Mandibular Sensing Unit for Separating Respiratory and Bruxism Movements
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sleep disorder detection systems fail to accurately differentiate between mandibular movements induced by respiratory and non-respiratory factors, leading to inaccurate diagnosis due to the separate consideration of head and mandible movements, which are often influenced by other body parts during breathing.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a gyroscope and an accelerometer to measure mandibular rotations and head movements, respectively, with a data analysis unit to correlate and classify these movements into distinct classes indicative of sleep disorders, allowing for precise identification of events like obstructive sleep apnea and bruxism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If accelerometer data is used to measure head and mandible movements separately, then the system can detect movements, but the measurement precision is reduced due to inability to distinguish between respiratory and non-respiratory causes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines accelerometer and gyroscope sensors into an integrated sensing unit that simultaneously measures both linear acceleration and rotational movements. This merging of sensing modalities enables the system to distinguish between head movements (respiratory) and mandibular movements (bruxism) by analyzing their different运动 characteristics, thereby improving measurement precision without proportionally increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a processing unit that acts as an intermediary between the sensor data and the final diagnosis. This processing unit correlates accelerometer and gyroscope data, applies machine learning algorithms, and integrates multiple data streams to differentiate between respiratory-related and bruxism-related movements, enabling precise measurement while managing system complexity through intelligent processing
2Reliability
If multiple sensors are added to improve measurement accuracy, then the reliability of sleep disorder diagnosis is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges accelerometer and gyroscope into a single integrated sensing unit that measures both linear and rotational movements. This combination improves diagnostic reliability by providing complementary data that together enable accurate differentiation between respiratory and bruxism movements, while the integrated design avoids the complexity of separate sensor systems
Solution Approach 2:
The sensing unit is designed with multi-functionality, where the accelerometer and gyroscope work together to serve multiple diagnostic purposes: detecting head movements, identifying mandibular movements, distinguishing between respiratory and non-respiratory causes, and classifying sleep stages. This universal approach improves reliability without requiring multiple specialized devices
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
Enhances the accuracy of sleep disorder diagnosis by distinguishing between brain-controlled and tracheal tug-induced mandibular movements, providing detailed sleep stage analysis and event detection with improved patient comfort and reduced interference.
Implementation Method 1
a gyroscope adapted to measure movements of the mandible of a subject
Implementation Method 2
an accelerometer adapted to measure movements of the head and/or of the mandible of a subject
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to devices, systems and methods for detecting disturbances that may occur during the sleep of a subject using measurements and assessments of mandibular rotation and movement of a sleeping subject. A sensing unit may be positioned onto the exterior of the subject's mandible and may generate data measurements corresponding to mandibular rotation and movement. For example, measurements by an accelerometer and gyroscope corresponding to rotation and movement of the mandible provide the necessary information to arrive at an accurate assessment of sleep stages, sleep indicators and/or other sleep related information which may be used to make recommendations regarding sleep conditions and/or disorders. A report may be generated including such sleep stages, sleep indicators and/or other sleep related information as well as any recommendations regarding sleep conditions and/or disorders for use for diagnosing sleep events such as obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).