ORAL MODULE AND ORAL MODULE SYSTEM

The oral module system addresses the limitations of existing speech therapy devices by training tongue muscles and ensuring proper tongue positioning through a modular, interactive, and measurable approach, enhancing speech and jaw development across multiple fields.

DE102023118729B3Active Publication Date: 2024-12-19MUTHESIUS KUNSTHOCHSCHULE KÖRPERSCHAFT DES ÖFFENTLICHEN RECHTS
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Patent Information

Application Number
DE102023118729
Authority / Receiving Office
DE · DE
Patent Type
Patents
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2023-07-14
Publication Date
2024-12-19
Estimated Expiration
2043-07-14

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing speech therapy devices fail to effectively train the muscles of the tongue, particularly those guiding it to the palate in a relaxed state, and lack interactive, measurable, and documentable support for users across various fields such as speech therapy, medicine (ENT), dentistry, and information technology (IT).

Method used

An oral module system with a mouthpiece containing a receptacle and actuator, equipped with sensors, power supply, and communication units, allowing for interchangeable and modular components, which measures and evaluates tongue and lip movements to provide targeted, measurable, and documentable support for muscle training.

Benefits of technology

The oral module system effectively trains tongue and lip muscles, ensuring proper tongue positioning, improving speech and jaw development, and providing measurable and documentable support for therapeutic exercises across multiple fields.

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Abstract

The invention relates to an oral module with a receptacle with a casing, wherein the mouthpiece has at least a lip bridge, a bite splint and an actuator connected to the bite splint via a bridge and the receptacle (8) provides a space for receiving technical components. Furthermore, the invention relates to an oral module system for an oral module and a method directed thereto.
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Description

[0001] The invention relates to a device as an oral module and oral module system which each provides a new smart device for individual interactive, controllable and also data-technically measurable and documentable use in speech therapy, medicine (ENT), dentistry, information technology (IT) and / or the cosmetic industry.

[0002] An oral module system within the meaning of the invention is a functional technical unit consisting of various components with different properties, which form a common whole due to certain ordered relationships among themselves.

[0003] An oral module within the meaning of the invention is a functional technical unit that forms a mouthpiece which is held in the oral cavity by the teeth and lips. The oral cavity is defined by the vestibule, i.e., the space between the lips or cheeks and the rows of teeth, and the oral cavity, i.e., the space within the rows of teeth. A part of the oral module projects outwards beyond the lips.

[0004] An actuator within the meaning of the invention is a component that converts mechanical movement into electrical signals or other physical quantities.

[0005] For the purposes of the invention, the respective oral module system is conceptually differentiated into a wireless oral module with embedded technology, an oral module with replaceable technology, and an oral module system with a cable connection. In addition to the device itself, the oral module system also includes systemic components for transport, hygiene, adaptation, retrofitting, communication, IoT, and methods for a variety of individual adjustments. This allows the respective oral module to be easily adapted to the specific task via the oral module system.

[0006] Wireless transmission methods as defined in the invention are data transmission methods that utilize free space as the transmission medium. No cable in the form of an electrical conductor or optical fiber is required for transmission. Transmission occurs via electromagnetic waves, whereby the frequency band used can vary from a few hertz to several hundred terahertz, depending on the application and technology employed. Prior art uses terms and acronyms such as Bluetooth, WLAN, WL-Fl, ZigBee, Wibree, or WiMAX in the radio frequency range, and IrDA and LiFi in the infrared or optical frequency range, respectively, for these transmission methods.

[0007] The Internet of Things (IdD) (also: “All Network”; Internet of Things, abbreviation: loT) is generally known as a collective term for technologies of a global infrastructure of information societies, whereby the technologies make it possible to network physical and virtual objects with each other and to allow them to work together through information and communication technologies.

[0008] The technologies implemented in the "Internet of Things" enable interaction between people and any networked electronic systems, as well as between the systems themselves. They can also support people in their activities. These increasingly smaller embedded devices are designed to assist people without being distracting or even noticeable.

[0009] IoT within the meaning of the invention relates to the interactive communication and transmission units with all human-machine interfaces, which are, for example, miniaturized computers with different sensors that are directly integrated into the module system or are interchangeably used in it.

[0010] A smart device is a device equipped with location and communication technologies and integrated into the "Internet of Things." Such a smart device can collect, store, and process data and interact with other objects, systems, or people. Smart devices can be embedded in or fixed to other objects and collect data via location and sensors, as well as perform decision-making and control functions via actuators.

[0011] In the fields of speech therapy, medicine (ENT), and dentistry, the resting position of the tongue is a common problem, for example, in cases of speech disorders. In a healthy, well-trained tongue, it rests in a relaxed position just behind the upper incisors against the palate, without the tip pressing against them. In a less trained tongue, it often lies between the front and side teeth, or even exerts pressure on them.

[0012] An incorrect tongue position can prevent the jaw and teeth from growing properly, impairing speech. Swallowing, both conscious and unconscious (such as at night), can also be disrupted. Furthermore, a misaligned tongue can lead to involuntary mouth breathing, which in turn increases the risk of colds, throat infections, and tooth decay.

[0013] The state of the art shows a range of solutions for speech therapy devices, such as oral motor trainers for swallowing and speech therapy for tongue and lip coordination, tongue tip exercises, oral muscle training, oral motor skills and the like.

[0014] Many products used in speech therapy or occupational therapy rely on old, familiar visual patterns. The mouth area is rarely used to hold something permanently. There's the pacifier, whose design is then applied to other products, but which is only suitable for some users. A stated goal of the invention is to avoid causing discomfort for the user and to distance itself from the typical image of children's products.

[0015] German patent DE 10 2004 013 933 B3 discloses a device for training the lip muscles. This lip trainer can be used to strengthen the lip muscles during embouchure training for brass players, to perform speech therapy exercises for reactivating the lip muscles, or to restore the lip muscles of a patient suffering from partial lip muscle monoplegia (paralysis). The lip trainer has a proximal holding section of a rod-shaped pull rod, facing the oral cavity, which is held between the pressed lips of the mouth by the opposing lip surfaces. It also has a spring that exerts a tensile force on the rod-shaped pull rod, directed towards the lips. The rod-shaped pull rod is guided longitudinally within a housing in a through-opening located therein. The spring generates a compressive force acting between the housing and the rod-shaped pull rod.The casing rests against an outer edge of the closed mouth.

[0016] German patent DE 10 2019 105 328 A1 discloses a device for training the human tongue, enabling the targeted training of specific tongue muscle groups and / or specific tongue shapes during sound production. The device is designed and configured for shaping the tongue to produce the vowels "A", "E", "I", "O", or "U" and comprises a holding section and a tongue section with a curved tongue contact surface. The dimensions and curved shape of this contact surface create a negative impression of a section of the upper surface of the tongue, extending 3 to 7 cm from the tip of the tongue towards the base during sound production of the vowels "A", "E", "I", "O", or "U".

[0017] German patent DE 20 2017 000 128 U1 discloses a silicone tongue, lip, and jaw trainer for measuring tongue pressure against the palate. Pressure sensors are integrated into the tongue section of the silicone tongue, lip, and jaw trainer.

[0018] RU 2 773 363 C2 describes devices for training and consolidating beneficial myofunctional habits to create a favorable intraoral environment while ensuring correct occlusion of the teeth. The document shows a U-shaped housing with a front portion and two levers, as well as an inner and an outer wall; a plate connecting the inner and outer walls to form a channel for the insertion of the upper dental arch; and a tongue training element comprising an upper and a lower wall, made of an elastic plastic material, and manufactured as a whole with the device housing such that, during use, it extends from the inner wall backward and is positioned above the tongue, moving from a resting to a training configuration in response to the upward movement of the user's tongue.This creates the opportunity to train the tongue and lips in the correct position, strengthening the tongue muscles with sufficient force for normal swallowing.

[0019] WO 2023 / 055 302 A1 describes a cosmetic device for facial muscle training to achieve a facelift effect. The device fits between the front and / or back teeth and within the lips and cheeks. The training device provides muscle training for the muscles in the mouth and neck area to strengthen, tone, and promote their growth, allowing them to regain a more youthful shape and resulting in a facelift. Simultaneously, the device prevents excessive skin stretching and the formation of wrinkles.

[0020] Austrian patent AT 016 254 U1 discloses a device and method for positioning the tongue and lips and measuring tongue pressure against the palate using tactile elements, pressure sensors, and an app. The device consists of a tongue component, an oral vestibule shield, an extraoral handle, several pressure sensors, tactile elements and wires, a power source, and a Bluetooth transmitter that sends the measurement data to the app. Unlike other tongue and lip trainers, this device and method, in addition to strengthening and positioning the tongue and lips, enables tactile self-monitoring via the tactile elements and digitized progress monitoring by visualizing and determining the tongue and lip position using pressure sensors and an app. Furthermore, the digital transformation of the process allows for procedural support in the form of a computer-aided application for the entire process.

[0021] US Patent 2021 0331034 A1 discloses a tongue enhancement device comprising an intraoral bolus simulator with a sensor input component. An extraoral user interface is connected to the intraoral bolus. The intraoral bolus simulator is movable relative to the extraoral user interface in response to tongue movement by the user. The sensor input component is configured to detect pressure or force applied to the intraoral bolus simulator and / or to detect movement of the intraoral bolus simulator relative to the extraoral user interface.

[0022] Furthermore, DE 10 2021 128 188 A1 describes a speech therapy device with a U-shaped base for use in the mouth, wherein the speech therapy device has a shield segment for covering a row of teeth, in particular the rows of teeth of the upper and lower jaw, and wherein the speech therapy device has at least one biting ridge for biting the teeth of the upper and lower jaw, characterized in that the shield segment has at least one projection, in particular an arrangement of several projections, on the side facing away from the teeth for lip stimulation.

[0023] From DE 20 2017 000 128 U1, a silicone tongue, lip and jaw trainer for measuring tongue pressure against the palate is known, characterized in that silicone tactile bodies and / or pressure sensors are integrated into the tongue part of the tongue, lip and jaw trainer.

[0024] JP 2007 117688 A discloses a multifunctional oral training instrument with a tube attached to a cylinder containing a handle. The cylinder houses a piston with a pressure and pull plate and a spring. When using the instrument, the pressure and pull plate is pressed against the lips, pulled against the lips in the opposite direction, the tube is clamped by the lips from above and below, the distal end is raised by holding the handle against the lips, and the distal end is rotated left and right, and so on. The instrument allows for multifunctional training to strengthen the mouth. A type of oral joystick for tongue-based human-machine interaction is also known (Cologne International School of Design, Dorothee Clasen).A custom-fitted plastic holder is placed in the mouth. Embedded within the holder is a ball-shaped element that the user can slide back and forth to input information. Sensors embedded in the holder detect the position of the ball segment. Silicone-insulated cables run from the mouth to a Wi-Fi module worn behind the ear. This module acts as the interface between the input device and the end device. The input device operates on an electromagnetic principle to ensure a tactile, seamless, and reliable interaction.

[0025] The main problems with current technology are that existing speech therapy devices and related procedures do not train the tongue muscles in general, but only selected muscle groups. In particular, the muscles that guide the tongue to the palate when relaxed are often not trained. Furthermore, the support provided by existing devices is often not targeted, measurable, or documentable. Currently, no user-friendly, technically interactive device is known that allows for individualized use in diverse fields such as speech therapy, medicine (ENT), dentistry, information technology (IT), and / or the cosmetics industry.

[0026] The invention eliminates the shortcomings of the prior art and provides a technically interactive, easy-to-use device for the user, enabling individual use in different areas.

[0027] A first objective of the invention is to provide a technically simple device as an oral module and oral module system that can be manufactured as a modular product and meets the requirement of supporting the user in strengthening the mouth and lip muscles.

[0028] Another task is to pursue a speech therapy approach and to provide targeted, measurable and documentable support for speech therapists through the oral module and oral module system.

[0029] Another task is to pursue a different speech therapy approach and to provide targeted, measurable and documentable support for the independent training of users in speech therapy exercises through the oral module and oral module system.

[0030] Another task is to pursue a dental / orthodontic approach and to provide targeted, measurable and documentable support for dental / orthodontic exercises through the oral module and oral module system.

[0031] Another task is to pursue an information technology IT approach and to provide an actuator for IT through the oral module and oral module system, which enables targeted, measurable and documentable quantitative and qualitative input.

[0032] In this process, the inventive oral module and oral module system are used as an interface between man and machine, and the technology in the oral module or oral module system is preferably equipped with IoT-enabled technology.

[0033] This problem is solved with an oral module according to the main claim and an oral module system according to the subordinate claim.

[0034] The inventive oral module is equipped with a mouthpiece that can be positioned in the oral cavity and a receptacle with a covering, and the mouthpiece has at least a lip bridge, a bite guard and an actuator connected to the bite guard via a bridge, and the receptacle provides a space for receiving technical components, wherein the technical components have at least a sensor, a power supply, a measuring / control unit, a transmission unit and / or interface, induction coils, a vibration motor, a display unit and an actuator control functionally connected, and is characterized in that - the mouthpiece is designed in such a way that, when positioned in the oral cavity - the upper front teeth can be pressed onto the top of the bite splint and the lower front teeth onto the bottom of the bite splint and - the lip bridge can be positioned in front of the front teeth and behind the lips; - that when positioned in the oral cavity, part of the image is located outside the oral cavity and - the recording has at least one lockable access point; where - the actuator is automatically positioned in the oral cavity by the positioning of the mouthpiece in such a way that the actuator can be actuated and moved equally well in all directions of movement by the tongue; - Movements of the tongue and lips can be transferred to the actuator; - movements transmitted to the actuator are measurable and evaluable with the technical components and - the technical components are interchangeable and modular in design. Furthermore, at least some of the technical components can be protected by a housing with a silicone seal.

[0035] The dependent oral module system (OMS) shapes the handling of the oral module.

[0036] The oral module system may in particular comprise a cable and an oral module, wherein the cable may be connected to the oral module via an interface in the receptacle and encapsulated.

[0037] Preferably, the cable and the oral module can be detachably connected to the interface in the device via a socket or plug connection.

[0038] In addition, the oral module system can have a transport / charging unit with a lid and plug connection.

[0039] The transport / loading unit may also have a receptacle with a hygienic coating for receiving the oral module.

[0040] The dependent procedure for an oral module system with an oral module provides the necessary steps for use by a person-assisted handling or autonomous handling by the user and includes at least the following steps of a flowchart: • Start with dialogue or monologue • Diagnosis • Selection of an oral module • Introduction to the oral module system, if necessary, decision on selection • Installation and / or opening of required IT on a computer • Connecting the oral module system to the computer via cable or wirelessly • Place the oral module in the oral cavity according to instructions and start the IT (APP), • Performing the application tailored to the diagnosis as an exercise program using the app • Completion of the program, removal from the oral cavity and cleaning of the oral module, in particular by placing it in the removable form of the oral module system, whereby the carrier is prepared for hygienic treatment and / or placement in an autoclave / sterilizer. Subsequently, the carrier with the oral module is placed back into the transport / loading unit, and the lid is closed. • Service / storage, where the oral module system (OMS) is prepared and made available for further use. IoT can be used to individually control and monitor the condition, maintenance, and identification.

[0041] The mouthpiece design varies in geometry and is tailored to ergonomic and comfort requirements. The mouthpiece should not feel like an uncomfortable foreign object in the mouth. The requirements for the mouthpiece focus on both comfort, ensuring a good fit to the individual oral cavity, and the ability to stimulate and move the tongue and lips to explore the mouthpiece. These movements are transmitted to the actuator, measured, digitized, stored, and analyzed. Parameterization then defines, among other things, the strength, speed, precision, and endurance of the user's playful movement of the actuator within the mouth.

[0042] The sensor and its actuator control are encased in a hygienic silicone layer, protecting the user from the technology. The mouthpiece is held in position by the teeth and lips, preventing it from being swallowed.

[0043] In speech therapy, medicine (ENT), or dentistry, the tongue's resting position is a common problem, for example, in cases of speech disorders. A healthy, well-trained tongue rests in a relaxed position just behind the upper incisors against the palate, without the tip pressing against them. A less trained tongue often lies between the front and side teeth, or even exerts pressure on them. Therefore, the actuator is positioned so that it can be easily actuated and moved by the tongue in all directions. Using the teeth and lips, the mouthpiece is positioned, and an optimal starting tongue position is achieved by selecting the appropriate, individualized mouthpiece.

[0044] An incorrect tongue position can prevent the jaw and teeth from growing properly, impairing speech. Swallowing, both conscious and unconscious (such as at night), can also be disrupted. Furthermore, a misaligned tongue can lead to involuntary mouth breathing, which in turn increases the risk of colds, throat infections, and tooth decay.

[0045] The inventive method trains the muscles of the tongue in general, and especially those muscles that guide the tongue to the palate in a relaxed state.

[0046] Overall, the user selects the mouthpiece for optimal ergonomic use from approximately 50 model variants for the casing and geometry of the oral module, in order to offer an ergonomic solution for all user requirements, regardless of age or physique. The hardness and flexibility of each model are determined by both its shape and the material, such as silicone. For example, to ensure that the silicone is cast with as few air bubbles as possible, a vacuum is used. With milled molds, air vents are incorporated, or the molds are agitated to allow air bubbles to escape when closing.

[0047] The technical components built into the oral module are interchangeable and modular. This allows different models with, for example, varying sizes, hardness, color, and textures to be used for a single technology group.

[0048] The invention is described below with reference to the accompanying figures in the figure description, which are intended to illustrate the invention and are not to be considered limiting. They show: They show: Fig. an exemplary oral module in a supervised setting, Fig. an exemplary oral module in a side view, Fig. an exemplary oral module in a view “view from inside the mouth”, Fig. an exemplary oral module in exploded view, Fig. an exemplary oral module system with direct cable connection, Fig. An exemplary wireless oral module system as a potted unit, in top, front and side view, Fig. An exemplary wireless oral module system with interchangeable components, shown in top, front and side views. Fig. An exemplary oral module system as a potted unit with cable connection, in top view and in perspective view, Fig. An exemplary oral modular system with interchangeable components and cable connection, shown in top and perspective views. Fig. An exemplary oral module system with transport unit in closed state, in perspective view, Fig. An exemplary oral module system with transport unit and overhead view of a hygiene unit without a lid, in perspective and overhead view. Fig. an exemplary use of the mouthpiece by placing it in a mouth cavity, Fig. An exemplary first step in a procedure using an oral module system for a speech therapist with one user, Fig. An exemplary second sequence of a procedure using an oral module system for one user.

[0049] Fig. Figure 1 shows an exemplary oral module 2 in a top view, without showing the internal mechanism of the mouthpiece 3. The internal mechanism, not shown, is protected by a casing 11, which is shown in the top view. The mouthpiece 3 exemplifies one of the models, each geometrically adapted to a specific oral cavity. The actuator 4 is connected to the bite splint 6 via a bridge 5, allowing for relative movement. The bite splint 6 is connected to a lip bridge 7. A receptacle 8 for the internal mechanism projects from the oral cavity onto the lip bridge 7. In this example, the receptacle has a closable access point 9, providing access to the internal mechanism. Access point 9 is available for fully cast models, as shown in Figure 1. Fig. shown, not required. The internal mechanism shown in figure 8 and protected by the casing 11 of the entire mouthpiece 3 is shown in Fig. shown as an example.

[0050] Fig. shows an example of an oral module 2 according to Fig. in a side view. The attachment of a preferably snap-in cap as access 9 to the receptacle 8 is indicated by a dividing line. The receptacle 8 is connected to the lip bridge 7 in such a way that the internal mechanism (not shown) is protected within it.

[0051] Fig. shows an example of an oral module 2 according to Fig. This is a view taken from inside the mouth. The relative thickness of the bite splint 6 compared to the lip bridge 7 and the position of the actuator 4 are shown. Furthermore, adjustments to the edges are indicated as rounded contours.

[0052] Fig. Figure 1 shows an example of the technical structure and, for instance, the components within the oral module 2 with its casing 11 in an exploded view.

[0053] The casing 11 in this example is designed in two parts. A separate housing 12 with a seal, here a silicone seal 18, is provided for the separate enclosure to protect the IT equipment. This housing contains at least the following components: lip pressure sensor 13, power supply 14, measuring / control unit 15 with transmission unit 16 (e.g., a circuit board with processor and Bluetooth module), and induction coils 17, particularly for contactless charging of the power supply 14, with the necessary connections as required for operation without IoT. Vibration motors 19, display units 20 (e.g., LEDs), and an actuator control 21 are also shown, all of which are protected within the casing 11.

[0054] Fig. Figure 1 shows an example of an oral module system 1 with a direct cable connection in a top view. The cable 25 is directly and permanently connected to the internal components (not shown) via an interface 10 molded into the receptacle 8 of the oral module 2. For connection to external devices, the cable 25 has a preferably standardized connector, such as the USB connector 24 shown as an example.

[0055] Fig. shows an example of a wireless oral module 2 of the oral module system 1. Fig. as a cast unit, shown in top, front, and side views. The top view shows the receptacle 8, the lip bridge 7, and the bite plate 6 with the molded-on bridge 5 connecting to the actuator 4. The front view (middle) shows the receptacle 8 with an indicated internal interface 10 for cable access and the lip bridge 7. The side view (bottom) shows the receptacle 8 with the lip bridge 7.

[0056] Fig. shows an example of a wireless oral module 2 of the oral module system 1. Fig. with a lockable access 9, here shaped as a cap, for access to replaceable components (IT technology) and connection to an interface 10 configured, for example, with a socket 23, shown in top, front, and side views. In the top view (above), the receptacle 8 with the lockable access 9 shaped as a cap, the lip ridge 7, and the bite rail 6 with the molded-on bridge 5 connecting to the actuator 4 are shown. In the front view (middle), the receptacle 8 with the lockable access 9 shaped as a cap is shown with the lip ridge 7. In the side view (below), the receptacle 8 with the lockable access 9 shaped as a cap is shown with the lip ridge 7.

[0057] Fig. Figure 1 shows an exemplary oral module system 1 as a potted unit with cable connection, in top and perspective views. In the top view (above), the oral module 2 is shown with a receptacle 8 into which the cable 25 is guided to an internal interface 10 (not shown). The cable 25 is preferably potted or bonded to the receptacle 8. In the perspective view (below), the oral module 2 with a receptacle 8 into which the cable 25 is guided to an internal interface 10 (not shown) is shown in more detail. A cable gland can also be used, for example, through which the cable 25 is fixed and over which the cable 25 is then movably potted in the receptacle 8. For connection to external devices, the cable 25 has a preferably standardized connection, such as the exemplary connector 24, a USB connector.

[0058] Fig. Figure 1 shows an exemplary oral module system 1 with interchangeable components (IT technology) inside the oral module 2 and its connection to an interface 10 configured, for example, with a socket 23 in the receptacle 8, and a cable connection with a cable 25 which has two plugs 24, one of which is inserted into the socket 23, shown in top view (above) and in perspective view (below). For connection to external devices, the cable 25 has a preferably standardized connection, such as the exemplary plug 24 shown, as a USB plug.

[0059] Fig. Figure 1 shows an exemplary oral module system 1 with a transport / charging unit 26 with a lid 28 in which the oral module 2 is stored with the cable 25, e.g., for transport or storage. Furthermore, a charger is integrated into the transport / charging unit 26, via which the oral module 2 can be charged, e.g., inductively. For connection to an external power supply, the cable 25 can be removed from the transport / charging unit 26 and connected to a suitable external power supply via a plug connection 22, as shown here. The transport / charging unit 26 preferably has a charging and function indicator (LED) 29.

[0060] Fig. Figure 1 shows an exemplary oral module system 1 with a transport / loading unit 26 without a lid 28, in which an oral module 2 is placed and held in a particularly removable form, preferably with a hygienic coating 30, in perspective and top view. The particularly removable form, preferably with a hygienic coating 30, can also be used as a carrier for hygienic treatment and / or placement in an autoclave / sterilizer for the oral module 2 as part of the oral module system 1. For connection to an external power supply, the cable 25 of the transport / loading unit 26 can be removed, e.g., from the lid 28 (not shown), and connected to a suitable external power supply via a plug connection 22, as shown here.The transport / loading unit 26 preferably has a charging and function indicator (LED) 29, as can be seen in the upper perspective view.

[0061] Fig. shows, by way of example, the use of mouthpiece 3 of the oral module 2 according to Fig. in the oral cavity of a user in cross-section. The tongue 32 pushes the actuator 4 and the bridge 5 upwards towards the palate and the upper front teeth 31. The oral module 2 is held in place in the oral cavity by the compression of the upper and lower front teeth 31 against the upper and lower surfaces of the bite splint 6 respectively, and by the lip bridge 7 located in front of the front teeth 31 and behind the lips, with part of the receiver 8 facing outwards.

[0062] Fig. Figure 100 shows an exemplary initial flowchart of a procedure using an oral module system (OMS) by a speech-language pathologist with a user. The flowchart is shown on the right side of the figure. Corresponding actions are illustrated on the left. In an initial dialogue (101), the user is interviewed and examined to establish a diagnosis (103), e.g., the tongue and lip muscles are underdeveloped. Based on the diagnosis, the speech-language pathologist specifies an oral module (2), e.g., size, thickness, shape, and then, together with the user, selects a model (104) from a range of options, e.g., color, system components. For the instruction (105), the speech-language pathologist uses an application (APP), i.e., a program that provides explanatory support for operating the oral module system (OMS), its components, connecting it, and setting it up.Should any problems be detected during selection 104, the speech therapist can return to step 104 with the user. Using this information, the IT 106 is then (optionally) installed on the user's computer. Next, the oral module system 1 is connected to the computer via cable 25 or wirelessly (step 107). The oral module 2 is then placed in the mouth as explained in step 105, and the IT (APP) 108 is launched. The user can first complete a training program, a so-called "parcours," which measures precision, pressure, and speed, among other things, and thus records and documents the status and changes. Following this, the application 109, tailored to the diagnosis, is used as an exercise program with the app.Upon completion of step 110 of the program, the oral module 2 is removed from the oral cavity and cleaned, specifically by placing it into the removable form of the oral module system 1. The carrier is then prepared for hygiene treatment and / or placement in an autoclave / sterilizer. Subsequently, the carrier with the oral module 2 is placed back into the transport / loading unit 26, the lid 28 is closed, and step 111, Service / Storage, prepares the oral module system (OMS) 1 for further use. IoT can be used to individually check and monitor the condition, maintenance, and identification of the module.

[0063] Fig.Figure 100 shows an exemplary second flowchart of a procedure with an oral module system 1 for a user with program support only via an app. The user receives a program / model package and at least one oral module system 1 based on data provided by the user; this is referred to as "Start with Monologue" 102. This involves either a self-diagnosis or an external diagnosis, which serves as the basis for diagnosis 103. Based on the diagnosis, the user selects an oral module 2 from the program / model package 104. Subsequently, the IT 106 is installed on the user's computer.With the launch of IT (APP) 108, the user is guided step by step through the process. This includes connecting the oral module system 1 to the computer via cable 25 or wirelessly (107) and receiving instruction (105) on how to operate the oral module system (OMS), its components, connection options, and commissioning. Should any problems arise during selection (104), the user can return to step 104 and, if necessary, perform a new installation in step 106, or skip this step and continue with a newly selected model in step 108, "Starting IT (APP)".

[0064] First, the user can access a training program and complete a so-called course, which measures, among other things, precision, pressure, and speed, thereby recording and documenting the status and changes. Subsequently, the application 109, tailored to the diagnosis, is performed as an exercise program using the app. Upon completion of the program 110, the oral module 2 is removed from the oral cavity and cleaned. The oral module 2 is then placed in the transport / charging unit 26, the lid 28 is closed, and in step 111, the oral module system (OMS) 1 is prepared for further use. IoT can be used to individually control and monitor the condition, maintenance, and identification of the module.

[0065] The reference symbols for the illustrations are listed below: 1 oral module system (OMS) 2 oral module 3 Mouthpiece 4 Actuator, Incito 5 Steg, Pons 6 bite splint, splint, Ferula 7 Lip bridge, labrum pons 8. Intake, body, corpus 9 Lockable access, Aperio 10 Interface 11. Coating (silicone coating, silicone sealant) 12 enclosures (IT technology) 13 Lip pressure sensor 14 Power supply (battery) 15 Measuring / control / regulating unit (circuit board with processor) 16 Transmission unit (e.g. Bluetooth module) 17 induction coils 18 Silicone sealant 19 Vibration motor 20 Display unit (LED) 21 Actuator control 22 Plug connection 23 socket 24 plugs 25 cables 26 transport unit / loading unit 27th recording 28 lids 29 Charging and function indicator (LED) 30 Hygienic coating 31 Front tooth 32 Tongue 100 Procedure Flowchart 101 Starting with Dialogue 102 Start with monologue 103 Diagnosis 104 selections 105 Instruction 106 Installation and / or opening of required IT 107 connection 108 Starting IT (APP) 109 Application 110 Termination 111 Service / Storage

Claims

[1] Oral module (2) with a mouthpiece (3) that can be positioned in the oral cavity and a receptacle (8) with a casing (11), wherein the mouthpiece (3) has at least one lip bridge (7), a bite splint (6) and an actuator (4) connected to the bite splint (7) via a bridge (5), and the receptacle (8) provides a space for accommodating technical components, wherein the technical components have at least one sensor, a power supply (14), a measuring / regulating / control unit (15), a transmission unit (16) and / or interface (10), induction coils (17), a vibration motor (19), a display unit (20), and an actuator control (21) functionally connected, characterized by , that - the mouthpiece (3) is designed in such a way that when positioned in the oral cavity - the upper front teeth (31) can be pressed onto the upper side of the bite guard and the lower front teeth (31) onto the underside of the bite guard (6) and - the lip bridge (7) can be positioned in front of the front teeth (31) and behind the lips; - that when positioned in the oral cavity, a part of the receptacle (8) is located outside the oral cavity and - the receptacle (8) has at least one closable access (9); where - the actuator (4) is automatically positioned by the positioning of the mouthpiece (3) in the oral cavity in such a way that the actuator (4) can be acted upon and moved equally well by the tongue in all directions of movement; - movements of the tongue and lips can be transferred to the actuator (4); - movements transmitted to the actuator (4) can be measured and evaluated with the technical components and - the technical components are interchangeable and designed in a modular manner. [2] Oral module (2) according to claim 1, characterized by , that - at least some of the technical components are protected by a housing (12) with a silicone seal (18) and / or - the at least one sensor comprises a lip pressure sensor (13) and / or - the measuring / regulating / control unit (15) has a circuit board with a processor and / or - the display unit (20) has LEDs. [3] Oral module system (1) for an oral module (2) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by that a cable (25) is connected to the oral module (2) via an interface (10) in the receptacle (8) and is encapsulated. [4] Oral module system (1) for an oral module (2) according to claim 1, 2 or 3, characterized by that a cable (25) can be detachably connected to the oral module (2) via a socket (23), plug (24) connection to the interface (10) in the receptacle (8). [5] Oral module system (1) for an oral module (2) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized bythat the oral module system (1) has a transport unit / loading unit (26) with a lid (28) and a plug connection (22). [6] Oral module system (1) for an oral module (2) according to claim 5, characterized by that the transport unit / loading unit (26) has a receptacle (27) with a hygienic coating (30) for receiving the oral module (2).

Citation Information

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