Tongue muscle stimulator
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202511396123.6
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-09-26
- Publication Date
- 2026-04-10
AI Technical Summary
Existing tongue muscle rehabilitation training equipment suffers from insufficient targeted training in different zones, poor adaptability, a single training mode, and a lack of intuitive feedback and objective measurement, resulting in low training efficiency and difficulty in meeting the individualized needs of patients.
A tongue muscle stimulator was designed, including a tongue sleeve assembly, a shell, an air tube, and a negative pressure assembly. Multiple electrode pads are distributed on the tongue sleeve assembly, which provides electrical stimulation through an electronic control device. It is also equipped with sensors and data processing equipment to realize zoned training, multi-mode stimulation, and real-time feedback.
It provides higher intensity and more efficient tongue muscle strength and flexibility training, with intuitive feedback and objective measurement, adapts to different tongue shapes, and improves the quantitative assessment of training effects and diagnostic support.
Smart Images
Figure CN121819155A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This invention relates to the field of medical device technology, and more specifically to a tongue muscle stimulator. Background Technology
[0002] The descriptions in this section are intended only to provide background information for the implementation of this application and should not be construed as an admission or implication that they constitute prior art.
[0003] This invention relates to the rehabilitation and monitoring of tongue muscle function in medicine. Tongue muscle disorders are a type of dysfunction of the articulatory organs and a common cause of primary speech disorders. The articulatory organs mainly include the oral cavity, pharynx, esophagus, tongue, soft palate, and vocal cords, while the mandible, lips, uvula, nasal cavity, and pharynx are also components. These organs each have specific functions and work together to produce sound and speech. Tongue muscles participate in various physiological functions such as breathing, speech, and swallowing. The normal functioning of these functions depends on good tongue muscle contraction, changes in muscle compliance, and coordinated control among the various tongue muscles. Specifically, shortening of the tongue muscle bands and tongue muscle movement disorders can affect the clarity and fluency of speech, leading to articulation disorders, manifested as difficulty in pronunciation and unclear pronunciation. Therefore, normal tongue muscle function is crucial for speech production and clarity. Clinically, treatment and training for tongue muscle disorders are also important means of improving speech disorders.
[0004] Tongue muscle dysfunction significantly impacts multiple stages of swallowing. During the oral preparation stage, the tongue muscles cannot effectively mix food, resulting in uneven food mixing, difficulty in shaping, and an inability to coordinate with the teeth to propel food, affecting chewing efficiency. During the oral propulsion stage, weakened or absent tongue movement prevents the food bolus from reaching the base of the tongue, causing it to stagnate in the oral cavity and potentially leading to food reflux due to insufficient tongue elevation. During the pharyngeal stage, weak retraction and elevation of the tongue base result in incomplete closure of the vallecula, allowing food to easily enter the airway and cause choking or aspiration; pharyngeal clearance capacity also decreases, leading to increased food residue and increased risk of inflammation and aspiration. Furthermore, insufficient pressure at the base of the tongue can restrict the opening of the upper esophageal sphincter, causing a feeling of obstruction during swallowing. These problems are common in patients with stroke, Parkinson's disease, etc., and require targeted rehabilitation training for improvement.
[0005] Normal speech is produced by the vibration of the vocal cords, which generates sound waves. These waves are then transformed by the tongue's movements within the oral cavity, where it, along with the lips, teeth, palate, and nasal cavity, obstructs airflow and alters the shape of the oral resonance areas, thus creating different sounds and forming speech. Traditional tongue muscle rehabilitation training methods primarily rely on therapists using simple tools (tongue suction devices, gauze, etc.) for passive training. This requires one-on-one guidance from a therapist and demands a high level of specialized skill. However, there is currently a shortage of professional speech therapists, and patient cooperation varies. These methods are subjective and limited, time-consuming, labor-intensive, lack feedback, and fail to achieve the desired high-quality and efficient treatment.
[0006] Currently, existing tongue muscle electrical stimulation devices suffer from several drawbacks: insufficient targeted training for different areas, poor adaptability to various tongue shapes, and a limited range of training modes. These limitations restrict training intensity and efficiency, and result in a lack of direct feedback. Furthermore, their effectiveness is hampered by factors such as saliva production, tongue atrophy, and failure to adhere properly to the tongue surface. Additionally, they struggle to provide objective, accurate, and comprehensive measurement data and indicators, hindering the clinical diagnosis and treatment of tongue muscle dysfunction. In tongue muscle rehabilitation, precise training targeting different areas, adaptability to various tongue shapes, diversity of training modes, and direct feedback and quantitative assessment of training effects are crucial for effective rehabilitation. Summary of the Invention
[0007] The purpose of this invention is to provide a tongue muscle stimulator that provides higher intensity and more efficient tongue muscle strength and flexibility training for patients with tongue muscle dysfunction.
[0008] In this invention, a tongue muscle stimulator is provided, comprising a tongue sleeve assembly, a housing, an air duct, and a negative pressure assembly:
[0009] The tongue sleeve assembly includes a tongue sleeve membrane, multiple electrode pads, and an electronic control device. The upper end of the tongue sleeve membrane is open, and the tongue sleeve membrane is used to wrap around the patient's tongue. When in use, the tongue sleeve membrane covers the base of the patient's tongue. The electrode pads are distributed on the tongue sleeve membrane and are attached to the target sites on the tongue. The electrode pads provide electrical stimulation. The electrode pads are electrically connected to the electronic control device, which is used to provide power support and control the switching of the electrode pads.
[0010] The tongue assembly is located inside the outer shell, which is semi-ellipsoidal in shape.
[0011] The tongue-covering membrane is breathable. One end of the air duct is connected to the bottom of the outer shell, and the other end is connected to a negative pressure component. The negative pressure component is used to draw gas or liquid from inside the tongue-covering membrane.
[0012] In a preferred embodiment, it includes:
[0013] The tongue sheath membrane includes 8, 16, 24, or 32 electrode pieces;
[0014] The electrode plates are symmetrically distributed on the left and right sides.
[0015] In a preferred embodiment, it includes:
[0016] The tongue sheath membrane includes 16 electrode plates;
[0017] Two electrode pads are distributed on the left and right sides of the root of the tongue, respectively, and the electrode pads are horizontally arranged; four electrode pads are distributed on the left and right sides of the middle of the tongue, respectively, and the electrode pads are arranged in two rows, each row being horizontally arranged; two electrode pads are distributed on the left and right sides of the tip of the tongue, respectively, and the electrode pads are inclined along the edge of the tip of the tongue.
[0018] In a preferred embodiment, it includes:
[0019] A portion of the multiple electrode pads on the tongue sheath membrane are attached to the tongue surface, while another portion is attached to the underside of the tongue.
[0020] In a preferred embodiment, it includes:
[0021] The target sites on the tongue include surface locations corresponding to the superior longitudinal muscle, inferior longitudinal muscle, transverse muscle, and vertical muscle of the tongue.
[0022] In a preferred embodiment, it includes:
[0023] The electronic control device has buttons or touch devices on its housing, or the electronic control device is controlled by a remote control.
[0024] In a preferred embodiment, it includes:
[0025] The electronic control device can also control the electrode pads in different stimulation areas to provide electrical stimulation, and / or adjust the intensity and rhythm of the stimulation provided by the electrode pads.
[0026] The stimulation areas include the tip, middle, and left and right sides of the tongue's root.
[0027] In a preferred embodiment, it includes:
[0028] The tongue sleeve assembly also includes a sensor for collecting tongue surface information, including tongue surface temperature, tongue surface humidity, tongue surface flatness, tongue surface sensing force, or tongue surface flexibility.
[0029] The tongue muscle stimulator is electrically connected to the data processing device or transmits data to the data processing device remotely. The data processing device is used to monitor tongue surface information and obtain information processing results.
[0030] The data processing device provides analysis and adjustment of the stimulation intensity and / or stimulation area of the electrode plate based on the tongue surface information and the information processing results, providing data support for tongue muscle training.
[0031] In a preferred embodiment, it includes:
[0032] The electrode sheet is a flexible sensing electrode.
[0033] In a preferred embodiment, it includes:
[0034] The negative pressure component includes a press-type airbag, an electric suction airbag, or a miniature vacuum pump.
[0035] In a preferred embodiment, it includes:
[0036] The tongue-covering membrane includes multiple small holes, and the outer side of the electronic control device is waterproof.
[0037] In a preferred embodiment, it includes:
[0038] The outer shell is made of silicone, and the tongue cover is made of a flexible and breathable material.
[0039] In a preferred embodiment, it includes:
[0040] The tongue sleeve membrane in the tongue sleeve assembly is customized according to the patient's tongue shape.
[0041] The main differences and effects of the embodiments of the present invention compared with the prior art are as follows:
[0042] This application provides patients with tongue muscle dysfunction with higher intensity and more efficient tongue muscle strength and flexibility training.
[0043] Furthermore, the design is simple, provides intuitive feedback, and is easy for users to observe;
[0044] Furthermore, it can guide and manage saliva secretion and fits the tongue surface;
[0045] Furthermore, it provides objective, accurate, and comprehensive measurement data and indicators for clinical diagnosis and treatment, facilitating timely adjustments based on data feedback and providing data support for clinical diagnosis and treatment. It has significant application value in the fields of articulation and swallowing function rehabilitation.
[0046] It should be understood that, within the scope of this invention, the above-described technical features of this invention and the technical features specifically described below (such as in the embodiments) can be combined with each other to form new or preferred technical solutions. Due to space limitations, they will not be described in detail here. Attached Figure Description
[0047] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.
[0048] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the tongue muscle stimulator structure according to one embodiment of this application.
[0049] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the tongue's structure.
[0050] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure between the stimulation areas on the tongue sheath membrane according to one embodiment of this application.
[0051] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure between the electronic control device and the data processing device according to one embodiment of this application.
[0052] The labels in each of the attached figures are as follows:
[0053] 1-Tongue sleeve assembly;
[0054] 101-Tongue sheath membrane;
[0055] 102-Electrode sheet;
[0056] 103 - Electrical control devices;
[0057] 2-Outer shell;
[0058] 3-Air delivery tube;
[0059] 4-Negative pressure component;
[0060] 5. Data processing equipment;
[0061] 6-Stimulation area;
[0062] 601 - Tongue root;
[0063] 601.1 - Left side of the root of the tongue;
[0064] 601.2 - The right side of the root of the tongue;
[0065] 602-Middle of the tongue;
[0066] 602.1 - Left side of the tongue;
[0067] 602.2 - The right side of the tongue;
[0068] 603 - Tongue Tip;
[0069] 603.1 - Left side of the tip of the tongue;
[0070] 603.2 - The right side of the tip of the tongue. Detailed Implementation
[0071] In the following description, many technical details are presented to help the reader better understand this application. However, those skilled in the art will understand that the technical solutions claimed in this application can be implemented even without these technical details and various variations and modifications based on the following embodiments.
[0072] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this application clearer, the embodiments of this application will be described in further detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0073] One embodiment of this application relates to a tongue muscle stimulator, the structure of which is as follows: Figure 1 As shown, the instrument includes a tongue sleeve assembly 1, a housing 2, an air delivery tube 3, and a negative pressure assembly 4.
[0074] The tongue sleeve assembly 1 includes a tongue sleeve membrane 101, multiple electrode pads 102, and an electronic control device 103. The upper end of the tongue sleeve membrane 101 is open, and the tongue sleeve membrane 101 is used to wrap the patient's tongue. In use, the tongue sleeve membrane 101 covers the patient's tongue root 601. The electrode pads 102 are distributed on the tongue sleeve membrane 101 and are attached to the target sites on the tongue. The electrode pads 102 provide electrical stimulation and are electrically connected to the electronic control device 103. The electronic control device 103 is used to provide power support and control the switching of the electrode pads 102. Compared with traditional methods, the design of the electrode pads 102 in this application can provide patients with tongue muscle dysfunction with higher intensity and higher efficiency tongue muscle strength and flexibility training.
[0075] The tongue sleeve assembly 1 is located inside the outer shell 2, and the outer shell 2 is semi-ellipsoidal;
[0076] The tongue cover 101 is breathable. One end of the air guide tube 3 is connected to the bottom of the outer shell 2, and the other end is connected to the negative pressure component 4. The negative pressure component 4 is used to draw gas or liquid from inside the tongue cover 101.
[0077] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the tongue surface is shown, including the root of the tongue 601, the middle of the tongue 602, and the tip of the tongue 603.
[0078] In one embodiment, it includes:
[0079] The tongue sheath membrane 101 includes 8, 16, 24, or 32 electrode pieces 102;
[0080] The electrode plates 102 are symmetrically distributed on the left and right sides.
[0081] In one embodiment, it includes:
[0082] like Figure 3 As shown, the tongue sheath membrane 101 includes 16 electrode pieces 102;
[0083] Two electrode pads 102 are distributed on the left side 601.1 and the right side 601.2 of the root of the tongue, respectively, and the electrode pads 102 are horizontally arranged; four electrode pads 102 are distributed on the left side 602.1 and the right side 602.2 of the middle of the tongue, respectively, and the electrode pads 102 are arranged in two rows, each row being horizontally arranged; two electrode pads 102 are distributed on the left side 603.1 and the right side 603.2 of the tip of the tongue, respectively, and the electrode pads 102 are inclined along the edge of the tip of the tongue 603.
[0084] In one embodiment, it includes:
[0085] A portion of the multiple electrode pieces 102 on the tongue sheath 101 are attached to the tongue surface, and another portion is attached to the underside of the tongue.
[0086] In one embodiment, it includes:
[0087] The target sites on the tongue include surface locations corresponding to the superior longitudinal muscle, inferior longitudinal muscle, transverse muscle, and vertical muscle of the tongue. This application primarily targets the internal muscles, namely the tongue body muscles, for stimulation. These muscles alter the shape of the tongue by lengthening and shortening it, curling and uncurling its tip and edges as if rolling the tongue, and flattening and rounding its surface. This provides shape and helps facilitate speaking, swallowing, and eating. The superior longitudinal muscle runs along the upper surface of the tongue under the mucosa and bends the tongue upward. It originates near the hyoid bone, in the fibrous septum. The inferior longitudinal muscle runs along the sides of the tongue and connects to the tongue muscles. Its function is to shorten and curl the tongue downward. The vertical muscle is located in the middle of the tongue and connects to the superior and inferior longitudinal muscles. Its function is to flatten the tongue. The transverse muscles divide the tongue in the middle and attach to the mucosa along both sides. Its function is to lengthen and narrow the tongue.
[0088] In one embodiment, it includes:
[0089] The electronic control device 103 is provided with buttons or touch devices on the housing 2, or the electronic control device 103 is controlled by a remote control.
[0090] In one embodiment, it includes:
[0091] The electronic control device 103 can also control the electrode pads 102 in different stimulation areas 6 to provide electrical stimulation, and / or adjust the stimulation intensity and rhythm provided by the electrode pads 102, thus enabling zoned training, high tolerance, and multiple variations;
[0092] The stimulation area 6 includes the left and right sides of the tongue tip 603, the middle of the tongue 602, and the root of the tongue 601.
[0093] In one embodiment, it includes:
[0094] The tongue sleeve assembly 1 also includes a sensor for collecting tongue surface information, including tongue surface temperature, tongue surface humidity, tongue surface flatness, tongue surface sensing force, or tongue surface flexibility.
[0095] like Figure 4 As shown, the tongue muscle stimulator is electrically connected to the data processing device 5 or transmits data to the data processing device 5 remotely. The data processing device 5 is used to monitor tongue surface information and obtain information processing results.
[0096] The data processing device 5 provides analysis and adjustment of the stimulation intensity and / or stimulation area 6 of the electrode 102 based on the tongue surface information and the information processing results, providing data support for tongue muscle training, making it more objective and accurate.
[0097] In one embodiment, it includes:
[0098] The electrode pad 102 is a flexible sensing electrode. It is no longer a simple electrode point, but is arranged in a high-density, high-precision matrix in different areas, which makes it fit better, more accurate, more comfortable, and easier for patients to accept.
[0099] In one embodiment, the electronic control device 103 of the tongue muscle stimulator includes a power supply module, a control module, and an electrode stimulation module. Each module ensures stable signal transmission and independent controllability of functions; the power supply module provides power support, preferably a lithium battery. The control module receives external commands and controls the switching of the electrode pads 102 and the stimulation parameters, such as frequency, pulse width, intensity, and duration, as well as monitoring status (such as battery level and electrode connection status), and alarms in case of abnormalities; it is preferably a microcontroller. The electrode stimulation module outputs a safe low-frequency electrical stimulation signal, with stimulation parameters including a frequency range of 1-50Hz, a pulse width range of 50-500μs, an intensity range of 0.1-5mA, and a duration range of 5 minutes to 2 hours; it is preferably a flexible sensing electrode.
[0100] In one embodiment, it includes:
[0101] The negative pressure component 4 includes a pressing airbag, an electric suction airbag, or a miniature vacuum pump. The negative pressure component 4 can not only effectively avoid the inconvenience caused by saliva secretion, but also allow the tongue cover 101 to fit the patient's tongue surface more closely.
[0102] In one embodiment, the negative pressure component 4 in the tongue muscle stimulator is controlled by the electronic control device 103, which further includes a negative pressure drive module. The negative pressure drive module drives the negative pressure component 4 (such as an electric suction balloon or a miniature vacuum pump) to aspirate gas or liquid from the tongue membrane 101, providing a vacuum negative pressure; the negative pressure range is from -10 kPa to -50 kPa, set according to clinical needs. This application employs a double-layer PCB design, separating the power module and high-voltage circuit (electrode stimulation, negative pressure drive) from the control module and low-voltage circuit (signal detection, display) to avoid interference.
[0103] In one embodiment, it includes:
[0104] The tongue cover 101 includes multiple small holes, and the outer side of the electronic control device 103 is waterproof.
[0105] In one embodiment, it includes:
[0106] The outer shell 2 is made of silicone, and the tongue cover 101 is made of a flexible and breathable material.
[0107] In one embodiment, it includes:
[0108] The tongue sleeve assembly 1 includes a tongue sleeve membrane 101 customized to fit the patient's tongue shape. The patient can deflate the airbag according to their tongue shape, causing the electrode pads 102 to adhere to the tongue surface and under the tongue, covering the entire tongue.
[0109] It should be noted that in the claims and specification of this patent, relational terms such as "first" and "second" are used merely to distinguish one entity or operation from another, and do not necessarily require or imply any such actual relationship or order between these entities or operations. Furthermore, the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such a process, method, article, or apparatus. Without further limitations, an element defined by the phrase "comprising one" does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that includes said element.
[0110] All documents mentioned in this invention are incorporated herein by reference as if each document were individually incorporated by reference. Furthermore, it should be understood that after reading the foregoing teachings of this invention, those skilled in the art can make various alterations or modifications to this invention, and these equivalent forms also fall within the scope defined by the appended claims.
Claims
1. A tongue muscle stimulator, characterized in that, Includes tongue sleeve assembly, outer shell, air duct, and negative pressure assembly: The tongue sleeve assembly includes a tongue sleeve membrane, multiple electrode pads, and an electronic control device. The upper end of the tongue sleeve membrane is open, and the tongue sleeve membrane is used to wrap around the patient's tongue. When in use, the tongue sleeve membrane covers the base of the patient's tongue. The electrode pads are distributed on the tongue sleeve membrane and are attached to the target sites on the tongue. The electrode pads provide electrical stimulation. The electrode pads are electrically connected to the electronic control device, which is used to provide power support and control the switching of the electrode pads. The tongue assembly is located inside the outer shell, which is semi-ellipsoidal in shape. The tongue-covering membrane is breathable. One end of the air duct is connected to the bottom of the outer shell, and the other end is connected to a negative pressure component. The negative pressure component is used to draw gas or liquid from inside the tongue-covering membrane.
2. The tongue muscle stimulator according to claim 1, characterized in that, include: The tongue sheath membrane includes 8, 16, 24, or 32 electrode pieces; The electrode plates are symmetrically distributed on the left and right sides.
3. The tongue muscle stimulator according to claim 1, characterized in that, include: A portion of the multiple electrode pads on the tongue sheath membrane are attached to the tongue surface, while another portion is attached to the underside of the tongue.
4. The tongue muscle stimulator according to claim 1, characterized in that, include: The target sites on the tongue include surface locations corresponding to the superior longitudinal muscle, inferior longitudinal muscle, transverse muscle, and vertical muscle of the tongue.
5. The tongue muscle stimulator according to claim 1, characterized in that, include: The electronic control device has buttons or touch devices on its housing, or the electronic control device is controlled by a remote control.
6. The tongue muscle stimulator according to claim 1, characterized in that, include: The electronic control device can also control the electrode pads in different stimulation areas to provide electrical stimulation, and / or adjust the intensity and rhythm of the stimulation provided by the electrode pads. The stimulation areas include the tip, middle, and left and right sides of the tongue's root.
7. The tongue muscle stimulator according to claim 6, characterized in that, include: The tongue sleeve assembly also includes a sensor for collecting tongue surface information, including tongue surface temperature, tongue surface humidity, tongue surface flatness, tongue surface sensing force, or tongue surface flexibility. The tongue muscle stimulator is electrically connected to the data processing device or transmits data to the data processing device remotely. The data processing device is used to monitor tongue surface information and obtain information processing results. The data processing device provides analysis and adjustment of the stimulation intensity and / or stimulation area of the electrode plate based on the tongue surface information and the information processing results, providing data support for tongue muscle training.
8. The tongue muscle stimulator according to claim 1, characterized in that, include: The negative pressure component includes a press-type airbag, an electric suction airbag, or a miniature vacuum pump.
9. The tongue muscle stimulator according to claim 1, characterized in that, include: The tongue-covering membrane includes multiple small holes, and the outer side of the electronic control device is waterproof.
10. The tongue muscle stimulator according to claim 1, characterized in that, include: The outer shell is made of silicone, and the tongue cover is made of a flexible and breathable material.