Oropharyngeal muscle group strengthening training auxiliary device for simulating a cyclic ventilation method

Abstract

The utility model relates to a kind of oropharyngeal muscle group strengthening training auxiliary device of simulated circulation ventilation method, it is characterized by, including main pipeline, resistance valve, air flow sensor, pressure sensor and power supply;The main pipeline includes outer round pipe, inner layer arc pipe piece and elastic interlayer, the inner layer arc pipe piece is inserted in outer round pipe, and it is connected outer round pipe by elastic interlayer, the outer round pipe is equipped with air hole in the side away from inner layer arc pipe piece;The pressure sensor is installed on the blow nozzle of outer round pipe, and the air flow sensor is fixed on the outside of outer round pipe;Resistance valve is adjustably installed on outer round pipe, and drive connection inner layer arc pipe piece.Compared with prior art, the utility model has the advantages of high training efficiency, good effect and comfortable use experience.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of medical devices, and in particular to an auxiliary device for strengthening oropharyngeal muscle groups by simulating a circulatory ventilation method. Background Technology

[0002] Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) is a common sleep-disordered breathing disorder characterized by recurrent upper airway collapse during sleep. Clinically, it mainly manifests as snoring accompanied by apnea and daytime sleepiness. It can cause intermittent hypoxia, hypercapnia, and sleep structure disorders, increasing the risk of diseases such as hypertension, coronary heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.

[0003] There are many treatment options for obstructive spondylitis (OSAS). Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is the preferred method, but its long-term adherence rate is only around 50%. Surgical treatment carries high risks of trauma and significant individual variability in efficacy. Orthodontic appliances, such as mandibular advancement appliances, may cause side effects such as temporomandibular joint disorder. Oropharyngeal muscle training aims to improve upper airway patency by strengthening the muscles of the mouth and pharynx. However, most current oropharyngeal muscle training focuses on the tongue, soft palate, and pharyngeal lateral walls, using isometric and isotonic exercises. These exercises are difficult to quantify, making it hard to determine if the training is effective. Furthermore, the content is often monotonous, dull, and lacks engagement.

[0004] Research has found that playing wind instruments can improve the responsiveness and strength of the oropharyngeal muscles in patients. This may be achieved through the circular breathing technique, which can improve the clinical symptoms of obstructive symptom syndrome (OSAS). This method is effective and engaging. The circular breathing technique begins by storing some air in the mouth, like a small air sac. When the lungs are almost depleted, the player quickly inhales through the nose. Simultaneously, the cheek and tongue muscles contract, expelling the stored air from the mouth and continuing to vibrate through the instrument's embouchure. Before the sound ceases, fresh air is inhaled through the nose. The player then immediately switches to using the fresh air from the lungs to continue playing, while the mouth relaxes again to store air, preparing for the next cycle. Because the circular breathing technique is relatively difficult to master, some auxiliary devices are needed.

[0005] For example, the invention disclosed in CN119770252A discloses an anti-snoring device that uses airflow to cause internal vibration to generate vibrational sound waves with a frequency range of 20 to 200 Hz, thereby exercising the upper respiratory tract muscles and improving snoring symptoms caused by muscle relaxation. It is very similar in principle to the Acapella trainer on the market, which generates resistance through vibration and has a certain effect on the prevention and treatment of COPD, and also plays a role in exercising the lower respiratory tract muscles. However, its effectiveness in treating OSAS is questionable.

[0006] For example, the utility model with publication number CN211245411U discloses a vocal breathing training device, which mainly aims to improve lung capacity and breathing patterns by adjusting gas pressure and using a suspended ball. However, the treatment focus of OSAS is not on improving lung capacity, so the therapeutic effect of the above structure is questionable.

[0007] In summary, existing training equipment cannot effectively target and train the oropharyngeal muscles (the area most directly affected by OSAS), resulting in poor effectiveness. Furthermore, it lacks the ability to monitor and provide real-time feedback during training, making it difficult to guarantee training quality and efficiency. The repetitive training movements are also tedious. Utility Model Content

[0008] The purpose of this invention is to overcome the shortcomings of the existing technology, which is unable to effectively train the oropharyngeal muscle group and has poor training effectiveness, and to provide an auxiliary device for strengthening the oropharyngeal muscle group by simulating a circulatory breathing method.

[0009] The objective of this utility model can be achieved through the following technical solutions:

[0010] This solution provides an auxiliary device for strengthening oropharyngeal muscle groups by simulating a circulatory ventilation method. It is characterized by including a main pipe, a resistance valve, an airflow sensor, a pressure sensor, and a power supply.

[0011] The main pipeline includes an outer circular tube, an inner arc-shaped tube segment, and an elastic interlayer. The inner arc-shaped tube segment is inserted inside the outer circular tube and connected to the outer circular tube through the elastic interlayer. An air hole is provided on the side of the outer circular tube away from the inner arc-shaped tube segment. The pressure sensor is installed on the nozzle of the outer circular tube, and the airflow sensor is fixed on the outside of the outer circular tube. The resistance valve is adjustablely installed on the outer circular tube and drives the connection to the inner arc-shaped tube segment.

[0012] Preferably, the resistance valve includes a button, a mounting tube, and multiple fixing blocks. The outer circular tube has mounting holes that mate with the mounting tube. Each fixing block is telescopically fixed to both sides of the mounting tube. One end of the mounting tube is connected to the button, and the other end is connected to the inner arc-shaped tube.

[0013] Preferably, the fixing blocks are triangular in structure and are initially located on the outside of the mounting tube. The fixing blocks are distributed in two rows along the axial direction of the mounting tube, and the two rows of fixing blocks are symmetrically arranged. The fixing blocks in the same row are evenly distributed.

[0014] Preferably, the mouthpiece has a trumpet-shaped structure, and an air bladder is provided inside the mouthpiece. The air bladder is fixed on the inner wall of the end of the mouthpiece away from the outer cylindrical tube.

[0015] Preferably, the nozzle is threaded onto the outer circular tube.

[0016] Preferably, the main control module is electrically connected to a power source, the main control module integrates Bluetooth, and the main control module is connected to the display screen via Bluetooth.

[0017] Preferably, the airflow sensor includes a sensor body and a height adjustment component. The height adjustment component is fixed on the outer circular tube, and the sensor body is mounted on the height adjustment component to adjust the distance between the sensor body and the outer circular tube.

[0018] Preferably, the airflow sensor is model AWM40000 and the pressure sensor is model NXPMPXV7002DP.

[0019] Preferably, there are multiple pores, and each pore is evenly distributed along the axial direction of the outer circular tube.

[0020] Preferably, the device further includes a main control module and a display screen, wherein the main control module is connected to the airflow sensor, the pressure sensor and the display screen respectively.

[0021] Preferably, the main control module integrates Bluetooth, and the main control module is connected to the display screen via Bluetooth.

[0022] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following advantages:

[0023] (1) This program strengthens the oropharyngeal muscles through simulated circulatory ventilation. This method is effective and engaging, helping patients gradually master training techniques and solving the problem of existing oropharyngeal muscle training methods being difficult to master. It can monitor muscle pressure, airflow during ventilation, and the exertion of the genioglossus muscle in real time, providing reference and correction during training to ensure the accuracy and effectiveness of training movements, improve training quality and efficiency. The combined use of airflow and pressure sensors can accurately provide feedback on various data during the training process.

[0024] (3) This scheme sets an inner arc-shaped tube and a resistance valve inside the outer circular tube. The effective ventilation diameter of the outer circular tube is adjusted by the resistance valve in conjunction with the inner arc-shaped tube, thereby creating an adjustable breathing resistance structure. The breathing resistance can be easily increased or decreased by pushing the button to adapt to the training needs of different patients and improve the applicability and flexibility of the device. Attached Figure Description

[0025] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the training device provided by this utility model;

[0026] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the upper part of the training device provided by this utility model;

[0027] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the lower part of the training device provided by this utility model;

[0028] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the main pipeline diameter adjustment structure provided by this utility model;

[0029] Figure 5 A cross-sectional view of the training device provided by this utility model;

[0030] In the diagram: 1. Main pipe, 2. Airflow sensor, 3. Resistance valve, 4. Pressure sensor, 5. Main control module, 6. Display screen, 101. Outer round pipe, 102. Inner arc-shaped pipe, 103. Elastic interlayer, 104. Air hole, 105. Nozzle, 106. Airbag, 107. Main control panel, 31. Button, 32. Mounting pipe, 33. Fixing block. Detailed Implementation

[0031] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this utility model clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this utility model, and not all embodiments. The components of the embodiments of this utility model described and shown in the accompanying drawings can generally be arranged and designed in various different configurations.

[0032] Therefore, the following detailed description of the embodiments of the present invention provided in the accompanying drawings is not intended to limit the scope of the claimed invention, but merely to illustrate selected embodiments of the invention. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of the present invention without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0033] It should be noted that similar labels and letters in the following figures indicate similar items. Therefore, once an item is defined in one figure, it does not need to be further defined and explained in subsequent figures.

[0034] In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that the terms "center", "upper", "lower", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "inner", "outer", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, or the orientation or positional relationship commonly used when the utility model product is in use. They 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. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this utility model.

[0035] It should be noted that the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Therefore, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this application, "multiple" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0036] Furthermore, terms such as "horizontal" and "vertical" do not imply that components must be absolutely horizontal or suspended, but rather that they can be slightly tilted. For example, "horizontal" simply means that its direction is more horizontal than "vertical," not that the structure must be completely horizontal, but can be slightly tilted.

[0037] Example 1

[0038] like Figures 1 to 5 As shown, this embodiment provides an auxiliary device for strengthening oropharyngeal muscle groups by simulating a circulatory ventilation method. It is characterized by including a main pipe 1, a resistance valve 3, an airflow sensor 2, a pressure sensor 4, and a power supply.

[0039] The main pipe 1 includes an outer circular pipe 101, an inner arc-shaped pipe segment 102, and an elastic interlayer 103. The inner arc-shaped pipe segment 102 is inserted into the outer circular pipe 101 and connected to the outer circular pipe 101 through the elastic interlayer 103. An air hole 104 is provided on the side of the outer circular pipe 101 away from the inner arc-shaped pipe segment 102. The pressure sensor 4 is installed on the nozzle 105 of the outer circular pipe 101, and the airflow sensor 2 is fixed on the outside of the outer circular pipe 101. The resistance valve 3 is adjustablely installed on the outer circular pipe 101 and drives the inner arc-shaped pipe segment 102.

[0040] This method strengthens the oropharyngeal muscles through simulated circulatory breathing. It is effective and engaging, helping patients gradually master training techniques and overcoming the difficulty of mastering existing oropharyngeal muscle training methods. It can monitor muscle pressure, airflow during breathing, and the exertion of the genioglossus muscle in real time, ensuring the accuracy and effectiveness of training movements, improving training quality and efficiency. The combined use of airflow and pressure sensors provides precise feedback on various data during the training process.

[0041] Preferred implementation methods, such as Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the resistance valve 3 includes a button 31, a mounting tube 32 and multiple fixing blocks 33. The outer round tube 101 is provided with mounting holes that cooperate with the mounting tube 32. Each fixing block 33 can be telescopically fixed on both sides of the mounting tube 32. One end of the mounting tube 32 is connected to the button 31, and the other end is connected to the inner arc-shaped tube 102.

[0042] Furthermore, the fixing blocks 33 have a triangular structure and are initially located on the outside of the mounting tube 32. Two rows of fixing blocks 33 are distributed along the axial direction of the mounting tube 32, and the two rows are symmetrically arranged. Within each row, the fixing blocks 33 are evenly distributed. A withdrawal hole can be provided on the outer circular tube. By rotating the mounting tube, the fixing blocks can be aligned with the withdrawal hole, and the elastic interlayer can be used for repositioning.

[0043] Optionally, the function of the resistance valve is to drive the inner arc-shaped tube segment to move up and down. The specific structural form is not limited. Alternatively, it can be fixed to the outer round tube by a tightening screw. The position of the inner arc-shaped tube segment can be adjusted by rotating the tightening screw. The structure is simple and the adjustment is convenient.

[0044] Specifically, the innermost and outermost tubes are made of ABS resin, with an elastic rubber connecting the two layers. A resistance valve is connected to the innermost tube. Pushing a button changes the tube diameter, increasing breathing resistance. Pushing the button moves the inner curved tube 102 upwards, reducing the diameter of the outer circular tube 101, thus increasing breathing resistance. The retainer consists of eight small triangular components; the retainer closest to the button is hidden within a small tube and fixed in the gap of the outermost tube. It can be pushed to the maximum resistance position, with a vertical diameter of 1mm and a horizontal diameter of 3mm. Pulling out the button reduces breathing resistance, and the retainer remains fixed in the gap of the outermost tube.

[0045] An inner arc-shaped tube and a resistance valve are installed inside the outer circular tube. The effective ventilation diameter of the outer circular tube is adjusted by the resistance valve in conjunction with the inner arc-shaped tube, thus creating an adjustable breathing resistance structure. The breathing resistance can be easily increased or decreased by pushing a button to adapt to the training needs of different patients, improving the applicability and flexibility of the device. The main body is made of ABS resin material, combined with elastic rubber connections, ensuring both durability and providing good comfort and a tight seal.

[0046] In this embodiment, as Figure 5 As shown, the mouthpiece 105 has a trumpet-shaped structure, and an air bladder 106 is provided inside the mouthpiece 105. The air bladder 106 is fixed on the inner wall of the end of the mouthpiece 105 away from the outer round tube 101. The mouthpiece 105 is threaded onto the outer round tube 101.

[0047] The mouthpiece houses an airbag, a Bluetooth transmission module, and a pressure sensor. When in use, the user presses their mouth against the airbag. The pressure sensor monitors the contraction of the genioglossus muscle and transmits this signal to the main control module for processing. The main control module then transmits the processed result via the Bluetooth module to the software for further processing, and finally displays the result on the screen. The pressure sensor 4 on the mouthpiece can be a piezoresistive pressure sensor, such as the NXP MPXV7002DP, which is low-cost, compact, and suitable for integrated installation on the inner wall of the mouthpiece.

[0048] In this embodiment, the training device also includes a main control module 5 and a display screen 6. The main control module 5 is connected to the airflow sensor 2, the pressure sensor 4, and the display screen 6. The main control module 5 integrates Bluetooth and is connected to the display screen 6 via Bluetooth. The processor of the main control module 5 is an STM32F103C8T6, which is low-cost and has excellent performance. Game elements related to muscle group exertion are set on the display screen. The pressure sensor senses the exertion of the genioglossus muscle during exhalation, driving the movement of the game character, increasing the fun of training, optimizing patient comfort, and improving patient compliance.

[0049] In this embodiment, the airflow sensor 2 includes a sensor body and a height adjustment component. The height adjustment component is fixed on the outer circular tube 101, and the sensor body is mounted on the height adjustment component to adjust the distance between the sensor body and the outer circular tube 101. By adjusting the vertical position of the sensor body, the sensor is aligned with the user's nose, improving detection accuracy and the applicability and flexibility of the device. The airflow sensor 2 is model AWM40000, but SDP610-500PA or AWM92100V can also be used, taking into account low power consumption and compact design, suitable for monitoring the exhaled airflow of training devices. There are multiple air holes 104, and each air hole 104 is evenly distributed along the axial direction of the outer circular tube 101.

[0050] Specifically, such as Figure 2 As shown, the upper part of the outer circular tube 101 houses the main control panel 107, airflow sensor, charging port, battery, and air vents. The main control panel includes a receiving module, a monitoring module, and a processing module, responsible for processing the airflow speed data and transmitting it to the software via Bluetooth (version 5.4 is sufficient). The charging port is a Type-C port, connected to the battery (model PATL541114). Air blown into the outer circular tube 101 can flow out through the air vents. Airflow is ensured; the number and size of the vents are not limited.

[0051] The device transmits real-time data to the software via Bluetooth, enabling wireless data transmission and processing. This facilitates user viewing and analysis of training data, improving ease of use. Research shows that exercising the genioglossus muscle can alleviate symptoms of obstructive atherosclerosis (OSAS). The training device focuses on monitoring the activation of the genioglossus muscle, allowing for more precise assessment of training effectiveness and ensuring targeted and effective training.

[0052] In practical use, the user connects the mouthpiece to the main body, places their mouth against the mouthpiece, and practices the circular breathing method while looking at the display screen. While exhaling, the user inhales through the nose, maintaining a stable airflow. The airflow sensor monitors changes in nasal airflow, checking if the change in airflow time is within 0.3 seconds and if the airflow rate change is controlled within ±13%. If both conditions are met, the display screen shows correct breathing and no alarm is issued.

[0053] If the airflow change takes too long, the display will show "excessive air exchange time" and issue an alarm to remind the user. If the airflow exceeds the control range, the display will show "flow control error" and issue an alarm to remind the user. If both are incorrect, the display will show "excessive air exchange time and flow control error" and issue an alarm to remind the user. A pressure sensor detects the exertion of the genioglossus muscle during exhalation. If the pressure is greater than a preset value, the game character on the display moves; if the pressure is less than a preset value, the game character stops. The game ends when the game character reaches the finish line, completing one full training session.

[0054] The preferred embodiments of this utility model have been described in detail above. It should be understood that those skilled in the art can make numerous modifications and variations based on the concept of this utility model without creative effort. Therefore, all technical solutions that can be obtained by those skilled in the art based on the concept of this utility model through logical analysis, reasoning, or limited experimentation on the basis of existing technology should be within the scope of protection defined by the claims.

Claims

1. An auxiliary device for strengthening oropharyngeal muscle groups by simulating a circulatory ventilation method, characterized in that, It includes the main pipeline (1), resistance valve (3), airflow sensor (2), pressure sensor (4) and power supply; The main pipe (1) includes an outer circular pipe (101), an inner arc-shaped pipe segment (102), and an elastic interlayer (103). The inner arc-shaped pipe segment (102) is inserted into the outer circular pipe (101) and connected to the outer circular pipe (101) through the elastic interlayer (103). An air hole (104) is provided on the side of the outer circular pipe (101) away from the inner arc-shaped pipe segment (102). The pressure sensor (4) is installed on the nozzle (105) of the outer circular pipe (101), and the airflow sensor (2) is fixed on the outside of the outer circular pipe (101). The resistance valve (3) is adjustablely installed on the outer circular pipe (101) and drives the connection to the inner arc-shaped pipe segment (102).

2. The oropharyngeal muscle strengthening training auxiliary device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The resistance valve (3) includes a button (31), a mounting tube (32) and multiple fixing blocks (33). The outer round tube (101) is provided with mounting holes that cooperate with the mounting tube (32). Each fixing block (33) can be telescopically fixed on both sides of the mounting tube (32). One end of the mounting tube (32) is connected to the button (31), and the other end is connected to the inner arc-shaped tube sheet (102).

3. The oropharyngeal muscle strengthening training auxiliary device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The fixing block (33) has a triangular structure and is initially located on the outside of the mounting tube (32). Each fixing block (33) is distributed in two rows along the axial direction of the mounting tube (32), and the two rows of fixing blocks (33) are symmetrically arranged. Each fixing block (33) in the same row is evenly distributed.

4. The oropharyngeal muscle strengthening training auxiliary device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The mouthpiece (105) has a trumpet-shaped structure, and an air bladder (106) is provided inside the mouthpiece (105). The air bladder (106) is fixed on the inner wall of the mouthpiece (105) away from the outer round tube (101).

5. The oropharyngeal muscle strengthening training auxiliary device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The nozzle (105) is threaded onto the outer round tube (101).

6. The oropharyngeal muscle strengthening training auxiliary device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The airflow sensor (2) includes a sensor body and a height adjustment component. The height adjustment component is fixed on the outer circular tube (101), and the sensor body is mounted on the height adjustment component.

7. The oropharyngeal muscle strengthening training auxiliary device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The airflow sensor (2) is model AWM40000, and the pressure sensor (4) is model NXPMPXV7002DP.

8. The oropharyngeal muscle strengthening training auxiliary device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The number of pores (104) is multiple, and each pore (104) is evenly distributed along the axial direction of the outer circular tube (101).

9. The oropharyngeal muscle strengthening training auxiliary device according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a main control module (5) and a display screen (6), wherein the main control module (5) is connected to the airflow sensor (2), the pressure sensor (4) and the display screen (6) respectively.

10. The oropharyngeal muscle strengthening training auxiliary device according to claim 9, characterized in that, The main control module (5) integrates Bluetooth, and the main control module (5) is connected to the display screen (6) via Bluetooth.

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