Oral function testing device

Abstract

We provide an oral function testing device. [Solution] The system includes a case, a measurement unit, an air pump, a fitting, a pressure sensor, and a control unit. The measurement unit includes an air bag defining an air chamber and a connecting pipe communicating with the air bag. The air pump includes a main body and an air tube having a connection and connected to the main body. The system includes a fitting, a connecting pipe, and at least one contact member, which are detachably connected to the air pump and the connecting pipe. The air pump can inflate the air chamber through the fitting. The connecting pipe has an air end for connecting to the air tube and a connecting end for connecting to the connecting pipe. The contact member is for connecting to the connection. The pressure sensor measures the air pressure in the air chamber and generates a pressure measurement value. The control unit is installed in the case and connected to the air pump and the pressure sensor so as to be able to transmit signals.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a diagnostic instrument, and particularly to an oral function examination device.

Background Art

[0002] The functions of each organ of the human body decline with aging. For example, muscle strength decreases and swallowing disorders occur. The above symptoms are difficult to notice, and generally, it is necessary to examine with a specific device such as that shown in Citation 1 in a clinic or hospital. However, if the elderly frequently visit a medical institution for this purpose, there is a risk of bone fractures and infection with infectious diseases.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide an oral function examination device with high examination convenience.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] The present invention includes a case, a detection unit, an air injector, a joint, a pressure sensor, and a control unit. The detection unit is installed in the case and defines an air chamber, and includes an airbag for arranging in the oral cavity of a user and a connecting pipe in gas communication with the airbag. The air injector is installed in the case and has an instrument body and a connection portion, and includes an air injection pipe connected to the instrument body. The joint is removably connected to the air injector and the connecting pipe, and includes a communication pipe and at least one abutting member. The air pump can inflate the air chamber of the air bag through the joint, The connecting pipe has an air intake end for connecting to the air intake pipe and a connecting end for connecting to the connecting pipe, The aforementioned contact member is spaced apart from the air intake end and is for connecting to the connection portion of the air intake pipe. The pressure sensor measures the air pressure in the air chamber and generates a pressure measurement value. The control unit is installed in the case and is connected to the air pump and the pressure sensor so as to be able to transmit signals. The control unit provides an oral function testing device that controls the air pump to inflate the air bag and compares the pressure measurement value with a standard pressure value to output the test results related to oral function. [Effects of the Invention]

[0006] The effect of this invention is that by connecting the contact member of the joint to the connection part of the air pump tube, the measurement unit can be quickly connected to the air pump, and then the air bag can be placed in the mouth and inflated with air using the air pump. By placing the air bag in the mouth and pressing the air bag with the tongue, the user pushes air into the air chamber, and the pressure sensor measures the air pressure in the air chamber, allowing it to determine whether the function of the oral muscles is normal based on tongue pressure. Furthermore, the design allows the measurement unit to be separated from the air pump, reducing the space required for storage and making it convenient to carry. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] This is a perspective exploded view showing an embodiment of the oral function testing device of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is a perspective view showing the above embodiment. [Figure 3] This is a perspective exploded view showing the air bladder and bite tube of the above embodiment. [Figure 4] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional exploded view. [Figure 5]This is a cross-sectional view of the combination shown in Figure 3. [Figure 6] This is an exploded cross-sectional view showing the joint of the above embodiment. [Figure 7] This is a cross-sectional view showing the combination of the above joints. [Figure 8] This is a partially cross-sectional exploded view of the above joint and the air pump of the above embodiment. [Figure 9] This is a top view showing the above joint. [Figure 10] This is a cross-sectional view along line XX in Figure 8. [Figure 11] This diagram shows the process by which the above fitting is connected to the air pump in the above embodiment. [Figure 12] This diagram shows the process by which the above fitting is connected to the air pump in the above embodiment. [Figure 13] Figure 8 is a diagram showing the combinations. [Figure 14] This figure shows the above fitting being separated from the air pump of the above embodiment. [Figure 15] This is a block diagram of the above embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0008] In the description of this invention, terms indicating directions and positional relationships such as "up," "down," "inside," "outside," "left," "right," "front," and "back" are based on the directions and positional relationships shown in the drawings, or the directions and positional relationships that are habitually used when using the product of this invention, for the purpose of simpler and clearer explanation. They do not teach or suggest that the corresponding apparatus or device has a specific direction, structure, or operation in a specific direction, and are not limitations to this invention. Furthermore, in the description of this invention, terms such as "first," "second," etc., are used solely for the purpose of distinction and do not imply or suggest relative importance.

[0009] The present invention will be described in detail below. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the embodiment of the oral function testing device of the present invention is suitable for testing the functions of the muscles of the oral cavity.

[0010] This embodiment includes a case 1, a detection unit 2, an air injector 3, a joint 4, a pressure sensor 5, a display unit 6, and a control unit 7.

[0011] The case 1 includes a main body 12 that defines a housing chamber 11. Further, the case 1 has an installation hole 111 that is installed on the top side of the main body 12 and is formed to communicate with the housing chamber 11 and the surrounding environmental space, and a front side open tank 112 that is formed on the front side of the main body 12.

[0012] The detection unit 2 is installed in the case 1. And the detection unit 2 includes an airbag 21, a biting tube 22 that is connected to the airbag 21 and is for the user to bite with teeth, and a connecting tube 23 that is connected to the biting tube 22 and is in gas communication with the airbag 21.

[0013] As shown in FIGS. 3 to 5, the airbag 21 is for placement in the oral cavity of the user. And the airbag 21 has a bladder body 212 that defines an air chamber 211, an extension tube 213 that extends from the bladder body 212 to the outside, and a screwing member 214 that is annularly mounted on the outer surface of the extension tube 213.

[0014] The bladder body 212 has a recessed tank 215 that recesses from the outer surface to the inside. When the airbag 21 is placed in the oral cavity of the user, the user can push the airbag 21 upward with the tongue. In this embodiment, the tongue can be placed in the recessed tank 215, so the comfort level is high.

[0015] ]> The extension tube 213 has a stop flange 216. The screwing member 214 has a positioning wall 217 that is located between the bladder body 212 and the stop flange 216 and through which the extension tube 213 can pass, and a screwing ring 218 that extends downward from the periphery of the positioning wall 217.

[0016] The interlocking tube 22 has a tube body 221 and a plurality of spacing rings 222 that are attached to the tube body 221 at intervals from each other. The pipe body 221 has a threaded portion 223 for threading the threaded member 214. In this embodiment, the material used to manufacture the chewing tube 22 is a flexible material, such as silicone, to enhance comfort during use, but is not limited to this.

[0017] The user can accommodate different numbers of spacing rings 222 depending on the size of their oral cavity, and by placing the incisors between two spacing rings 222, the air bladder 21 is prevented from slipping out of the user's oral cavity, thereby increasing stability during use.

[0018] In this embodiment, the air sac 21 and the gripping tube 22 are removably screw-connected to each other, making them highly convenient for cleaning and replacing. Furthermore, the air sac 21 and the gripping tube 22 can also be formed integrally.

[0019] As shown in Figures 6 to 8, the air pump 3 is installed inside the housing chamber 11 of the case 1. The air pump 3 also includes a main body 31 and an air pump pipe 32 that is connected to the main body 31, extends outward from the main body 31, and is fixed to the installation hole 111 so as to pass through the installation hole 111.

[0020] The main body of the device 31 may include, but is not limited to, an electric air pump. The air inlet tube 32 has an internal connection end 321 connected to the main body of the machine 31, an external connection end 322 which is the opposite end of the internal connection end 321, and a connection portion 323 that extends outward from the external connection end 322.

[0021] Inside the air supply pipe 32, there are further installed multiple sheets 324 located at the external connection end 322 and made of a flexible material.

[0022] In this embodiment, the connecting portion 323 is a protruding edge. Furthermore, the connecting portion 323 has an arc-shaped inner edge 325, an arc-shaped outer edge 326 located on the opposite side of the inner edge 325, and a side ring surface 327 connected to the inner edge 325 and the outer edge 326. The inner edge 325 and the outer edge 326 are chamfered to form rounded surfaces.

[0023] The joint 4 is detachably connected to the air supply pipe 32 of the air pump 3 and the connecting pipe 23 of the measurement unit 2, allowing the air pump 3 to inflate the air chamber 211 of the air bag 21 through the joint 4.

[0024] The joint 4 allows for quick connection and disconnection between the air pump 3 and the measurement unit 2, making storage, cleaning, and portability convenient. Furthermore, if the measurement unit 2 is damaged or deteriorated, it can be replaced with a new one independently.

[0025] In this embodiment, the joint 4 includes a connecting pipe 41, a plurality of conical rings 42, a stop wall 43, an inner ring 44, an outer ring 45, two contact members 46, and a plurality of position limiting ribs 47. The connecting pipe 41 has an air intake end 411 for connecting to the air intake pipe 32 and a connecting end 412 for inserting into and connecting to the connecting pipe 23.

[0026] As shown in Figures 7 to 9, multiple conical rings 42 are mounted around the connecting end 412 at intervals from each other. Of these, the conical ring 42 furthest from the air intake end 411 has multiple arc-shaped grooves 421, which allow the connecting end 412 of the connecting pipe 41 to be easily inserted into the connecting pipe 23 by screwing it in.

[0027] The stopper wall 43 is located between the air intake end 411 and the connecting end 412, and is intended for the connecting pipe 23 to abut against.

[0028] As shown in Figures 6 to 8, the inner ring 44 is connected to the stopper wall 43 and surrounds the outside of the air intake end 411. The inner ring 44 also has an inner circumferential surface 441, an outer circumferential surface 442, and two through holes 443 that penetrate the inner circumferential surface 441 and the outer circumferential surface 442. Each through hole 443 is defined by a hole circumferential surface 444. Each hole circumferential surface 444 has a hole inclined surface portion 445 that extends while being inclined.

[0029] The outer ring 45 is installed on the connecting pipe 41 and surrounds the outside of the inner ring 44. That is, the inner ring 44 is configured to form a ring between the connecting pipe 41 and the outer ring 45. Furthermore, the outer ring 45 can move relative to the inner ring 44.

[0030] The multiple contact members 46 are for connecting to the connection portion 323 of the air intake pipe 32, extending inclined from the inside of the outer ring 45 toward the connecting pipe 41, and are spaced apart from the air intake end 411. The multiple contact members 46 and the outer ring 45 were manufactured to be integrally formed from a flexible material.

[0031] Each contact member 46 can be movably inserted into the corresponding through hole 443 and can be pressed by the connection portion 323 of the air supply pipe 32 and locked into the connection portion 323. Each contact member 46 has an upper end 461 connected to the outer ring 45, a rocking arm 462 that extends inclined from the upper end 461 toward the main body 31 of the instrument, and a terminal end 463 that extends from the rocking arm 462 toward the main body 31 of the instrument.

[0032] In this embodiment, each contact member 46 is a position limiting arm made of a flexible material. Each contact member 46 has a contact surface 464 for contacting the connection portion 323 of the air supply pipe 32. The contact surface 464 has a first inclined portion 465 that extends inclined toward the air supply end 411 of the connecting pipe 41 and faces the corresponding hole inclined portion 445, a connecting surface portion 466 that extends from the first inclined portion 465 toward the main body of the device 31, and a second inclined portion 467 that extends inclined toward the outer ring 45 toward the connecting surface portion 466.

[0033] As shown in Figures 7, 8, and 10, a gap 48 is defined between the inner ring 44 and the outer ring 45. Multiple position-restricting ribs 47 are formed on the inner surface of the outer ring 45 and are intended to abut against the inner ring 44.

[0034] As shown in Figures 8 and 11-13, when connecting the inspection unit 2 to the air pump 3, first, as shown in Figure 11, the joint 4 is inserted into the installation hole 111 of the case 1, so that the second inclined portion 467 of each contact member 46 first comes into contact with the outer end edge 326 of the connection portion 323.

[0035] Then, as shown in Figure 12, during insertion, the connecting surface portion 466 of each contact member 46 then comes into contact with the side ring surface 327 and is pushed by the connecting portion 323, causing each contact member 46 to wobble outward, and the connecting pipe 41 enters the air intake pipe 32 so that it pushes open the multiple sheets 324 and comes into contact with the air intake pipe 32.

[0036] Finally, as shown in Figure 13, the first inclined portion 465 of each contact member 46 contacts the inner edge 325, and each contact member 46 abuts against the inner edge 325 and locks in place, thereby airtightly connecting the connecting pipe 41 of the joint 4 to the air intake pipe 32.

[0037] As shown in Figures 13 and 14, when separating the inspection unit 2 and the air pump 3, as shown in Figure 14, first the outer ring 45 is pulled, causing the first inclined portion 465 of each contact member 46 to slide while contacting the hole inclined portion 445 of the inner ring 44. As a result, the first inclined portion 465 of each contact member 46 detaches from the inner edge 325, and the entire joint 4 can then be separated from the air pump 3.

[0038] According to this embodiment, there is an advantage in that the separation process is easy due to low resistance. The inner ring 44 can be omitted, or the joint 4 can be configured as a single pump head. In this case, by changing the contact member 46 to an internal thread and the connection part 323 of the air supply pipe 32 to an external thread, the joint 4 can be installed so that it can be separated from the air supply pipe 32.

[0039] As shown in Figures 2 and 15, the pressure sensor 5 can be installed in case 1 or fitting 4 and measures the air pressure in the air chamber 211 and generates a pressure measurement value. In this embodiment, the pressure sensor 5 is installed in case 1. The pressure sensor 5 is, for example, a gas pressure sensor.

[0040] The display unit 6 is installed in the mounting hole 111 of the case 1. The display unit 6 may be, for example, a touchscreen, but is not limited to that.

[0041] The control unit 7 is installed in case 1 and is connected to the main body 31 of the air pump 3, the pressure sensor 5, and the display unit 6 so as to be able to transmit signals. The control unit 7 controls the air pump 3 to inflate the air bag 21, compares the measured pressure with the standard pressure value, outputs the test results regarding oral function, and displays the test results on the display unit 6.

[0042] In this embodiment, the display unit 6 is a touchscreen having an operation area (not shown), and when the operation area is touched, the control unit 7 controls the air pump 3 to inflate the air bag 21 and start the inspection.

[0043] The test results can be used to assess oral function; for example, insufficient tongue pressure may indicate swallowing difficulties or snoring problems. The control unit 7 may include, but is not limited to, a microprocessor-equipped printed circuit board module.

[0044] During implementation, the oral function testing device can be powered by a rechargeable battery, which makes it portable and offers the advantage of not being restricted to a specific location for use.

[0045] Furthermore, the control unit 7 can be equipped with a wireless communication module, which allows it to communicate wirelessly with a mobile phone and display the inspection results on the mobile phone, in which case the display unit 6 can be omitted.

[0046] Since wireless communication between rechargeable batteries and mobile phones is a well-known technology, a detailed explanation will be omitted. According to the above configuration, the present invention allows the inspection unit 2 to be quickly connected to the air pump 3 by the contact member 46 of the joint 4 engaging with the connection portion 323 of the air pump pipe 32, and then air to be injected into the air bag 21 with the air pump 3.

[0047] During the test, the user places the air sac 21 in their mouth and pushes the air sac 21 upward with their tongue, thereby pushing the air inside the air chamber 211. The pressure sensor 5 measures the air pressure in the air chamber, and the control unit 7 obtains the test result.

[0048] The test results may include, but are not limited to, the aforementioned pressure measurement values, "lower than standard," "recommend self-practice," or "recommend seeing a doctor." This allows us to determine whether tongue pressure is sufficient and to assess the function of the oral muscles and swallowing.

[0049] The oral function testing device of the present invention is easy to operate, can be used by the general public to perform the test themselves, and does not require a visit to a hospital, thus increasing the convenience of testing and allowing for frequent use. The design allows the measurement unit 2 and the air pump 3 to be separated, reducing the space required for storage and making it convenient to carry.

[0050] The above embodiments are illustrative in illustrating the principles and effects of the present invention and do not limit it. Those skilled in the art can make some modifications and alterations to the above embodiments, provided they do not deviate from the spirit and scope of the invention. Therefore, all modifications and alterations made by those skilled in the art, provided they do not deviate from the spirit of the invention, should also be considered to fall within the scope of protection of the present invention. [Industrial applicability]

[0051] The oral function testing device of the present invention is suitable for testing the function of the oral cavity. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0052] 1 case 11 Confinement Rooms 111 Installation hole 112 Front open tank 12 Main unit 2. Inspection Unit 21 Air bag 211 Air chamber 212 bag main body 213 Stretched pipe 214 Threaded member 215 Concave tank 216 Stop flange 217 Positioning wall 218 Threaded ring 22 Chewy canals 221 Pipe body 222 Interval ring 223 Threaded section 23 Connecting pipe 3. Air pump 31 Instrument body 32 Air inlet tube 321 Internal connection terminal 322 External connection terminal 323 Connection part 324 seats 325 Inner edge 326 Outer edge 327 Side annular surface 4 joints 41 Communication pipe 411 Air pump end 412 Connecting end 42 Conical ring 421 Groove 43 Stopping wall 44 Inner Ring 441 Inner surface 442 Outer surface 443 Through hole 444 Hole circumference 445 Hole slope part 45 Outer ring 46 Contact Member 461 Upper end 462 Oscillating Arm 463 Terminal 464 Contact surface 466 Connecting surface section 467 Second slope section 47 Position limiting ribs 48 gaps 5. Pressure Sensor 6 Display Units 7 Control Unit

Claims

1. It includes a case, a measurement unit, an air pump, a fitting, a pressure sensor, and a control unit. The aforementioned measurement unit is installed in the case and includes an air bag that defines an air chamber and is placed in the user's mouth, and a connecting tube that communicates with the air bag. The aforementioned air pump is installed in the case and includes a main body and an air pump tube having a connecting portion and connected to the main body of the device. The joint is removably connected to the air pump and the connecting pipe, and includes a connecting pipe and at least one contact member. The air pump can inflate the air chamber of the air bag through the joint, The connecting pipe has an air intake end for connecting to the air intake pipe and a connecting end for connecting to the connecting pipe, The aforementioned contact member is spaced apart from the air intake end and is for connecting to the connection portion of the air intake pipe. The pressure sensor measures the air pressure in the air chamber and generates a pressure measurement value. The control unit is installed in the case and is connected to the air pump and the pressure sensor so as to be able to transmit signals. The control unit controls the air pump to inflate the air bag, and compares the pressure measurement value with a standard pressure value to output an oral function test result.

2. The aforementioned connecting portion is a protruding edge, The aforementioned joint includes a plurality of the aforementioned contact members, Each of the aforementioned contact members is a position-limiting arm made of a flexible material, and has a first inclined portion that extends inclined toward the air intake end of the connecting pipe, and a connecting surface portion that extends from the first inclined portion toward the machine body. The oral function testing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the connecting surface portion of each contact member can be pressed against the connecting portion, and the joint can be connected to the air supply pipe of the air inflator 3 by the first inclined surface portion of each contact member engaging with the connecting portion.

3. The aforementioned joint further includes an outer ring and an inner ring, Multiple contact members are formed on the outer ring, The inner ring is configured to be annular between the connecting pipe and the outer ring. The oral function testing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the inner ring has a plurality of through holes into which a plurality of contact members can be movably inserted.

4. The aforementioned air intake tube further comprises a plurality of sheets made of a flexible material, The oral function testing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the air intake end of the joint pushes open the plurality of sheets and enters the air intake pipe and comes into contact with the air intake pipe, thereby enabling the connecting pipe of the joint to be airtightly connected to the air intake pipe.

5. The aforementioned joint further comprises a plurality of conical rings, The plurality of conical rings are arranged around the connecting end of the connecting pipe at intervals from each other. The oral function testing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the conical ring furthest from the air inlet end has a plurality of arc-shaped grooves.

6. The case is installed and further includes a display unit for displaying the inspection results, The measurement unit further includes a bite tube connected to the air bladder and the connecting tube, and for the user to bite down on with their teeth. The oral function testing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the chewing canal is made of a flexible material.

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