A tongue muscle training device with adjustable force

Abstract

The application discloses a tongue muscle training device with adjustable pressing force, which comprises a tongue muscle training device, a tongue sleeve and a negative pressure air bag in communication with the tongue sleeve. The negative pressure air bag is assembled in a containing cavity. A pressing device for pressing the negative pressure air bag to deform is connected to the containing cavity. The pressing force of the pressing device is adjustable. In a second embodiment, the containing cavity is provided as an open structure at the upper portion. The negative pressure air bag is loaded from the upper portion of the containing cavity. A pushing force conversion mechanism is arranged to convert the upward pushing force of a push rod into lateral clamping force of two clamping jaws, so as to apply force to the negative pressure air bag from both sides. When the tongue sleeve is adsorbed on the tongue of a trainer, a locking buckle on the containing cavity can be unlocked, the tongue muscle training device is taken out from the containing cavity and used alone, and tongue traction training is performed. The advantage is that the adsorption force of the tongue sleeve on the tongue can be quantified, controlled and quantitatively adjusted.

Description

Technical fields:

[0001] This invention relates to an adjustable-intensity tongue muscle trainer, belonging to the field of health assistive device technology. Background technology:

[0002] Dysphagia refers to difficulty swallowing caused by various factors and occurring in different parts of the body. Dysphagia can affect intake and nutrient absorption, lead to aspiration pneumonia, cause various complications, directly or indirectly affect long-term prognosis and quality of life, and independently influence mortality. The prevalence of dysphagia is high, and patients with oral dysphagia often exhibit significant motor impairment of the articulatory organs, mainly manifested as weakened tongue muscles, tongue atrophy, tongue retraction, and poor tongue mobility. For patients with no active tongue movement or tongue retraction, a tongue suction device is needed to provide active and passive training of the tongue muscles. A tongue suction device is a product designed for stroke patients with hemiplegia, aphasia, and dysphagia. It trains tongue flexibility and helps improve slurred speech and difficulty swallowing. Currently available manual pressure-operated airbag suction devices suffer from uncontrollable negative pressure; excessive pressure causes pain, while insufficient pressure causes the tongue to dislodge, failing to effectively retain the tongue. Further improvements to tongue suction devices are needed. Summary of the Invention:

[0003] To overcome the shortcomings of the prior art, the present invention aims to provide an adjustable force tongue muscle trainer, which can control and adjust the applied force when applying force to the negative pressure airbag to make it elastically deform, thereby making the negative pressure generated by the airbag controllable and adjustable.

[0004] The present invention solves the technical problem by adopting the following technical solution:

[0005] An adjustable-force tongue muscle trainer includes a tongue muscle trainer having a tongue sleeve and a negative pressure airbag communicating with the tongue sleeve. The negative pressure airbag is assembled in a receiving cavity, and a pressing device for pressing the negative pressure airbag to deform is connected to the receiving cavity, and the pressing force of the pressing device is adjustable.

[0006] The pressing device includes: a hollow handle radially connected to the receiving cavity, a push rod coaxially disposed inside the hollow handle, the middle part of the push rod being a rack structure, the hollow handle having a pawl and the rack forming a rack and pawl mechanism, and a pawl release button for forcing the pawl to disengage from the rack on the handle wall, and the hollow handle also having a rack reset mechanism.

[0007] Preferably, the rack and pinion reset mechanism further includes a radially extending reset platform disposed on the upper section of the push rod and a reset spring sleeved on the upper section of the push rod, wherein the upper end of the reset spring abuts against the outer wall of the receiving cavity and the lower end uses the reset platform as a spring seat.

[0008] Preferably, the hollow handle is further provided with a button base in its inner cavity, and a compression spring is provided on the button base for resetting the pawl release button.

[0009] Preferably, the lower section of the push rod extends beyond the hollow handle and has a push rod seat at its bottom.

[0010] Preferably, the pressing device further includes: a hollow handle radially connected to the receiving cavity, and a push rod coaxially disposed within the hollow handle. The middle part of the push rod is a rack structure. The hollow handle cavity is provided with a pawl, which together with the rack forms a rack and pawl mechanism. A pawl release button is provided on the handle wall to force the pawl to disengage from the rack. A thrust steering mechanism is provided at the top of the push rod. The thrust steering mechanism is used to apply pressure to the negative pressure airbag from the side to cause it to deform elastically.

[0011] Preferably, the thrust steering mechanism further includes a first gripper and a second gripper hinged together in the middle by a pin. The upper ends of the two grippers are located on both sides of the negative pressure airbag, and the top end of the push rod is located between the lower ends of the two grippers. When the push rod moves upward, it forces the lower ends of the two grippers to move in opposite directions, while the upper ends of the two grippers move in opposite directions to compress and deform the negative pressure airbag.

[0012] Preferably, the hollow handle is further provided with a button base in its inner cavity, and a compression spring is provided on the button base for resetting the pawl release button.

[0013] Preferably, the receiving cavity has an open upper structure, the negative pressure airbag is inserted from the upper part of the receiving cavity, and a locking buckle is provided on the receiving cavity to restrict the negative pressure airbag inside the receiving cavity.

[0014] Preferably, a wedge-shaped block is further provided at the top of the push rod, and the contact surface between the wedge-shaped block and the first and second grippers is a smooth transition surface.

[0015] Compared with existing technologies, the beneficial effects of this invention are reflected in:

[0016] This invention relates to an adjustable-force tongue muscle trainer. Based on existing tongue muscle trainers, it incorporates a cavity for accommodating a negative pressure airbag and a gripping device. The gripping device features an adjustable multi-stage thrust mechanism to apply pressure to the negative pressure airbag, causing it to elastically deform. This allows the tongue sleeve at the front end to generate quantifiable and adjustable multi-stage negative pressure, thus adhering to the trainee's tongue. The suction force is neither too strong, causing pain, nor too weak, causing the sleeve to detach. Once the tongue sleeve is attached to the trainee's tongue, the handle can be used to perform traction and other training exercises.

[0017] As a second implementation scheme, the receiving cavity is designed with an open top. The negative pressure airbag is inserted from the top of the receiving cavity. By setting a thrust-directing mechanism, the upward thrust of the push rod is converted into the lateral clamping force of the two claws, thereby applying force from both sides of the negative pressure airbag. After the tongue sleeve is attached to the trainee's tongue, the locking buckle on the receiving cavity can be released, and the tongue muscle trainer can be taken out of the receiving cavity for separate use to perform tongue traction training. Its advantage is that in this way, the suction force of the tongue sleeve on the tongue can be quantified, controlled, and quantified and adjusted. Attached image description:

[0018] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the present invention as shown in Example 1; Figure 2 for Figure 1 A longitudinal section diagram; Figure 3 for Figure 2 Sectional view along axis AA;

[0019] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the present invention as shown in Example 2; Figure 5 for Figure 4 A longitudinal section diagram; Figure 6 for Figure 5 A sectional view along the AA direction.

[0020] Numbering in the diagram: 1 Tongue muscle trainer, 11 Tongue sleeve, 12 Negative pressure airbag, 2 Receiving cavity, 21 Locking buckle, 3 Hollow handle, 4 Push rod, 41 Reset platform, 42 Reset spring, 43 Push rod seat, 44 Wedge block, 5 Pawl release button, 51 Button base, 52 Compression spring, 6 Thrust steering mechanism, 61 First gripper, 62 Second gripper

[0021] The present invention will be further described below through specific embodiments and in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Detailed implementation method:

[0022] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below in conjunction with the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0023] Example 1: The adjustable-force tongue muscle trainer of the present invention may be a product of the applicant's prior patent 201920474575.5 or a similar structure product.

[0024] The adjustable-force tongue muscle trainer of this embodiment includes a tongue muscle trainer 1, which has a tongue sleeve 11 and a negative pressure airbag 12 connected to the tongue sleeve 11. The negative pressure airbag 12 is assembled in a receiving cavity 2, and a pressing device for pressing the negative pressure airbag 12 to deform is connected to the receiving cavity 2, and the pressing force of the pressing device is adjustable.

[0025] The aforementioned pressing device includes: a hollow handle 3 radially connected to the receiving cavity 2, a push rod 4 coaxially disposed inside the hollow handle 3, the middle part of the push rod 4 being a rack structure, the inner cavity of the hollow handle 3 being provided with a pawl and a rack forming a rack and pawl mechanism, and a pawl release button 5 for forcing the pawl to disengage from the rack being provided on the handle wall, and the inner cavity of the hollow handle 3 also being provided with a rack reset mechanism.

[0026] The aforementioned rack and pinion reset mechanism includes a radially extending reset platform 41 located on the upper section of the push rod 4, and a reset spring 42 sleeved on the upper section of the push rod 4. The upper end of the reset spring 42 abuts against the outer wall of the receiving cavity 2, and the lower end uses the reset platform 41 as a spring seat. A button base 51 is also provided in the inner cavity of the hollow handle 3, and a compression spring 52 is provided on the button base 51 for resetting the pawl release button 5.

[0027] The lower section of the push rod 4 extends out of the hollow handle 3 and has a push rod seat 43 at its bottom.

[0028] See Figure 1-3 When in use, push the push rod 4 upward through the push rod seat 43. The push rod 4 moves upward and overcomes the resistance of the return spring 42, pressing (squeezing) the negative pressure airbag 12 to force it to deform. After reaching the set position, attach the tongue sleeve 11 to the trainee's tongue. Press the release button 5 to drive the pawl to disengage from the rack (i.e., push rod 4). The push rod 4 returns to the initial position under the force of the return spring 42 and no longer squeezes the negative pressure airbag 12. At this time, the negative pressure airbag generates negative pressure to attract the tongue sleeve 11 to the tongue. The trainee can hold the hollow handle 3 to perform traction training on the tongue of the rehabilitation patient.

[0029] The aforementioned gear settings refer to the fact that the middle part of the push rod 4 is configured with a rack structure, the number of teeth of which represents the number of gears. Under the interference of the pawl, the rack can only move upwards. Only when the release button 5 is pressed, causing the pawl to disengage from the rack, can the push rod 4 move downwards. This is a well-established and known prior art, and its specific structure need not be elaborated upon. Furthermore, the compressive force exerted by the push rod 4 on the negative pressure airbag 12 at each gear setting can be calculated, meaning the negative pressure generated by the negative pressure airbag 12 can be measured. Compared to directly pressing the airbag by hand to generate uncontrollable negative pressure, this invention, through the push rod, allows the airbag to generate the required negative pressure more precisely, thereby enabling better tongue muscle training for the rehabilitation patient.

[0030] Example 2: See Figure 4-6 In this embodiment, the negative pressure airbag 12, the hollow handle 3, the push rod 4 and its ratchet rack structure are the same as in embodiment 1. The difference is that in this embodiment, the negative pressure airbag 12 is not pressed directly by the push rod 4, but a thrust steering mechanism 6 is provided at the top of the push rod. The thrust steering mechanism is used to apply pressure to the negative pressure airbag 12 from the side to cause it to deform elastically.

[0031] The aforementioned thrust steering mechanism includes a first gripper 61 and a second gripper 62 hinged together in the middle by a pin. The upper ends of the two grippers are located on both sides of the negative pressure airbag 12, and the top of the push rod is located between the lower ends of the two grippers. When the push rod moves upward, it forces the lower ends of the two grippers to move in opposite directions, while the upper ends of the two grippers move in opposite directions to compress and deform the negative pressure airbag. The two grippers are similar to scissors or pliers, except that the upper and lower ends of the two grippers move in opposite directions. Moreover, a wedge block 44 is provided at the top of the push rod. The contact surface between the wedge block 44 and the first and second grippers is a smooth transition surface. The purpose of this arrangement is to make it easier to cause the lower ends of the two grippers to open and the upper ends of the two grippers to close (compress the airbag) when the push rod moves upward.

[0032] Another difference between this embodiment and Embodiment 1 is that the receiving cavity 2 has an open upper part, and the negative pressure airbag 12 is inserted from the upper part of the receiving cavity 2. A locking buckle 21 is provided on the receiving cavity 2 to restrict the negative pressure airbag 12 within the receiving cavity 2. The purpose of this arrangement is that when the tongue muscle trainer 1 is attached to the tongue of the rehabilitation patient with a set negative pressure, the locking buckle 21 can be opened to remove the tongue muscle trainer 1 from the receiving cavity 2 for separate tongue muscle traction training.

[0033] It should be noted that the parts not described in detail in this invention are well-known technologies in the field, or can be directly purchased from the market. Those skilled in the art can obtain them without creative effort. The specific connection methods have extremely wide applications in the field or in daily life, and will not be described in detail here.

[0034] Furthermore, those skilled in the art can combine and integrate the different embodiments or examples described herein, as well as the features of those embodiments or examples, without contradiction. Although embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described above, it is understood that the above embodiments are exemplary and should not be construed as limiting the present invention. Those skilled in the art can make changes, modifications, substitutions, and variations to the above embodiments within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. An adjustable-force tongue muscle trainer, comprising a tongue muscle trainer (1), the tongue muscle trainer having a tongue sleeve (11) and a negative pressure airbag (12) connected to the tongue sleeve (11), characterized in that, The negative pressure airbag (12) is assembled in a receiving cavity (2), and a pressing device for pressing the negative pressure airbag (12) to deform is connected to the receiving cavity (2), and the pressing force of the pressing device is adjustable; The pressing device includes: a hollow handle (3) radially connected to the receiving cavity (2), and a push rod (4) coaxially disposed in the hollow handle (3). The middle part of the push rod (4) is a rack structure. The hollow handle (3) is provided with a pawl and the rack to form a rack and pawl mechanism. A pawl release button (5) for forcing the pawl to disengage from the rack is provided on the handle wall. The hollow handle (3) is also provided with a rack reset mechanism. The rack and pinion reset mechanism includes a radially extending reset platform (41) located on the upper section of the push rod, and a reset spring (42) sleeved on the upper section of the push rod (4). The upper end of the reset spring (42) abuts against the outer wall of the receiving cavity (2), and the lower end uses the reset platform (41) as a spring seat.

2. The adjustable-strength tongue muscle trainer according to claim 1, characterized in that, The hollow handle (3) is also provided with a button base (51) in its inner cavity, and a compression spring (52) is provided on the button base (51) for resetting the pawl release button (5).

3. The adjustable-force tongue muscle trainer according to any one of claims 1-2, characterized in that, The lower section of the push rod (4) extends out of the hollow handle (3) and has a push rod seat (43) at its bottom.

4. An adjustable-force tongue muscle trainer, comprising a tongue muscle trainer (1), the tongue muscle trainer having a tongue sleeve (11) and a negative pressure airbag (12) connected to the tongue sleeve (11), characterized in that, The negative pressure airbag (12) is assembled in a receiving cavity (2), and a pressing device for pressing the negative pressure airbag (12) to deform is connected to the receiving cavity (2), and the pressing force of the pressing device is adjustable; The pressing device includes: a hollow handle (3) radially connected to the receiving cavity (2), and a push rod (4) coaxially disposed in the hollow handle (3). The middle part of the push rod (4) is a rack structure. The hollow handle (3) is provided with a pawl and the rack to form a rack and pawl mechanism. A pawl release button (5) for forcing the pawl to disengage from the rack is provided on the handle wall. A thrust steering mechanism (6) is provided at the top of the push rod. The thrust steering mechanism is used to apply pressure to the negative pressure airbag (12) from the side to cause it to deform elastically. The thrust steering mechanism includes a first gripper (61) and a second gripper (62) hinged together in the middle by a pin. The upper ends of the two grippers are located on both sides of the negative pressure airbag (12), and the top end of the push rod is located between the lower ends of the two grippers. When the push rod moves upward, it forces the lower ends of the two grippers to move in opposite directions, while the upper ends of the two grippers move in opposite directions to compress and deform the negative pressure airbag.

5. The adjustable-strength tongue muscle trainer according to claim 4, characterized in that, The hollow handle (3) is also provided with a button base (51) in its inner cavity, and a compression spring (52) is provided on the button base (51) for resetting the pawl release button (5).

6. The adjustable-strength tongue muscle trainer according to claim 4, characterized in that, The receiving cavity (2) has an open structure at the top. The negative pressure airbag (12) is inserted from the top of the receiving cavity (2), and a locking buckle (21) is provided on the receiving cavity (2) to restrict the negative pressure airbag (12) inside the receiving cavity (2).

7. The adjustable-strength tongue muscle trainer according to claim 4, characterized in that, A wedge block (44) is provided at the top of the push rod, and the contact surface between the wedge block (44) and the first and second grippers is a smooth transition surface.

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