Orofacial Training Screen With Compound Curvature And Friction Texture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for training lip and facial muscles lack ergonomic design and efficient sensorimotor stimulation for patients with impaired muscle functions in the face, mouth, and throat, particularly for those with neurological disorders or dysphagia.
Innovation Solution
A device with a compound curvature and U-shaped profile, extending past premolar teeth, combined with a handle and friction-enhancing texture, designed for comprehensive neuromuscular stimulation, including a grip for tension application and measurement, to activate the buccinator mechanism and simulate swallowing actions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a simple mouthpiece design is used for lip muscle training, then the device is easy to manufacture, but it provides insufficient sensorimotor stimulation for patients with impaired muscle functions
Solution Approach 1:
The oral screen employs compound curvature with convexo-concave cross-sectional profile that is gradually flattening from central mid region towards left and right ends. This curved geometry maximizes contact area with the orofacial muscles (lips, cheeks, buccinator) providing comprehensive sensorimotor stimulation while maintaining a single-piece molded structure for manufacturing efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The screen extends in multiple dimensions: horizontally beyond the premolar teeth on each side, vertically with convexo-concave profile, and depth-wise into the oral cavity. This multi-dimensional extension ensures engagement of larger muscle groups including the buccinator mechanism while maintaining structural simplicity through one-piece construction
2Area of stationary object
If the screen is extended to reach past premolar teeth for comprehensive muscle stimulation, then the stimulation coverage is improved, but the device becomes more complex to manufacture
Solution Approach 1:
The oral screen integrates multiple functional elements into a single molded piece: the extended horizontal wings reaching past premolars, the convexo-concave vertical profile, the central attachment region for the stem, and the friction-enhancing texture all form one continuous structure. This merging eliminates assembly steps while achieving comprehensive muscle coverage
Solution Approach 2:
The single oral screen structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides broad coverage area for muscle stimulation, creates friction for sensorimotor activation, extends horizontally to engage buccinator muscles, and integrates the attachment point for tension application. This multi-functionality in one piece simplifies manufacturing while maximizing therapeutic effect
3Reliability
If a rigid screen with compound curvature is used, then the sensorimotor stimulation is maximized, but the device becomes harder to manufacture with precise geometry
Solution Approach 1:
The convexo-concave cross-sectional profile is designed to be gradually flattening from the central mid region towards the left and right ends. This parameter variation in curvature provides optimal contact pressure distribution for sensorimotor stimulation while facilitating easier molding during manufacturing, as the gradual transition reduces complex tooling requirements
4Reliability
If friction-enhancing texture is added to the screen surface, then the sensorimotor stimulation is improved, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The friction-enhancing texture is integrated directly into the oral screen molding process as part of the single-piece construction. The texture pattern is formed simultaneously with the convexo-concave geometry and horizontal extensions, eliminating separate manufacturing steps while providing enhanced sensorimotor stimulation through increased surface friction
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
A device for therapeutic use is disclosed, the device comprising a rigid screen (1) that is insertable behind the upper and lower lips of a user's mouth, the screen having a compound curvature and in a horizontal plane generally U-shaped profile, and in a vertical plane a convexo-concave cross-sectional profile that is gradually flattening from a central mid region towards the left and right ends (12, 13) thereof, the ends extended to reach at least past the premolar teeth on each side in the upper and lower jaws of the user when applied. A handle is attached to extend forward from a central mid region in the convex front face of the screen, the handle comprising a rigid stem (2) projecting from the front face at a neutral angle with respect to upper (5) and lower (6) halves of the screen (1), diverging from the stem in the vertical view.