WO2020176015A2

WO2020176015A2 - Method for supplying electrical pulses during translingual neurostimulation, device for carrying out said method and integral part of said device

Info

Publication number: WO2020176015A2
Application number: PCT/RU2020/000078
Authority: WO
Inventors: Евгений Владимирович БУГОРСКИЙ; Юрий Петрович ДАНИЛОВ
Original assignee: Общество с ограниченной ответственностью "Альматек"
Priority date: 2019-02-26
Filing date: 2020-02-19
Publication date: 2020-09-03
Also published as: RU2733169C2; RU2019105435A3; RU2019105435A; WO2020176015A3

Abstract

The invention relates to stress management and is directed to increasing the effectiveness of relaxation. A method of relaxation comprises exposing the surface of the tongue to electrical pulses such that the pulses converge or disperse.

Description

METHOD FOR SUPPLYING ELECTRIC PULSES AT

TRANSLINGUAL NEUROSTIMULATION, DEVICE FOR IT

IMPLEMENTATION AND ITS COMPONENT PART

The group of inventions relates to stress management and devices for psychological and muscle relaxation.

Currently, a number of devices have been developed for the impact of electrical impulses on the human tongue, when using which it is possible to manifest a relaxing (relaxation) effect that reduces muscle tension.

For example, the device described in patent US2015290454 operates on the biofeedback principle, i.e. transmission from peripheral devices (cameras and accelerometers) of data recoded into beams of electrical impulses supplied by activating all electrodes of a given segment of the matrix installed on the tongue. The activation of a whole segment is necessary for the possibility of accurately determining the site of exposure, which is a signal of a change in the external factor for making a decision by the patient about the need to correct the position of his body. For example, a change in the position of the body in space will be transmitted from the accelerometer as a displacement of the pulses of the activated segment in the direction of deviation. This method of impulse delivery does not allow to stimulate nerve fibers, because impulse delivery is dependent on external position-oriented devices and is often interrupted. Because of this, tangible muscle relaxation is not achieved, and the manifestation of the relaxing effect in some people is rather a side effect.

The closest analogue of the invention is a method and a device for translingual neurostimulation, described in patent US2017354817. With the help of this device, groups of electrical impulses are supplied by activating one electrode in separate segments of the matrix located in different parts of it. In the tongue, under the electrode, there are many receptors and nerve endings, and at the time of the impulse, and before the termination of its supply, their activation occurs. Because impulses are given in groups, divided by the time of delivery and the place of exposure, i.e. per unit of time in each group, one electrode is activated, chaotic activation and relaxation of nerve endings occurs. This method of exposure allows you to create the effect of "disorientation" of the nerve fibers, which promotes muscle relaxation, but is aimed at creating conditions for the training of nerve fibers in some movements due to the application of an external load. As a consequence, in order to achieve psychological relaxation with this method of stimulation, an obligatory additional external cognitive influence is required, for example, listening to music or watching a movie. Moreover, the perceived effect of muscle relaxation appears only after a long session time, and in some cases patients feel at least some effect only from the second or third sessions.

The claimed invention is aimed at improving the efficiency of relaxation of users by providing a combination of muscle and cognitive (psychological) relaxation.

The claimed effects are achieved by the method of supplying electrical impulses during translingual neurostimulation, including the impact of electrical impulses on the surface of the tongue in such a way that the impulses are supplied in the form of converging or diverging waves, for example, of variable frequency and / or amplitude.

Frequency and / or amplitude and / or peak voltage and / or current strength can vary depending on the distance of the wave from the center and / or depending on the location on the matrix area.

The pulses are delivered in concentric circles. Pulse frequency 50-200 Hz, pulse duration 16 to 60 microseconds, peak voltage 0 to 20 V, current from 0 to 12.5 microamperes.

The claimed effects are achieved by a device for translingual neurostimulation, made in the form of a matrix with electrodes, to which voltage is supplied from a power source in such a way that impulses are supplied in the form of converging or diverging waves, for example, variable frequency and / or amplitude, and a system that provides supplying voltage to the electrodes.

The electrodes in the matrix can be divided into groups that provide the ability to deliver pulses of different frequencies and / or amplitudes and / or peak voltage and / or current strength while maintaining the mode of delivery of pulses in the form of converging or diverging waves.

The electrodes are arranged in the matrix in the form of concentric circles, which provide the possibility of at least, for example, sequential impulses, for the possibility, for example, of sequential activation of such circles.

However, the activation of the circles can also go in a different order, for example, through the n-th number of circles, while maintaining the general system of impulse delivery in the form of converging or diverging waves, thus creating the effect of pulsation of converging or diverging waves, where n is from one circle.

Groups of electrodes providing the possibility of supplying pulses of different frequencies and / or amplitudes and / or peak voltage and / or current while maintaining the type of supply of pulses in the form of converging or diverging waves are formed from segments of adjacent circles. Moreover, the segment can include from one electrode, the group can consist of at least one segment, and the area covered by the group can be of any shape, but it is desirable that its shape corresponds to the area of tongue sensitivity. Pulse frequency 50-200 Hz, duration of each pulse from 16 to 60 microseconds, peak voltage from 0 to 20 V, current from 0 to 12.5 microamperes.

The power source is a DC or AC voltage source.

Voltage supply and control of voltage supply to the electrodes are carried out through a system that provides voltage supply to the electrodes.

The system providing voltage supply to the electrodes is made separately from the matrix board, and the voltage supply and voltage supply control to the matrix electrodes is carried out via a wired interface.

The system providing voltage supply to the electrodes is made on the matrix board, and the voltage supply to the matrix electrodes from the power supply is carried out through the wired interface or the voltage source is installed in the connector on the board.

The system, which supplies voltage to the electrodes, is controlled via a push-button or touch-screen interface.

The system that supplies voltage to the electrodes is controlled via a wireless interface.

The system that provides voltage to the electrodes is installed in a housing that is attached to the body by means of a belt or elastic belt.

The claimed effects are also achieved by a part of the device, namely by a matrix with electrodes for a relaxation device, which provides voltage in such a way that pulses are supplied in the form of converging or diverging waves, for example, of variable frequency and / or amplitude.

The electrodes are arranged in a matrix in the form of concentric circles, allowing at least, for example, sequential supply of impulses, for the possibility, for example, of sequential activation of such circles.

However, the activation of the circles can go in a different order, for example, through the n-th number of circles, while maintaining the general system of impulse delivery in the form of converging or diverging waves, thus creating a pulsation of converging or diverging waves, where n is from one circle.

Groups of electrodes providing the possibility of supplying pulses of different frequencies and / or amplitudes and / or peak voltage and / or current strength while maintaining the type of pulse delivery in the form of converging or diverging waves are formed from segments of adjacent circles. Moreover, the segment can include from one electrode, the group can consist of at least one segment, and the area covered by the group can be of any shape, but it is desirable that its shape corresponds to the area of tongue sensitivity.

Pulse frequency 50-200 Hz, duration of each pulse from 16 to 60 microseconds, peak voltage from 0 to 20 V, current from 0 to 12.5 microamperes.

The voltage to the electrodes is supplied from a constant voltage source, or the voltage to the electrodes is supplied from an alternating voltage source, and means are provided to control the voltage supply to the electrodes.

The system for supplying voltage to the electrodes for the device can be installed in a housing that is attached to the body by means of a belt or elastic band. A constant voltage source is installed in the housing, and the voltage is supplied to the matrix electrodes through a wired interface.

The means for controlling the pulse frequency, duration, peak voltage, current strength are made on the case in which the system is located, in the form of a push-button or touch interface, or are implemented with using wireless or wired access through the software interface installed on the computer.

Figure 1 - Matrix isometric side with electrodes.

Fig. 2 - Matrix side view.

Fig. 3 - Matrix side view without electrodes.

There are many receptors and nerve endings in the tongue, and at the time of the electric impulse and before the termination of its supply, they are activated. Stimulation formed by a pattern of individual impulses that form a dynamic concentric sinusoidal wave, for example, of variable frequency and / or amplitude, converging towards the center or diverging from the center, creates a "stroking" effect, comparable to the effects manifested in massage techniques, targeting the nerve endings ... Such an effect makes it possible to facilitate and strengthen the user's concentration on the surface of the tongue, helps to reduce the influence of distracting external influences and quick psychological relaxation. Considering that by itself the electrical stimulation of the tongue causes physical relaxation of the muscles of the body, the combination of psychological and physical components of relaxation enhances the manifestation of the general relaxation effect.

Waves can be of various two-dimensional shapes: rectangular, rhombus, circle, etc. However, research shows that concentric waveforms have the greatest effect. Therefore, it is advisable to arrange the electrodes in the matrix in the form of concentric circles for which sequential activation of all or part of the electrodes in such a circle is ensured. However, the activation of the circles can also go in a different order, for example, through the nth number of circles, while maintaining the general system of impulse delivery in the form of converging or diverging waves, thus creating a pulsation of converging or diverging waves.

It should be borne in mind that the tongue has different sensitivity in area. Therefore, it is advisable to use a matrix in which provided the possibility of supplying pulses with different amplitude and / or frequency in different parts of it. Thus, groups of electrodes are formed from segments of adjacent circles. Moreover, the segment can include from one electrode, the group can consist of at least one segment, and the area covered by the group can be of any shape, but it is desirable that its shape corresponds to the area of tongue sensitivity. This will reduce the likelihood of pain in a certain area of the tongue when electrical impulses of a certain frequency and / or amplitude and / or peak voltage and / or current are applied, which will help to increase the possible time of using the device.

To ensure safe operation of the matrix in the oral cavity and to avoid burns of the mucous membrane, it is desirable that the device provides the following characteristics:

pulse frequency 50-200 Hz.

pulse duration from 16 to 60 microseconds,

peak voltage from 0 to 20 V.

current from 0 to 12.5 microamperes.

It should be noted that the surface of the tongue is not the only place in the oral cavity with increased sensitivity; the entire oral cavity has increased sensitivity. Therefore, other sites of exposure in the oral cavity should be considered equivalent to the tongue.

The device can be a matrix in the form of a board, in which electrodes are made, in which the surface in contact with the tongue is coated, for example, with gold or, for example, the electrodes themselves are made of titanium. The matrix is connected to the controller, for example, via a USB cable, which provides voltage control and necessary adjustments. The system providing voltage supply to the electrodes can be made in the form of a housing in which the necessary elements and control circuits are installed, as well as a battery that provides sufficient voltage to the electrodes, for example, attached by means of an elastic band or a strap on the arm. However, all the elements: the matrix, the system that provides voltage to the electrodes, and the power supply can be located on one board. Moreover, a removable battery can serve as a power source.

If the voltage to the electrodes will be supplied from an alternating voltage source, for example, the device can be plugged into an outlet, it is necessary to provide means for monitoring the voltage supply.

The means for controlling the pulse frequency, duration, peak voltage, current strength can be performed on the case in which the system that supplies voltage to the electrodes is located in the form of a push-button or touch interface, or can be implemented using both wireless and wired access via software an interface installed, for example, on a computer.

Claims

FORMULA

1. A method of supplying electrical impulses during translingual neurostimulation, including the impact of electrical impulses on the surface of the tongue in such a way that impulses are supplied in the form of converging or diverging waves.

2. A method according to claim 1, in which the frequency and / or amplitude and / or peak voltage and / or current can vary depending on the distance of the wave from the center and / or depending on the location on the matrix area.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein the pulses are delivered in concentric circles.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein the pulse frequency is 50-200 Hz, the pulse duration is 16 to 60 microseconds, the peak voltage is 0 to 20 V, and the current is 0 to 12.5 microamperes.

5. A device for translingual neurostimulation, made in the form of a matrix with electrodes, to which voltage is supplied from a power source in such a way that impulses are supplied in the form of converging or diverging waves, and a system that provides voltage to the electrodes.

6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the pulses are supplied with variable frequency and / or amplitude.

7. The device according to claim 5, in which the electrodes in the matrix are divided into groups that provide the ability to supply pulses of different frequency and / or amplitude and / or peak voltage and / or current strength while maintaining the mode of delivery of pulses in the form of converging or diverging waves.

8. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the electrodes are arranged in a matrix in the form of concentric circles.

9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the concentric circles are at least sequentially activated.

10. The device according to claim 8, in which the activation of the circles can go through the n-th number of circles while maintaining the overall system of impulse delivery in the form of converging or diverging waves, where n is from one circle.

11. The device according to claim 8, in which the groups of electrodes that provide the ability to supply pulses of different frequencies and / or amplitudes and / or peak voltage and / or current while maintaining the type of supply of pulses in the form of converging or diverging waves are formed from segments of adjacent circles.

12. The device of claim 11, wherein the segment may include from one electrode.

13. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the group may consist of at least one segment.

14. The device of claim 11, wherein the shape of the area covered by the group corresponds to the area of the tongue.

15. The device according to claim 5, wherein the pulse frequency is 50-200 Hz.

16. The device according to claim 5, in which the duration of each pulse is from 16 to 60 microseconds

17. The device of claim 5, wherein the peak voltage is from 0 to 20 V.

18. The device of claim 5, wherein the current is from 0 to 12.5 microamperes.

19. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the power source is a constant voltage source.

20. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the power source is an alternating voltage source.

21. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the voltage supply and the control of the voltage supply to the electrodes are carried out through a system providing voltage supply to the electrodes.

22. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein the system for supplying voltage to the electrodes is separate from the matrix board, and the voltage supply and control of the voltage supply to the matrix electrodes are performed via a wired interface.

23. The device according to claim 21, in which the system providing voltage supply to the electrodes is made on the matrix board, and the voltage supply to the matrix electrodes from the power source is carried out through a wired interface or the voltage source is installed in a connector on the board.

24. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein the system for supplying voltage to the electrodes is controlled via a push-button or touch interface.

25. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein the system for supplying voltage to the electrodes is controlled via a wireless interface.

26. The apparatus of claim 22, wherein the system for supplying voltage to the electrodes is mounted in a housing secured to the body by means of a belt or elastic waistband.

27. Matrix with electrodes for the device according to claim 5, providing voltage supply in such a way that pulses are supplied in the form of converging or diverging waves.

28. The array of claim 27, wherein the pulses are supplied with variable frequency and / or amplitude.

29. The matrix according to claim 27, in which the electrodes in the matrix are divided into groups that provide the ability to supply pulses of different frequency and / or amplitude and / or peak voltage and / or current strength while maintaining the type of pulse delivery in the form of converging or diverging waves.

30. The array of claim 27, wherein the electrodes are arranged in the array in the form of concentric circles.

31. The matrix of claim 30, wherein the concentric circles are at least sequentially activated.

32. The matrix according to claim 30, in which the activation of the circles can go through the n-th number of circles while maintaining the general impulse delivery system in the form of converging or diverging waves, where n is from one circle.

33. The matrix according to claim 30, in which the groups of electrodes providing the possibility of supplying pulses of different frequencies and / or amplitudes and / or peak voltage and / or current strength while maintaining the type of supply of pulses in the form of converging or diverging waves are formed from segments of adjacent circles.

34. The matrix according to claim ZZ, in which the segment can include from one electrode.

35. Matrix according to item ЗЗ, in which a group can consist of at least one segment.

36. The matrix according to p. ЗЗ, in which the shape of the area covered by the group corresponds to the area of the tongue's sensitivity.

37. The matrix of claim 27, wherein the pulse frequency is 50-200 Hz.

38. The matrix according to claim 27, in which the duration of each pulse is from 16 to 60 microseconds

39. The matrix of claim 27, wherein the peak voltage is from 0 to 20 V.

40. The matrix of claim 27, wherein the current is from 0 to 12.5 microamperes.

41. The matrix of claim 27, wherein voltage is applied to the electrodes from a constant voltage source.

42. The matrix of claim 27, wherein the voltage to the electrodes is supplied from an alternating voltage source, and means are provided for controlling the voltage supply to the electrodes.