Link Motion Swallowing Simulator for Dysphagia Research
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current swallowing simulators are primarily static or simplistic, failing to accurately represent the dynamic process of food swallowing, which hinders research and treatment of dysphagia, particularly in understanding the influence of food material characteristics on the swallowing process.
Innovation Solution
A link motion-based food swallowing simulator is developed, incorporating a bionic oral cavity assembly, a driving module, and an adjusting module, which simulates the swallowing process from static to dynamic, mimicking the human swallowing mechanism with adjustable angles and sensors to collect data on food flow and pressure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If static structural models are used for swallowing system, then the structure is simple, but the model cannot demonstrate the swallowing process dynamically
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by transforming the static structural model into a dynamic simulation system. The bionic oral cavity assembly incorporates a tongue base that can move dynamically to simulate the swallowing process. The link motion mechanism converts rotational motion into the complex curved movement of the tongue base, enabling dynamic demonstration of swallowing while maintaining structural simplicity through modular design.
2Adaptability or versatility
If dynamic structural models with complex structure are used, then the swallowing process can be simulated, but the structure becomes too complex to correctly express the food swallowing process
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the swallowing simulation system into distinct functional modules: the bionic oral cavity assembly, the driving module with link motion mechanism, and the collection system. This modular segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while keeping the overall structure manageable and easier to construct compared to a fully integrated complex model.
3Stability of the object's composition
If fixed position simulators are used, then the structure is stable, but the simulator cannot adapt to different swallowing positions such as patients lying on the back
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by incorporating an adjustable positioning system that allows the bionic oral cavity assembly to be positioned at different angles and orientations. This enables the simulator to adapt to various swallowing positions including patients lying on their backs, while maintaining structural stability through a robust adjustable mounting mechanism.
4Measurement precision
If in vivo measurement is attempted, then real swallowing data can be obtained, but the complexity of the structure and nervous system makes measurement difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies copying by creating a bionic oral cavity assembly that replicates the key functional characteristics of the human oral cavity and swallowing mechanism. This physical model copies the essential geometry and motion patterns of the tongue base and surrounding structures, enabling measurement of swallowing parameters without the complexity of in vivo human subject measurement while maintaining sufficient accuracy for research purposes.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention discloses a link motion-based food swallowing simulator comprising a swallowing module including a bionic oral cavity assembly, a shred collecting assembly and a supporting assembly wherein two side plates of a maxillary base of the bionic oral cavity assembly connect to a mounting plate of the supporting assembly, wherein the shred collecting assembly is positioned on a mounting base of the supporting assembly; an adjusting module, positioned under the mounting base, includes a bearing assembly and an adjusting assembly wherein the bearing assembly is disposed on the adjusting assembly, achieving the simulation of the food swallowing mechanism from static to dynamic. The adoption of the driving module realizes the swallowing action through link motion simulation, simulating the swallowing process of the human body and the swallowing process of the patient lying on the back through adjusting modules, improving the swallowing situation with higher adaptability.