Oral Cavity Function Training Tool with Elastic Vibration Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional exercise tools for strengthening oral muscles do not provide clear feedback on the effectiveness of the exercise, leading to reduced user motivation and uncertainty about proper exercise execution.
Innovation Solution
An exercise tool with a hollow bulge made of an elastic body, featuring level difference portions on its surface, which deforms and vibrates when a predetermined force is applied by the tongue, providing tactile feedback on the correct exercise technique.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If conventional exercise tools (spoon-shaped stimulating portion or push portion) are used, then the exercise tool structure is simple, but the user cannot tell easily how much force should be applied and cannot realize easily that the exercise is being done properly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies mechanical vibration by designing the bulge to vibrate when a predetermined level of force is applied by the tongue. This vibration provides tactile feedback to the user, indicating that the correct amount of force has been applied and the exercise is being performed properly, thereby solving the information feedback problem without requiring complex electronic components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback through the vibration mechanism that activates when the tongue applies sufficient force to the bulge. This tactile feedback loop allows the user to immediately感知 whether the exercise is effective, addressing the loss of information issue while maintaining a relatively simple device structure.
2Ease of operation
If conventional exercise tools are used, then the device complexity is low, but the user motivation is reduced due to lack of realization that the exercise is properly done
Solution Approach 1:
The vibration generated by the bulge when sufficient force is applied provides immediate tactile confirmation to the user that the exercise is being performed correctly. This enhances user motivation and ease of operation by giving clear sensory feedback, while the mechanical nature of the vibration keeps the device complexity relatively low.
Solution Approach 2:
The exercise tool automatically provides feedback through the vibration mechanism without requiring external monitoring or complex control systems. The system self-regulates by vibrating only when the appropriate force is applied, making the exercise process more user-friendly and motivating while avoiding additional complexity.
3Loss of information
If a hollow bulge made of elastic body with level difference portion is used, then clear feedback on exercise effectiveness is provided through vibration, but the manufacturing precision requirement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The vibration mechanism provides clear feedback on exercise effectiveness, addressing the information loss issue. While the level difference portion requires precise positioning during manufacturing, the vibration effect itself is robust and provides reliable feedback once the device is assembled, making the manufacturing precision requirement manageable.
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 tool allows users to perform effective exercises by clearly indicating the required force level through vibration, enhancing motivation and ensuring proper execution, thereby improving oral function and muscle strength.
Implementation Method 1
a level difference portion is provided in an intermediate region of at least one of an outer surface or an inner surface of the bulge in a protruding direction thereof, the level difference portion serving as a starting point of elastic deformation when a force applied by a tongue, cheek or lip of a user to the bulge reaches or exceeds a predetermined level
Implementation Method 2
the bulge undergoes a sudden elastic deformation such that a portion of the bulge closer to a distal end than the level difference portion approaches a proximal end thereof. The bulge vibrates at the instant when the bulge undergoes the sudden elastic deformation
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
An exercise tool 1 for improving oral function inserted and used in an oral cavity includes: a base 10 inserted in the oral cavity; and a hollow bulge 20 which is made of an elastic body and protrudes from the base 10. Level difference portions 41-43 and 51-53 are provided in a vertically intermediate region of at least one of an outer surface and an inner surface of the bulge 20.