Tongue lifting trainer

Abstract

The utility model discloses a tongue lifting training device which comprises a handle and a tongue pressing part, and a plurality of protruding points are arranged on the top face and the bottom face of the tongue pressing part respectively. The convex points are arranged on the tongue pressing part, so that the tongue can be stimulated, the palate can also be stimulated, the tongue pressing part presses the tongue surface by operating the handle, tongue lifting resistance training can be realized, or the tongue pressing part is placed near the palate of a patient, the patient is advised to lift the tongue and extrude the tongue pressing part by the tongue surface, the tongue movement process during swallowing can be simulated, and the swallowing mode can be improved; therefore, the swallowing function of a patient with dysphagia is improved. In addition, indicating liquid is added into the tongue pressing part and the handle, the tongue presses the tongue pressing part during use, the indicating liquid is pressed into the handle, it can be visually seen that the indicating liquid flows along with changes of the tongue pressing force through the observation window, the changes of the tongue pressing force are quantized through the graduated scale, and a voice reminding device is arranged for auditory feedback. The use experience and the treatment effect are further improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of medical device technology, and more specifically, to a tongue elevation trainer. Background Technology

[0002] Tongue elevation training, also known as tongue lifting, is a method of tongue training that involves raising the tongue upwards. This training helps expand the tongue's range of motion, strengthen tongue muscles and improve tongue flexibility, increase coordination between the tongue and oral muscle groups, improve oral muscle dysfunction, and enhance speech speed and clarity, thereby helping patients with swallowing and articulation disorders recover their function. Currently, conventional tongue elevation training relies primarily on the trainee's own efforts. However, for patients with hemiplegia of the tongue muscles, it is difficult to control tongue movement during training. Most training equipment on the market aims to improve tongue flexibility and lacks products specifically designed for tongue elevation training. Patients often have to use spoons or sticks, which can easily cause tongue deviation and make it difficult to control and perceive the degree of tongue elevation, resulting in a poor user experience and difficulty in assessing the training effect. Utility Model Content

[0003] This utility model provides a tongue elevation trainer to solve the problems mentioned in the background art. To achieve the above objective, this utility model provides the following technical solution: a tongue elevation trainer, including a handle and a tongue depressor, wherein the tongue depressor is disposed on one end of the handle; the tongue depressor is made of soft silicone, and its top and bottom surfaces are respectively provided with a plurality of protrusions; the handle and the tongue depressor are an integrated spoon-shaped structure, and the integrated spoon-shaped structure can match the physiological curvature of the human palate.

[0004] Preferably, the interior of the tongue depressor is a hollow structure, comprising an upper plate and a lower plate, with a spring sheet between the upper plate and the lower plate to separate the upper plate and the lower plate, and the protrusion is located on the outer surface of the upper plate.

[0005] Preferably, a first electrode plate is provided on the inner side of the upper plate, and a second electrode plate is provided on the inner side of the lower plate, with the first electrode plate and the second electrode plate being arranged opposite each other; the handle is provided with a buzzer, a power supply module and a control module, and the first electrode plate, the second electrode plate, the buzzer and the power supply module are respectively connected to the control module.

[0006] Preferably, the tongue depressor and the handle have a communicating hollow cavity inside, the hollow cavity contains a colored indicator liquid, and the front of the handle has a transparent observation window.

[0007] Preferably, a scale is provided next to the observation window.

[0008] Preferably, the handle is equipped with a liquid level sensor inside, and a power supply module and a voice reminder device at the end; the liquid level sensor is used to detect the liquid level of the indicating liquid, the liquid level sensor is connected to the voice reminder device, the power supply module is connected to the voice reminder device, and the voice reminder device is used to issue voice reminders to the outside world.

[0009] Preferably, the liquid level sensor is a capacitive liquid level sensor or an electrode-type liquid level switch.

[0010] Preferably, the handle has anti-slip textures on both sides.

[0011] Preferably, the width of the tongue depressor is greater than the width of the handle, the thickness of the tongue depressor is 5-10 mm, and the thickness of the handle is the same as the thickness of the tongue depressor.

[0012] Preferably, the front end of the tongue depressor has an upward-curved front flange.

[0013] Compared with existing technologies, the beneficial effects of this invention are as follows: This invention has a reasonable design and simple structure. The protrusions on the tongue depressor stimulate both the tongue and the palate. By pressing the tongue tip against the handle, the tongue can be induced and guided to rise. The handle also allows the tongue depressor to press against the tongue surface, enabling resistance training for tongue elevation, thereby improving tongue movement ability and helping to improve speech and swallowing dysfunction. Furthermore, this invention incorporates hollow cavities within the tongue depressor and handle, filled with a colored indicator liquid for visual feedback. During use, squeezing the tongue depressor with the tongue pushes the indicator liquid into the handle, allowing the pressure to be visually observed through a viewing window. A scale further aids in monitoring progress. Additionally, a voice prompt device provides auditory feedback to enhance the user experience, enabling trainees to better perceive the degree of tongue elevation and the intensity of tongue pressure, thus better assessing the training effect. Attached Figure Description

[0014] Figure 1 This is a structural diagram of the tongue elevation trainer according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0015] Figure 2 This is a side view of the tongue elevation trainer according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0016] Figure 3 This is a structural diagram of another embodiment of the tongue elevation trainer of this utility model;

[0017] exist Figures 1 to 3 In the diagram, the correspondence between the component names and the drawing numbers is as follows:

[0018] 1--Handle, 11--Observation window, 12--Scale, 2--Tongue depressor, 21--Upper plate, 22--Lower plate, 3--Protrusion. Detailed Implementation

[0019] The embodiments of this utility model will be described in further detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and examples. The accompanying drawings are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure. The following examples are used to illustrate this utility model, but should not be used to limit the scope of this utility model.

[0020] In the description of this utility model, unless otherwise stated, "a plurality of" means two or more; the terms "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "inner," "outer," "front end," "rear end," "head," "tail," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing this utility model and 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, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this utility model. In addition, the terms "first," "second," "third," etc., are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0021] In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "connected" and "linked" 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. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model based on the specific circumstances.

[0022] Please refer to Figures 1 to 3 This utility model provides a tongue-lifting trainer, including a handle 1 and a tongue-pressing part 2. The tongue-pressing part 2 is located on one end of the handle 1. The tongue-pressing part 2 is made of soft silicone, and its top and bottom surfaces are respectively provided with a number of protrusions 3. The handle 1 and the tongue-pressing part 2 are an integrated spoon-shaped structure, and the integrated spoon-shaped structure can match the physiological curvature of the human palate.

[0023] This invention is used for tongue elevation resistance training in patients with swallowing dysfunction. The tongue depressor 2 features a double-sided protrusion structure with protrusions 3 on both the top and bottom surfaces, allowing simultaneous stimulation of the tongue surface and the palate. During use, the handle 1 is held by the trainee, and the tongue depressor 2 is inserted into the mouth and applied to the tongue tip, lifting it. The protrusions 3 stimulate both the tongue and the palate, and also provide anti-slip protection, preventing the tongue tip from slipping off the tongue depressor 2. To better conform to the physiological curvature of the palate and the physiological changes in tongue position and shape during swallowing, this embodiment integrates the handle 1 and the tongue depressor 2 into a spoon shape, which is more biomechanically sound. Some patients experience reduced saliva secretion and dry, fragile oral mucosa due to nerve damage or radiotherapy. Using soft silicone can prevent damage to the oral mucosa during treatment, improving the user experience.

[0024] Preferably, the tongue depressor 2 has a hollow internal structure, comprising an upper plate 21 and a lower plate 22. A spring sheet is provided between the upper plate 21 and the lower plate 22, which holds the upper plate 21 and the lower plate 22 apart. During tongue-raising exercises, the tongue depressor 2 raises the tongue, and the tongue also presses against the tongue depressor 2. Since the tongue depressor 2 is made of silicone, its texture is relatively soft and cannot provide good support. Therefore, in this embodiment, a spring sheet is provided between the upper plate 21 and the lower plate 22 of the tongue depressor 2. The spring sheet separates the upper plate 21 and the lower plate 22 and provides certain support, so that the tongue is well supported when raised.

[0025] Preferably, a first electrode plate is provided on the inner side of the upper plate 21, and a second electrode plate is provided on the inner side of the lower plate 22, with the first and second electrode plates positioned opposite each other. The handle 1 contains a buzzer, a power supply module, and a control module, with the first and second electrode plates, the buzzer, and the power supply module respectively connected to the control module. When the upper plate 21 is compressed and close to the lower plate 22, the first and second electrode plates connect, the buzzer activates, and an audible alert is issued to remind the trainee of the tongue's upward movement.

[0026] Preferably, the tongue depressor 2 and the handle 1 have a communicating hollow cavity inside, the hollow cavity contains a colored indicator liquid, and the front of the handle 1 has a transparent observation window 11. Please refer to... Figure 3In this embodiment, the tongue depressor 2 and the handle 1 are hollow, and colored indicator liquid is added inside the hollow cavity for visual feedback. When the trainee uses the tongue depressor 2 to lift the tongue, the tongue will squeeze the tongue depressor 2. At this time, the colored indicator liquid inside the tongue depressor 2 is forced into the handle 1. The trainee can quickly observe the position of the liquid with their peripheral vision, thereby judging the degree of tongue depressor. Combined with the degree of hand lifting, the trainee can assess whether the tongue has been lifted to the correct position.

[0027] Preferably, a scale 12 is provided next to the observation window 11; please refer to... Figure 3 In this embodiment, adding a scale 12 can improve the accuracy of the evaluation.

[0028] Preferably, the handle 1 has a liquid level sensor inside and a power supply module and a voice reminder device at its end. The liquid level sensor is used to detect the liquid level of the indicator liquid. The liquid level sensor is connected to the voice reminder device, and the power supply module is connected to the voice reminder device. The voice reminder device is used to issue a voice reminder. In this embodiment, for those with poor eyesight or difficulty in observing the liquid level of the indicator liquid, a voice reminder can be used for auditory feedback. Specifically, when the tongue presses against the tongue tip 2, the indicator liquid flows back to the handle 1, triggering the liquid level sensor. The liquid level sensor sends a signal to the voice reminder device, which then issues a voice reminder, allowing the trainee to quickly perceive the liquid level. The power supply module provides power to the liquid level sensor and the voice reminder module.

[0029] Preferably, the liquid level sensor is a capacitive liquid level sensor or an electrode-type liquid level switch.

[0030] Preferably, the handle 1 has anti-slip textures on both sides.

[0031] Preferably, the width of the tongue depressor 2 is greater than the width of the handle 1, the thickness of the tongue depressor 2 is 5-10 mm, and the thickness of the handle 1 is the same as the thickness of the tongue depressor 2. With this structural design, the tongue depressor 2 is made larger and thinner, while the handle 1 is narrower to facilitate tongue insertion, making training very convenient and allowing stimulation of both the tongue and the palate.

[0032] Preferably, the front end of the tongue depressor 2 is provided with an upward-curving front flange. In this embodiment, by providing a front flange at the front end of the tongue depressor 2, the front flange is an upward-curving structure, which can better contact the palate.

[0033] Compared with existing technologies, the advantages of this invention are as follows: This invention has a reasonable design and simple structure. The protrusions on the tongue depressor stimulate both the tongue and the palate. By pressing the tongue tip against the handle, the tongue can be lifted, thus aiding in tongue training. Furthermore, this invention incorporates hollow cavities within the tongue depressor and handle, filled with a colored indicator liquid for visual feedback. During use, squeezing the tongue depressor forces the indicator liquid into the handle, allowing the pressure to be visually observed through a viewing window. A scale further enhances the progress. Additionally, a voice prompt device provides auditory feedback, improving the user experience and enabling trainees to better perceive the degree of tongue lifting and downward pressure, thus better assessing the training effect.

[0034] The embodiments of this utility model are given for illustrative and descriptive purposes only, and are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the utility model to the forms disclosed. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to better illustrate the principles and practical applications of this utility model, and to enable those skilled in the art to understand this utility model and design various embodiments with various modifications suitable for a particular purpose.

Claims

1. A tongue lift trainer, characterized in that, It includes a handle (1) and a tongue depressor (2), the tongue depressor being located on one end of the handle; the tongue depressor is made of soft silicone, and its top and bottom surfaces are respectively provided with several protrusions (3); the handle and the tongue depressor are an integrated spoon-shaped structure, and the integrated spoon-shaped structure can match the physiological curvature of the human palate; the tongue depressor and the handle are provided with a communicating hollow cavity, the hollow cavity is provided with a colored indicator liquid, and the front of the handle is provided with a transparent observation window (11).

2. The tongue lift trainer of claim 1, wherein, The interior of the tongue depressor is a hollow structure, which includes an upper plate (21) and a lower plate (22). A spring sheet is provided between the upper plate and the lower plate, and the spring sheet holds the upper plate and the lower plate apart.

3. The tongue lift trainer of claim 2, wherein, The upper plate has a first electrode plate on its inner side, and the lower plate has a second electrode plate on its inner side. The first electrode plate and the second electrode plate are arranged opposite each other. The handle contains a buzzer, a power supply module, and a control module. The first electrode plate, the second electrode plate, the buzzer, and the power supply module are respectively connected to the control module.

4. The tongue lift trainer of claim 1, wherein, A scale (12) is provided next to the observation window.

5. The tongue lift trainer of claim 4, wherein, The handle is equipped with a liquid level sensor inside, and a power supply module and a voice reminder device at the end; the liquid level sensor is used to detect the liquid level of the indicated liquid, the liquid level sensor is connected to the voice reminder device, the power supply module is connected to the voice reminder device, and the voice reminder device is used to issue voice reminders to the outside world.

6. The tongue lift trainer of claim 5, wherein, The liquid level sensor is either a capacitive liquid level sensor or an electrode-type liquid level switch.

7. The tongue lift trainer according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that The handle has anti-slip textures on both sides.

8. The tongue lift trainer of claim 1, wherein, The width of the tongue depressor is greater than the width of the handle, the thickness of the tongue depressor is 5-10 mm, and the thickness of the handle is the same as the thickness of the tongue depressor.

9. The tongue lift trainer of claim 8, wherein, The front end of the tongue depressor is provided with an upward-curving front flange.

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