A tongue depressor handle for dysphagia therapy

Abstract

The application provides a tongue pressure handle for swallowing disorder treatment, relates to the technical field of tongue pressure handles, and solves the problem that an existing device has only one treatment mode and causes patients to feel uncomfortable due to frequent insertion of the device into the oral cavity when multiple treatments are performed. The tongue pressure handle comprises a handle part and a connecting part connected to the handle part, a stimulating assembly for electric stimulation is connected to the connecting part, and a pressure sensor is arranged between the connecting part and the stimulating assembly. The structure of the tongue pressure handle provided with electric stimulation is used for electric stimulation treatment, the pressure sensor is arranged to sense and feed back the squeezing force of the tongue muscle on the stimulating assembly to medical staff, the medical staff can adjust the pressing force on the tongue, effective resistance training of the tongue is realized, the number of times of insertion of different treatment devices into the oral cavity of the patient is reduced, and the comfort of the patient is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of tongue depressor technology, and more specifically, to a tongue depressor for the treatment of swallowing disorders. Background Technology

[0002] Dysphagia refers to difficulty swallowing caused by various factors and occurring in different parts of the body. Dysphagia can affect food intake and nutrient absorption, and can also lead to aspiration pneumonia caused by food being aspirated into the trachea, which can be life-threatening in severe cases. People with dysphagia need timely treatment to ensure their health.

[0003] Existing treatment methods use a tongue depressor to stimulate the pharynx, causing active contraction of related muscles, increasing sensitivity to food, and strengthening the swallowing reflex. Stimulation methods include electrical stimulation, ice stimulation, acid stimulation, etc., and swallowing strength can also be improved through resistance training of the tongue muscles. In existing technologies, each treatment method requires a separate device. When multiple treatments are needed, different devices must be inserted into the patient's mouth multiple times, which may cause discomfort. Therefore, this invention integrates electrical stimulation and resistance training into a single device, reducing the number of times different devices need to be inserted into the patient's mouth. Summary of the Invention

[0004] To address the aforementioned problems, the present invention aims to provide a tongue depressor for the treatment of dysphagia. The tongue depressor incorporates an electrical stimulation structure for treatment, and a pressure sensor detects and provides feedback to healthcare professionals on the pressure exerted by the tongue muscles on the stimulation components. This allows healthcare professionals to adjust the pressure applied to the tongue, thereby achieving effective resistance training of the tongue, reducing the number of times different treatment devices need to be inserted into the patient's mouth, and increasing patient comfort.

[0005] The embodiments of the present invention are achieved through the following technical solutions:

[0006] A tongue depressor for the treatment of dysphagia includes a handle portion and a connecting portion connected to the handle portion. A stimulation component for electrical stimulation is connected to the connecting portion, and a pressure sensor is disposed on the connecting portion between the connecting portion and the stimulation component.

[0007] Preferably, the connecting part is provided with a fixing component, and the stimulation component is detachably connected to the connecting part through the fixing component.

[0008] Preferably, the stimulation component includes a cover, a connection hole is provided on one end face of the cover away from the connection part, an electrical stimulation conductor is movably disposed in the connection hole, the electrical stimulation conductor is connected to a power supply device, the electrical stimulation conductor is connected to a pressure plate movably disposed inside the cover, a first compression spring is connected to the side of the pressure plate near the connection hole, an airbag is disposed on the side of the pressure plate away from the first compression spring, and an inflation device is connected to the side of the airbag away from the pressure plate.

[0009] Preferably, the fixing assembly includes a mounting housing mounted on the connecting part, a working chamber provided inside the mounting housing, a movable square rod provided inside the working chamber, both ends of the movable square rod movably penetrating through the mounting housing, a wedge-shaped head provided at the end of the movable square rod near the cover, a groove provided on the outer wall of the cover to cooperate with the wedge-shaped head, a second baffle provided at the end of the movable square rod away from the cover, a second compression spring sleeved on the movable square rod located in the working chamber, a first baffle connected to the movable square rod, and the second compression spring located on the side of the first baffle away from the wedge-shaped head.

[0010] Preferably, the inflation device includes an inflation tube and a connecting conduit that is movably and sealed to the inflation tube. The connecting conduit is fixedly connected to the stimulation component and communicates with the airbag. The inflation tube is connected to an inflation pump located inside the handle. The inflation tube is connected to an exhaust tube. The exhaust tube is equipped with a solenoid valve. The inflation tube is equipped with a one-way valve located below the connection between the exhaust tube and the inflation tube.

[0011] Preferably, the power supply device includes a plug fixedly installed on the stimulation component, the plug being connected to an electrical stimulation conductor via a wire, and a socket corresponding to the plug being provided on the connection part, the socket being connected to a wire.

[0012] Preferably, the end face of the cover away from the connecting part is an arc-shaped convex surface.

[0013] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention have at least the following advantages and beneficial effects:

[0014] Electrical stimulation is performed by setting up an electrical stimulation structure in the tongue pressure handle. A pressure sensor is set up to sense and provide feedback to medical staff on the amount of pressure exerted by the tongue muscles on the stimulation component. This allows medical staff to adjust the pressure applied to the tongue, thereby achieving effective resistance training of the tongue. This reduces the number of times the device needs to be inserted into the patient's mouth when using different treatment devices, and increases the patient's comfort. Attached Figure Description

[0015] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention, the accompanying drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. It should be understood that the following drawings only show some embodiments of the present invention and should not be regarded as a limitation on the scope. For those skilled in the art, other related drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0016] Figure 1 This is a side view cross-sectional structural schematic diagram provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0017] Figure 2 for Figure 1 Enlarged diagram of point A in the diagram;

[0018] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the main view structure provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0019] Figure 4 This is a top view cross-sectional structural diagram provided for an embodiment of the present invention;

[0020] Figure 5 for Figure 4 Enlarged diagram of point B in the image.

[0021] Icons: 1-Handle; 11-Outer shell; 12-Control panel; 13-Wire; 14-Inflation tube; 15-Inflation pump; 16-Solenoid valve; 17-One-way valve; 18-Exhaust pipe; 2-Connecting part; 3-Stimulation component; 31-Cover; 32-Plug; 33-Pressure plate; 34-Airbag; 35-Connecting conduit; 36-Electrical stimulation conductor; 37-Connecting hole; 38-First compression spring; 39-Slot; 4-Fixing component; 41-Modible square rod; 42-Mounting shell; 43-Working chamber; 44-Second compression spring; 45-First baffle; 46-Second baffle; 5-Pressure sensor. Detailed Implementation

[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 with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. The components of the embodiments of the present invention described and shown in the accompanying drawings can generally be arranged and designed in various different configurations.

[0023] Therefore, the following detailed description of the embodiments of the invention provided in the accompanying drawings is not intended to limit the scope of the claimed invention, but merely to illustrate selected embodiments of the invention. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of the invention without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of the invention.

[0024] The following is combined Figures 1-5 The present invention will be described in detail below.

[0025] Example

[0026] A tongue depressor for treating dysphagia includes a handle portion 1 and a connecting portion 2 connected to the handle portion 1. A stimulation component 3 for electrical stimulation is connected to the connecting portion 2. A pressure sensor 5 is disposed on the connecting portion 2 between the connecting portion 2 and the stimulation component 3. A gap is left between the connecting portion 2 and the stimulation component 3. The pressure sensor 5 contacts the end face of the stimulation component 3. When the tongue squeezes the stimulation component 3, the stimulation component 3 squeezes the pressure sensor 5 to sense tongue pressure.

[0027] The electrical stimulation uses low-frequency pulsed current. The wires connected to pressure sensor 5 extend to the outside of the handle and are connected to a display device that can show the pressure value.

[0028] A fixing component 4 is provided on the connecting part 2, and the stimulation component 3 is detachably connected to the connecting part 2 through the fixing component 4. Because the stimulation component 3 comes into direct contact with the patient's oral cavity, it needs to be a disposable device to avoid cross-infection.

[0029] The stimulation component 3 includes a cover 31. A connection hole 37 is provided on one end face of the cover 31 away from the connecting part 2. An electrical stimulation conductor 36 is movably disposed in the connection hole 37. The electrical stimulation conductor 36 is connected to a power supply device. The electrical stimulation conductor 36 is connected to a pressure plate 33 movably disposed inside the cover 31. A first compression spring 38 is connected to the side of the pressure plate 33 near the connection hole 37. An airbag 34 is disposed on the side of the pressure plate 33 away from the first compression spring 38. An inflation device is connected to the side of the airbag 34 away from the pressure plate 33.

[0030] The expansion of the airbag 34 causes the electrical stimulation conductor 36 to extend out of the surface of the cover 31, thereby enabling the electrical stimulation treatment process.

[0031] The first compression spring 39 is compressed after the electrical stimulation conductor 36 extends out of the surface of the cover 31. When the electrical stimulation treatment ends, the airbag 34 releases gas and flattens, and the first compression spring 39 resets the electrical stimulation conductor 36, so that the cover 31 can press the tongue to achieve tongue muscle resistance training.

[0032] The fixing component 4 includes a mounting housing 42 mounted on the connecting part 2. A working chamber 43 is provided inside the mounting housing 42. A movable square rod 41 is provided inside the working chamber 43. Both ends of the movable square rod 41 movably pass through the mounting housing 42. A wedge-shaped head is provided at the end of the movable square rod 41 near the cover 31. A groove 39 that mates with the wedge-shaped head is provided on the outer wall of the cover 31. A second baffle 46 is provided at the end of the movable square rod 41 away from the cover 31. A second compression spring 44 located inside the working chamber 43 is sleeved on the movable square rod 41. A first baffle 45 is connected to the movable square rod 41. The second compression spring 44 is located on the side of the first baffle 45 away from the wedge-shaped head.

[0033] The cover 31 retracts into the mounting housing 42 by squeezing the wedge-shaped head of the movable square rod 41. At this time, the second baffle 46 squeezes the second compression spring 44. When the slot 39 is aligned with the wedge-shaped head, the movable square rod 41 is popped out by the second compression spring 44 and extends into the slot 39, thereby fixing the stimulation component 3.

[0034] The inflation device includes an inflation tube 14 and a connecting conduit 35 that is movably and sealingly connected to the inflation tube 14. The connecting conduit 35 is fixedly connected to the stimulation component 3 and communicates with the airbag 34. The inflation tube 14 is connected to an inflation pump 15 located inside the handle portion 1. The inflation tube 14 is also connected to an exhaust tube 18, which is equipped with a solenoid valve 16. A one-way valve 17 is located in the inflation tube 14, below the connection between the exhaust tube 18 and the inflation tube 14. The airbag 34 is inflated by the inflation pump 15. When the airbag 34 needs to be deflated, the solenoid valve 16 is opened, allowing the gas in the airbag 34 to be discharged from the exhaust tube 18.

[0035] The pressure sensor 5 can be configured as a ring, with the inflation tube 14 passing through the center of the ring.

[0036] The power supply device includes a plug 32 fixedly mounted on the stimulation component 3. The plug 32 is connected to the electrical stimulation conductor 36 via a wire. The connection part 2 is provided with a socket corresponding to the plug 32, and the socket is connected to a wire 13. The plug 32 and socket structure allow for the switching of the circuit during the installation and removal of the stimulation component 3.

[0037] The end face of the cover 31 away from the connecting part 2 is an arc-shaped convex surface. When the electrical stimulation conductor 36 is not protruding from the cover 31, the arc-shaped convex surface can be used to massage the tongue muscles, increasing the therapeutic effect on the tongue area.

[0038] The stimulation component 3 has a simple structure and low cost of use, so it meets the requirements as a disposable device. The more expensive devices are all located in the handle part 1, which can be reused after being disinfected.

[0039] The handle 1 includes a housing 11, on which a control panel 12 is mounted. The control panel 12 can control the operation of the air pump 15 and the solenoid valve 16, and can also control the power supply to the entire tongue-pressing handle. All of the above electrical appliances are powered by an external power source.

[0040] The above are merely preferred embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention. Various modifications and variations can be made to the present invention by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A tongue depressor for treating dysphagia, comprising a handle portion (1) and a connecting portion (2) connected to the handle portion (1), characterized in that, The connecting part (2) is connected to a stimulation component (3) for electrical stimulation, and a pressure sensor (5) is provided on the connecting part (2) between the connecting part (2) and the stimulation component (3). A fixing component (4) is provided on the connecting part (2), and the stimulation component (3) is detachably connected to the connecting part (2) through the fixing component (4); The stimulation component (3) includes a cover (31). A connection hole (37) is provided on one end face of the cover (31) away from the connection part (2). An electrical stimulation conductor (36) is movably disposed in the connection hole (37). The electrical stimulation conductor (36) is connected to a power supply device. The electrical stimulation conductor (36) is connected to a pressure plate (33) movably disposed inside the cover (31). A first compression spring (38) is connected to the side of the pressure plate (33) near the connection hole (37). An airbag (34) is provided on the side of the pressure plate (33) away from the first compression spring (38). An inflation device is connected to the side of the airbag (34) away from the pressure plate (33). The fixing component (4) includes a mounting housing (42) mounted on the connecting part (2). A working chamber (43) is provided inside the mounting housing (42). A movable square rod (41) is provided inside the working chamber (43). Both ends of the movable square rod (41) movably pass through the mounting housing (42). A wedge-shaped head is provided at the end of the movable square rod (41) near the cover (31). A slot (39) that mates with the wedge-shaped head is provided on the outer wall of the cover (31). A second baffle (46) is provided at the end of the movable square rod (41) away from the cover (31). A second compression spring (44) located in the working chamber (43) is sleeved on the movable square rod (41). A first baffle (45) is connected to the movable square rod (41). The second compression spring (44) is located on the side of the first baffle (45) away from the wedge-shaped head. The inflation device includes an inflation tube (14) and a connecting conduit (35) that is movably and sealed to the inflation tube (14). The connecting conduit (35) is fixedly connected to the stimulation component (3) and communicates with the airbag (34). The inflation tube (14) is connected to an inflation pump (15) located in the handle part (1). The inflation tube (14) is connected to an exhaust pipe (18). The exhaust pipe (18) is equipped with a solenoid valve (16). The inflation tube (14) is equipped with a one-way valve (17). The one-way valve (17) is located below the connection between the exhaust pipe (18) and the inflation tube (14).

2. The tongue depressor for treating dysphagia according to claim 1, characterized in that, The power supply device includes a plug (32) fixedly installed on the stimulation component (3), the plug (32) being connected to the electrical stimulation conductor (36) via a wire, and a socket corresponding to the plug (32) being provided on the connection part (2), the socket being connected to a wire (13).

3. A tongue depressor for treating dysphagia according to claim 1, characterized in that, The end face of the cover (31) away from the connecting part (2) is an arc-shaped convex surface.

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