Tongue muscle training measurer

Abstract

The utility model relates to the field of rehabilitation, and discloses a tongue muscle training measurer. The device comprises a training platform, a tongue muscle pushing sliding rod and a handheld part. The training platform is in a sheet shape and comprises a near end and a far end, the near end of the training platform is attached to the tongue base in shape, the near end of the training platform is configured to partially stretch into the tongue base of a patient, and a groove body is formed in the training platform. The tongue muscle pushing sliding rod comprises a seat body and a training part, the seat body is arranged at the lower end of the training part, the seat body of the tongue muscle pushing sliding rod is inserted into the groove body of the training platform, the training part is arranged above the upper surface of the training platform, the training part abuts against the tongue tip of the patient, and the training part is used for providing resistance when the tongue of the patient pushes the tongue muscle pushing sliding rod to move towards the far end of the groove body. The lower surface of the training platform is connected with a handheld part, and the handheld part is used for being held by a patient. By adopting the device, the patient with tongue muscle degeneration can be assisted in initiative training, and the training effect can be dynamically measured.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the field of rehabilitation, and in particular to a tongue muscle training measuring device that can dynamically record patient training results. Background Art

[0002] This section is intended to provide a background or context for the embodiments of the present application as stated in the claims. The contents in this section are for reference only and do not constitute an admission or confirmation that they are prior art that has been disclosed.

[0003] With the accelerated development of the global aging population, the incidence of dysphagia in the elderly population has increased significantly, especially in elderly patients with cerebrovascular disease, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and diabetes. Dysphagia not only seriously affects the daily quality of life of elderly patients, but also has an adverse effect on their recovery process. Tongue muscle weakness, stiffness and posterior prolapse, and uncoordinated extension and contraction are the main causes of slurred speech and dysphagia in elderly patients. These problems have not been effectively solved in the existing technology.

[0004] Currently, similar products on the market have significant shortcomings in tongue muscle training, primarily due to a lack of dynamic assessment and measurement capabilities for training effectiveness, making it impossible to monitor and provide real-time feedback on training results. Existing devices typically rely primarily on passive training, which fails to meet the needs of elderly patients for effective rehabilitation training. This results in slow tongue muscle recovery and further exacerbates dysphagia symptoms. This situation urgently requires technological innovation to provide more comprehensive training and assessment methods, thereby improving rehabilitation outcomes and quality of life for elderly patients. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this application is to provide a tongue muscle training measuring device that can assist patients with tongue muscle degeneration to actively train and dynamically measure the training effect.

[0006] The present application discloses a tongue muscle training and measuring device, comprising: a training platform 1, a tongue muscle pushing slide bar 2, and a handheld part 3;

[0007] The training platform 1 is in the shape of a thin sheet and includes a proximal end and a distal end. The proximal end of the training platform 1 conforms to the shape of the tongue base and is configured to partially extend into the tongue base of the patient. A groove 4 is formed on the training platform 1.

[0008] The tongue muscle pushing slide bar 2 includes a seat body 21 and a training portion 22. The seat body 21 is provided at the lower end of the training portion 22. The seat body 21 of the tongue muscle pushing slide bar 2 is inserted into the groove body 4 of the training platform 1. The training portion 22 is arranged above the upper surface of the training platform 1. The training portion 22 abuts against the tip of the patient's tongue. The training portion 22 is used to provide resistance when the patient's tongue pushes the tongue muscle pushing slide bar 2 toward the distal end of the groove body 4.

[0009] The lower surface of the training platform 1 is connected to the hand-held portion 3 , and the hand-held portion 3 is used for being held by a patient.

[0010] In a preferred embodiment, it further includes a gum fixing bracket 5;

[0011] The gum fixing tray 5 includes an oral fixing plate and a supporting portion, wherein the supporting portion is connected to the lower surface of the training platform 1 and is located in the proximal region of the training platform 1. Both sides of the supporting portion are integrally connected to the oral fixing plate. The supporting portion is arranged between the patient's gums and the inner lip wall of the lower lip. The oral fixing plate is in contact with the inner walls of the patient's mouth on both sides. The gum fixing tray 5 is configured to fix the training platform 1 in the oral cavity.

[0012] In a preferred example, a scale 6 is provided on the upper surface of the training platform 1, and the scale 6 is set starting from the first end of the groove body 4. The scale 6 is configured to measure the distance that the patient's tongue pushes the tongue muscle to push the slide bar 2 toward the distal end of the groove body 4.

[0013] In a preferred example, the scale 6 is provided on one side or both sides of the trough body 4 .

[0014] In a preferred embodiment, the length of the scale 6 is 0 cm-6 cm.

[0015] In a preferred embodiment, the training portion 22 is annular in shape, and the annular inner ring of the training portion 22 is for the patient's tongue tip to extend into to push the tongue muscle to push the slide bar 2 to move.

[0016] In a preferred embodiment, the training portion 22 is in the shape of a sheet, and the inner wall of the training portion 22 is for the patient's tongue tip to press against to push the tongue muscle to push the sliding rod 2 to move.

[0017] In a preferred example, the tongue muscle pushes the sliding rod 2 in one or more ways. When there are multiple tongue muscle pushes the sliding rod 2 , they are sequentially arranged in the groove body 4 .

[0018] In a preferred example, the distance between the proximal end of the trough body 4 and the proximal end of the training platform 1 is greater than 0, and the distance between the distal end of the trough body 4 and the distal end of the training platform 1 is greater than 0.

[0019] In a preferred embodiment, the hand-held portion 3 is sheet-shaped or ring-shaped.

[0020] In the embodiment of the present application, the proximal end of the training platform fits the shape of the base of the tongue and partially extends into the base of the patient's tongue to ensure stable positioning and precise training. The seat of the tongue muscle pushes the slide bar to insert into the groove of the training platform, and the training part is against the tip of the patient's tongue, so that the slide bar provides appropriate resistance when the tongue is pushed, thereby effectively activating the tongue muscle and enhancing its strength and coordination. The sliding cooperation between the groove and the slide bar ensures the stability of the movement, avoids offset or jamming, and improves the accuracy of the training. The handheld part is connected to the training platform to facilitate the patient to hold and control the device, enhance operability and user experience. Through the synergistic effect of the above structures, the present application provides an active, dynamic and controllable tongue muscle training environment, which helps to improve the tongue muscle function of elderly patients and enhance the rehabilitation effect of swallowing disorders.

[0021] Furthermore, by setting up a gum fixation tray, the training platform can be stably fixed in the patient's mouth, avoiding the displacement of the equipment during training, ensuring the effectiveness and safety of the training. The oral fixation plate of the gum fixation tray fits the inner wall of the patient's mouth, further enhancing the stability of the equipment. It is particularly suitable for occasions that require precise positioning and long-term training.

[0022] Furthermore, the upper surface of the training platform is provided with a scale for measuring the movement distance of the patient's tongue in pushing the slider. This design not only provides a means to quantitatively evaluate the effect of tongue muscle training, but also makes the training process more visual and accurate. The setting position and length of the scale are designed to be flexible and can adapt to the needs of different patients, further improving the applicability of the equipment.

[0023] Furthermore, in view of the different shape designs of the training part, two options, ring-shaped and sheet-shaped, are provided, which are suitable for different tongue tip contact methods to meet the differentiated needs of individual patients. By designing multiple tongue muscles to push the slide bar, phased training is achieved, enhancing the diversity and effect of training. In addition, the sheet or ring-shaped design of the handheld part further improves the grip comfort and operation convenience of the device, adapting to the usage habits of different patients.

[0024] The specification of this application records a large number of technical features, which are distributed in various technical solutions. If all possible combinations of technical features of this application (i.e., technical solutions) are to be listed, the specification will be too lengthy. In order to avoid this problem, the various technical features disclosed in the above-mentioned invention content of this application, the various technical features disclosed in the various embodiments and examples below, and the various technical features disclosed in the accompanying drawings can be freely combined with each other to form various new technical solutions (these technical solutions are all deemed to have been recorded in this specification), unless such a combination of technical features is technically infeasible. For example, in one example, feature A+B+C is disclosed, and in another example, feature A+B+D+E is disclosed. Features C and D are equivalent technical means that play the same role. Technically, only one of them can be used, and it is impossible to use them at the same time. Feature E can be technically combined with feature C. Then, the solution of A+B+C+D should not be considered as having been recorded because it is technically infeasible, while the solution of A+B+C+E should be considered as having been recorded. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] Figure 1 is a structural schematic diagram of a tongue muscle training measuring device according to one embodiment of the present application;

[0026] Figure 2 It is a structural schematic diagram of the tongue muscle pushing the sliding rod according to one embodiment of the present application.

[0027] Description of reference numerals:

[0028] 1-training platform; 2-lingual muscle push slide; 21-base; 22-training part; 3-handheld part; 4-slot body; 5-gingival fixation bracket; 6-scale ruler. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0029] In the following description, many technical details are provided to help readers better understand this application. However, those skilled in the art will understand that even without these technical details and various changes and modifications based on the following embodiments, the technical solutions claimed in this application can be implemented.

[0030] Explanation of terms

[0031] As used herein, "proximal" refers to a direction or portion of a training platform or related component that is closer to the user's body, while "distal" refers to a side or portion that is relatively farther away from the user's body.

[0032] In order to make the objectives, technical solutions and advantages of this application clearer, the implementation methods of this application will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0033] This application relates to a tongue muscle training measuring device, the structure of which is shown in FIG. Figure 1 As shown, it includes: a training platform 1, a tongue muscle pushing slide bar 2 and a handheld part 3.

[0034] The training platform 1 is in the form of a thin sheet and includes a proximal end and a distal end. The proximal end of the training platform 1 conforms to the shape of the tongue base and is configured to partially extend into the base of the patient's tongue. A slot 4 is provided on the training platform 1. The tongue muscle push slider 2 includes a seat 21 and a training portion 22. The lower end of the training portion 22 is provided with the seat 21. The seat 21 of the tongue muscle push slider 2 is inserted into the slot 4 of the training platform 1. The training portion 22 is disposed above the upper surface of the training platform 1 and abuts against the tip of the patient's tongue. The training portion 22 is used to provide resistance when the patient's tongue pushes the tongue muscle push slider 2 toward the distal end of the slot 4. The lower surface of the training platform 1 is connected to a handheld portion 3, which is used for the patient to hold.

[0035] In an optional embodiment, a gum fixation plate 5 may also be included. The gum fixation plate 5 includes an oral fixation plate and a support portion. The support portion is connected to the lower surface of the training platform 1 and is located in the proximal region of the training platform 1. Both sides of the support portion are integrally connected to the oral fixation plate. The support portion is positioned between the patient's gums and the inner wall of the lower lip. The oral fixation plate is in contact with the inner walls of the patient's mouth on both sides. The gum fixation plate 5 is configured to secure the training platform 1 in the oral cavity.

[0036] In an optional embodiment, the gum retainer 5 can be in the form of a dental brace, providing a more stable and comfortable fixation. This dental brace design allows for a closer fit with the patient's gums and oral lining, effectively preventing the device from shifting or sliding during training. This dental brace design can also be customized to the patient's oral shape, further enhancing wearing comfort and secure fixation, ensuring the trainer's stability and precision during use, making it suitable for prolonged wear and training.

[0037] In an optional embodiment, the upper surface of the training platform 1 can be provided with a scale 6, which is set starting from the first end of the groove body 4. The scale 6 is configured to measure the distance that the patient's tongue pushes the tongue muscle to push the slide bar 2 toward the distal end of the groove body 4.

[0038] In an optional embodiment, the training platform 1 may be 7 cm to 8 cm long and 2 cm to 4 cm wide, preferably 3 cm wide.

[0039] In an optional embodiment, the scale 6 can be provided on one side or both sides of the trough body 4 .

[0040] In an optional embodiment, the length of scale 6 can be 0 cm to 6 cm. Generally, the range of tongue extension is 2 cm to 3 cm, and the length of scale 6 can be greater than the range of tongue extension. Through scale 6, patients or medical personnel can visually observe the specific distance the tongue pushes the slider, thereby quantifying the effectiveness of each training session.

[0041] In an optional embodiment, the training portion 22 may be annular in shape, and the annular inner ring of the training portion 22 is for the patient's tongue tip to extend into to push the tongue muscles to push the slide bar 2 to move.

[0042] In an optional embodiment, the training portion 22 may be in the shape of a sheet, and the inner wall of the training portion 22 is for the patient's tongue tip to press against to push the tongue muscles to move the slide bar 2 .

[0043] In an optional embodiment, the tongue muscle pushing slide bar 2 can be one or more, and when there are multiple tongue muscle pushing slide bars 2, they are sequentially arranged in the groove body 4. When multiple slide bars are provided, they are arranged sequentially in the groove body 4. This design allows the difficulty of training to be gradually increased, and the strength and flexibility training of the tongue muscles can be enhanced by pushing multiple slide bars simultaneously or sequentially. The setting of multiple slide bars can simulate different tongue muscle movement modes and paths, providing a more comprehensive training effect. In addition, this configuration can also flexibly adjust the number and arrangement of the slide bars according to the patient's specific rehabilitation needs, and further customize the training plan to maximize the patient's rehabilitation effect and training efficiency.

[0044] In an optional embodiment, the distance between the proximal end of the groove body 4 and the proximal end of the training platform 1 is greater than 0, and the distance between the distal end of the groove body 4 and the distal end of the training platform 1 is greater than 0.

[0045] In an optional embodiment, the handheld portion 3 can be sheet-shaped or ring-shaped. The sheet-shaped handheld portion 3 is simpler, easier to hold and operate, and is suitable for elderly patients with weaker hand strength. The ring-shaped handheld portion 3, on the other hand, provides a more secure grip, better preventing the device from slipping during training, and is suitable for patients requiring higher control precision or for use in more complex training environments. Furthermore, the shape of the handheld portion 3 can be customized to suit different usage scenarios, improving the overall applicability and user experience of the trainer.

[0046] In an optional embodiment, the tongue muscle training device can be constructed from easy-to-clean materials, such as medical-grade silicone or sterilizable plastic. These materials offer excellent durability and antimicrobial properties, and can withstand high-temperature sterilization or chemical cleaning, ensuring the device remains hygienic and safe during repeated use. Furthermore, these materials can extend the device's lifespan, reduce performance degradation due to material aging or wear, and further enhance the device's reliability and patient comfort.

[0047] In order to better understand the technical solution of the present application, a specific example is provided below for illustration. The details listed in the example are mainly for ease of understanding and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present application.

[0048] The present invention relates to a tongue muscle training measuring instrument, which aims to provide a convenient tongue muscle training measuring instrument with detection and evaluation functions, so as to improve the extension and contraction ability of the tongue muscles, promote tongue movement rehabilitation, and dynamically measure the training effect, thereby playing a positive role in treating swallowing disorders and improving speech function.

[0049] In a specific embodiment, the tongue muscle training measuring device includes a thin sheet-shaped training platform 1 , one or more tongue muscle pushing slide bars 2 , a handheld portion 3 , and a gum fixing bracket 5 .

[0050] The proximal end of the training platform 1 is designed to fit the shape of the patient's tongue base and be able to partially extend into the patient's tongue base, thereby ensuring the stable positioning of the trainer in the oral cavity. A groove 4 is provided on the training platform 1 for the tongue muscles to push the slide bar 2 to insert and slide. A scale 6 is provided on the upper surface of the training platform 1. The scale 6 is set from the first end of the groove 4 and is used to measure the distance that the patient's tongue pushes the slide bar toward the distal end of the groove 4 to accurately evaluate the effect of each training. The scale 6 can be set on one side or both sides of the groove 4, with a scale range of 0 cm to 6 cm, to facilitate the training needs of different patients.

[0051] The tongue muscle pushing slider 2 includes a seat 21 and a training portion 22. The lower end of the training portion 22 is provided with a seat 21, and the seat 21 is inserted into the groove 4 of the training platform 1, so that the slider can slide along the groove 4 when the patient's tongue pushes. The training portion 22 is located above the training platform 1 and is against the tip of the patient's tongue. The patient actively pushes the slider through the tongue, and the slider generates corresponding resistance, thereby actively training the tongue muscles. The training portion 22 of the slider can be designed to be annular or sheet-shaped, and the annular inner ring is for the patient's tongue tip to extend into to push the slider to move, while the sheet-shaped inner wall is for the patient's tongue tip to resist to push the slider to move. Multiple sliders can be arranged in the groove 4 in sequence to increase the resistance and difficulty of the training and further enhance the training effect of the tongue muscles.

[0052] A portion of the gum retainer 5 is connected to the lower surface of the training platform 1 and primarily comprises an oral retainer and a support portion. The support portion is located proximally of the training platform 1, positioned between the patient's gums and the inner wall of the lower lip. The oral retainer conforms to the inner walls of the patient's mouth, securing the entire training platform 1 in place within the oral cavity. This prevents movement during training and ensures accurate and effective training. The gum retainer 5 can be made of a soft material such as silicone, ensuring both comfortable wear and sufficient retention strength.

[0053] The handheld portion 3 is connected to the lower surface of the training platform 1 and is designed as a sheet or ring structure, which makes it convenient for the patient or the person measuring to hold and control the trainer so as to make precise adjustments and operations during use.

[0054] The tongue muscle training measuring device of the present invention can also be manufactured from different materials, including easy-to-clean materials, according to the patient's needs, to ensure that the device remains hygienic and safe during repeated use. Alternatively, the tongue muscle training measuring device of the present invention can also be disposable.

[0055] It should be noted that the drawings are only used to illustrate the embodiments of the present invention and should not be understood as limiting the scope of protection of the present invention. The scope of the present invention should be based on the appended claims and cover all equivalent variations and modifications that fall within the scope of the claims.

[0056] It should be noted that in this patent application, relational terms such as first and second, etc., are used solely to distinguish one entity or operation from another, and do not necessarily require or imply any actual relationship or order between these entities or operations. Furthermore, the terms "comprise," "include," or any other variations thereof are intended to encompass non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus comprising a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not explicitly listed, or elements inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. Without further limitation, an element specified by the phrase "comprising a" does not preclude the presence of additional identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus comprising the element. In this patent application, reference to performing an action in accordance with an element means performing the action in accordance with at least that element, including two situations: performing the action in accordance with that element alone, and performing the action in accordance with that element and other elements. Expressions such as "plurality," "multiple times," and "many" include "two," "twice," "two kinds," and "more than two," "more than two times," and "more than two kinds."

[0057] All documents mentioned in this application are considered to be included in their entirety in the disclosure of this application so that they can be used as a basis for modification when necessary. In addition, it should be understood that after reading the above disclosure of this application, those skilled in the art may make various changes or modifications to this application, and these equivalent forms also fall within the scope of protection claimed in this application.

Claims

1. A tongue muscle training measuring device, characterized in that: include: Training platform (1), tongue muscle pushing slide bar (2) and handheld part (3); The training platform (1) is in the shape of a thin sheet and comprises a proximal end and a distal end. The proximal end of the training platform (1) is in conformity with the shape of the tongue base. The proximal end of the training platform (1) is configured to partially extend into the tongue base of the patient. A groove (4) is provided on the training platform (1); The tongue muscle pushing slide bar (2) comprises a seat body (21) and a training portion (22), the seat body (21) is provided at the lower end of the training portion (22), the seat body (21) of the tongue muscle pushing slide bar (2) is inserted into the groove body (4) of the training platform (1), the training portion (22) is arranged above the upper surface of the training platform (1), the training portion (22) is against the tip of the patient's tongue, and the training portion (22) is used to provide resistance when the patient's tongue pushes the tongue muscle pushing slide bar (2) toward the distal end of the groove body (4); The lower surface of the training platform (1) is connected to the handheld portion (3), and the handheld portion (3) is used for being held by a patient.

2. The tongue muscle training measuring device according to claim 1, wherein: Also included is a gum retainer (5); The gum fixing tray (5) includes an oral fixing plate and a support portion, wherein the support portion is connected to the lower surface of the training platform (1) and is located in the proximal region of the training platform (1). Both sides of the support portion are integrally connected to the oral fixing plate. The support portion is arranged between the patient's gums and the inner lip wall of the lower lip. The oral fixing plate is in contact with the inner walls of the patient's mouth on both sides. The gum fixing tray (5) is configured to fix the training platform (1) in the oral cavity.

3. The tongue muscle training measuring device according to claim 1, wherein: The upper surface of the training platform (1) is provided with a scale (6), which is set starting from the first end of the slot body (4). The scale (6) is configured to measure the distance that the patient's tongue pushes the tongue muscle to push the slide bar (2) toward the distal end of the slot body (4).

4. The tongue muscle training measuring device according to claim 3, wherein: The scale (6) is arranged on one side or both sides of the trough body (4).

5. The tongue muscle training measuring device according to claim 3, wherein: The length of the scale (6) is 0 cm-6 cm.

6. The tongue muscle training measuring device according to claim 1, wherein: The training portion (22) is annular in shape, and the annular inner ring of the training portion (22) is for the patient's tongue tip to extend into to push the tongue muscle to push the slide bar (2) to move.

7. The tongue muscle training measuring device according to claim 1, wherein: The training portion (22) is in the shape of a sheet, and the inner wall of the training portion (22) is for the patient's tongue tip to press against so as to push the tongue muscle to push the slide bar (2) to move.

8. The tongue muscle training measuring device according to claim 1, wherein: The tongue muscle push slide bar (2) is one or more, and when there are multiple tongue muscle push slide bars (2), they are sequentially arranged in the groove body (4).

9. The tongue muscle training measuring device according to claim 1, wherein: There is a distance greater than 0 between the proximal end of the trough body (4) and the proximal end of the training platform (1), and there is a distance greater than 0 between the distal end of the trough body (4) and the distal end of the training platform (1).

10. The tongue muscle training measuring device according to claim 1, wherein: The hand-held part (3) is sheet-shaped or ring-shaped.

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