Oral cavity sensor system

Abstract

The invention relates to an oral sensor system. The invention provides an oral sensor system (100) comprising: a housing (101) having a circuit (103) for evaluating a measurement signal; and a replaceable contact device (105) for the electrical circuit (103), the contact device being coupled to the housing (101) in a liquid-tight manner.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an oral sensor system. Background Art

[0002] Current oral sensor systems are difficult to operate because they are too large or require additional tools. Molded electrical devices are only suitable for one-time use. Summary of the invention

[0003] The technical task of the present invention is to provide an oral sensor system that is efficient, modular and easy to operate.

[0004] This object is achieved by the subject matter according to the invention.

[0005] According to a first aspect, the technical task is solved by an oral sensor system, which comprises: a housing with an electric circuit for evaluating a measurement signal; and a replaceable contact device for the electric circuit, which is coupled to the housing in a liquid-tight manner. The oral sensor system is used to determine measurement data in the oral cavity of a patient. The contact device comprises, for example, a biochemical sensor. The contact device comprises, for example, a printed circuit board or a screen-printed foil.

[0006] In a technically advantageous embodiment of the oral sensor system, the replaceable contact device comprises an adhesive and / or swelling layer for liquid-tight coupling with the housing. This provides technical advantages, for example, a good seal is produced between the housing and the contact device.

[0007] In another technically advantageous embodiment of the oral sensor system, the adhesive and / or swelling layer comprises a hydrocolloid. This provides technical advantages, such as improved sealing when in contact with moisture.

[0008] In another technically advantageous embodiment of the oral sensor system, the adhesive and / or swelling layer is arranged around the contact surface on the contact device. This provides technical advantages, for example, the contact surface is protected from moisture.

[0009] In another technically advantageous embodiment of the oral sensor system, the contact device has a disc shape, a plate shape or a cube shape. The contact device can also have another shape, such as a rectangle or a square, to which the conductive tracks can be attached. This provides technical advantages, for example, a space-saving contact device can be used for oral applications.

[0010] In another technically advantageous embodiment of the oral sensor system, the contact device has a contact surface on one side and / or the other side. This provides technical advantages, for example, the contact device can be used on one side or both sides or for a through connection.

[0011] In another technically advantageous embodiment of the oral sensor system, the housing comprises a recess for inserting the contact device. This provides technical advantages, for example, that the contact device can be accommodated by the housing.

[0012] In another technically advantageous embodiment of the oral sensor system, the housing or the contact device comprises a sealing ring for sealing the contact device or the housing in the recess. This provides technical advantages, for example, preventing moisture from entering the recess.

[0013] In another technically advantageous embodiment of the oral sensor system, the edge of the contact device is made of plastic. The plastic may include an elastomer or rubber. This provides technical advantages, for example, the contact device can be manufactured in a simple manner.

[0014] In another technically advantageous embodiment of the oral sensor system, the housing and / or the contact device comprises a thread. This provides technical advantages, for example, the contact device can be securely attached.

[0015] In another technically advantageous embodiment of the oral sensor system, the contact device comprises a sensor base body protruding from the sealing material. This offers technical advantages, for example, that a reliable contact can be established.

[0016] In another technically advantageous embodiment of the oral sensor system, the sealing material comprises a recess for inserting the housing part. This provides technical advantages, for example, that the contact device can be attached quickly and easily.

[0017] In another technically advantageous embodiment of the oral sensor system, the housing part comprises a protruding collar (flange). This provides technical advantages, for example, it can prevent the ingress of moisture.

[0018] In another technically advantageous embodiment of the oral sensor system, the recess comprises a circumferential depression for receiving the collar. This provides technical advantages, for example, better protection against the ingress of moisture.

[0019] In another technically advantageous embodiment of the oral sensor system, the sealing material is made of rubber or silicone. This provides technical advantages, for example, a good sealing effect can be achieved. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] Exemplary embodiments of the invention are shown in the accompanying drawings and described in more detail below, in which:

[0021] Figure 1 A perspective view and a cross-sectional view of a contact device are shown;

[0022] Figure 2A A schematic diagram showing another embodiment of a contact device;

[0023] Figure 2B A schematic diagram showing another embodiment of a contact device;

[0024] Figure 3 Schematic diagrams showing other embodiments of the contact device;

[0025] Figure 4 shows a schematic diagram of another oral sensor system;

[0026] Figure 5 shows a schematic diagram of another oral sensor system;

[0027] Figure 6 A schematic diagram showing another oral sensor system; and

[0028] Figure 7 A schematic diagram of another oral sensor system is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0029] Figure 1 A perspective view and a cross-sectional view of a replaceable and disc-shaped contact device 105 for an oral sensor system are shown. The contact device 105 is, for example, a replaceable contact element. The contact device 105 may include, for example, a biochemical sensor for oral applications. The oral sensor system is used to obtain measurement data from the patient's oral cavity, such as lactate or pH value.

[0030] The contact device 105 is used to establish an electrical contact between a housing, in which a circuit for evaluating the measurement signal is arranged, and a contact surface 109-O of the contact device 105, which is in contact with the oral environment. The circuit generates suitable currents and voltages, which are emitted into the environment via the contact device 105. The replaceable contact device 105 realizes a reversible sensor sealing system for watertight attachment of the measuring electrode to the circuit.

[0031] For this purpose, the contact device 105 has annular contact surfaces 109-O on the outside, which are separated from each other. The contact surface 109-O on the outside forms a sensor electrode and is connected to the contact surface 109-I on the inside via a through-contact 141 through the disc-shaped or plate-shaped contact device 105. The contact surface 109-I on the inside is in electrical contact with the circuit. The carrier or edge 117 of the contact device 105 can be made of plastic or ceramic.

[0032] The insertable contact device 105 achieves a watertight seal together with the circuit for evaluating the measurement signal. For this purpose, the insertable contact device 105 is made with a transverse circumferential elastomer seal 135. The contact device 105 is molded from an elastomer so that it can be inserted into the corresponding part of the housing in a watertight manner. The contact device 105 additionally includes a lug 137 on one side, which makes it easy to disassemble and replace.

[0033] Figure 2A A schematic diagram of a disc-shaped contact device 105 is shown. The outside of the contact device 105 has annular contact surfaces 109 -O separated from each other. The annular contact surface 109 -O is connected to an annular contact surface 109 -I on the inside of the contact device 105 via a through-contact 141 .

[0034] Figure 2B A schematic diagram of another embodiment of a rectangular contact device 105 is shown. The outside of the contact device 105 has rectangular contact surfaces 109 -O separated from each other. The rectangular contact surfaces 109 -O are connected to the strip-shaped contact surfaces 109 -I on the inside of the contact device 105 via through-contacts 141 .

[0035] Figure 3 Schematic diagrams of other embodiments of the contact device 105 are shown. The contact device 105 can have different shapes, such as square, rectangular, circular, elliptical or trapezoidal. On the outside of the contact device 105, there are contact surfaces 109-O of different shapes, such as arc, U-shape, triangle, arc or S-shape. The shape of the contact device 105 and the shape of the contact device 105 can be combined in any way.

[0036] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of a replaceable contact device 105 in a housing 101 of an oral sensor system 100 is shown. The housing 101 comprises an electrical circuit 103 for evaluating a measurement signal. The contact device 105 makes contact via a contact pressure connection on the inside in order to establish an electrical connection between a corresponding contact surface 111 of the electrical circuit 103 of the housing 101 and a contact surface 109-I of the contact device 105. The contact surface 111 of the housing 101 can be formed by a resilient contact pin. The contact surface 109-O for the electrical measurement of the sensor system 100 is located on the outside of the contact device 105.

[0037] The contact device 105 is attached to the closed circuit 103 inside the housing 101 in a watertight manner by means of a sealing ring 113. The disc-shaped contact device 105 is screwed into the cylindrical recess 115 of the housing 101 by means of, for example, a thread 129. In this way, the contact device 105 is arranged in the housing 101 and is attached to and in contact with the contact surface 111.

[0038] Figure 5A schematic diagram of another contact device 105 of the oral sensor system 100 is shown. The contact device 105 is held at a desired connection point of the housing 101 by a reusable latch or screw mechanism 133. The pot-shaped latch or screw mechanism 133 is clamped around the contact device 105 and engaged on the housing 101. In order to allow the contact surface 109-O to contact the environment, the latch or screw mechanism 133 includes an opening. A sealing ring 113 is arranged between the contact device 105 and the latch or screw mechanism 133.

[0039] In this way, the replaceable contact device 105 can be connected to the sealed circuit 103 in a watertight manner. This makes the design of the oral sensor system 100 compact and easy to operate.

[0040] Figure 6 A schematic diagram of another oral sensor system 100 is shown. The contact device 105 is formed by a foil molded into or passing through a plug 139. The foil comprises a contact surface 109-O. The contact device 105 may comprise a biochemical sensor for oral applications.

[0041] The plug 139 is made of a rubber or silicone type material and laterally envelops the foil-like contact device 105. The contact device 105 is thus surrounded by a seal so as to seal it watertightly when inserted. The contact surface 109-I forms a sensor base 119, which protrudes from the sealing material 121 of the plug 139. The sealing material 121 also includes a recess 123 for inserting a housing part 125. The recess 123 is formed as a circumferential recess 131 for receiving a collar 127.

[0042] The housing 101 including the circuit 103 has a protrusion having a collar 127 as a counterpart. During insertion, the plug 139 is placed on the collar 127. After inserting the foil-shaped contact device 105 together with the plug 139, the opening of the housing 101 is sealed. In this way, the contact device 105 can be plugged and attached to the sealed circuit 103 in a watertight manner. This reduces the amount of work required to produce the oral sensor system 100 and makes its design compact and easy to handle.

[0043] Figure 7 A schematic diagram of another contact device 105 is shown. The foil-shaped contact device 105 has two inner contact surfaces 109-I arranged adjacent to each other. The inner contact surface 109-I is surrounded by a layer 107. The layer 107 consists of a material that swells and adheres in combination with moisture and can seal unevenness or damage. The layer 107 runs around the embossed contact surface 109-I of the contact device 105.

[0044] When a hydrocolloid is used in layer 107, for example, the coating swells when in contact with water or saliva, so as to increase the sealing effect. Hydrocolloids dissolve in water in a colloid form and have a high gel-forming ability. For example, hydrocolloids are formed from polysaccharides and proteins. Thus, the adhesive swelling coating can prevent water penetration.

[0045] Thus, the layer 107 is connected to the housing 101 or glued to the housing 101 in a watertight manner. Each time the contact device 105 is replaced, an unused layer can be used. This ensures that the transition to the housing 101 is sealed. If the connection surface is flat, the used layer 107 can be simply wiped off. Small amounts of residue or dirt can be bridged with a new expansion layer 107. In this way, a watertight electrical contact can be achieved between the contact surface 109-I of the contact device 105 and the contact surface 111 of the circuit 103. Therefore, the adhesive connection is made of a coating that can bridge small gaps. The contact device 105 is attached to the circuit 103 by means of an adhesive connection on the housing 101.

[0046] The contact device 105 is glued to the housing 101 with a flat surface and protruding circuit 103 in contact. Due to its small size, the contact device 105 is easy to replace without small mechanical parts. This achieves a watertight connection between the contact device 105 and the circuit 103 for oral application. This reduces the amount of work required to produce the oral sensor system 100 and makes its design compact and easy to handle.

[0047] All features explained and shown in conjunction with the various embodiments of the invention can be provided in different combinations within the subject matter of the invention in order to achieve their advantageous effects simultaneously.

[0048] All method steps may be performed by means suitable for carrying out the respective method steps.All functions performed by the features of the subject matter may be method steps of a method.

[0049] The scope of protection of the present invention is given by the claims and is not limited to the features explained in the description or shown in the drawings.

[0050] Reference numerals list

[0051] 100 Oral Sensor System

[0052] 101 Housing

[0053] 103 Circuit

[0054] 105 Contact device

[0055] 107 layers / expansion layer

[0056] 109-O, 109-I contact surface

[0057] 111 Contact surface

[0058] 113 Sealing ring

[0059] 115 concavity

[0060] 117 Edge

[0061] 119 sensor substrate

[0062] 121 Sealing material

[0063] 123 recess

[0064] 125 Shell part

[0065] 127 Collar

[0066] 129 Thread

[0067] 131 Depression

[0068] 133 Mortise lock or screw mechanism

[0069] 135 Elastomer seals

[0070] 137 Lug

[0071] 139 Plug

[0072] 141 Through contact.

Claims

1. An oral sensor system, comprising: - a housing having a circuit for evaluating the measurement signal; as well as - replaceable contact means for the circuit, coupled to the housing in a liquid-tight manner.

2. The oral sensor system according to claim 1, wherein: The replaceable contact device comprises an adhesive and / or swelling layer for fluid-tight coupling with the housing.

3. The oral sensor system according to claim 2, wherein: The adhesive and / or swelling layer comprises a hydrocolloid.

4. The oral sensor system according to claim 2 or 3, wherein: The adhesive and / or expansion layer is arranged around a contact surface on the contact device.

5. An oral sensor system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The contact device has a disk shape, a plate shape or a cube shape.

6. The oral sensor system according to claim 5, wherein: The contact device has a contact surface on one side and / or on the other side.

7. The oral sensor system according to claim 5 or 6, wherein: The housing comprises a recess for inserting the contact device.

8. The oral sensor system according to claim 7, wherein: The housing or the contact device comprises a sealing ring for sealing the contact device or the housing in the recess.

9. The oral sensor system according to any one of claims 5 to 8, wherein: The edge of the contact device is made of plastic.

10. The oral sensor system according to any one of claims 5 to 9, wherein: The housing and / or the contact device comprises a thread.

11. An oral sensor system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The contact device comprises a sensor base body protruding from the sealing material.

12. The oral sensor system of claim 11, wherein: The sealing material includes a recess for insertion into the housing portion.

13. The oral sensor system of claim 12, wherein: The housing portion includes a protruding collar.

14. The oral sensor system according to any one of claims 11 to 13, wherein: The recess includes a circumferential depression for receiving the collar.

15. The oral sensor system according to any one of claims 11 to 14, wherein: The sealing material is made of rubber or silicone.

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