Intelligent tongue muscle pressure detection device

Abstract

The application discloses a tongue muscle pressure intelligent detection device and relates to the technical field of tongue muscle pressure detection.The device comprises an array type sensing assembly, which comprises, from bottom to top, an array type Hall sensor, an intermediate elastomer and a magnetic film; the array type Hall sensor comprises a substrate layer, a plurality of graphene active parts are uniformly arranged on the substrate layer in an array mode, and metal electrodes are arranged on the circumferential side of the graphene active parts; the device further comprises a handheld assembly, which is connected with the array type sensing assembly.The array type sensing assembly is soft as a whole, can fully combine the deformation characteristics of human skin, and is provided with a plurality of graphene active parts arranged in an array mode and a vertically periodic magnetization magnetic film, so that the performance is greatly improved in terms of force resolution, sensitivity, linearity, hysteresis and the like, and a basis is provided for subsequent clinical experiments and market application of tongue muscle pressure testing.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of tongue muscle pressure detection technology, and more specifically to an intelligent tongue muscle pressure detection device. Background Technology

[0002] The tongue is a major muscular organ in the oral cavity, and its movement and posture play a vital role in maintaining oral function, the health of the dentition, and essential life activities such as swallowing and pronunciation. The coordination of tongue muscle strength and function not only affects the normal growth and development of teeth and jawbones, oral occlusion, and swallowing function in children, but is also directly related to the maintenance of swallowing function in the elderly. Weakened tongue muscle strength is a major cause of oral degeneration. In recent years, abnormal tongue function has received widespread attention in various clinical fields, urgently requiring an objective and convenient technical means to accurately measure tongue muscle strength and perform functional training.

[0003] Currently, tactile pressure sensors play an important role in orthodontics, prosthodontics, general practice, and healthcare. Among them, magnetic tactile sensors based on Hall sensors and magnetic thin films are receiving increasing attention due to their simple manufacturing, low cost, and multi-dimensional sensing capabilities. However, these tactile sensors still have many problems. For example, the sensitivity and other performance characteristics of magnetic tactile sensors need improvement, their flexibility needs to be enhanced, and fully flexible magnetic tactile pressure sensors have limitations in position sensing functions in the oral cavity. They also suffer from poor repeatability of results and poor clinical feasibility of measurement devices, making it difficult to accurately measure tongue muscle strength. Traditional assessment methods suffer from large fluctuations in results, limited functionality, reliance on operator experience, and lack of real-time feedback. An efficient, standardized, and repeatable tongue strength assessment system is still lacking.

[0004] Specifically, in clinical practice, balloon techniques, such as the Iowa Oral Performance Instrument (IOPI) and the Tongueometer, are currently used to record the force exerted by the tongue on the palate using pressure sensors, providing objective evidence for diagnosis and treatment. Besides device measurements, tongue movement and muscle activity can also be assessed using dynamic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), electromyography (EMG), and digital measuring spoons. However, these methods often have the following problems:

[0005] ① Limited measurement methods: Previous measurements of tongue muscle strength mainly relied on pressure sensors to record the force exerted by the tongue on the palate. The IOPI device suffers from issues such as ball slippage, discomfort during wear, and high cost, limiting its use in children and some patients. Although the Tongueometer has improved upon some of these shortcomings, it is still not widely used and is highly dependent on the operator.

[0006] ② Insufficient accuracy: When using existing equipment for measurement, the tongue pressure increases between the first and second measurements, so there is still room for improvement in accuracy.

[0007] ③ Lack of unified standards and poor clinical reproducibility: Tongue muscle strength measurement results are easily affected by factors such as patient head posture, oral cavity size, and visual feedback. The lack of unified operational standards means that different research institutions and doctors may use different procedures and indicators, affecting the reliability and comparability of the data. This lack of unified standards limits the promotion and application of tongue muscle strength measurement technology and also affects the personalized customization of orthodontic treatment plans.

[0008] ④ Limited analytical methods: Current tongue muscle assessment devices are mostly used independently, lacking analysis of their relationship with tooth and jaw structure, and cannot be continuously monitored and tracked during treatment.

[0009] Therefore, it is necessary to provide an intelligent tongue muscle pressure detection device that can objectively quantify tongue muscle strength and assist in tongue function training. Summary of the Invention

[0010] The main objective of this invention is to provide an intelligent tongue muscle pressure detection device to address the problems existing in the prior art. This invention employs pressure sensor matrix technology and proposes a magnetic tactile sensor structure based on an array of Hall sensors combined with a vertically periodically magnetized magnetic film. The graphene-based Hall sensor is designed as an array structure, while the vertically periodically magnetized magnetic film effectively suppresses lateral magnetic field interference and improves the concentration of the surface magnetic field. This enables precise quantitative measurement of tongue force and effectively quantifies the impact of tongue muscle function on dental arch development, orthodontics, prosthodontics, general medicine, and geriatric healthcare, providing a scientific basis for individualized treatment strategies and efficacy evaluation. Furthermore, this invention enables real-time interaction and training feedback mechanisms, fully integrating behavioral guidance, personalized training, and other multi-dimensional intervention needs, significantly improving treatment effectiveness.

[0011] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0012] A tongue muscle pressure intelligent detection device includes an array-type sensing component, which includes an array-type Hall sensor, an intermediate elastomer, and a magnetic membrane connected in sequence from bottom to top.

[0013] The array-type Hall sensor includes a substrate layer on which multiple graphene active devices are uniformly arrayed, and metal electrodes are disposed around the periphery of the graphene active devices.

[0014] It also includes a handheld component, which is connected to the array-type sensing component.

[0015] Furthermore, the graphene active device is cross-shaped, and metal electrodes are provided on all four sides of the cross-shaped graphene active device.

[0016] Furthermore, the substrate layer is made of PET material.

[0017] Furthermore, the magnetic film is a vertically periodically magnetized magnetic film.

[0018] Furthermore, the intermediate elastomer is made of Ecoflex00-30 material.

[0019] Furthermore, it also includes an array-type readout circuit, an ADC analog-to-digital converter module, an MCU information processing module, and a WiFi transmission module that are connected in sequence, with the array-type Hall sensor being electrically connected to the array-type readout circuit.

[0020] Furthermore, nine graphene active devices are uniformly arrayed on the substrate layer, with the nine graphene active devices arranged in a 3x3 array. Arranged evenly in a 3-way pattern.

[0021] Furthermore, the handheld component includes a spoon handle and a spoon body, wherein the end face of the spoon body that is close to the palate is an arc surface, and the end face of the spoon body that is away from the palate is a flat surface.

[0022] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0023] 1. In terms of materials, graphene, which is flexible and has high carrier mobility, was selected as the active material of the Hall sensor, and PET was used as a flexible substrate to ensure the flexibility of the entire device.

[0024] 2. In terms of structural design, the array-type Hall sensor was designed in accordance with the deformation characteristics of human skin to enable it to have reliable response capability under tongue muscle pressure.

[0025] 3. In terms of magnetic thin film design, by comparing the magnetic field distribution patterns of traditional vertically magnetized magnetic films and vertically periodically magnetized magnetic films, vertically periodically magnetized magnetic films have advantages in terms of local magnetic field concentration and lateral interference suppression, making them suitable for working with array-type sensing components, resulting in higher measurement accuracy.

[0026] This invention constructs a fully flexible tongue muscle tactile pressure sensor array structure. This array-type sensing component has significantly improved performance in terms of force resolution, sensitivity, linearity, and hysteresis, providing a foundation for subsequent clinical trials and commercial applications such as tongue muscle pressure testing. Compared with the use of three-dimensional pressure sensors, this invention achieves higher spatial resolution based on a single-axis array Hall sensor.

[0027] The tongue muscle pressure testing range can be optimized and adjusted according to the performance of the device, including the array Hall sensor structure, Young's modulus of the intermediate elastomer, magnetic field strength of the magnetic film, etc., so that the device can adjust the detection performance of tongue muscle pressure as needed, making it suitable for different groups of people and increasing the practicality of the device. Attached Figure Description

[0028] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the array-type sensing component structure of an intelligent tongue muscle pressure detection device according to the present invention.

[0029] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the array-type Hall sensor structure of an intelligent tongue muscle pressure detection device according to the present invention.

[0030] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the array-type sensing component of an intelligent tongue muscle pressure detection device according to the present invention inside the oral cavity.

[0031] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the handheld component structure of an intelligent tongue muscle pressure detection device according to the present invention.

[0032] Figure 5 The figure shows the simulation results of the magnetic flux density of a traditional vertically magnetized magnetic film in the z-axis direction.

[0033] Figure 6 The figure shows the simulation results of the magnetic flux density of the vertically periodically magnetized magnetic film in the z-axis direction.

[0034] Figure 7 This is a comparison diagram of the magnetic field above the z-axis between a traditional vertically magnetized magnetic film and a vertically periodically magnetized magnetic film.

[0035] Among them, 1-array Hall sensor; 11-substrate layer; 12-graphene active device; 13-metal electrode; 2-intermediate elastomer; 3-magnetic film; 4-array readout circuit; 5-ADC analog-to-digital conversion module; 6-MCU information processing module; 7-WiFi transmission module. Detailed Implementation

[0036] The technical solution of the present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0037] Example 1

[0038] Combination Figures 1-7This invention provides an intelligent tongue muscle pressure detection device, including an array-type sensing component. The array-type sensing component includes an array-type Hall sensor 1, an intermediate elastic body 2, and a magnetic film 3 connected sequentially from bottom to top. In this embodiment, the structure of the array-type Hall sensor 1, the Young's modulus of the intermediate elastic body 2, and the magnetic field strength of the magnetic film can all be adjusted as needed. The array-type Hall sensor 1 includes a substrate layer 11, on which a plurality of graphene active elements 12 are uniformly arrayed, and metal electrodes 13 are disposed around the periphery of the graphene active elements 12. It also includes a handheld component, which is connected to the array-type sensing component.

[0039] The array-type Hall sensor 1 was fabricated using MEMS technology for process planning and device fabrication, and finally the device was packaged and characterized.

[0040] In this embodiment, nine graphene active devices 12 are uniformly arrayed on the substrate layer 11, and the nine graphene active devices 12 are arranged in a 3x3 array. In some other embodiments, the arrangement can be uniform in a 3-way manner, or in a 2-way manner. 2, 4 Graphene active components are arranged in a uniform square array using four different methods.

[0041] It also includes an array-type reading circuit 4, an ADC analog-to-digital converter module 5, an MCU information processing module 6, and a WiFi transmission module 7, which are connected in sequence. The array-type Hall sensor 1 is electrically connected to the array-type reading circuit 4, and the WiFi transmission module 7 is used to transmit information data to the receiving software. The array-type reading circuit 4, the ADC analog-to-digital converter module 5, the MCU information processing module 6, and the WiFi transmission module 7 can all be integrated into the handheld component.

[0042] As an optimization, the handheld component includes a spoon handle and a spoon body, wherein the end face of the spoon body that is close to the upper jaw is an arc surface, and the end face of the spoon body that is away from the upper jaw is a flat surface.

[0043] A schematic diagram of an array-type sensing component inside the oral cavity is shown below. Figure 3 As shown, the voltage signal of the array-type sensing component is conditioned by the array-type reading circuit 4, and then converted into digital data by the ADC analog-to-digital converter module 5. The digital signal is then transmitted to the MCU information processing module 6 for processing, and then transmitted through the WiFi transmission module. Finally, the receiving software APP realizes real-time monitoring of tongue muscle pressure.

[0044] Specifically, the graphene active device 12 is cross-shaped, and metal electrodes 13 are provided on all four sides of the cross-shaped graphene active device 12.

[0045] The substrate 11 is made of PET material; the intermediate elastomer 2 is made of Ecoflex00-30 material; the overall structure is soft, which solves the problem of tongue muscle pressure detection sensor having high-precision sensing capability while maintaining flexible deformation capability.

[0046] The magnetic film 3 is a vertically periodically magnetized magnetic film.

[0047] The magnetic field of the magnetic film along the z-axis is enhanced to improve the sensitivity of the tactile sensor. Figure 5 and Figure 6 The figures show the simulation results of magnetic flux density in the z-axis direction for a conventional vertically magnetized magnetic film and a vertically periodically magnetized magnetic film, respectively. Figure 7 The figure shows the distribution of the magnetic field above the magnetic membrane surface. As can be seen from the figure, compared with the traditional vertically magnetized magnetic membrane, the vertically periodically magnetized magnetic membrane, through its periodic magnetic domain arrangement design, maintains the vertical magnetization direction while making the magnetic field in the z-axis direction exhibit a regular distribution. This periodic structure forms a closed magnetic loop through the alternating arrangement of magnetic poles, effectively suppressing the dispersion of the lateral magnetic field, thereby reducing the lateral dissipation of magnetic field lines and improving the effective utilization rate of the magnetic field in the z-axis direction. Therefore, the vertically periodically magnetized magnetic membrane was chosen as the first layer structure of the magnetic tactile pressure sensor.

[0048] This invention overcomes the limitations of traditional measurement methods and fully utilizes the advantages of the Hall pressure sensor matrix design, greatly improving the accuracy and precision of measurements and filling a gap in previous research in this field. The application of this device provides a more precise and comprehensive assessment tool for orthodontic treatment and tongue muscle rehabilitation training in the elderly, which is of great significance for improving treatment outcomes. Simultaneously, this invention can be directly applied clinically, providing doctors with accurate tongue muscle strength measurement data, thereby guiding the formulation and implementation of orthodontic and rehabilitation treatments and improving treatment prognosis.

[0049] The intelligent tongue muscle pressure detection device disclosed in this invention has many advantages:

[0050] 1. Improved Measurement Accuracy: The accuracy of tongue pressure measurement affects the generation of personalized treatment plans, which in turn affects treatment outcomes and patient satisfaction. A matrix design using Hall effect pressure sensors can significantly improve measurement accuracy. The MEMS sensor matrix distribution, with the number adjustable as needed, enables real-time, dynamic measurement of tongue pressure and tongue muscle movement trajectories, achieving comprehensive real-time detection and further improving the accuracy of the test results.

[0051] 2. Clinical Feasibility: The tongue muscle handle of this handheld tongue muscle pressure measurement and training device mainly consists of a spoon handle and a spoon body. The back of the spoon body is designed with an arc surface matching the shape of the palate, while the front of the spoon body is flat. This makes the spoon body fit the oral cavity more closely, conforming to ergonomic design. It is also compact and easy to use, suitable for various groups (including but not limited to children, the elderly, patients with oral diseases, those seeking oral health promotion, people with speech disorders, and other oral muscle function applications). This provides doctors with a more convenient and patient-acceptable assessment tool, facilitating the promotion of this invention in different institutions and among doctors.

[0052] 3. Establishing a unified standard: By implementing this invention and providing standardized assessment parameters, it is hoped that a unified and standardized method and standard for measuring tongue muscles can be established. This will facilitate comparison and verification between different research institutions and doctors, and promote the development of treatment towards a more precise and efficient direction.

[0053] 4. Promoting Precision in Orthodontic Treatment: The invention and implementation of this product provide training programs tailored to individual differences, driving a shift in treatment from traditional experience-based approaches to precise and personalized care. This handheld intelligent tongue muscle pressure detection device can detect real-time changes in tongue pressure, enabling doctors to more accurately determine the relationship between tongue dysfunction and tooth displacement, changes in dental arch shape, and occlusal incoordination. This allows for dynamic adjustments and the development of more personalized treatment plans. Furthermore, it can be integrated with an intelligent platform to facilitate tongue muscle training for patients, improving compliance, treatment effectiveness, and patient satisfaction.

[0054] 5. The tongue muscle pressure testing range can be optimized and adjusted according to the performance of the equipment, including the array Hall sensor structure, the Young's modulus of the intermediate elastomer, the magnetic field strength of the magnetic film, etc., so that the detection performance of the tongue muscle pressure can be adjusted as needed, making it suitable for different groups of people and increasing the practicality of the device.

[0055] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and does not constitute any limitation on the technical scope of the present invention. Therefore, any minor modifications, equivalent changes and alterations made to the above embodiments based on the technical essence of the present invention shall still fall within the scope of the technical solution of the present invention.

Claims

1. A smart tongue muscle pressure detection device, characterized in that, It includes an array-type sensing component, which comprises an array-type Hall sensor, an intermediate elastomer, and a magnetic film connected in sequence from bottom to top; The array-type Hall sensor includes a substrate layer, on which a uniform array of [missing information] is disposed. It has multiple graphene active devices, and metal electrodes are arranged on the periphery of the graphene active devices; It also includes a handheld component, which is connected to the array-type sensing component; The graphene active device is cross-shaped, and metal electrodes are provided on all four sides of the cross-shaped graphene active device. The magnetic film is a vertically periodically magnetized magnetic film; The substrate layer is made of PET material; The magnetic field of the magnetic film along the z-axis is enhanced. The magnetic film is periodically magnetized by a periodic magnetic domain arrangement design, which makes the magnetic field along the z-axis present a regular distribution while maintaining the vertical magnetization direction. The periodic structure forms a closed magnetic circuit through the alternating arrangement of magnetic poles, and a vertically periodically magnetized magnetic film is selected as the first layer structure of the magnetic tactile pressure sensor.

2. The intelligent tongue muscle pressure detection device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The intermediate elastomer is made of Ecoflex00-30 material.

3. The intelligent tongue muscle pressure detection device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes an array-type readout circuit, an ADC analog-to-digital converter module, an MCU information processing module, and a WiFi transmission module, which are connected in sequence. The array-type Hall sensor is electrically connected to the array-type readout circuit, and the WiFi transmission module is used to transmit information data to the receiving software.

4. The intelligent tongue muscle pressure detection device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, Nine graphene active devices are uniformly arrayed on the substrate, with the nine graphene active devices spaced at 3... Arranged evenly in a 3-way pattern.

5. The intelligent tongue muscle pressure detection device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The handheld component includes a spoon handle and a spoon body. The end face of the spoon body that is close to the upper jaw is an arc surface, and the end face of the spoon body that is away from the upper jaw is a flat surface.

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