A swallowing disorder feeding aid for the elderly

Abstract

The present application relates to the technical field of medical devices, in particular to a swallowing disorder eating auxiliary device for the elderly, which comprises a control host, a liquid food pump is arranged in the control host, an output end of the liquid food pump is provided with a food guide pipe, an outlet valve assembly is arranged in the food guide pipe; an occlusion support assembly is arranged on the food guide pipe, the occlusion support assembly is used for occlusion of the patient and provides elastic support force to maintain the opening degree of the oral cavity of the patient, the food guide pipe is placed through the oral cavity of the patient and extends to the pharynx, the occlusion support assembly limits the food guide pipe in the radial direction; a protection pipe is arranged on the occlusion support assembly, a pressure driving guide assembly is arranged in the protection pipe, a pressure sensing assembly is arranged on the occlusion support assembly; a pharyngeal electric stimulation assembly is arranged at an end of the protection pipe away from the occlusion support assembly; the pressure driving guide assembly is driven by the occlusion pressure of the patient to realize adaptive bending of the distal end of the food guide pipe, the electric stimulation assembly dynamically adheres to the pharyngeal mucosa, the risk of electrode displacement is reduced, and the continuous effectiveness of electric stimulation is ensured.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of medical device technology, specifically to a feeding aid for elderly people with swallowing difficulties. Background Technology

[0002] The goal of swallowing assistance is to balance feeding support and functional rehabilitation, that is, to enable patients with swallowing disorders to safely eat orally without causing aspiration, while promoting the recovery of their swallowing physiological functions.

[0003] For elderly patients with dysphagia complicated by age-related muscle atrophy, there is a progressive decline in strength and volume of the whole body and swallowing-related muscle groups. One of the current clinical strategies is to use neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) to counteract this degenerative change. Existing technologies include swallowing assistive catheter systems that integrate electrical stimulation and nasogastric feeding, such as the Phagenyx system. This system integrates the actuators for electrical stimulation and feeding functions onto the same catheter, meaning that nutrient solution can be delivered through the catheter lumen simultaneously with electrical stimulation.

[0004] In practical applications, existing nasal cannula fixation methods have shortcomings. Even slight cannula displacement can directly lead to off-target electrical stimulation, ineffective treatment, and potential consequences such as aspiration and lung infection, posing a significant safety risk, especially to elderly patients with declining physiological functions. Therefore, it is necessary to propose a swallowing aid device for the elderly to address these deficiencies. Summary of the Invention

[0005] To address the aforementioned problems, this invention provides a swallowing assistance device for the elderly with dysphagia. It utilizes the patient's own biting pressure to drive a pressure-driven guiding component to achieve adaptive bending of the distal end of the esophagus, allowing the electrical stimulation component to dynamically conform to the pharyngeal mucosa, reducing the risk of electrode displacement, and ensuring the continuous effectiveness of electrical stimulation.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution of the present invention is as follows: A feeding assistance device for elderly people with swallowing disorders includes a control host for transmitting signals and processing data. The control host is equipped with a liquid feeding pump for distributing liquid food. The input end of the liquid feeding pump is connected to a feeding tube, and the output end of the liquid feeding pump is provided with a feeding guide tube. The end of the feeding guide tube away from the liquid feeding pump is provided with a feeding valve assembly that is closed in a natural state. The feeding valve assembly is switched to an open state only when its side wall is subjected to a certain pressure.

[0007] The feeding tube is equipped with an occlusal support component, which is used to allow the patient to bite down and provide elastic support to maintain the opening of the patient's mouth. The end of the feeding tube away from the feed pump passes through the occlusal support component and is inserted through the patient's mouth to extend to the pharynx.

[0008] The occlusal support component has a protective tube on the side away from the control host. The protective tube is sleeved and wrapped around the outside of the esophageal tube. The protective tube contains a pressure-driven guide component. The occlusal support component is equipped with a pressure-sensing component for sensing the patient's biting force. The pressure-driven guide component drives the distal end of the protective tube to produce an adaptive bend according to the biting force detected by the pressure-sensing component to conform to the patient's pharynx.

[0009] The protective tube is equipped with a pharyngeal electrical stimulation component at the end away from the occlusal support component. The pharyngeal electrical stimulation component is used to activate the patient's pharyngeal sensory nerves and induce the contraction of swallowing-related muscle groups.

[0010] The technical principle of the above solution is as follows: This solution controls the liquid food pump through the host to deliver liquid food to the patient's pharynx via the feeding tube; the distal end of the feeding tube is equipped with a normally closed feeding valve assembly, which only opens when the pharyngeal pressure increases or the tongue pushes backward; the feeding tube is equipped with an occlusal support assembly for the patient to bite to maintain oral cavity opening and provide radial restraint for the feeding tube; the pressure-sensing component on the occlusal support assembly detects the biting force, drives the pressure-driven guide assembly to adaptively bend the distal end of the protective tube, and drives the pharyngeal electrical stimulation assembly to adhere to the pharyngeal mucosa and apply electrical pulses, thereby activating the swallowing-related neuromuscular function while assisting in eating.

[0011] The above approach has the following beneficial effects:

[0012] 1. This method uses an oral catheter, which, compared to the conventional method of nasal insertion which requires navigating the nasopharyngeal bend, shortens the catheter travel and makes the path more predictable, reducing the difficulty of insertion and improving the accuracy of electrode stimulation target positioning.

[0013] 2. Compared to conventional techniques where the catheter lacks effective fixation and is prone to displacement, this solution uses an occlusal support component to provide radial restraint for the esophagus, maintaining the stability of the distal feeding opening and avoiding feeding deviation caused by catheter misalignment. Furthermore, the occlusal support component also provides oral cavity opening support, reducing pressure on the esophagus from the tongue and pharyngeal tissues, preventing tube blockage, and ensuring continuous feeding.

[0014] 3. This method utilizes the patient's own occlusal pressure to drive the pressure-driven guiding component to achieve adaptive bending of the distal end of the esophagus. Compared with conventional techniques where the position of the electrical stimulation component is fixed and cannot be dynamically adjusted with swallowing, this method allows the electrical stimulation component to dynamically conform to the pharyngeal mucosa, reducing the risk of electrode displacement and ensuring the continuous effectiveness of electrical stimulation.

[0015] Furthermore, the inner diameter of the protective tube is larger than the outer diameter of the feeding tube.

[0016] Beneficial effects: The inner diameter of the protective tube is larger than that of the feeding tube, allowing the feeding tube to pass smoothly through the protective tube. The gap between the two facilitates the insertion and replacement of the feeding tube, and avoids excessive pressure on the feeding tube caused by excessive tightness or bending of the protective tube. This ensures the stability of the feeding tube position while maintaining its smooth delivery.

[0017] Furthermore, the feeding valve assembly includes an elastic diaphragm flap, which comprises several leaflets, each leaflet having one end fixedly connected to the inner wall of the feeding tube.

[0018] Beneficial effects: In its natural state, each flap closes to the other to form a seal due to its own elasticity; when the pressure in the pharynx increases or the tongue is pushed back, the flaps are pressed open outward, allowing liquid food to pass through; the structure has no moving parts, is highly reliable, and the opening and closing response directly depends on the pharyngeal movement state, achieving a natural coupling between eating and swallowing actions.

[0019] Furthermore, the occlusal support component includes a housing that fits against the outer side of the patient's upper and lower gums. The housing has an insertion hole, through which a protective tube passes and slides against the side wall of the insertion hole.

[0020] Beneficial effects: This design utilizes the sliding slider to compress the spring when the patient bites, causing the tooth support to open to both sides, providing elastic support for the oral cavity opening. It converts the patient's biting action into the opening force of the tooth support, which not only maintains the open space of the oral cavity to prevent the tongue from compressing the esophagus, but also provides progressive buffering through the spring to avoid excessive stretching and discomfort. At the same time, it provides a biting force signal source for the subsequent pressure sensing component.

[0021] Furthermore, the outer shell is provided with a sliding groove located outside the insertion hole. Two sliding rods are provided in the sliding groove. The sliding rods are fixedly connected to the outer shell. Each sliding rod is fitted with a slider and slidably engaged. An arc-shaped support tooth is fixedly connected to one side of each slider. A spring is provided on the side of each slider near the insertion hole. The springs are fitted on the outside of the corresponding sliding rods. The two ends of the springs are fixedly connected to the slider and the outer shell, respectively.

[0022] Beneficial effects: The protective tube passes through the insertion hole and slides against its side wall, allowing the protective tube to move freely along the axial direction of the insertion hole, which facilitates the adjustment of the insertion depth. At the same time, the insertion hole forms a radial constraint on the protective tube, preventing its circumferential deflection. This ensures that the direction of the distal end of the protective tube's feeding opening and the electrical stimulation component is always consistent with the central axis of the oral cavity, improving positioning stability.

[0023] Furthermore, the pressure-sensing component includes a pressure-sensing airbag, with the end of the pressure-sensing airbag away from the insertion hole fixedly connected to the bottom of the slider, and the end of the pressure-sensing airbag near the insertion hole fixedly connected to the inner wall of the sliding groove.

[0024] Beneficial effects: When the patient bites and the slider moves, the pressure-sensitive airbag is compressed and generates a pressure signal proportional to the biting force; it avoids the problem of electrical sensors easily failing in the moist environment of the oral cavity, and the pressure-sensitive airbag structure can also play a buffering role, extending the life of the spring and the oral support effectiveness.

[0025] Furthermore, the pressure-driven guide assembly includes a guide tube integrally formed on the inner wall of the protective tube, a snake-bone tube slidably fitted inside the guide tube, and a telescopic bladder communicating with the pressure-sensing airbag inside the snake-bone tube, with the two ends of the telescopic bladder being fixedly connected to the two ends of the snake-bone tube respectively.

[0026] Beneficial effects: When the pressure-sensitive airbag is compressed, the pressure is transmitted to the telescopic airbag, causing it to expand and elongate, pushing the snake bone tube to slide and bend along the guide tube; this structure directly converts the oral occlusal pressure into the bending driving force of the distal end of the catheter, without the need for an external power source, and realizes the adaptive adjustment of the device shape by the patient's own physiological movements.

[0027] Furthermore, the snake-bone tube includes several snake-bone segments, with hinges between adjacent snake-bone segments. When the expansion bladder inflates and extends, each snake-bone segment swings relative to the tongue body with the hinges as fulcrums.

[0028] Beneficial effects: When the sac expands, each serpentine segment swings relative to the tongue body with the hinge as the fulcrum, causing the serpentine tube to bend downward and fit against the tongue body surface; this hinge-type bending mechanism ensures that the bending direction is controllable and the curvature is uniform, reducing the probability of unpredictable twisting or deviation of the soft catheter when it is compressed, thereby accurately guiding the electrical stimulation component to the pharyngeal target area.

[0029] Furthermore, the pharyngeal electrical stimulation component includes annular electrodes that are electrically connected to the control unit.

[0030] Beneficial effects: The electrodes are electrically connected to the control unit, and their ring structure can uniformly emit electrical pulses in the circumferential direction, increasing the contact area with the pharyngeal mucosa and reducing the local current density to improve patient tolerance; the control unit dynamically adjusts the stimulation parameters according to the occlusal pressure fed back by the pressure-sensing component in real time, so that the electrical stimulation is synchronized with the patient's swallowing rhythm and enhances the neuromuscular activation effect.

[0031] Furthermore, the feeding tube has a connector at one end near the liquid feeding pump. The connector can be detachably engaged and fixed with the feeding tube, and a fixing block corresponding to the guide tube is also fixedly connected to the connector.

[0032] Beneficial effects: This design facilitates the disassembly, cleaning, or replacement of the feeding tube. At the same time, the shape of the fixing block and the guide tube can restrict the relative rotation between the feeding tube and the guide tube, ensuring that the circumferential orientation of the distal feeding port of the feeding tube and the electrical stimulation component is always correct, and avoiding the electrodes from deviating from the target area due to torsion.

[0033] 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

[0034] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of an embodiment of the feeding assistance device for elderly people with swallowing difficulties according to the present invention;

[0035] Figure 2 This is an axonometric sectional view of the feeding tube in an embodiment of the feeding aid device for elderly people with swallowing difficulties according to the present invention;

[0036] Figure 3 This is an isometric sectional view showing the connection between the feeding tube and the protective tube in an embodiment of the feeding aid device for elderly people with swallowing difficulties according to the present invention;

[0037] Figure 4 This is a disassembled diagram showing the installation of the feeding tube and the protective tube in an embodiment of the feeding aid device for elderly people with swallowing difficulties according to the present invention;

[0038] Figure 5 for Figure 3 A partially enlarged view of the pressure-sensing component structure at point A in the middle;

[0039] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram showing the connection between the pressure-sensing component and the pressure-driven guide component in an embodiment of the assisted feeding device for elderly people with swallowing difficulties according to the present invention.

[0040] The reference numerals in the accompanying drawings of the instruction manual include: 1. Control host; 2. Touch screen; 3. Flow pump; 4. Feeding tube; 5. Feeding tube; 6. Connector; 7. Occlusal support assembly; 71. Housing; 72. Insertion hole; 73. Sliding groove; 74. Sliding rod; 75. Slider; 76. Tooth support body; 77. Spring; 8. Protective tube; 9. Pressure sensing assembly; 10. Pressure-driven guide assembly; 101. Guide tube; 102. Snake bone tube; 102a. Snake bone joint; 102b. Hinge; 103. Telescopic bladder; 11. Pharyngeal electrical stimulation assembly; 12. Feeding valve assembly. Detailed Implementation

[0041] 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.

[0042] 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.

[0043] 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.

[0044] The following detailed description illustrates the specific implementation method:

[0045] Example 1:

[0046] This embodiment provides a feeding assistance device for elderly people with swallowing difficulties, specifically as follows: Figure 1 As shown, the system includes a control host 1, which is equipped with an operable touchscreen 2. The control host 1 is used to transmit and process sensor signals and display the patient's personalized swallowing data. The control host 1 is also equipped with a liquid feeding pump 3. The input end of the liquid feeding pump 3 is connected to a feeding tube 4, and the output end of the liquid feeding pump 3 is provided with a feeding tube 5. The end of the feeding tube 5 away from the liquid feeding pump 3 is inserted through the mouth during the patient's eating and extends along the posterior pharyngeal wall to the pharynx. In this embodiment, the feeding tube 5 is inserted orally to assist swallowing in elderly patients. The feeding tube 5 enters the oropharynx directly from the mouth. Compared with the conventional method of nasal catheters that need to pass through the nasopharyngeal bend, the insertion stroke of the feeding tube 5 in this embodiment is shortened and the path is predictable, which helps to reduce the difficulty of the insertion operation and lays the foundation for the subsequent localization of the target point of intraoral electrode stimulation.

[0047] The feeding tube 5 is also equipped with a bite support component 7 near the connector 6, which, in conjunction with... Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown, the occlusal support component 7 includes a housing 71, which fits against the outer side of the patient's upper and lower gums; a tube insertion hole 72 is provided on the housing 71, and a protective tube 8 is provided inside the insertion hole 72. The inner diameter of the protective tube 8 is larger than the inner diameter of the feeding tube 5, and the feeding tube 5 is fitted and fitted inside the protective tube 8; firstly, the insertion hole 72 forms a radial limit on the protective tube 8, and the protective tube 8 forms a fitted fit on the feeding tube 5 (e.g., Figure 4 As shown in the diagram, the combined effect of the radial limiting action of the insertion hole 72 and the protective tube 8, and the radial limiting action of the protective tube 8 on the feeding tube 5, ensures that the distal outlet of the feeding tube 5 remains in a stable position, thereby improving the positioning accuracy of food dispensing. Furthermore, a gap fit is formed between the protective tube 8 and the feeding tube 5; this prevents excessive compression of the feeding tube 5 when the protective tube 8 bends, reducing the risk of collapse and blockage of the inner cavity of the feeding tube 5 due to external pressure, ensuring smooth liquid food delivery, and thus reducing the probability of blockage during food delivery.

[0048] The outer casing 71 has a sliding groove 73 located outside the insertion hole 72, and two sliding rods 74 are provided in the sliding groove 73, which are symmetrically arranged around the center of the insertion hole 72 (specifically as shown in the figure). Figure 2 As shown), the sliding rod 74 is fixedly connected to the outer casing 71. Each sliding rod 74 is fitted with a slider 75. Each slider 75 has an arc-shaped support tooth 76 fixedly connected to one side. Each slider 75 has a spring 77 (in conjunction with...) on the side near the insertion hole 72. Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 5 As shown), springs 77 are all sleeved on the outside of the corresponding sliding rods 74. The two ends of springs 77 are fixedly connected to sliders 75 and outer shells 71, respectively. When the patient bites down, sliders 75 compress springs 77 and open tooth supports 76 to both sides, providing opening support for the patient's oral cavity to assist swallowing. At the same time, maintaining the oral cavity opening can reduce the pressure of the tongue and pharyngeal tissues on the esophagus 5 during swallowing, and prevent the esophagus 5 from being blocked.

[0049] Pressure-sensing components 9 are fitted on the outer side of the spring 77. The pressure-sensing components 9 include pressure-sensing airbags. The end of the pressure-sensing airbag away from the insertion hole 72 is fixedly connected to the bottom of the slider 75, and the end of the pressure-sensing airbag near the insertion hole 72 is fixedly connected to the inner wall of the sliding groove 73. When the patient bites the supporting tooth 76, the slider 75 moves along the sliding rod 74 and compresses the spring 77, while squeezing the pressure-sensing airbag. The pressure inside the pressure-sensing airbag changes with the biting force. By detecting the pressure signal of the pressure-sensing airbag, the closing pressure of the patient on the supporting tooth 76 during swallowing can be obtained.

[0050] The protective tube 8 is equipped with a pressure-driven guide assembly 10, specifically combined with... Figure 3 and Figure 6As shown, the pressure-driven guiding assembly 10 includes a guide tube 101 integrally formed on the inner wall of the protective tube 8. A snake-bone tube 102 (preferably made of polyetheretherketone polymer material, possessing biocompatibility, chemical corrosion resistance, fatigue resistance, and ease of processing) is slidably fitted inside the guide tube 101. A telescopic bladder 103 communicating with the pressure-sensing airbag is provided inside the snake-bone tube 102, and both ends of the telescopic bladder 103 are fixedly connected to both ends of the snake-bone tube 102. Specifically, with... Figure 6 The diagram illustrates the definition and description of the snake tube 102, which includes several snake segments 102a. A hinge 102b is provided between adjacent snake segments 102a, and the hinge 102b is located at the bottom of the adjacent snake segments 102a. In its natural state, the snake tube 102 is subjected to gravity, and the several snake segments 102a bend downward with the hinge 102b as the fulcrum, so that the snake tube 102 as a whole presents an arc-shaped structure extending along the surface of the tongue to the pharynx, so as to attach to and conform to the oropharyngeal anatomy of the patient.

[0051] Based on the design of the pressure-sensitive air bladder and its connection with the telescopic bladder 103, when the patient bites down on the supporting tooth 76, causing pressure to be applied to the pressure-sensitive air bladder, the pressure inside the air bladder is transmitted to the telescopic bladder 103, driving the telescopic bladder 103 to expand and elongate. Several serpentine segments 102a rotate relative to each other with the hinge 102b as the fulcrum, thereby bending downwards segment by segment along the direction of the hinge 102b, so that the serpentine tube 102 fits against the patient's tongue. Thus, driven by the tendency of the tooth to close during swallowing, the fit between the esophageal tube 5 and the patient's tongue and pharynx is actively enhanced, thereby reducing the risk of electrode displacement. This structure conforms to the physiological mechanism of mobilizing the pharyngeal and tongue muscle groups with the tooth closure as the support point during swallowing, which is beneficial to the rehabilitation of the patient's swallowing function.

[0052] Furthermore, considering the age-related changes commonly seen in elderly patients, such as tooth or gum recession and decreased biting force, compared to conventional rigid bite acquisition and rigid tooth support structures, the air-cushioned elastic support structure formed by the connection between the pressure-sensing air bladder and the telescopic air bladder utilizes the compressibility of gas and the uniform pressure transmission characteristics. This allows the tooth support to convert weak biting movements into detectable pressure signals without relying on the patient's high-intensity bite. This reduces the dependence and requirements of pressure acquisition on the integrity of the patient's teeth and the amplitude of biting force, improves the adaptability to the special oral physiology of elderly patients, and reduces mechanical stimulation to the gums and residual teeth while driving the snake bone tube to bend and conform to the pharynx, thus improving wearing comfort and clinical applicability.

[0053] The protective tube 8 is also provided with a pharyngeal electrical stimulation component 11 at the end away from the outer shell 71. The pharyngeal electrical stimulation component 11 includes a ring-shaped electrode, which is electrically connected to the control host 1. When the patient swallows liquid food, the pressure-sensing airbag is compressed and the snake tube 102 is driven to bend downward through the telescopic bladder 103, so that the electrode is attached to the patient's pharyngeal mucosa with the bending action of the snake tube 102. At the same time, the control host 1 outputs electrical stimulation pulses according to the occlusal pressure signal detected by the pressure-sensing airbag, which are applied to the pharyngeal sensory nerves through the electrodes. Thus, under the synergistic effect of tooth closure, dynamic electrode attachment and electrical stimulation pulses, real-time assistance is provided to the patient's swallowing process.

[0054] like Figure 2 As shown, the feeding tube 5 is provided with a feeding valve assembly 12 at the end away from the outer shell 71. The feeding valve assembly 12 includes an elastic flap, which is closed in its natural state, sealing the feeding opening of the feeding tube 5. The elastic flap includes several leaflets, each of which is fixedly connected at one end to the inner wall of the feeding tube 5. When the patient pushes liquid food through the mouth or when electrical stimulation induces pharyngeal muscle contraction, the pressure in the pharyngeal cavity increases, and combined with the posterior pushing action of the tongue, the elastic flap is forced open, allowing the liquid food bolus to enter the pharynx through the distal end of the feeding tube 5 and continue to be transported downward to the esophagus. If the above-mentioned active or induced pharyngeal movement is lacking, the elastic flap remains closed. The release of liquid food is coupled with the swallowing action, allowing liquid food to flow into the pharyngeal cavity only when the pharyngeal pressure increases (indicating effective swallowing), thus preventing the liquid food from passively overflowing into the pharyngeal cavity during non-swallowing periods (such as when the liquid food pump is accidentally triggered or when food is continuously pushed), thereby reducing the risk of aspiration and choking.

[0055] Example 2:

[0056] As attached Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the difference from Embodiment 1 is that the feeding tube 5 is provided with a connector 6 at the end near the feeding pump 3. The connector 6 can be detachably engaged and fixed with the feeding tube 5. A fixing block with a corresponding cross-sectional shape of the guide tube 101 is also fixedly connected to the connector 6. The end of the connector 6 away from the feeding tube 5 is connected to the feeding pump 3 through a connecting pipe. The detachable engagement and fixation of the connector 6 with the feeding tube 5 facilitates the replacement and cleaning maintenance of the feeding tube 5. At the same time, the fixing block is adapted to the cross-sectional shape of the guide tube 101, which can restrict the circumferential relative rotation of the feeding tube 5 and the guide tube 101 when inserted, thereby ensuring the accurate directional positioning of the feeding port at the distal end of the feeding tube 5 and the electrical stimulation component, and improving the operability and stability of the device.

[0057] Example 3:

[0058] The difference from Example 2 is that a viscosity sensor (not shown in the attached figure) is embedded in the inner wall of the feeding tube 5. The viscosity sensor is electrically connected to the control host 1 and is used to detect the real-time viscosity value of the liquid food during the delivery process in the feeding tube 5. The control host 1 has pre-stored viscosity grading thresholds corresponding to the volumetric viscosity test (V-VST) evaluation standard, including low viscosity (thin liquid, corresponding to level 0 in V-VST), medium viscosity (syrupy liquid, corresponding to level 1 in V-VST), and high viscosity (pudding-like liquid, corresponding to level 2 in V-VST).

[0059] Volumetric viscosity testing is a commonly used tool for clinical assessment of dysphagia. By administering boluses of different viscosities and volumes, it observes the safety (whether coughing, changes in voice quality, or decreased blood oxygen saturation occur) and effectiveness (whether there is oropharyngeal residue, or multiple swallowing) of the patient during the swallowing process, thereby determining the viscosity grade of the bolus that the patient can safely eat.

[0060] Specifically, based on the evaluation results of the bedside volumetric viscosity test, the operator can input the viscosity threshold at which the patient can safely swallow (e.g., medium viscosity and below is safe, high viscosity is unsafe) on the touchscreen 2 of the control unit 1. During the startup process of the swallowing aid device, the viscosity sensor detects the viscosity of the liquid food in real time, and the control unit 1 compares the detected value with the preset threshold.

[0061] If the detected viscosity of the liquid food is lower than or equal to the patient's acceptable threshold, the control unit 1 allows the liquid food pump 3 to deliver the liquid food normally, and can automatically adjust the delivery flow rate of the liquid food pump 3 according to the viscosity value (appropriately reduce the flow rate to reduce the risk of aspiration when the viscosity is low, and appropriately increase the flow rate to provide pushing power when the viscosity is high).

[0062] If the detected viscosity of the liquid food exceeds the patient's acceptable threshold, the control unit 1 will issue an alarm signal (which can be displayed as a text prompt on the touch screen 2 or sounded by a buzzer) and control the liquid food pump 3 to stop working or limit its output flow. At the same time, it can send a prompt signal to the occlusal support component 7, suggesting that the operator change the food bolus to one that is suitable for the patient's swallowing ability or dilute the current liquid food.

[0063] In addition, the control unit 1 can correlate and record the viscosity detection data during each meal with the patient's swallowing events (which are judged by the combined signals fed back by the pressure-sensing component 9 and the pharyngeal electrical stimulation component 11) to form a patient's individualized swallowing ability-food bolus viscosity response curve, which can be used by clinicians to adjust treatment plans or assess rehabilitation progress.

[0064] 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 feeding aid for elderly people with swallowing difficulties, comprising a control host (1) for transmitting signals and processing data, wherein the control host (1) is equipped with a liquid feed pump (3) for dispensing liquid food, characterized in that, The output end of the liquid feed pump (3) is provided with a feeding tube (5). The end of the feeding tube (5) away from the liquid feed pump (3) is provided with a feeding valve assembly (12) that is closed in a natural state. The feeding valve assembly (12) is switched to the open state only when it is subjected to a certain pressure on the outer side wall. The feeding tube (5) is provided with an occlusal support component (7). The occlusal support component (7) is used to allow the patient to bite and provide elastic support to maintain the opening of the patient's mouth. The end of the feeding tube (5) away from the feed pump (3) passes through the occlusal support component (7) and is inserted through the patient's mouth to extend to the pharynx. A protective tube (8) is provided on one side of the occlusal support component (7). The protective tube (8) is sleeved and wrapped around the outside of the esophagus (5). A pressure-driven guide component (10) is provided inside the protective tube (8). A pressure-sensing component (9) is provided on the occlusal support component (7) for sensing the biting force of the patient. The pressure-driven guide component (10) drives the distal end of the protective tube (8) to produce an adaptive bend according to the biting force detected by the pressure-sensing component (9) to fit the patient's pharynx. The protective tube (8) is located away from the occlusal support component (7) and has a pharyngeal electrical stimulation component (11) at one end. The pharyngeal electrical stimulation component (11) is used to activate the sensory nerves in the patient's pharynx and induce the contraction of swallowing-related muscle groups.

2. The dysphagia eating assistance device for the elderly according to claim 1, characterized by The inner diameter of the protective tube (8) is larger than the outer diameter of the feeding tube (5).

3. The dysphagia eating assistance device for the elderly according to claim 2, characterized by The feeding valve assembly (12) includes an elastic diaphragm flap, which includes several leaflets, each of which is fixedly connected at one end to the inner wall of the feeding tube (5).

4. The dysphagia eating assistance device for the elderly according to claim 3, characterized by The occlusal support assembly (7) includes a housing (71) for fitting the outer side of the patient's upper and lower gums. A tube insertion hole (72) is provided on the housing (71), and a protective tube (8) passes through the tube insertion hole (72) and slides in cooperation with the side wall of the tube insertion hole (72).

5. The dysphagia eating assistance device for the elderly according to claim 4, characterized by The outer shell (71) is also provided with a sliding groove (73) located outside the insertion hole (72). Two sliding rods (74) are provided in the sliding groove (73). The sliding rods (74) are fixedly connected to the outer shell (71). Each sliding rod (74) is fitted with a slider (75) and slides on it. Each slider (75) is fixedly connected to an arc-shaped support tooth (76) on one side. Each slider (75) is provided with a spring (77) on the side of the insertion hole (72). Each spring (77) is fitted on the outside of the corresponding sliding rod (74). The two ends of the spring (77) are fixedly connected to the slider (75) and the outer shell (71) respectively.

6. The dysphagia eating assistance device for the elderly according to claim 5, characterized by The pressure-sensing component (9) includes a pressure-sensing airbag. The end of the pressure-sensing airbag away from the insertion hole (72) is fixedly connected to the bottom of the slider (75), and the end of the pressure-sensing airbag near the insertion hole (72) is fixedly connected to the inner wall of the sliding groove (73).

7. The dysphagia eating assistance device for the elderly according to claim 6, characterized by The pressure-driven guide assembly (10) includes a guide tube (101) integrally formed on the inner wall of the protective tube (8), a snake tube (102) slidably fitted inside the guide tube (101), and a telescopic bladder (103) connected to the pressure-sensing airbag inside the snake tube (102). The two ends of the telescopic bladder (103) are fixedly connected to the two ends of the snake tube (102) respectively.

8. The dysphagia eating assistance device for the elderly according to claim 7, characterized by The snake tube (102) includes several snake segments (102a), and a hinge (102b) is provided between adjacent snake segments (102a). When the expansion bladder (103) expands, each snake segment (102a) swings relative to the tongue body with the hinge (102b) as the fulcrum.

9. The dysphagia eating assistance device for the elderly according to claim 8, characterized by The pharyngeal electrical stimulation assembly (11) includes annular electrodes that are electrically connected to the control unit (1).

10. The dysphagia eating assistance device for the elderly according to claim 9, characterized by The feeding tube (5) has a connector (6) at one end near the liquid feeding pump (3). The connector (6) can be detachably engaged and fixed with the feeding tube (5). A fixing block corresponding to the guide tube (101) is also fixedly connected to the connector (6).

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