Device convenient for nursing dry mouth of anesthetized patient

Abstract

The invention relates to the field of medical care equipment, in particular to a device convenient for nursing dry mouth of an anesthetized patient, which comprises a spraying mechanism, a mouth-holding cover is detachably connected to the spraying mechanism, a plurality of air holes are formed in the outer side of the mouth-holding cover in an array manner, and the spraying mechanism is used for conveying water mist to the air holes. A plurality of recovery ports are formed in the side, close to the throat, of the buccal cover in the circumferential direction and communicate with a negative pressure mechanism, and the negative pressure mechanism is used for generating negative pressure with preset strength at the recovery ports. According to the invention, excessive liquid and saliva generated in the oral cavity can be instantly and actively sucked while proper moisture is provided for the oral mucosa, so that the risk that the liquid is accumulated in the pharynx is reduced, and the nursing safety and comfort are improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of medical and nursing equipment, and more specifically to a device that facilitates the care of dry mouth in anesthetized patients. Background Technology

[0002] Following general anesthesia and major surgery, patients typically undergo a recovery period. During this time, due to the residual effects of anesthetic drugs, preoperative fasting, and intraoperative mechanical ventilation, patients commonly experience severe dry mouth and throat discomfort. This discomfort not only causes significant pain and affects their rest and recovery experience but can also increase the difficulty and safety risks of nursing care due to the resulting restlessness.

[0003] To alleviate patients' dry mouth symptoms, routine clinical nursing methods mainly include:

[0004] Cotton swab application method: Use a sterile cotton swab dipped in a small amount of warm water or saline solution to repeatedly apply to the patient's lips and oral mucosa. This is currently the most commonly used method.

[0005] Water dripping method: Use a syringe (without the needle) to slowly drip a small amount of liquid into the patient's mouth.

[0006] Use a moisturizing spray: Spray a special oral moisturizing spray into the patient's mouth.

[0007] However, the cotton swab method only moistens the lips and part of the oral mucosa at the front of the mouth, and is almost ineffective for the deep throat. Furthermore, the moisture evaporates quickly, and the patient will soon feel dry mouth again, requiring frequent interventions from caregivers and consuming a significant amount of nursing time. In addition, patients under anesthesia or in the early stages of recovery have extremely sluggish or even absent swallowing and coughing reflexes. When excessive fluid is applied with cotton swabs or administered with a syringe, the patient cannot swallow actively and in a coordinated manner as when awake. This leads to an easy accumulation of excess fluid and the patient's own saliva in the mouth and pharynx. Once the fluid crosses the epiglottic barrier and flows into the airway, it immediately triggers a violent coughing reflex. Severe coughing can not only lead to emergency complications such as laryngospasm and bronchospasm, but more dangerously, it can cause aspiration pneumonia, a potentially life-threatening infection.

[0008] Given the shortcomings of existing technologies, there is an urgent need for a device that can provide adequate moisture to the oral mucosa while simultaneously and actively removing excess fluid and saliva produced in the mouth, making it convenient for dry mouth care for anesthetized patients. Summary of the Invention

[0009] To address the aforementioned problems, this invention provides a device for facilitating dry mouth care for anesthetized patients. This device achieves precise and minimal moistening, while simultaneously and effectively removing excess fluid, saliva, and unabsorbed fluid generated in the oral cavity, thereby reducing the risk of fluid accumulation in the pharynx and improving the safety and comfort of care.

[0010] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution of the present invention is as follows: a device for facilitating dry mouth care for anesthetized patients, comprising a spray mechanism, a mouthpiece detachably connected to the spray mechanism, a plurality of ventilation holes arrayed on the outer side of the mouthpiece, the spray mechanism for delivering water mist to the ventilation holes, and a plurality of recovery ports circumferentially opened on the side of the mouthpiece near the throat, each recovery port being connected to a negative pressure mechanism, the negative pressure mechanism for generating a negative pressure of a preset intensity at the recovery port.

[0011] The technical principles of the above solution are as follows:

[0012] The mouth mask is placed inside the patient's mouth. When the mouth is naturally closed, the shape of the mouth mask conforms to the inner wall of the mouth and forms contact or near-contact with the inner wall of the mouth (such as the buccal and palatal sides), thus establishing a relatively stable operating space within the mouth. The spray mechanism is activated, and water mist is evenly and diffusely sprayed through multiple vents distributed in an array on the outside of the mouth mask. This design simulates the natural wetting process, simultaneously covering a wide area including the lips, buccal mucosa, gums, and hard palate, achieving comprehensive and gentle wetting from superficial to deep areas.

[0013] While the spray moistens the throat, the negative pressure mechanism activates, generating and maintaining a "preset low negative pressure" at multiple circumferentially positioned return ports on the side of the mouthpiece closest to the throat. This negative pressure is precisely set, with enough suction to guide and aspirate the liquid, but far below the level that could damage the delicate oral mucosa or epiglottis. When residual liquid not absorbed by the mucosa after spraying, or saliva secreted by the patient, flows towards the throat under the influence of gravity and mucosal surface tension, it is actively captured and immediately aspirated by the return ports located at the end of the flow path.

[0014] The "spraying" and "negative pressure recovery" processes occur simultaneously, creating a dynamic balance. The spray provides the necessary moisture to relieve dry mouth, while negative pressure recovery immediately removes excess fluid, reducing the likelihood of fluid buildup in the pharynx and around the epiglottis. This design ensures that the patient's throat area remains in a safe state of "moist but without fluid accumulation" throughout the entire care process.

[0015] The above approach has the following beneficial effects:

[0016] 1. This method uses a negative pressure recovery mechanism to immediately remove excess liquid from the mouth, fundamentally preventing liquid accumulation in the pharynx, effectively preventing serious complications such as choking, laryngospasm, bronchospasm, and aspiration pneumonia, and reducing patient risk.

[0017] 2. This solution uses a uniform and diffused spray design to fully cover the oral mucosa, relieving dry mouth and throat discomfort, and avoiding the local irritation or excessive liquid sensation caused by traditional methods.

[0018] 3. This solution uses a detachable mouthpiece design, which is easy to clean, disinfect, or use as a disposable consumable. It meets hospital infection control standards, avoids the risk of cross-contamination, and ensures the hygiene of the nursing process.

[0019] Furthermore, the spraying mechanism includes a spray box, which has a liquid storage chamber. A first conduit is connected to the liquid storage chamber, and the first conduit is connected to an atomizing chamber. An atomizing plate is installed in the atomizing chamber, and a sponge column is installed in the first conduit. The two ends of the sponge column extend into the liquid storage chamber and the atomizing chamber, respectively. The atomizing chamber is connected to the vent hole through a second conduit.

[0020] Beneficial effects: The capillary action of the sponge column provides a gravity-dependent liquid delivery method that eliminates the need for mechanical pumps. It automatically adjusts the supply based on the evaporation rate of the atomizing plate, ensuring continuous and stable nebulization. This design eliminates the risk of liquid entering the mouth in a non-nebulized form. The structure of the sponge column restricts the liquid to exist and move only in an adsorbed state; even if the atomizing plate temporarily stops working, the liquid will not leak from the tube or vent due to gravity, greatly improving the safety of the treatment process.

[0021] Furthermore, the negative pressure mechanism includes a recovery chamber located inside the spray box, the recovery chamber being connected to a negative pressure pipe, and a power component being connected along the communication path between the negative pressure pipe and the recovery chamber. The power component is used to generate negative pressure to draw the liquid at the recovery port into the recovery chamber.

[0022] Beneficial effects: The recovery port is connected to a recovery chamber inside the spray box via internal piping. When the system is running, excess liquid and saliva in the mouth are drawn into the recovery port under pressure differential and collected in the recovery chamber through these pipes. By directly integrating the recovery chamber inside the spray box, the two core functional modules of spraying and recovery are highly integrated. This integrated design makes the entire device compact and small in size.

[0023] Furthermore, each recovery port is connected to a recovery pipe, which is connected to a negative pressure pipe. Each recovery port has a detection hole on its side wall, which is connected to a branch pipe. The branch pipe is connected to the recovery pipe, and a sealing cavity is connected to one side of the branch pipe. A membrane is provided at the junction of the sealing cavity and the branch pipe.

[0024] Each vent is connected to a third conduit, which is connected to a second conduit. Each third conduit has a groove on one side, and a baffle is slidably fitted inside the groove. The baffle is fixedly connected to the side of the membrane near the third conduit.

[0025] Beneficial effects: Its workflow can be broken down as follows:

[0026] Initial state (gas only):

[0027] After the negative pressure mechanism is activated, the negative pressure is transmitted to the recovery pipe and each branch pipe through the negative pressure pipe.

[0028] At this time, the main component being drawn in at the recovery port is air. The air flows through the detection hole and is drawn away through the branch pipe. Due to the good airflow and low resistance, the negative pressure value in the branch pipe is maintained at a relatively stable level.

[0029] This stable negative pressure acts on one side of the membrane, keeping it in a balanced position. The baffle connected to the membrane is thus in the open position, preventing obstruction of the third conduit.

[0030] At this time, the water mist generated by the spray mechanism can be sprayed out normally through the third conduit and the vent.

[0031] When liquid (excess water mist or saliva) appears at the collection port, the negative pressure will preferentially draw in this liquid.

[0032] Once the liquid accumulates and floods the detection orifice, the situation changes drastically. Because the density and viscosity of the liquid are much greater than those of the gas, its flow resistance increases dramatically.

[0033] This results in a sharp decrease in the fluid flow through the detection orifice and branch pipe, thereby triggering a significant increase in local negative pressure (i.e., enhanced vacuum) or a sudden change in the flow signal within the branch pipe.

[0034] The sudden pressure signal inside the branch will immediately act on the membrane.

[0035] The membrane deforms or displaces under the action of a pressure difference.

[0036] The displacement of the membrane directly pushes the baffle fixedly connected to it to slide within the groove until the corresponding third conduit is completely or partially closed. Once the third conduit is closed, the vent in the area it is connected to stops outputting water mist. This automatically cuts off the liquid supply to the area "wetted to the point of residual liquid." The negative pressure mechanism continues to operate, sucking away the existing liquid. When the liquid in this area is removed, the detection port is exposed to air again, the branch pipe resistance recovers, the negative pressure returns to its initial state, the membrane rebounds, the baffle reopens, and the spray resumes. This cycle repeats, achieving a dynamic, localized automatic control.

[0037] This system no longer simply sprays the entire oral cavity indiscriminately, but can sense the moisture level of specific areas. It automatically shuts off the spray only when excess liquid in a particular area is not absorbed in time. This achieves "on-demand humidification," avoiding liquid buildup caused by indiscriminate spraying and improving the precision of care. It transforms "spraying" and "recovery" into a closed-loop feedback system via negative pressure signals. The status of the recovery port directly controls the opening and closing of the spray nozzle, forming a self-regulating intelligent cycle that ensures the oral cavity is always in an ideal state of "moist but not waterlogged," greatly enhancing the safety margin.

[0038] Furthermore, a connecting rod is provided between the spray box and the mouthpiece, and a joint is provided on the outside of the connecting rod. Several receiving grooves and several slots are provided in the inner circumference of the joint. Limiting balls are slidably fitted in the receiving grooves. The slots pass through the receiving grooves and insert plates are slidably connected in the slots. The insert plates have openings. A pressing element is provided at the end of the insert plate away from the joint. A spring is provided between the pressing element and the joint. The two ends of the spring are fixedly connected to the pressing element and the joint, respectively.

[0039] The mouthpiece has several arc-shaped grooves, which correspond one-to-one with the receiving grooves. When the opening is misaligned with the receiving groove, the limiting ball engages with the arc-shaped groove. When the opening coincides with the receiving groove, the limiting ball and the arc-shaped groove are released from engagement.

[0040] Beneficial effects: When it is necessary to fix the mouthpiece to the connecting rod, press the button to move the insert plate down until the opening coincides with the receiving groove. At this time, push the mouthpiece towards the connector. The inner wall of the mouthpiece will squeeze the limiting balls, forcing them to retract inward into the receiving groove. When the mouthpiece is pushed to the predetermined position, the arc-shaped groove moves exactly to the position corresponding to the limiting balls. At this time, release the button. Under the action of the spring, the insert plate moves up, and the limiting balls are squeezed outward, just fitting into the arc-shaped groove, until the opening and the receiving groove are misaligned. The body of the insert plate presses against the limiting balls from behind, preventing them from retracting inward, thus completing the locking.

[0041] When disassembly is required, press the button. The button causes all the insert plates to slide inward along the slots, compressing the springs. When the insert plates slide to a specific position, their openings will completely align with the receiving grooves. At this point, the limiting ball loses the support of the rear insert plate and gains space to move inward. Simply pull the mouthpiece gently, and the curved edge of the mouthpiece will push the limiting ball inward back into the space where the openings and receiving grooves overlap, thus allowing the mouthpiece to easily separate from the connector.

[0042] This facility achieves true "one-click operation," allowing nursing staff to install or remove equipment with a simple press and push of one hand, without any tools. This significantly reduces the time required for changing and cleaning equipment during busy clinical care, and is especially suitable for scenarios that require frequent disassembly, disinfection, or replacement of disposable mouthpieces.

[0043] In the locked state, the limiting ball is firmly held in place by the insert plate and locked in the arc-shaped groove, forming a mechanical interlock. This connection method is very stable and can withstand a certain amount of tension and torque, ensuring that the mouth mask will not accidentally loosen even if the patient makes unconscious head movements or oral movements, thus guaranteeing the continuity and safety of the treatment process.

[0044] The quick-release design allows the mouthpiece (a high-risk component that comes into contact with patient bodily fluids) to be easily separated from the main device. This facilitates thorough cleaning, autoclaving, or disposal as a single-use consumable, perfectly complying with the stringent infection control protocols of medical institutions and effectively preventing cross-infection.

[0045] Furthermore, a central chamber is connected between the negative pressure tube and the recovery tube. The central chamber is located inside the connecting rod and is equipped with a pressure sensor for collecting pressure changes within the central chamber. The pressure sensor is electrically connected to a control unit, which is used to determine the patient's oral cavity humidity based on pressure changes and control the operation of the nebulizer.

[0046] Beneficial effects: The centralized chamber acts as a common negative pressure collection point, balancing and integrating the negative pressure from all recovery tubes. This eliminates the need for pressure sensors to be installed individually on each recovery tube; monitoring the overall pressure state within the centralized chamber is sufficient to obtain a comprehensive understanding.

[0047] When any of the recovery ports begins to draw in liquid, the flow rate in the recovery tube will decrease because the liquid resistance is much greater than that of the gas, resulting in a slight increase in its back pressure (i.e., the absolute value of the negative pressure).

[0048] This change is transmitted to the central chamber, causing a change in the overall pressure within the chamber. The more recovery ports that draw in liquid, or the higher the flow rate of liquid drawn in at a single port, the more significant this pressure change becomes, thus creating a measurable pressure gradient.

[0049] The pressure sensor captures this pressure change signal in real time with high precision and transmits it to the control unit.

[0050] In the initial no-load state (all recovery ports only draw air), the system will establish a stable baseline negative pressure value P0.

[0051] The control unit has a pre-installed algorithm that can analyze and make judgments based on this pressure change:

[0052] Slight and transient pressure changes may indicate that a small amount of saliva or residual fluid has been properly recovered, indicating normal humidification. The system maintains its current nebulization power.

[0053] A sustained and significant increase in pressure indicates that residual fluid is present in multiple areas of the oral cavity simultaneously, and the humidity has approached or reached saturation. Based on this, the control unit determines that "the oral cavity is sufficiently humid" and then reduces the power of the nebulizer or stops its operation to reduce the water mist output.

[0054] Pressure returns to baseline and remains stable: This indicates that residual liquid has been removed and oral moisture has decreased. The control unit determines that "replenishment of moisture is needed," so it increases or restores the power of the atomizing plate and restarts spraying.

[0055] By macroscopically monitoring overall humidity levels, this system can proactively prevent excessive moisture in the oral cavity. It intervenes early in the risk of fluid buildup by reducing the spray volume, and combined with the coordinated control of individual return ports (baffle closure), it forms a dual safety net, significantly enhancing the safety of the patient's airway.

[0056] The system no longer relies on preset fixed procedures or manual intervention, but instead provides real-time feedback control based on the actual physiological state of the patient's oral cavity. It simulates an invisible "humidity sensor," achieving precise adaptive adjustment of "spray when dry, stop when wet," providing truly personalized care. The system can automatically maintain a "just right" oral humidity level. This avoids the cycle of "over-wetting → fluid accumulation → stopping wetting → drying again" found in traditional methods, and also prevents excessive humidification and a cold sensation caused by continuous spraying, providing patients with a continuous, stable, and comfortable oral environment.

[0057] Furthermore, by encapsulating the expensive pressure sensor and precision central cavity within the connecting rod and separating them from the mouthpiece, the one-time investment cost (core module) of the device is successfully separated from the daily operating costs (mouthpiece module). Hospitals or patients do not need to bear the cost of the expensive component with the integrated pressure sensor every time the mouthpiece is replaced. The mouthpiece can be purchased and replaced as a purely simple, low-cost consumable, greatly reducing long-term care costs and making this advanced technology more easily accepted and promoted by the market.

[0058] Furthermore, the control unit determines the humidity level of the oral cavity based on the following control logic:

[0059] When the pressure value of the concentrated cavity is between the first preset value and the second preset value, the oral cavity humidity is determined to be at the first level;

[0060] When the pressure value of the concentrated cavity is greater than the second preset value, the oral cavity humidity is determined to be at the second level;

[0061] When the pressure value of the concentrated cavity is less than the first preset value, the oral cavity humidity is judged to be at the third level.

[0062] Beneficial effects: The system first presets two key pressure thresholds based on experimental and clinical data: a first preset value (lower threshold) and a second preset value (higher threshold). These two values ​​divide the oral moisture state into three clear levels:

[0063] Level 3 (Dry State): Pressure value < First preset value. In this state, all recovery ports draw in gas with low resistance, and the negative pressure in the central chamber is stable at the baseline level, indicating that there is very little liquid in the oral cavity and that humidification is needed.

[0064] Level 1 (Ideal Wetting State): First preset value ≤ Pressure value ≤ Second preset value. In this state, one or a few recovery ports intermittently draw in liquid, causing pressure to fluctuate within the ideal range, indicating that wetting and absorption are well balanced.

[0065] Level 2 (Overly Wet State): Pressure value > Second preset value. In this state, multiple recovery ports continuously draw in liquid, resulting in a significant increase in flow resistance and a sharp rise in negative pressure within the concentration chamber, indicating excessive liquid accumulation in the oral cavity.

[0066] The control unit continuously reads the data from the pressure sensor and compares it with a preset threshold in real time to determine the current humidity level.

[0067] Based on the judgment result, the corresponding control strategy will be implemented:

[0068] If the condition is classified as Level 3 (dryness), then increase the power of the atomizing plate to increase the water mist output and actively relieve dry mouth.

[0069] If the rating is determined to be Level 1 (ideal): maintain the current atomizer power and keep a stable amount of moisture.

[0070] If the level is determined to be Level 2 (overly humid): reduce or turn off the power of the atomizing plate, prioritize removing excess liquid, until the pressure value drops back to the Level 1 range.

[0071] Furthermore, the mouthpiece has a notch.

[0072] Beneficial Effects: During general anesthesia, patients typically have an endotracheal tube (oral intubation) or related ventilation tubing inserted into their mouths for mechanical ventilation. These tubings are relatively large in diameter and extend from the mouth to connect to the ventilator. Without a notch, a complete ring-shaped or oval mouth mask would mechanically interfere with these tubings when inserted into the patient's mouth. Forced insertion could lead to compression, twisting, or even displacement of the tubing, endangering the patient's ventilation safety and causing extreme discomfort, making it difficult to position the mouth mask in the intended location. By creating a notch at a specific location on the mouth mask, a dedicated channel is provided for these ventilation tubings. This allows the mouth mask to be inserted into the mouth from the side like a "C" clip, perfectly avoiding the tubing, thus coexisting parallel with the endotracheal tube and other ventilation systems in the mouth without interference.

[0073] Furthermore, it also includes a prompting unit; the prompting unit is used to display the judgment result of the control unit to the outside.

[0074] Beneficial effects: The device transforms internal intelligent judgments into clearly perceptible external information. Healthcare professionals no longer need to guess or frequently examine the patient's mouth; they can easily see the patient's current oral moisture level and the device's operational status simply by using the prompting unit. This significantly improves the observability and controllability of the nursing process.

[0075] Furthermore, each recovery tube is connected to a throat, which is connected to a branch tube.

[0076] Beneficial effect: According to Bernoulli's principle, when a fluid (here, the air or liquid being drawn in) flows through a narrow "throat," its velocity increases dramatically, resulting in a significant decrease in the static pressure of that local area (i.e., an increase in negative pressure). This enhanced negative pressure area is connected to the chamber containing the membrane via a branch pipe.

[0077] Without a throat, the pressure change within the bronchus during liquid aspiration at the retraction port may be relatively weak. However, the presence of a throat allows any minute change in flow rate (e.g., from gas to liquid) to be converted into a larger negative pressure fluctuation. This amplified negative pressure signal acts on the membrane, generating a greater driving force or a more pronounced displacement. This enables the membrane to:

[0078] This allows for faster baffle movement and reduces system response delay.

[0079] Even when faced with very small amounts of liquid or viscous saliva, it can generate sufficient driving force to reliably trigger the action, improving the system's detection sensitivity and reliability.

[0080] Additional aspects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0081] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the device for facilitating dry mouth care for anesthetized patients according to the present invention;

[0082] Figure 2 for Figure 1 The front view;

[0083] Figure 3 for Figure 2 Sectional view along the AA direction;

[0084] Figure 4 for Figure 3 Enlarged view of a portion of point M in the middle;

[0085] Figure 5 for Figure 3 A magnified view of a portion of point N in the middle;

[0086] Figure 6 for Figure 3 A magnified view of a portion of point O in the middle.

[0087] The reference numerals in the accompanying drawings include: 1. Spray box; 2. Connecting rod; 3. Mouthpiece; 4. Switch; 101. First conduit; 102. Liquid storage chamber; 103. Recovery chamber; 104. Power component; 201. Negative pressure pipe; 202. Second conduit; 203. Atomizing plate; 204. Concentration chamber; 205. Pressure sensor; 206. Connector; 207. Button; 208. Spring; 209. Receiving groove; 210. Slot; 211. Insert plate; 212. Limiting ball; 213. Opening; 301. Recovery port; 302. Detection hole; 303. Vent hole; 304. Recovery pipe; 305. Third conduit; 306. Branch pipe; 307. Membrane; 308. Sealing chamber; 309. Baffle. Detailed Implementation

[0088] The technical solution of the present invention will now be clearly and completely described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some, not all, of the embodiments of the present invention. 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.

[0089] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that the terms "center," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for the convenience of describing the invention and for simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on the invention. Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," and "third" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0090] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linking" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0091] The following detailed description illustrates the specific implementation method:

[0092] Example:

[0093] As attached Figure 1 -Appendix Figure 6 As shown: A device for facilitating dry mouth care in anesthetized patients, including a spray mechanism, specifically, in conjunction with the attached... Figure 3 As shown, the spraying mechanism includes a spray box 1, a liquid storage chamber 102 is provided inside the spray box 1, a first conduit 101 is connected to the liquid storage chamber 102, the first conduit 101 is connected to an atomizing chamber, an atomizing plate 203 is bonded and fixed inside the atomizing chamber, a sponge column is embedded in the first conduit 101, the two ends of the sponge column extend to the liquid storage chamber 102 and the atomizing chamber respectively, the bottom of the atomizing plate 203 contacts the top of the sponge column, and a second conduit 202 is connected to the top of the atomizing chamber.

[0094] A connecting rod 2 is welded and fixed to the top of the spray box 1. A mouthpiece 3 is detachably connected to the top of the connecting rod 2. Preferably, it is combined with an attached... Figure 6As shown, a connector 206 is welded and fixed to the outside of the connecting rod 2. The connector 206 has several receiving grooves 209 and several slots 210 circumferentially arranged inside. Each receiving groove 209 has a limiting ball 212 that slides within it. Each slot 210 passes through the receiving groove 209 along the length of the connecting rod 2. Each slot 210 has a slidingly connected insert plate 211 with an opening 213. A pressing element 207 is provided at the end of the insert plate 211 away from the connector 206. Specifically, in this embodiment, the pressing element 207 is a ring-shaped block structure. A spring 208 is provided between the bottom of the pressing element 207 and the top of the connector 206. Both ends of the spring 208 are respectively bonded and fixed to the pressing element 207 and the connector 206.

[0095] Specifically, in this embodiment, the mouthpiece 3 mainly consists of a spherical shell and a connecting shaft. The connecting shaft is welded and fixed to one side of the spherical shell. The shape of the spherical shell of the mouthpiece 3 is designed to conform to the shape of the inner wall of the human oral cavity. A notch is provided on one side of the spherical shell of the mouthpiece 3 to accommodate the mechanical ventilation tube. The spherical shell of the mouthpiece 3 is made of a biocompatible polymer material. Several arc-shaped grooves are provided on the outer side of the connecting shaft of the mouthpiece 3. The arc-shaped grooves correspond one-to-one with the receiving grooves 209. When the opening 213 is misaligned with the receiving groove 209, the limiting ball 212 engages with the arc-shaped groove. When the opening 213 coincides with the receiving groove 209, the limiting ball 212 and the arc-shaped groove are released from engagement.

[0096] The mouthpiece 3 has several ventilation holes 303 arranged in an array on its outer side. Each ventilation hole 303 is connected to a third conduit 305. When the mouthpiece 3 is fixed to the connector 206, the third conduit 305 corresponds to and is connected to the second conduit 202. Figure 4 As shown, the mouthpiece 3 has several circumferentially opened collection ports 301 on the side near the throat. Each collection port 301 is connected to a negative pressure mechanism, which is used to generate a negative pressure of a preset intensity at the collection port 301.

[0097] Specifically, the negative pressure mechanism includes a recovery chamber 103 located inside the spray box 1. The recovery chamber 103 is connected to a negative pressure pipe 201. A power component 104 is connected to the communication path between the negative pressure pipe 201 and the recovery chamber 103. In this embodiment, the power component 104 is a negative pressure pump. The power component 104 is used to generate negative pressure to draw the liquid at the recovery port 301 into the recovery chamber 103.

[0098] Preferred, combined with appendix Figure 4 and attached Figure 5As shown, each of the recovery ports 301 is connected to a recovery tube 304, and each recovery tube 304 is connected to a negative pressure tube 201. Preferably, a central chamber 204 connects the negative pressure tube 201 and the recovery tube 304, thereby achieving uniform distribution of negative pressure within each recovery tube 304. Preferably, a pressure sensor 205 is installed in the central chamber 204 to collect pressure changes within the central chamber 204; the pressure sensor 205 is electrically connected to a control unit, which is used to determine the patient's oral cavity humidity based on pressure changes and control the operation of the nebulizer 203. Preferably, a switch 4 is also installed on the outside of the spray box 1, which is electrically connected to the control unit. The control unit controls the nebulizer 203 and the power component 104 to start based on the signal from the switch 4.

[0099] Specifically, the control unit determines the humidity level of the oral cavity based on the following control logic:

[0100] When the pressure value of the concentrated cavity 204 is between the first preset value and the second preset value, the oral cavity humidity is determined to be at the first level;

[0101] When the pressure value of the concentrated cavity 204 is greater than the second preset value, the oral cavity humidity is determined to be at the second level.

[0102] When the pressure value of the concentrated cavity 204 is less than the first preset value, the oral cavity humidity is judged to be at the third level.

[0103] Each sidewall of the recovery port 301 is provided with a detection hole 302, which is connected to a branch pipe 306. The branch pipe 306 is connected to the recovery pipe 304. Preferably, the connection between the recovery pipe 304 and the branch pipe 306 is also connected to a throat (not shown in the figure). When the fluid passes through the throat, a local negative pressure will be generated in the branch pipe 306. A sealing cavity 308 is also connected to one side of the branch pipe 306. A thin film 307 is bonded and fixed at the junction of the sealing cavity 308 and the branch pipe 306.

[0104] A sliding groove is provided on one side of the third conduit 305, and a baffle 309 is slidably fitted in the sliding groove. The baffle 309 is bonded and fixed to the side of the membrane 307 near the third conduit 305.

[0105] Preferably, it also includes a prompting unit; the prompting unit is used to display the judgment result of the control unit. In this embodiment, the prompting unit is an LED flashing light, which uses different colored lights to indicate to medical personnel the moisture status inside the patient's mouth and the working status of the system.

[0106] The specific implementation process is as follows:

[0107] Remove the disposable mouthpiece from the aseptic packaging 3.

[0108] Align the connecting shaft of the mouthpiece 3 with the connector 206, so that the arc groove is roughly aligned with the limiting ball 212.

[0109] Gently push the mouthpiece 3 toward the connector 206. During the pushing process, the inner wall of the connecting shaft on the mouthpiece 3 will squeeze the limiting ball 212, causing it to temporarily retract into the receiving groove 209.

[0110] When the mouthpiece 3 (connecting shaft) reaches the predetermined position, the arc-shaped groove is precisely aligned with the limiting ball 212. Under the action of the spring 208, the insert plate 211 moves upward, thereby pushing the limiting ball 212 outward and locking it into the arc-shaped groove, accompanied by a clear "click" sound, indicating that the mouthpiece 3 has been installed and locked. At this time, the third conduit 305 on the mouthpiece 3 is connected to the second conduit 202 in the connecting rod 2, and the recovery tube 304 is also connected to the collection cavity 204.

[0111] Position the patient's head in a suitable position and gently open the patient's mouth.

[0112] Carefully observe the endotracheal tube and other tubing in the patient's mouth. Align the notch on the side of the mouth mask 3 with the tubing and gently place the mouth mask 3 into the patient's mouth, ensuring that the bulbous part fits naturally against the inner wall of the mouth.

[0113] Turn on switch 4. The control unit initializes, and the indicator unit (LED light) flashes to indicate that the device is ready.

[0114] Spray activation: The control unit first activates the atomizing plate 203. The liquid in the reservoir 102 is continuously delivered to the atomizing chamber through the capillary action of the sponge column in the first conduit 101, where the atomizing plate 203 breaks it into fine water mist through high-frequency oscillation. The water mist is then sprayed evenly and diffusely through the second conduit 202 and the third conduit 305, finally exiting from the vent 303 on the outside of the mouthpiece 3, moisturizing the patient's oral mucosa.

[0115] Simultaneous negative pressure recovery: Almost simultaneously, the control unit starts the negative pressure pump. The negative pressure is distributed to each recovery pipe 304 through the negative pressure pipe 201 and the central chamber 204, and finally generates a suction force of preset intensity at the recovery port 301.

[0116] Under ideal conditions (Level 1), some unabsorbed trace amounts of liquid and saliva are promptly drawn away by the collection port 301. The pressure value within the concentrating chamber 204 remains stable between the first and second preset values. The control unit maintains the current power of the atomizing plate 203, and the indicator unit displays a solid green light, indicating normal care.

[0117] If there is a slightly higher concentration of liquid in a localized area, the recovery port 301 at that location will draw in the liquid. When the liquid submerges the detection port 302, the fluid resistance flowing through the branch pipe 306 increases sharply. This change, amplified by the throat, causes a significant increase in negative pressure within the branch pipe 306, driving the diaphragm 307 to deform and pushing the baffle 309 to move, temporarily closing the third conduit 305 in the corresponding area and stopping the spraying at that location. Once the liquid is drawn away, the system automatically resets, and the spraying resumes.

[0118] When the oral cavity is generally in a state of dryness (Level 3), meaning the pressure value of the concentrated cavity 204 is lower than the first preset value (the lower limit of the ideal state), it indicates that there is very little fluid in the oral cavity. After the control unit judges this, it will increase the power of the atomizing plate 203 to increase the spray volume to actively enhance humidification. At the same time, the prompt unit may display a blue flashing light to alert medical staff.

[0119] When the rate of fluid production in the oral cavity is too rapid, multiple collection ports 301 continuously draw fluid, causing the pressure in the concentrator chamber 204 to exceed the second preset value (the upper limit of the ideal state). The control unit determines this to be an over-wet state (level two) and will immediately reduce or turn off the power of the atomizing plate 203, reducing or stopping the spray, prioritizing the removal of accumulated fluid. At the same time, the indicator unit will flash yellow and may be accompanied by a soft beeping sound to alert medical staff. The spray will only resume when the pressure drops back to a safe range (level one).

[0120] Obviously, the above embodiments are merely illustrative examples for clear explanation and are not intended to limit the implementation. Those skilled in the art will recognize that other variations or modifications can be made based on the above description. It is neither necessary nor possible to exhaustively list all possible implementations here. However, obvious variations or modifications derived therefrom are still within the scope of protection of this invention.

Claims

1. A device for facilitating dry mouth care in anesthetized patients, comprising a spray mechanism, characterized in that, A mouthpiece (3) is detachably connected to the spray mechanism. Several vent holes (303) are arranged on the outer side of the mouthpiece (3). The spray mechanism is used to deliver water mist to the vent holes (303). Several recovery ports (301) are arranged circumferentially on the side of the mouthpiece (3) near the throat. Each recovery port (301) is connected to a negative pressure mechanism. The negative pressure mechanism is used to generate a negative pressure of a preset intensity at the recovery port (301).

2. The device for facilitating dry mouth care for anesthetized patients according to claim 1, characterized in that, The spraying mechanism includes a spray box (1), a liquid storage chamber (102) is provided in the spray box (1), a first conduit (101) is connected in the liquid storage chamber (102), the first conduit (101) is connected in the atomizing chamber, an atomizing plate (203) is provided in the atomizing chamber, a sponge column is provided in the first conduit (101), the two ends of the sponge column extend into the liquid storage chamber (102) and the atomizing chamber respectively, and the atomizing chamber is connected to the vent (303) through a second conduit (202).

3. The device for facilitating dry mouth care for anesthetized patients according to claim 2, characterized in that, The negative pressure mechanism includes a recovery chamber (103) located inside the spray box (1). The recovery chamber (103) is connected to a negative pressure pipe (201). A power component (104) is connected to the communication path between the negative pressure pipe (201) and the recovery chamber (103). The power component (104) is used to generate negative pressure to draw the liquid at the recovery port (301) into the recovery chamber (103).

4. The device for facilitating dry mouth care for anesthetized patients according to claim 3, characterized in that, Each recovery port (301) is connected to a recovery pipe (304), and each recovery pipe (304) is connected to a negative pressure pipe (201). Each recovery port (301) has a detection hole (302) on its side wall. Each detection hole (302) is connected to a branch pipe (306), and the branch pipe (306) is connected to the recovery pipe (304). One side of the branch pipe (306) is also connected to a sealing cavity (308). A membrane (307) is provided at the junction of the sealing cavity (308) and the branch pipe (306). The vent (303) is connected to the third conduit (305), the third conduit (305) is connected to the second conduit (202), and a groove is provided on one side of the third conduit (305). A baffle (309) is slidably fitted in the groove, and the baffle (309) is fixedly connected to the side of the membrane (307) near the third conduit (305).

5. The device for facilitating dry mouth care for anesthetized patients according to claim 4, characterized in that, A connecting rod (2) is provided between the spray box (1) and the mouthpiece (3). A connector (206) is provided on the outside of the connecting rod (2). Several receiving grooves (209) and several slots (210) are provided in the inner circumferential direction of the connector (206). A limiting ball (212) is slidably fitted in each receiving groove (209). The slot (210) passes through the receiving groove (209). A plug plate (211) is slidably connected in each slot (210). An opening (213) is provided on the plug plate (211). A button (207) is provided at the end of the plug plate (211) away from the connector (206). A spring (208) is provided between the button (207) and the connector (206). The two ends of the spring (208) are fixedly connected to the button (207) and the connector (206) respectively. The mouthpiece (3) has several arc-shaped grooves, which correspond one-to-one with the receiving groove (209). When the opening (213) is misaligned with the receiving groove (209), the limiting ball (212) engages with the arc-shaped groove. When the opening (213) coincides with the receiving groove (209), the limiting ball (212) and the arc-shaped groove are released from engagement.

6. The device for facilitating dry mouth care for anesthetized patients according to claim 5, characterized in that, A concentrating chamber (204) is connected between the negative pressure tube (201) and the recovery tube (304). The concentrating chamber (204) is located inside the connecting rod (2). A pressure sensor (205) is installed inside the concentrating chamber (204) to collect pressure changes within the concentrating chamber (204). The pressure sensor (205) is electrically connected to a control unit. The control unit is used to determine the patient's oral cavity humidity based on pressure changes and to control the operation of the nebulizer (203).

7. The device for facilitating dry mouth care for anesthetized patients according to claim 6, characterized in that, The control unit determines the humidity level of the oral cavity based on the following control logic: When the pressure value of the concentrated cavity (204) is between the first preset value and the second preset value, the oral cavity humidity is determined to be at the first level; When the pressure value of the concentrated cavity (204) is greater than the second preset value, the oral cavity humidity is determined to be at the second level; When the pressure value of the concentrated cavity (204) is less than the first preset value, the oral cavity humidity is judged to be at the third level.

8. The device for facilitating dry mouth care for anesthetized patients according to claim 7, characterized in that, The mouthpiece (3) has a notch.

9. The device for facilitating dry mouth care for anesthetized patients according to claim 8, characterized in that, It also includes a prompting unit; the prompting unit is used to display the judgment result of the control unit to the outside.

10. The device for facilitating dry mouth care for anesthetized patients according to claim 9, characterized in that, Each of the recovery tubes (304) is also connected to a throat, which is connected to a branch tube (306).

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