise efficiency during sports involving vigorous joint movement. Furthermore, they can be used in everyday life, relieving pain and preventing the aggravation or expansion of injury by applying compression to the joint and restricting movement to a desired degree.

[0004] As mentioned above, joint braces are used for rehabilitation purposes, including pain relief and joint stability, in addition to injury prevention. However, conventional joint braces rely solely on compression, joint movement restriction, and support to provide pain relief, limiting their effectiveness.

[0005] Meanwhile, research results have been reported that continuous physical stimulation of the body helps blood circulation, improves sensory function and motor ability, and enhances the pain relief effect.

[0006] Accordingly, the present invention aims to provide a wearable device or body stimulation device capable of providing physical stimulation while protecting the wearer's joints and providing a sense of pressure. Furthermore, the present invention provides a wearable device capable of collecting the wearer's biometric information, beyond simply providing physical stimulation.

[0007] Another problem that the present invention seeks to solve is to provide a healthcare system using the above wearable device.

[0008] The tasks of the present invention are not limited to the technical tasks mentioned above, and other technical tasks not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description below.

[0009] According to one embodiment of the present invention for solving the above problem, a body stimulation device is a body stimulation device including a base having a shape extending in a first direction and having one side and the other side, wherein a first region, a second region, a third region, and a fourth region are sequentially defined from one side of the first direction to the other side of the first direction, and the body stimulation device further includes: a loop-forming ring coupled to the one end of the first region; a piezoelectric element disposed in the second region; a first coupling means disposed on the other side of the third region; and a second coupling means disposed on the one side of the fourth region and forming a reversible fastening structure with the first coupling means.

[0010] An opening is positioned in the first region of the base, and the opening may have a shape in which a length in the first direction is greater than a width in a second direction intersecting the first direction.

[0011] The above body stimulation device may further include a power supply unit disposed on one side of the base and on an area in a direction other than the second area.

[0012] At this time, the power supply unit may include a battery or a battery connection module in which a battery is mounted.

[0013] In some embodiments, the body stimulation device may further include a conductive coating layer disposed on the one surface of the base; and a circuit portion disposed in the third region and overlapping the first coupling means.

[0014] In this case, the power supply unit is disposed on an area in a direction other than the third area, and the conductive coating layer is disposed at least partially on the second area and the third area, thereby providing a path for electrically connecting the power supply unit, the circuit unit, and the piezo element.

[0015] In addition, the body stimulation device further includes a conductive coating layer disposed on the one surface of the base, wherein the first coupling means and the second coupling means are each at least partially electrically conductive, a first terminal of the power supply unit is directly or indirectly electrically connected to the piezo element, a second terminal of the power supply unit is directly or indirectly electrically connected to the second coupling means, and at least a portion of the conductive coating layer can be directly or indirectly electrically connected to the first coupling means.

[0016] The first region includes a 1-1 region located on one side and coupled with a loop forming ring, and a 1-2 region located on the other side of the 1-1 region, and the body stimulation device may further include a first connection electrode disposed on the one side of the 1-1 region, the first connection electrode being directly or indirectly electrically connected to a first terminal of the power supply; and a second connection electrode disposed on the one side of the 1-2 region and spaced apart from the first connection electrode in a first direction, the second connection electrode being directly or indirectly electrically connected to a second terminal of the power supply.

[0017] Specific details of other embodiments are included in the detailed description.

[0018] According to embodiments of the present invention, a physical stimulus can be provided to the body of a wearer using a piezoelectric element disposed on a base that can be in close contact with the body.

[0019] In particular, it can be worn stably and easily regardless of the wearer's physical characteristics or the area worn, and it can be worn continuously during daily life as it does not include a separate device exposed outside the base that wraps around the body.

[0020] The physical stimulation device according to this embodiment can provide physical stimulation while worn, thereby providing greater pain relief from the perspective of preventing the spread of joint disease and rehabilitation. Furthermore, it can reduce fatigue during joint movement and aid in recovery from fatigue during daily life.

[0021] In particular, the physical stimulation device according to this embodiment is expected to be utilized for the purpose of assisting the motor functions of the elderly or disabled.

[0022] The effects according to the embodiments of the present invention are not limited to the contents exemplified above, and more diverse effects are included in the present specification.

[0023] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a body stimulation device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 2 is a bottom perspective view of the body stimulation device of Figure 1.

[0025] Figure 3 is a perspective view showing a state in which the body stimulation device of Figure 1 forms a loop using a loop forming member.

[0026] Figure 4 shows layouts of the body stimulation device of Figure 1 in one and two-sided directions.

[0027] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA' of Figure 4.

[0028] Fig. 6 is a perspective view showing the process of wearing the body stimulation device of Fig. 3.

[0029] Figures 7 to 9 are schematic diagrams showing the process of wearing the body stimulation device of Figure 3.

[0030] Figure 10 is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the body stimulation device of Figure 3 when worn.

[0031] FIG. 11 is a partially cut cross-sectional view of a body stimulation device according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] Figure 12 is a layout of a body stimulation device according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] Figures 13 to 16 are layouts of body stimulation devices according to further embodiments of the present invention, respectively.

[0034] Figure 17 is a layout of a body stimulation device according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] Fig. 18 is a perspective view showing the process of wearing the body stimulation device of Fig. 17.

[0036] The advantages and features of the present invention, as well as the methods for achieving them, will become clearer with reference to the embodiments described in detail below, along with the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below and may be implemented in various different forms. These embodiments are provided solely to ensure that the disclosure of the present invention is complete and to fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. The present invention is defined solely by the scope of the claims.

[0037] Furthermore, the scope of a patent claim does not describe the technical content that constitutes the substance of the invention, but rather indicates the scope of rights claimed based on the technical components disclosed in the detailed description of the invention. Therefore, it is inevitable that the patent claim is composed of abstract, superordinate concepts encompassing the technology disclosed in the detailed description of the invention. If a person skilled in the art can understand the technical components within the claim, or their combination and operational effects, throughout the entire specification, the patent claim should be considered supported by the detailed description of the invention.

[0038] That is, various modifications may be made to the embodiments presented in the present invention. The embodiments described below are not intended to limit the embodiments, and should be understood to include all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives thereto.

[0039] If any term described in this specification is intended to be used with a specific meaning, that meaning must be defined and interpreted accordingly. Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used in this specification may be used in their common sense to those of ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains. Furthermore, terms defined in commonly used dictionaries are not to be interpreted ideally or excessively unless explicitly and specifically defined otherwise.

[0040] In this specification, "and / or" includes each and every combination of the items mentioned. In addition, the singular also includes the plural unless specifically stated otherwise in the phrase. As used herein, "comprises" and / or "comprising" do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other components in addition to the mentioned components. A numerical range indicated using "to" indicates a numerical range that includes the values ​​stated before and after it as the lower and upper limits, respectively. The terms "about" or "approximately" mean a value or numerical range that is within 20% of the value or numerical range stated after it.

[0041] In this specification, ordinal modifiers such as “first component,” “second component,” and “1-1st component” are used only to distinguish one component from another when referring to a component. Therefore, the first component referred to below may be referred to as the second component within the scope of the technical idea of ​​the present invention. For example, what is referred to as the first component in one embodiment may be referred to as the second component in another embodiment. Furthermore, what is referred to as the first component in the description of the invention may of course be referred to as the second component in the claims.

[0042] The size, thickness, width, length, etc. of the components illustrated in the drawings may be exaggerated or reduced for convenience and clarity of explanation, and therefore the present invention is not limited to the illustrated form.

[0043] Spatially relative terms such as 'above', 'upper', 'on', 'below', 'beneath', 'lower', etc. can be used to easily describe the relationship of one element or component to another element or component as depicted in the drawings. Spatially relative terms should be understood to include different orientations of the elements when used in addition to the orientation depicted in the drawings. For example, if an element depicted in a drawing is flipped, an element described as 'below' or 'beneath' another element may actually be 'above' the other element. Thus, the exemplary term 'below' can include both the above and below orientations.

[0044] The present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings below.

[0045] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a body stimulation device according to one embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 2 is a bottom perspective view of the body stimulation device of Fig. 1. Fig. 3 is a perspective view showing the body stimulation device of Fig. 1 in a state where a loop is formed using a loop forming member. Fig. 4 is a layout of one side and the other side of the body stimulation device of Fig. 1. Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA' of Fig. 4.

[0046] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 5, a body stimulation device (11) (or joint protector, or body stimulation band, or wearable device) according to the present embodiment includes a base (100) and a loop forming member (200), and may further include a piezo element (300a), a first coupling means (610), and a second coupling means (620).

[0047] The base (100) (or band, or band body, or band fabric) may be roughly in the shape of a belt or band extending along the first direction (X) (or longitudinal direction). That is, the width of the base (100) in the second direction (Y) may be constant or variable, but the maximum length of the base (100) in the first direction (X) may be greater than the maximum width in the second direction (Y). The band-shaped base (100) may be configured to be worn around the body of a user (or wearer), such as a wrist, elbow, ankle, etc. The base (100) may have elasticity (or elasticity, or elasticity) so as to adhere to the body and provide a feeling of compression when worn on the body. As a non-limiting example, the elasticity of the base (100) in the first direction (X) may be greater than the elasticity in the second direction (Y).

[0048] The base (100) can provide a space in which various components to be described later are arranged. The base (100) can have one side (101) (or first side) and the other side (102) (or second side).

[0049] Although not depicted in the drawing, a single base (100) may be composed of multiple detailed layers. For example, the base (100) may include a first layer, a second layer, and a third layer that are sequentially laminated. In this case, the first and third layers may be woven fabrics including spandex and / or nylon. In addition, the second layer interposed between the first and third layers may be a hot melt adhesive layer including polyurethane, ethylene vinyl acetate, and / or polyolefin.

[0050] A loop forming member (200) (or loop forming ring, or slider) may be coupled and arranged at one end (100a) in the first direction (X) of the base (100) (left side in FIG. 4). The loop forming member (200) may have at least one slot or opening. The loop forming member (200) may have a closed loop such as a 'ㅁ' shape, for example, a ring shape. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, the first direction (X) end (100a) of the base (100) may be partially rolled and coupled with the loop forming member (200). Specifically, when the vicinity of one end (100a) of the base (100) is inserted into the opening of the loop forming member (200), the end (100a) may be partially rolled to form a loop, and the loop may be formed such that the loop forming member (200) is inserted. In the loop, the other surface (102) may form an inner surface. And, in a state where the other surfaces (102) are in contact with each other, a ring structure that connects the loop forming member (200) by sewing or the like can be fixed. Accordingly, one surface (101) near one end (100a) may be partially exposed to the upper side based on FIG. 2, but it will be easily understood that the one surface (101) below generally refers to the surface expressed in the state of FIG. 1, and the other surface (102) generally refers to the surface expressed in the state of FIG. 2.

[0051] A base (100) may penetrate the opening of the loop forming member (200) to partially form a loop (100f). As will be described later, a part of the wearer's body, such as a joint such as a wrist, elbow, or ankle, or a body part such as a forearm or calf, may be inserted into the loop (100f). Specifically, the position of the base (100) inserted into the loop forming member (200) in the first direction (X) changes, thereby adjusting the size of the loop (100f). This allows the loop to be used on various body parts of the wearer or to be used by users with various physical characteristics.

[0052] To explain the structure of the loop (100f) using the loop forming member (200) in more detail, the user can form the loop (100f) by inserting the base (100) into the opening of the loop forming member (200). At this time, the loop (100f) can be formed so that the other surface (102) of the base (100) forms the inner surface of the loop (100f) as shown in FIG. 3. The body stimulation device (11) according to the present embodiment may be provided in a state in which the base (100) is inserted into the opening of the loop forming member (200) to form the loop (100f) as shown in FIG. 3, or may be provided as shown in FIG. 1 and the user may use it by directly inserting the base (100) into the opening of the loop forming member (200). The wearing of the body stimulation device (11) using the loop (100f) will be described later.

[0053] As described above, the base (100) provides a space in which various configurations are arranged and can wrap around the wearer's body. The base (100) or the body stimulation device (11) having a shape extending approximately in the first direction (X) can define regions including at least a first region (R1), a second region (R2), a third region (R3), and a fourth region (R4) along the first direction (X). In addition, a loop forming member (200) is coupled near one end (100a) of the base (100), and a stimulation providing unit (300), a power supply unit (400), a wiring unit (500), and / or a coupling unit (610, 620) can be further arranged on the base (100). Hereinafter, each configuration and region (R1, R2, R3, R4) will be described in detail.

[0054] The first region (R1) to the fourth region (R4) can be sequentially defined from the one end (100a) side (left side in FIG. 4) to the other end (100b) side (right side in FIG. 4). In the present specification, the first region (R1) to the fourth region (R4) can refer to regions partitioned in the first direction (X) of the base (100). Some of the first region (R1) to the fourth region (R4) may be defined to be adjacent to each other, or not. For example, as will be described later, the first region (R1) and the second region (R2) may be directly adjacent to each other. That is, with respect to the direction from the one end (100a) to the other end (100b), the end position of the first region (R1) may be the start position of the second region (R2). On the other hand, the second region (R2) and the third region (R3) are regions defined adjacently but are not connected, and a separate region may not be defined between the second region (R2) and the third region (R3), or there may be a region referred to as the fifth region.

[0055] First, the second region (R2) may refer to the region where the stimulus providing unit (300) is arranged. In other words, the first direction (X) section where the configuration referred to as the stimulus providing unit (300) is arranged may be defined as the second region (R2).

[0056] In an exemplary embodiment, the stimulus providing unit (300) may include a plurality of arranged piezoelectric elements (300a). The piezoelectric element (300a) is an electronic element exhibiting a piezoelectric effect and can convert an electrical signal into a mechanical motion such as a vibration. The piezoelectric element may include a crystalline material having a piezoelectric effect, such as quartz, ceramic, or a polymer. The piezoelectric element (300a) may cause a physical vibration to provide a physical stimulus to the wearer's body, or may generate an ultrasound to provide a stimulus to the wearer's body. In another embodiment, the stimulus providing unit (300) may include an electrode for electrical stimulation, rather than a piezoelectric element.

[0057] Although Fig. 4 illustrates a case where piezoelectric elements (300a) are arranged in a matrix of eight in the first direction (X) and four in the second direction (Y), the present invention is not limited thereto. The stimulus providing unit (300) including the piezoelectric elements (300a) may be arranged on one surface (101) of the base (100).

[0058] In addition, the first region (R1) may mean the region from one side of the second region (R2) to one end (100a) of the base (100). In this case, the first region (R1) and the second region (R2) may be directly adjacent, i.e., connected and connected. Alternatively, unlike what is expressed in FIG. 4, the first region (R1) may be defined closer to one end (100a) than the second region (R2), but may be defined as the first region (R1) from one end (100a) of the base (100) to a predetermined position that does not encroach on the second region (R2). That is, the first region (R1) and the second region (R2) may be spaced apart from each other in the first direction (X). Regardless of how it is defined, the first region (R1) is a region that includes an end portion (100a) of the base (100), and accordingly, the loop forming member (200) can be understood to be coupled to one side of the first region (R1).

[0059] Meanwhile, the body stimulation device (11) according to the present embodiment can wrap a band-shaped base (100) around a body part and secure the wearing state by using a fastening structure between the first coupling means (610) and the second coupling means (620).

[0060] At this time, the third region (R3) may refer to the region where the first coupling means (610) is arranged. In other words, the first direction (X) section where the configuration referred to as the first coupling means (610) is arranged may be defined as the third region (R3).

[0061] The first coupling means (610) may be disposed on the other surface (102) of the base (100). The first coupling means (610) is not particularly limited as long as it has a structure that can be reversibly coupled and released together with the second coupling means (620). For example, the first coupling means (610) and the second coupling means (620) may form a Velcro fastening structure. As a non-limiting example, the first coupling means (610) may be a Velcro loop, and the second coupling means (620) may be a Velcro hook, but the reverse is also possible. In this case, the second coupling means (620) may be disposed on one surface (101) of the base (100). The elasticity of the first coupling means (610) and the second coupling means (620) may be less than the elasticity of the base (100).

[0062] The first direction (X) length of the first coupling means (610) located on the side of the first end (100a) relative to the second coupling means (620) may be greater than the first direction (X) length of the second coupling means (620). The first coupling means (610) may have a sufficient first direction (X) length so that the body stimulation device (11) can be worn according to the user's body part or the user's body characteristics. Fig. 4 illustrates a case where the first coupling means (610) has a shape roughly similar to the English letter 'H'.

[0063] In addition, the fourth region (R4) may refer to the region from the other side of the third region (R3) to the other end (100b) of the base (100). In this case, the third region (R3) and the fourth region (R4) may be directly adjacent, i.e., connected and connected. Alternatively, unlike what is expressed in FIG. 4, the fourth region (R4) may be defined on the other end (100b) side of the third region (R3), but may be defined as a predetermined position from the other end (100b) of the base (100) that does not encroach on the third region (R3). That is, the third region (R3) and the fourth region (R4) may be spaced apart from each other in the first direction (X).

[0064] In some embodiments, the fourth region (R4) may be further subdivided into detailed regions. For example, the fourth region (R4) may include or be composed of a fourth-first region (R41) and a fourth-second region (R42) in the direction from one end (100a) to the other end (100b).

[0065] In this case, the 4-2 region (R42) may refer to the region where the second coupling means (620) is arranged, or may refer to the region from the second coupling means (620) to the other end (100b) of the base (100) including the second coupling means (620). In addition, the 4-1 region (R41) may refer to the remaining fourth region (R4) located one end (100a) further from the 4-2 region (R42) but not defined as the 4-1 region (R41). In other words, the 4-1 region (R41) is the region between the third region (R3) where the first coupling means (610) is arranged and the 4-2 region (R42) where the second coupling means (620) is arranged, and in this case, the third region (R3), the 4-1 region (R41), and the 4-2 region (R42) may be sequentially connected to each other.

[0066] When the areas are divided as described above, the loop forming member (200), the stimulus providing member (300), the first coupling means (610) and the second coupling means (620) may not overlap each other in the third direction (Z).

[0067] The power supply unit (400) may be configured to provide power to the stimulation providing unit (300), for example, the piezoelectric element (300a). The power supply unit (400) may include a battery storing electrical energy, or a battery connection module to which a battery is connected. That is, the body stimulation device (11) according to the present embodiment may be understood to include a configuration that includes a battery, or does not include a battery but in which a battery is installed or connected. Although the present invention is not limited thereto, the body stimulation device (11) according to the present embodiment may not include a configuration understood as a processor. In another embodiment, when the body stimulation device (11) includes a processor, the power supply unit (400) may be implemented as a control device or the like including the processor.

[0068] In an exemplary embodiment, the power supply unit (400) may be positioned at a location other than the first region (R1) and the second region (R2). For example, the power supply unit (400) may be positioned on any region further from the other end (100b) than the second region (R2). For a more specific example, as shown in FIG. 4, the power supply unit (400) may be positioned at a region or location between the second region (R2) and the third region (R3). In addition, the power supply unit (400) may be positioned on one surface (101) of the base (100). Although not shown in the drawing, a switch (not shown) for controlling power supply by the power supply unit (400) may be further provided.

[0069] The power supply unit (400) and the piezoelectric element (300a) may be electrically connected via a wiring unit (500). The wiring unit (500) may be at least partially disposed in an area between the second region (R2) and the third region (R3). In addition, the wiring unit (500) may also be at least partially disposed within the second region (R2). In addition, the wiring unit (500) may also be at least partially disposed within the first region (R1). As a non-limiting example, the wiring unit (500) may not be disposed in the fourth region (R4).

[0070] In an exemplary embodiment, the wiring portion (500) may be disposed on one side (101) of the base (100) or may include a conductive pattern (500a) coated on the one side (101). And the piezoelectric element (300a) may be disposed on the upper side of the conductive pattern (500a).

[0071] The conductive pattern (500a) may include a material that is harmless to the human body and has high electrical conductivity, such as conductive silicon or graphene. That is, the body stimulation device (11) according to the present embodiment may use the conductive pattern (500a) coated as a transmission path for electrical signals or power. The conductive pattern (500a) may be printed on one side (101) of the base (100) by a method such as dyeing. In the case of dyeing, an electrical circuit using the desired conductive pattern (500a) can be easily printed on the base (100). The wiring unit (500) including the conductive pattern (500a) may connect the power supply unit (400) and the stimulus providing unit (300) to form a closed circuit. The power provided by the battery of the power supply unit (400) is supplied to the stimulus providing unit (300), for example, the piezoelectric element (300a), and the piezoelectric element (300a) may vibrate.

[0072] In some embodiments, an insulating pattern (700) (or insulating layer) may be disposed on the base (100). The insulating pattern (700) may be disposed to at least partially overlap the conductive pattern (500a) in the third direction (Z) to prevent the conductive pattern (500a) from being exposed in an unintended area. In addition, the insulating pattern (700) may be partially disposed on the piezoelectric element (300a), and the insulating pattern (700) and the conductive pattern (500a) may be partially spaced apart from each other in the third direction (Z) with the piezoelectric element (300a) interposed therebetween. The insulating pattern (700) may include non-conductive silicon, etc., but the present invention is not limited thereto, and any material that has substantially no electrical conductivity or exhibits high electrical resistance and is harmless to the human body may be used without limitation. In this specification, the insulating pattern (700) is defined as not being included in the wiring portion (500).

[0073] Hereinafter, the process and wearing state of the body stimulation device (11) according to the present embodiment will be described.

[0074] Fig. 6 is a perspective view illustrating the process of wearing the body stimulation device of Fig. 3. Figs. 7 to 9 are schematic diagrams illustrating the process of wearing the body stimulation device of Fig. 3. Fig. 10 is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the body stimulation device of Fig. 3 when worn.

[0075] Referring further to FIGS. 6 to 10, a user can insert his / her body into a loop (100f) formed by a loop forming member (200). With the loop (100f) formed, the loop forming member (200) can be positioned at any location within the first region (R1) of the base (100). The inner surface of the loop (100f) is the other surface (102), and the other surface (102) of the base (100) can be in direct contact with the user's body.

[0076] And the remaining parts of the base (100) that do not contribute to the formation of the loop (100f) can be folded and wrapped around the outside of the loop (100f) so that they can be worn. Specifically, the base (100) can be wrapped so that one side (101) of the first regions (R1) folded by the loop forming member (200) faces each other, or in a direction in which one side (101) of the first regions (R1) faces each other.

[0077] Accordingly, the stimulus providing unit (300) positioned on one side (101) of the second region (R2) of the base (100) may be positioned toward the wearer's body. In this case, a first region (R1) forming a loop (100f) may be partially interposed between the wearer's body and the stimulus providing unit (300).

[0078] As described above, when the base (100) is wound so as to partially bend the first region (R1) by the loop forming member (200), the other side (102) in the loop (100f) portion faces toward the wearer's body, but in the remaining first region (R1) where the loop (100f) is not formed, and in the sequentially defined second region (R2) to fourth region (R4), one side (101) may face toward the wearer's body. Accordingly, the stimulus providing unit (300), the power supply unit (400), the wiring unit (500), etc., which are arranged on one side (101) of the base (100), may be worn in a state in which they face toward the wearer's body. And when the body stimulation device (11) is worn, the first coupling means (610) arranged on the other side (102) of the base (100) corresponding to the outer surface is exposed, and when the base (100) is further wrapped around the body, the second coupling means (620) and the first coupling means (610) directly face each other, and the first coupling means (610) and the second coupling means (620) form a coupling structure, and the body stimulation device (11) can be sufficiently extended to compress the body and maintain a state of being in close contact with the body.

[0079] According to the present embodiment, the size of the loop (100f) can be adjusted without the loop forming member (200) pressing against the skin, thereby improving the fit and convenience of wearing. In addition, the stimulation providing portion (300) positioned in or defining the second region (R2) can cover a considerable portion of the body, for example, the wrist, thereby providing body stimulation to a wide area. In addition, since only one layer of the base (100) (i.e., the loop (100f) portion) is positioned between the stimulation providing portion (300) and the body, the loss of stimulation applied to the body can be reduced.

[0080] In addition, by arranging the conductive pattern (500a) and the power supply unit (400) only on one side (101) of the base (100), the manufacturing cost can be relatively reduced, while the power supply unit (400) can be prevented from directly contacting the skin, resulting in excellent wearing comfort. For example, a configuration referred to as a conductive pattern may not exist on the other side (102) of the base (100). In addition, as shown in FIG. 10, etc., at least one layer of the base (100) (i.e., the loop (100f) portion) can be interposed between the power supply unit (400) and the body (the portion surrounded by the loop (100f)) to protect the skin.

[0081] Furthermore, when the body stimulation device (11) is worn, the power supply unit (400) may not be exposed on the outer surface (i.e., the outer surface (102)). If, unlike FIG. 10, the power supply unit (400) is not covered by the base (100) and is exposed to the outside when the body stimulation device (11) is worn, the wearing comfort may be reduced and wearing it during daily life may be uncomfortable or cumbersome. Since the power supply unit (400), such as a battery, is relatively heavy, the wearing comfort may be reduced during strenuous exercise. In addition, when the power supply unit (400) is exposed to the outside, the appearance may not be good. However, when configured as in the present embodiment, when worn, the power supply unit (400) is prevented from being exposed to the outside, and the power supply unit (400) is sufficiently attached to the body using the base (100), thereby preventing the wearing comfort from being reduced due to the weight and shaking of the power supply unit (400). For example, as shown in FIG. 10, the power supply unit (400) is covered once by a base (100) defining an area where the power supply unit (400) is placed, i.e., an area between the second area (R2) and the third area (R3), and further, the power supply unit (400) can be covered once more by a base (100) defining a fourth-first area (R41). In other words, since the power supply unit (400) is wrapped by at least two layers of bases (100), the close contact of the power supply unit (400) with the body can be increased, and the power supply unit (400) can be reduced from being conspicuously visible from the outside.

[0082] Hereinafter, other embodiments of the present invention will be described. However, descriptions of configurations substantially identical or extremely similar to the aforementioned embodiments will be omitted, as those skilled in the art will readily understand these from the accompanying drawings.

[0083] FIG. 11 is a partially cut cross-sectional view of a body stimulation device according to another embodiment of the present invention, showing a position corresponding to FIG. 5.

[0084] Referring to FIG. 11, a body stimulation device (12) according to the present embodiment includes a base (100) in a band shape extending approximately in a first direction (X), a stimulation providing unit including a piezoelectric element (300a) disposed on the base (100), a power supply unit (not shown), and a wiring unit (500a) connecting the stimulation providing unit and the power supply unit, but is different from the above-described embodiment in that the base (100) includes a first base (110) and a second base (120) and the piezoelectric element (300a) is disposed between the first base (110) and the second base (120).

[0085] The first base (110) and the second base (120) are at least partially spaced apart in the third direction (Z), and a piezoelectric element (300a) and a wiring portion (500a) may be interposed therebetween. The wiring portion (500a) may include a conductive coating, conductive fiber, or the like. The first base (110) and the second base (120) may each have elasticity and include the same or different materials. As described above, the first base (110) and the second base (120) may each be composed of multiple layers.

[0086] At this time, the lower surface (or outer surface) of the first base (110) may form the other surface (102) of the base (100), and the upper surface (or outer surface) of the second base (120) may form one surface (101) of the base (100).

[0087] That is, when the base (100) includes a plurality of bases (110, 120) as in the present embodiment, and a piezo element (300a) is interposed between them, it can also be understood that the piezo element (300a) is arranged on the base (100).

[0088] As for other power supply units, coupling units, etc., and areas, they are substantially the same as the above-described embodiment, and thus redundant descriptions are omitted.

[0089] Fig. 12 is a planar layout of a body stimulation device according to another embodiment of the present invention, which is a layout from one side.

[0090] Referring to FIG. 12, a body stimulation device (13) according to the present embodiment includes a base (100) in the shape of a band extending in a first direction (X), a stimulation providing unit (300) disposed on the base (100), a power supply unit (400), etc., but is different from the body stimulation device according to the embodiment of FIG. 1 in that an opening (100p) is formed in the base (100).

[0091] As previously described, the base (100) or the body stimulation device (13) may sequentially define a first region (R1) to a fourth region (R4) from one end (the left end in the drawing) to the other end (the right end in the drawing). In this case, the first region (R1) may be further subdivided into detailed regions. For example, the first region (R1) may include or be composed of a first-first region (R11) and a first-second region (R12) from one end to the other end.

[0092] In this case, the 1-1 region (R11) may refer to a region where the opening (100p) is formed, or may refer to a region from the opening (100p) to one end of the base (100) including the opening (100p). In addition, the 1-2 region (R12) may refer to the remaining 1st region (R1) located on the other side than the 1-1 region (R11) but not defined as the 1-1 region (R11). In other words, the 1-2 region (R12) is a region between the 1-1 region (R11) where the opening (100p) is formed and the 2nd region (R2) where the stimulus providing unit (300) is arranged, and in this case, the 1-1 region (R11), the 1-2 region (R12), and the 2nd region (R2) may be sequentially connected to each other.

[0093] In some embodiments, the elasticity of a portion (e.g., a base) of a body stimulation device (14) forming the first-first region (R11) may be less than the elasticity of a portion forming the first-second region (R12). The elasticity may be adjusted by a difference in the fabric of the base (100) or by other components attached to the base (100).

[0094] As described above, at least a portion of the first region (R1) can contribute to forming a loop that the user's body is fitted into. And when the body stimulation device (13) is worn, the loop portion formed by a portion of the first region (R1) can be located between the user's body and the stimulation providing unit (300). Therefore, when worn, an opening (100p) can be formed at a position that is roughly aligned with the stimulation providing unit (300) so that the physical vibration generated by the piezoelectric element of the stimulation providing unit (300) can be directly transmitted to the body. In addition, among the portions forming the loop, the portion of the 1-1 region (R11) where the opening (100p) is formed can have low elasticity, while the portion of the 1-2 region (R12) that at least partially contributes to the loop formation can have elasticity so as to sufficiently compress and wrap the body.

[0095] In an exemplary embodiment, the opening (100p) may be a slit shape extending approximately in the first direction (X), that is, a shape in which the length in the first direction (X) is greater than the width in the second direction (Y). The base (100) can wrap and compress the body in an extended state. Therefore, by configuring the shape of the opening (100p) as described above, the shape of the base (100) having the opening (100p) can be maintained while being sufficiently extended.

[0096] In addition, a plurality of openings (100p) may be provided in the second direction (Y). In this case, the positions of the piezoelectric elements of the stimulus providing unit (300) and the openings (100p) in the second direction (Y) may be aligned. For example, as shown in Fig. 12, when four piezoelectric elements are arranged in the second direction (Y), four openings (100p) are also arranged in the second direction (Y), and any opening (100p) and any piezoelectric element may all be placed on an imaginary line extending in the first direction (X).

[0097] In addition, the first direction (X) length of the opening (100p) may be longer than the first direction (X) length of the stimulus providing unit (300) including a plurality of arranged piezoelectric elements, that is, the length of the second region (R2). Depending on the body part worn or considering the physical characteristics of each wearer, the area covered by the stimulus providing unit (300) may differ. Therefore, the opening (100p) may be formed longer to fully exhibit the intended effect.

[0098] FIG. 13 is a planar layout of a body stimulation device according to another embodiment of the present invention, showing layouts on one side and the other side.

[0099] Referring to FIG. 13, a body stimulation device (14) according to the present embodiment includes a base (100) in the shape of a band extending in the first direction (X), a stimulation provision unit (300) positioned on the base (100), a power supply unit (400), etc., but is different from the embodiment of FIG. 12 in that it further includes a circuit unit (800).

[0100] The circuit portion (800) may include a flexible substrate including passive components, or may include a portion of a conductive pattern. When the circuit portion (800) includes a conductive pattern, the conductive pattern forming the wiring portion, i.e., the conductive pattern printed on one surface (101) of the base (100), may constitute a portion of the circuit. For example, the printed conductive pattern may have a shape representing a function such as a resistor, an inductor, or a capacitor. Although the present invention is not limited thereto, the circuit portion (800) may include a pulse generator (or pulse generation circuit).

[0101] The circuit portion (800) may be disposed on one side (101) of the base (100), and may be disposed in the third region (R3). That is, the first coupling means (610) and the circuit portion (800) may at least partially overlap in the third direction (Z). Specifically, the length of the circuit portion (800) in the first direction (X) may be smaller than the length of the first coupling means (610) in the first direction (X), that is, the length of the third region (R3). As described above, the base (100) has elasticity and may be stretched during the wearing process. Therefore, in order to prevent unintended stretching of the circuit portion (800), the circuit portion (800) may be disposed to overlap with the first coupling means (610) that has no or relatively low elasticity, thereby preventing stretching and damage to the circuit portion (800).

[0102] In an exemplary embodiment, the power supply unit (400) may be disposed on a region opposite to the second region (R2), for example, the fourth region (R4), more specifically, the 4-1 region (R41). Furthermore, the wiring unit, i.e., the conductive pattern, may be disposed at least from the second region (R2) to the 4-1 region (R41). The wiring unit may electrically connect the power supply unit (400), the stimulus providing unit (300), and the circuit unit (800) to form a closed circuit.

[0103] FIG. 14 is a planar layout of a body stimulation device according to another embodiment of the present invention, showing layouts on one side and the other side.

[0104] Referring to FIG. 14, the body stimulation device (15) according to the present embodiment is different from the embodiment of FIG. 13 in that the stimulation providing unit (300) includes a plurality of piezoelectric elements (301a, 302a), and the plurality of piezoelectric elements are grouped into a first group including a first piezoelectric element (301a) and a second group including a second piezoelectric element (302a), and an electric signal is applied to each group.

[0105] For example, if the stimulus providing unit (300) includes a plurality of piezo elements arranged in a first direction (X) and a second direction (Y) in a number of eight and four, respectively, as shown in FIG. 14, some of them may form a first group, and others may form a second group. FIG. 14 exemplifies a case where the piezo elements in the first and third rows are referred to as first piezo elements (301a) to form a first group, and the piezo elements in the second and fourth rows are referred to as second piezo elements (302a) to form a second group.

[0106] A stimulus providing unit (300) including a first piezoelectric element (301a) and a second piezoelectric element (302a) may be electrically connected to a circuit unit (800). Although the present invention is not limited thereto, the circuit unit (800) may include a pulse generator. At this time, pulse signals are applied to each of the first piezoelectric elements (301a) and the second piezoelectric elements (302a), but the pulse signals may be applied to the first piezoelectric element (301a) and the second piezoelectric element (302a) at different times.

[0107] FIG. 15 is a planar layout of a body stimulation device according to another embodiment of the present invention, showing layouts on one side and the other side.

[0108] Referring to FIG. 15, a body stimulation device (16) according to the present embodiment includes a base (100), a stimulation provision unit (300) disposed on the base (100), a power supply unit (400), and further includes a wiring unit connecting them, but is different from the embodiment of FIG. 13 in that the first coupling means (610) and the second coupling means (620) are at least partially electrically conductive and constitute a part of the circuit.

[0109] In an exemplary embodiment, a wiring portion, for example, a conductive pattern, may electrically connect a first terminal of a power supply portion (400) and a stimulus providing portion (300). At this time, a circuit portion (800) may be located in the electrically connected path. The wiring portion connected to the first terminal of the power supply portion (400) may be partially open. At this time, the open point is referred to as a first point (550a). In addition, the first point (550a) overlaps with the first coupling means (610) in the third direction (Z) and may be electrically connected by penetrating the base (100) in the third direction (Z). At this time, a point on the other side (102) that corresponds to, or overlaps with, the first point (550a) on one side (101) is referred to as a second point (550b). The first point (550a) and the second point (550b) may be circuit-equivalent to the first coupling means (610), or the first point (550a) and the second point (550b) may be electrically connected to the first coupling means (610). In other words, the first terminal of the power supply unit (400) may be electrically connected directly or indirectly to the first coupling means (610). In addition, the wiring unit may electrically connect the second terminal of the power supply unit (400) and the second coupling means (620). In other words, the second terminal of the power supply unit (400) may be electrically connected directly or indirectly to the second coupling means (620).

[0110] When configured as described above, the second coupling means (620), the power supply unit (400), the stimulus providing unit (300), the first point (550a), the second point (550b) and the first coupling means (610) form part of a circuit that is electrically connected sequentially, but the circuit may be in an open state.

[0111] The body stimulation device (16) according to the present embodiment can form a connection structure by contacting the first coupling means (610) and the second coupling means (620) during the process of wearing the body stimulation device (16) without a separate switch, and the circuit is closed and current can flow.

[0112] Figure 16 is a planar layout of a body stimulation device according to another embodiment of the present invention, showing layouts on one side and the other side.

[0113] Referring to FIG. 16, the body stimulation device (17) according to the present embodiment is different from the embodiment of FIG. 15 in that the first coupling means (630) and the second coupling means (640) each have a predetermined area, for example, they are configured as snap connectors rather than Velcro members.

[0114] As described above, the first terminal of the power supply unit (400) can be electrically connected directly or indirectly to the first coupling means (630), for example, the first snap connector, via the first point (550a) and the second point (550b). And the second terminal of the power supply unit (400) can be electrically connected directly or indirectly to the second coupling means (640), for example, the second snap connector. The first snap connector can be a female snap, and the second snap connector can be a male snap, but the reverse is also possible.

[0115] Fig. 17 is a planar layout of a body stimulation device according to another embodiment of the present invention, showing layouts on one side and the other side. Fig. 18 is a perspective view illustrating the process of wearing the body stimulation device of Fig. 17.

[0116] Referring to FIGS. 17 and 18, a body stimulation device (18) according to the present embodiment includes a base (100), a stimulation providing unit (300) disposed on the base (100), a power supply unit (400), and a coupling unit (610, 620), but is different from the embodiment of FIG. 1 in that it further includes a first connection electrode (910) (or first switch electrode) and a second connection electrode (920) (or second switch electrode) disposed on one surface (101) of the base (100).

[0117] As previously described, the base (100) or the body stimulation device (18) may sequentially define a first region (R1) to a fourth region (R4) from one end (the left end in the drawing) to the other end (the right end in the drawing). In this case, the first region (R1) may be further subdivided into detailed regions. For example, the first region (R1) may include or be composed of a first-first region (R11) and a first-second region (R12) from one end to the other end.

[0118] In this embodiment, the 1-1 region (R11) is defined on one side of the 2nd region (R2), and a predetermined position from one end of the base (100) that does not encroach on the 2nd region (R2) may be defined as the 1-1 region (R11). In addition, the 1-2 region (R12) may be located on the other side of the 1-1 region (R11), and may mean the remaining 1st region (R1) that is not defined as the 1-1 region (R11). The 1-1 region (R11) may contribute to the formation of the loop (100f). In addition, the 1-2 region (R12) may at least partially contribute to the formation of the loop (100f). The 1-1 region (R11), the 1-2 region (R12), and the 2nd region (R2) may be sequentially connected to each other.

[0119] A first connection electrode (910) may be arranged on one side (101) of the base (100) in the 1-1 region (R11), and a second connection electrode (920) may be arranged on one side (101) of the base (100) in the 1-2 region (R12). The first connection electrode (910) and the second connection electrode (920) may be spaced apart from each other in the first direction (X), but may overlap each other in the first direction (X). The first direction (X) length of the first connection electrode (910) may be greater than the first direction (X) length of the second connection electrode (920).

[0120] A conductive portion, for example, a conductive pattern, may electrically connect the power supply unit (400) and the first connection electrode (910) and the second connection electrode (920). For example, a first terminal of the power supply unit (400) may be electrically connected to the stimulus providing unit (300), and the stimulus providing unit (300) may be electrically connected to the second connection electrode (920). That is, the first terminal of the power supply unit (400) may be electrically connected directly or indirectly to the second connection electrode (920) through the wiring portion. In addition, the second terminal of the power supply unit (400) may be electrically connected directly or indirectly to the first connection electrode (910) through the wiring portion. In other words, the first connection electrode (910), the power supply unit (400), the stimulus providing unit (300), and the second connection electrode (920) form part of a circuit that is electrically connected sequentially, but the circuit may be in an open state.

[0121] According to the present embodiment, the body stimulation device (18) can close the circuit and allow current to flow through contact between the first connection electrode (910) and the second connection electrode (920) during the process of wearing the body stimulation device (18) without a separate switch.

[0122] For example, a loop (100f) is formed using a loop forming member, and the remaining portions of the base (100) that do not contribute to the formation of the loop (100f) are folded and wrapped around the outside of the loop (100f) so that the first connection electrode (910) and the second connection electrode (920) can face and contact each other in the first regions (R1) folded by the loop forming member.

[0123] Meanwhile, although not represented in the drawing, a slit-shaped opening may be formed in the base (100) of the first-first region (R11) as in the aforementioned embodiment. In this case, the opening may be located one step to the side (left side in the drawing) of the first connection electrode (910).

[0124] The body stimulation device according to the various embodiments of the present invention described above can stimulate the wearer's body by including a stimulation provider, such as a piezoelectric element. Furthermore, it also functions as a joint protector that partially compresses the body, and minimizes or eliminates elements that could impede comfort, such as protruding control devices, so that the wearer can engage in daily life while wearing the body stimulation device.

[0125] Additionally, the body stimulation device according to the present invention may further include a biometric information collection electrode, thereby functioning as a biometric information collection device. In this case, the power supply may further include a processor and / or memory in addition to a battery, thereby functioning as a control device (or control unit, or control device).

[0126] In addition, the body stimulation device further includes a wireless communication module, and transmits and receives the collected biometric information to and from an external computing device such as a server or a user terminal, and the digital wearable body stimulation device (or body stimulation band) can constitute a healthcare system.

[0127] Although the present invention has been described above with reference to embodiments thereof, these are merely examples and do not limit the present invention. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that various modifications and applications not exemplified above are possible without departing from the essential characteristics of the embodiments of the present invention.

[0128] Therefore, the scope of the present invention should be understood to include modifications, equivalents, or alternatives to the technical concepts exemplified above. For example, each component specifically illustrated in the embodiments of the present invention can be implemented with modifications. Furthermore, any differences related to such modifications and applications should be construed as being within the scope of the present invention as defined in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A body stimulation device including a base having a shape extending in a first direction and having one side and the other side, wherein the body stimulation device sequentially defines a first region, a second region, a third region, and a fourth region from one side of the first direction to the other side of the first direction, wherein the body stimulation device, A loop forming ring coupled to one end of the first region; A piezo element arranged in the second region; A first coupling means arranged on the surface of the third region; and A body stimulation device further comprising a second coupling means disposed on the first surface of the fourth region and forming a reversible fastening structure with the first coupling means.

2. In paragraph 1, An opening is located in the first region of the above base, A body stimulation device in which the opening has a length in the first direction greater than a width in the second direction intersecting the first direction.

3. In paragraph 2, Further comprising a power supply unit disposed on the one side of the base and disposed on an area in a direction other than the second area, A body stimulation device, wherein the power supply unit includes a battery or a battery connection module in which a battery is mounted.

4. In paragraph 3, A conductive coating layer disposed on the one surface of the base; and Further comprising a circuit portion disposed in the third region and overlapping the first coupling means, The power supply unit is placed on an area in a direction other than the third area, A body stimulation device wherein the conductive coating layer is at least partially disposed on the second region and the third region, thereby providing a path for electrically connecting the power supply unit, the circuit unit, and the piezoelectric element.

5. In paragraph 3, Further comprising a conductive coating layer disposed on the above one surface of the above base, The first coupling means and the second coupling means are each at least partially electrically conductive, The first terminal of the above power supply is directly or indirectly electrically connected to the piezo element, The second terminal of the above power supply unit is electrically connected directly or indirectly to the second coupling means, A body stimulation device wherein at least a portion of the conductive coating layer is electrically connected directly or indirectly to the first coupling means.

6. In paragraph 3, The above first area is, A first-1 region located on the above one side and coupled with a loop forming ring, and Including the 1-2 area located on the other side than the 1-1 area, The above body stimulation device, A first connection electrode disposed on the first surface of the above-mentioned 1-1 region, the first connection electrode being electrically connected directly or indirectly to the first terminal of the power supply unit; and A body stimulation device further comprising a second connection electrode disposed on the first surface of the first-second region and spaced apart from the first connection electrode in the first direction, the second connection electrode being electrically connected directly or indirectly to the second terminal of the power supply unit.

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