Mouthguard With Variable Airflow Valve For Lung Training
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current mouthguard systems do not allow adjustable airflow restriction for lung training, and existing lung trainers lack mouth protection and compatibility with athletic helmet facemasks, failing to provide both protective and training functions simultaneously.
Innovation Solution
An athletic mouthguard with integrated lung exerciser features a variable airflow-restricting valve system that allows adjustable resistance for both inhalation and exhalation, designed to fit under athletic helmet facemasks, combining mouth protection with lung training functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a mouthguard is designed to protect the mouth and teeth, then protection function is improved, but lung training functionality is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines a mouthguard with a lung exerciser into a single integrated device. The mouthguard structure includes built-in airflow restriction mechanisms (valves, channels, orifices) that provide lung training functionality while maintaining the protective function of the mouthguard. This merging resolves the contradiction by making the device serve both protection and training purposes simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The mouthguard is designed to perform multiple functions: protecting the mouth and teeth from impact, restricting airflow for lung training, and providing adjustable resistance levels. The device incorporates universal features that allow it to function as both protective equipment and respiratory training tool, eliminating the need for separate devices.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a lung trainer is designed to provide airflow restriction for lung training, then lung training function is improved, but mouth protection is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates a lung exerciser within the mouthguard structure. The airflow restriction mechanisms (valves, channels, orifices) are built into the mouthguard body, combining the lung training function with the protective mouthguard structure. This allows the device to provide both functions simultaneously rather than requiring separate equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The device is designed as a universal piece of equipment that performs both mouth protection and lung training. The mouthguard includes protective features (thick material, coverage area) alongside lung training features (adjustable airflow restriction), making it a multi-functional device that eliminates the need for separate lung trainer equipment.
3Ease of operation
If a mouthguard is designed to fit under an athletic helmet facemask, then comfort and usability are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lung exerciser components (valves, channels, orifices) are nested within the mouthguard structure. The airflow restriction mechanisms are integrated into the body of the mouthguard, allowing the complex functionality to be contained within a compact form factor that can still fit under a facemask. This nesting approach maintains ease of operation while incorporating advanced features.
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
The mouthguard enhances lung efficiency and respiratory muscle strength by providing customizable airflow resistance, improving overall athletic performance while protecting the mouth and teeth during training and competition.
Implementation Method 1
A rotatable valve member, seated in the valve seat has an aperture therethrough. The restriction of airflow to the lungs through the mouth and nose during exercise enables the body to adjust to a higher level of efficiency requiring less oxygen by improving lung muscles strength and conditioning lungs to adjust to a higher level of functioning.
Data Source
AI summary
An athletic mouthguard with lung exercising variable, two-way airflow-restricting valve is disclosed. The mouthguard has a mouthpiece with a lower tooth bed and an upper tooth bed overlying the lower. Outer and an inner sidewall connects the beds. A channel passes between the lower and upper beds with a first end open within the inner sidewall and a second end open within the outer sidewall. Certain embodiments include a channel wall which separates the channel into multiple channels. A manifold in fluid communication with the channel terminates to a centralized aperture with a valve seat. A rotatable valve member in the valve seat has an aperture therethrough.