Adjustable bionic tongue sleeve type straw

Abstract

The utility model provides an adjustable bionic tongue sleeve type suction tube, which belongs to the technical field of suction tubes and comprises a bionic tongue sleeve. Comprising a silica gel base body, a plurality of main flow channels formed in the upper layer of the tongue face part of the silica gel base body, a main flow dividing groove formed in the silica gel base body and communicated with the confluence ends of the main flow channels, a flow dividing cavity formed in the lower layer of the tongue face part of the silica gel base body, and a plurality of auxiliary flow dividing grooves formed in the bottom of an inner cavity of the flow dividing cavity. The main channel and the auxiliary channel operate independently, the taste bud area is covered in a directional mode through the micro-flow through holes of the auxiliary channel, the main channel avoids the sensitive area, liquid mixing is effectively prevented, meanwhile, the drinking taste is improved through trace flavor liquid, and the drinking desire is stimulated; by means of the more than eight main flow channels distributed in the radial shape and the detachable channel plugs, a user can freely block part of the channels, the liquid flowing path and flow distribution are dynamically changed, and the comfort experience of the user can be improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model belongs to the field of straw technology, specifically relating to an adjustable bionic tongue-shaped straw. Background Technology

[0002] The desire for food and health are a binary contradiction. People often drink too many beverages to satisfy their cravings, leading to excessive intake of sugar and additives, which affects their health. Furthermore, more than half of the population does not drink enough water and needs to find a way to enhance the taste of drinking water so that drinking water becomes an enjoyable experience without harming their health.

[0003] In existing technologies, conventional straws are mostly single-channel structures, limited to conveying liquids and unable to achieve differentiated control of liquid flow paths. For example, traditional straws lack designs adapted to the physiological characteristics of the oral cavity; when liquid directly contacts the tongue, it easily covers the entire taste bud area, resulting in a monotonous taste when drinking plain water for a long time, failing to stimulate the desire to drink. In addition, although some adjustable straws can change shape by bending or stretching, their adjustment mechanisms lack stability and are prone to displacement due to oral movements or liquid pressure, affecting the user experience. Existing technologies also have dual-channel straw designs, but these are mostly used to separate different liquids, failing to effectively solve the problem of mixing primary and secondary liquids, and lacking targeted flow optimization for taste bud sensitive areas, making it difficult to enhance the drinking pleasure with trace amounts of flavorful liquids. These problems make it difficult for existing straws to simultaneously meet the needs of healthy drinking and taste enjoyment. Utility Model Content

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide an adjustable bionic tongue-shaped straw, which aims to solve the problems mentioned in the background art.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model provides the following technical solution:

[0006] An adjustable bionic tongue-shaped straw includes,

[0007] A bionic tongue sleeve includes a silicone substrate, several main channels formed on the upper layer of the silicone substrate tongue surface, a main diversion groove formed inside the silicone substrate and connected to the confluence ends of the main channels, a diversion cavity formed on the lower layer of the silicone substrate tongue surface, several secondary diversion grooves formed at the bottom of the inner cavity of the diversion cavity, and a micro-flow hole formed in the inner cavity of the silicone substrate and connected to the secondary diversion grooves; (the description is easily misunderstood).

[0008] The port assembly includes a base disposed on the tip of the silicone substrate, a main insertion hole opened on one side inside the base, and a secondary insertion hole opened on the other side inside the base;

[0009] Several of the sub-diversion channels are distributed in a crisscrossing curve pattern on the lower layer of the tongue-shaped surface of the silicone substrate.

[0010] As a preferred embodiment of this utility model, the end of the main insertion hole is connected to the main adapter pipe, and the other end of the main adapter pipe is connected to the main diversion groove;

[0011] The secondary connector is connected to a secondary adapter pipe, and the other end of the secondary adapter pipe is connected to the diversion cavity.

[0012] In a preferred embodiment of this utility model, the number of main channels is not less than 8, and they are arranged radially. The main channels extend through to the tongue end of the silicone substrate and are connected with channel plugs. The number of channel plugs is not less than half the number of main channels, and the flow path is changed by utilizing the flexibility of the channel plugs to block the main channels.

[0013] As a preferred embodiment of this utility model, the inner diameter of the micro-flow hole is 0.2mm, the distance between two adjacent micro-flow holes is 2-5mm, and the density gradually decreases from the tip of the tongue to the root of the tongue.

[0014] As a preferred embodiment of this utility model, the end of the silicone substrate near the port assembly is designed with a curved arc, and the thickness of the tongue surface of the silicone substrate is greater than the thickness of the bottom of the tongue.

[0015] As a preferred embodiment of this utility model, the silicone substrate is made of food-grade thermoplastic silicone, with a pocket-shaped opening at the top, and the inner cavity of the silicone substrate is provided with several annular anti-slip and waterproof strips.

[0016] As a preferred embodiment of this utility model, the bionic tongue sleeve further includes a drainage port formed at the bottom of the silicone substrate cavity, and a honeycomb-shaped drainage groove is formed on the upper surface of the silicone substrate tongue bottom to match the drainage port. After wearing, the drainage port is close to the root of the tongue.

[0017] Compared with existing technologies, the beneficial effects of this utility model are as follows: through the innovative design of the biomimetic tongue structure and dual-channel fluid system, the following significant advantages are achieved:

[0018] 1. Precise liquid flow guidance: The main and secondary channels operate independently. The micro-flow holes of the secondary channel are used to directionally cover the taste bud area, while the main channel avoids sensitive areas, effectively preventing liquid mixing. At the same time, a small amount of flavor liquid is used to enhance the taste of drinking water and stimulate the desire to drink.

[0019] 2. Stable and Adjustable: With more than 8 radially distributed main channels and detachable channel plugs, users can freely block some channels (such as leaving 4-6 open) to dynamically change the liquid flow path and flow distribution, which can improve the user's comfort experience.

[0020] 3. Bionic fit and comfort: The curved shape of the silicone substrate conforms to the physiological structure of the tongue, and the ring-shaped anti-slip water-proof strip and drainage groove design enhance the fixation of the tongue cover while reducing liquid residue, improving wearing comfort and hygiene. Attached Figure Description

[0021] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort. Among them:

[0022] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of this utility model;

[0023] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of this utility model from another perspective;

[0024] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram showing the distribution of the secondary flow divider groove within the flow divider cavity of this utility model;

[0025] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the mainstream channel distribution of this utility model;

[0026] Figure 5 This utility model Figure 4 A magnified view of a portion of point A in the middle;

[0027] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the port component of this utility model;

[0028] Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the port component of this utility model;

[0029] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the convergence of the drainage channel and the drainage outlet of this utility model.

[0030] In the diagram: 100, bionic tongue sleeve; 110, silicone substrate; 120, main channel; 130, main diversion groove; 140, diversion cavity; 150, secondary diversion groove; 160, micro-flow hole; 170, channel plug; 180, drain outlet; 200, port assembly; 210, base; 220, main insertion hole; 230, secondary insertion hole; 240, main adapter pipe; 250, secondary adapter pipe. Detailed Implementation

[0031] To make the above-mentioned objectives, features and advantages of this utility model more apparent and understandable, the specific embodiments of this utility model will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0032] Many specific details are set forth in the following description in order to provide a full understanding of the present invention. However, the present invention may also be implemented in other ways different from those described herein. Those skilled in the art can make similar extensions without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Therefore, the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed below.

[0033] Secondly, the term "an embodiment" or "embodiment" as used herein refers to a specific feature, structure, or characteristic that may be included in at least one implementation of the present invention. The phrase "in one embodiment" appearing in different places in this specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, nor is it a single or selective embodiment that excludes other embodiments.

[0034] Example

[0035] Reference Figure 1-7 This is an embodiment of the present invention, which provides an adjustable bionic tongue-shaped straw, comprising:

[0036] The bionic tongue sleeve 100 includes a silicone substrate 110, several main channels 120 formed on the upper layer of the tongue surface of the silicone substrate 110, a main diversion groove 130 formed inside the silicone substrate 110 and connected to the confluence of the main channels 120, a diversion cavity 140 formed on the lower layer of the tongue surface of the silicone substrate 110, several secondary diversion grooves 150 formed at the bottom of the inner cavity of the diversion cavity 140, and a micro-flow hole 160 formed inside the silicone substrate 110 and connected to the secondary diversion grooves 150.

[0037] The port assembly 200 includes a base 210 disposed at the tip of the silicone substrate 110, a main insertion hole 220 opened on one side inside the base 210, and a secondary insertion hole 230 opened on the other side inside the base 210.

[0038] Several sub-channels 150 are distributed in a crisscross pattern on the lower layer of the tongue-shaped surface of the silicone substrate 110.

[0039] The integration of the silicone substrate 110 with the main channel 120 and the micro-flow hole 160 enables independent delivery of liquids in two channels (such as water and flavored liquids).

[0040] 160 micro-flow orifices direct flow: The secondary flow channel precisely covers the taste bud area through micro-pores, while the main channel avoids sensitive areas, improving the efficiency of flavor perception and reducing the rinsing of taste buds by water, thus enhancing the enjoyment of drinking.

[0041] Specifically, the end of the main connector 220 is connected to the main adapter pipe 240, and the other end of the main adapter pipe 240 is connected to the main distribution channel 130.

[0042] The secondary connector 230 is connected to the secondary adapter pipe 250, and the other end of the secondary adapter pipe 250 is connected to the diversion cavity 140.

[0043] The main insertion hole 220 and the auxiliary insertion hole 230 are used to connect straws for different liquids, allowing different liquids to flow into the oral cavity. They can be used simultaneously or individually. The straws used to connect the main insertion hole 220 and the auxiliary insertion hole can be used in conjunction with a miniature main water pump (12V / 30W), a miniature peristaltic pump (5V / 5W), a miniature pressure sensor array, and a flow sensor to achieve intelligent control.

[0044] Furthermore, there are no fewer than 8 main channels 120, which are arranged radially. The main channels 120 extend through to the tongue end of the silicone substrate 110 and are connected with channel plugs 170. The number of channel plugs 170 is no less than half the number of main channels 120, and the flow path is changed by using the flexibility of the channel plugs 170 to block the main channels 120.

[0045] With eight or more radially distributed main channels 120 and detachable channel plugs 170, users can freely block some channels (such as leaving 4-6 open) to dynamically change the liquid flow path, flow distribution and spray angle, avoiding direct liquid impact on the throat and improving user comfort.

[0046] Preferably, the inner diameter of the micro-flow hole 160 is 0.2 mm, the distance between two adjacent micro-flow holes 160 is 2-5 mm, and the density gradually decreases from the tip of the tongue to the root of the tongue.

[0047] Among them, the micro-flow hole 150 has a pore matrix: a multi-pore array with a pore spacing of 2mm-5mm, covering the front 2 / 3 area of ​​the tongue (tip, sides and root of the tongue). There are slightly more micropores near the tip of the tongue and fewer micropores near the root of the tongue. When the liquid is sprayed, the high density of micropores in the tip of the tongue concentrates to stimulate the taste buds, while the density at the edge is reduced to avoid overstimulation, thus achieving a layered taste.

[0048] Spray angle layering: tongue sleeve sprays micro-holes inward: front row micro-holes (near the tip of the tongue): spray angle 30°, atomized particle size 10-30μm; rear row micro-holes (side of the tongue, root of the tongue): spray angle 20°, atomized particle size 50-80μm.

[0049] It should be noted that the end of the silicone substrate 110 near the port assembly 200 has a curved design, and the thickness of the tongue surface of the silicone substrate 110 is greater than the thickness of the tongue base.

[0050] The silicone substrate 110 is a biomimetic tongue-shaped pocket that can be inserted into, covering the front 2 / 3 of the tongue. Its curved shape conforms to the physiological curvature of the tongue, reducing the feeling of wearing a foreign object, while increasing the contact area between the tongue sleeve and the tongue, thus improving stability.

[0051] Radius of curvature: The front end of the silicone substrate 110 has a radius of curvature of 15-25mm (to adapt to the natural curvature of the human tongue), the top opening width range is 20-40mm, and the depth range is 15-40mm.

[0052] Thickness gradient: the lower skin layer is 0.3mm-3mm thick, the upper skin layer is 0.5mm-4mm thick, and the edge transition area adopts a gradual thinning design (0.8mm→0.2mm) to reduce the feeling of foreign objects.

[0053] Specifically, the silicone substrate 110 is made of food-grade thermoplastic silicone, with a pocket-shaped opening at the top. The inner cavity of the silicone substrate 110 is equipped with several annular anti-slip and water-resistant strips, with a height of 0.3mm, a width of 0.5mm, and an outward inclination angle of 120 degrees. These strips fix the tongue sleeve to the tongue body through friction, preventing displacement during use. They can also block the liquid from flowing into the tongue sleeve to a certain extent, minimizing the mixing of liquids in the main and auxiliary straws.

[0054] Furthermore, the bionic tongue sleeve 100 also includes a drainage port 180 located at the bottom of the inner cavity of the silicone substrate 110. The upper surface of the bottom of the silicone substrate 110 is provided with a honeycomb-shaped drainage groove that is used in conjunction with the drainage port 180. When worn, the drainage port 180 is located near the root of the tongue.

[0055] The tongue sleeve features interconnected drainage channels at its bottom, allowing residual liquid to flow directly to the drain outlet 180 and be discharged without stagnation. When worn, the drain outlet 180 is located at the lowest point of the tongue root, allowing residual liquid to drain naturally by gravity, reducing oral fluid accumulation and improving hygiene. It also prevents liquid stagnation from causing odor or bacterial growth.

[0056] When using, place the top pocket-shaped opening of the silicone substrate 110 onto the front 2 / 3 of the tongue body, ensuring that the curved end conforms to the physiological curvature of the tongue tip, and that the bottom drain outlet 180 faces the root of the tongue. The annular anti-slip water-proof strip contacts the tongue surface to generate friction and fix the position of the tongue sleeve.

[0057] Insert the water straw into the main socket 220 of the port assembly 200, and insert the flavored liquid straw into the auxiliary socket 230.

[0058] Based on flow demand, the channel plug 170 selectively blocks part of the main flow channels 120 (e.g., leaving the four channels in the tongue area open), thereby achieving directional adjustment of the radial flow path. Figure 4 This is used to adjust the spray angle.

[0059] Flow paths of main and secondary channels

[0060] Main channel path: Clean water flows through the main connector 220 → main adapter pipe 240 → main branch channel 130 → open main channel 120 → directly to the root of the tongue area, avoiding the sensitive area of ​​the taste buds;

[0061] Secondary channel path: The flavor liquid is sprayed in atomized form onto the high-density taste bud area on the tip of the tongue (micro-hole spacing 2mm, inner diameter 0.2mm) through secondary insertion hole 230 → secondary adapter pipe 250 → diversion chamber 140 → secondary diversion groove 150 → micro-flow hole 160.

[0062] After use, the residual liquid flows along the honeycomb-shaped drainage groove at the bottom of the tongue to the drain outlet at 180°, where it is naturally discharged by gravity.

[0063] It should be added that the technical solution of this application supports intelligent control expansion, specifically: the main / secondary channels can be connected to micro water pumps and sensors, and the pulse jet of the main channel 120 (to promote the swallowing reflex) and the intermittent atomization of the micro-flow hole 160 (to avoid taste bud fatigue) can be realized by adjusting the flow sensor.

[0064] In summary, through the synergistic operation of the above structures, independent delivery, precise flow guidance, free angle adjustment, and wearing stability of pure water and flavored liquids are achieved, ultimately realizing the dual goals of healthy drinking water and optimized taste.

[0065] This device is not limited to drinking water, flavored beverages, alcohol, tea, and coffee; it can also be used for medical purposes, such as swallowing rehabilitation training and oral drug delivery, and can simultaneously meet the needs of efficient hydration and taste experience.

[0066] It is important to note that the constructions and arrangements of this application shown in several different exemplary embodiments are merely illustrative. Although only a few embodiments are described in detail in this disclosure, those who consult this disclosure will readily understand that many modifications are possible without substantially departing from the subject matter described in this application (e.g., changes in the size, dimensions, structure, shape and proportion of various elements, as well as parameter values ​​(e.g., temperature, pressure, etc.), installation arrangements, use of materials, color, orientation, etc.). For example, an element shown as integrally formed may be composed of multiple parts or elements, the position of elements may be inverted or otherwise changed, and the nature or number or position of discrete elements may be altered or changed. Therefore, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of this utility model. The order or sequence of any process or method steps may be changed or rearranged according to alternative embodiments. In the claims, any "device plus function" clause is intended to cover the structure described herein that performs the function, and not only structurally equivalent but also equivalent in structure. Other substitutions, modifications, alterations, and omissions may be made in the design, operation, and arrangement of the exemplary embodiments without departing from the scope of this utility model. Therefore, this invention is not limited to the specific embodiments, but extends to various modifications that still fall within the scope of the appended claims.

[0067] Furthermore, in order to provide a concise description of exemplary embodiments, not all features of actual embodiments (i.e., those features that are not relevant to the best mode of carrying out the present invention as currently considered, or those features that are not relevant to implementing the present invention) may be omitted.

[0068] It should be understood that numerous specific implementation decisions can be made during the development of any practical implementation, such as in any engineering or design project. Such development efforts may be complex and time-consuming, but for those skilled in the art who benefit from this disclosure, the development effort will be a routine task in design, manufacturing, and production without requiring extensive experimentation.

[0069] It should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solution of this utility model and are not intended to limit it. Although this utility model has been described in detail with reference to preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications or equivalent substitutions can be made to the technical solution of this utility model without departing from the spirit and scope of the technical solution of this utility model, and all such modifications or substitutions should be covered within the scope of the claims of this utility model.

Claims

1. An adjustable biomimetic tongue sleeve type straw, characterized by: include, The bionic tongue sleeve (100) includes a silicone substrate (110), a plurality of main channels (120) opened on the upper layer of the tongue surface of the silicone substrate (110), a main diversion groove (130) opened inside the silicone substrate (110) and connected to the confluence of the plurality of main channels (120), a diversion cavity (140) opened on the lower layer of the tongue surface of the silicone substrate (110), a plurality of secondary diversion grooves (150) opened at the bottom of the inner cavity of the diversion cavity (140), and a micro-flow hole (160) opened in the inner cavity of the silicone substrate (110) and connected to the secondary diversion grooves (150); The port assembly (200) includes a base (210) disposed on the tongue of the silicone substrate (110), a main plug hole (220) opened on one side inside the base (210), and a secondary plug hole (230) opened on the other side inside the base (210). Several of the sub-diversion channels (150) are distributed in a crisscross pattern on the lower layer of the tongue-shaped surface of the silicone substrate (110).

2. An adjustable bionic tongue sleeve type straw according to claim 1, characterized in that: The main connector (240) is connected to the end of the main connector (220), and the other end of the main connector (240) is connected to the main diversion channel (130); The secondary connector (230) is connected to a secondary adapter pipe (250), and the other end of the secondary adapter pipe (250) is connected to the diversion cavity (140).

3. An adjustable bionic tongue shield straw according to claim 2, characterized in that: The number of the main channels (120) is not less than 8, and they are arranged radially. The main channels (120) extend through to the tongue end of the silicone substrate (110) and are connected with channel plugs (170). The number of channel plugs (170) is not less than half the number of the main channels (120), and the flow path is changed by using the flexibility of the channel plugs (170) to block the main channels (120).

4. An adjustable bionic tongue shield straw according to claim 3, characterized in that: The inner diameter of the micro-flow hole (160) is 0.2 mm, the distance between two adjacent micro-flow holes (160) is 2-5 mm, and the density gradually decreases from the tip of the tongue to the root of the tongue.

5. An adjustable bionic tongue shield straw according to claim 4, characterized in that: The end of the silicone substrate (110) near the port assembly (200) has a curved arc design, and the thickness of the tongue surface of the silicone substrate (110) is greater than the thickness of the bottom of the tongue.

6. An adjustable bionic tongue shield straw according to claim 5, characterized in that: The silicone substrate (110) is made of food-grade thermoplastic silicone, with a pocket-shaped opening at the top. The inner cavity of the silicone substrate (110) is provided with several annular anti-slip and waterproof strips.

7. An adjustable bionic tongue shield straw according to claim 6, characterized in that: The bionic tongue sleeve (100) also includes a drain port (180) opened at the bottom of the inner cavity of the silicone substrate (110). The upper surface of the bottom of the silicone substrate (110) is provided with a honeycomb-shaped drainage groove that is used in conjunction with the drain port (180). After wearing, the drain port (180) is close to the root of the tongue.

Images