Laryngeal Elevation Measurement Device Using Dual Displacement Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing laryngeal movement measurement devices struggle to accurately detect swallowing movements due to capacitive sensor configurations that also measure neck movements, leading to mixed detection results.
Innovation Solution
A laryngeal elevation measurement device comprising a first and second displacement sensor attached to the neck, with a control unit estimating laryngeal prominence positional changes based on displacement data from both sensors, allowing for precise detection of swallowing movements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single capacitive sensor is used to detect laryngeal movements, then the device structure is simple, but the measurement precision deteriorates because neck movements are also detected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the measurement function into two separate sensors: a first displacement sensor for detecting laryngeal prominence movement and a second displacement sensor for detecting neck movement. By segmenting the measurement tasks, the system can distinguish between swallowing movements and neck movements, thereby improving measurement precision while maintaining reasonable device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The second displacement sensor acts as an intermediary that detects neck movement as a separate signal. This intermediary measurement allows the control unit to subtract or filter out neck movement components from the overall signal, isolating the pure swallowing movement signal and improving detection accuracy
2Ease of operation
If a single sensor detects both laryngeal and neck movements, then the device is simple to operate, but the reliability of swallowing movement detection deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the detection function into two specialized sensors, each optimized for specific measurement tasks. This segmentation improves reliability by ensuring that swallowing movements are detected exclusively through the first sensor's data, filtered from confounding neck movement signals captured by the second sensor
3Device complexity
If capacitive changes are used to detect laryngeal movements, then the measurement method is simple, but the detection accuracy deteriorates due to mixed signals from neck movements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the measurement approach by using two displacement sensors with different measurement principles: the first sensor measures laryngeal prominence displacement directly, while the second sensor measures neck movement. This segmentation allows the system to isolate swallowing movement signals from neck movement interference, improving measurement precision
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional single capacitive sensor system with a dual-sensor displacement measurement system. This substitution enables mechanical displacement measurement of the laryngeal prominence relative to the neck, providing more accurate and exclusive detection of swallowing movements
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables accurate and exclusive detection of swallowing movements by detailing laryngeal prominence changes over time, improving measurement precision.
Implementation Method 1
a first displacement sensor that is attachable to a neck of a test subject
Implementation Method 2
a second displacement sensor that is attachable to a site that is part of the neck of the test subject and that is located at a predetermined distance from the first displacement sensor
Implementation Method 3
estimate positional changes of a laryngeal prominence of the test subject based on changes over time in the displacement amount of the first displacement sensor, changes over time in the displacement amount of the second displacement sensor, and the predetermined distance
Data Source
AI summary
A laryngeal elevation measurement device is provided that includes first and second displacement sensors and a control unit. The first displacement sensor is attachable to a neck of a test subject. The second displacement sensor 22 attachable to a site that is part of the neck of the test subject and that is located at a predetermined distance from the first displacement sensor. The control unit acquires the displacement amounts of the first and second displacement sensors. The control unit estimates positional changes of the laryngeal prominence of the test subject based on changes over time in the displacement amount of the first displacement sensor and changes over time in the displacement amount of the second displacement sensor, and the predetermined distance. The control unit outputs a result of estimation.