Piezoelectric Neck Sensor for Swallowing Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing swallowing analyzing systems face challenges in accurately extracting swallowing data due to interference from other biological signals, high computational load, and power consumption issues, as well as limitations in device size and communication functionality, particularly in distinguishing swallowing movements from other neck or jaw movements.
Innovation Solution
A swallowing analyzing system incorporating a piezoelectric element attached to the anterior neck region, which uses a displacement signal from the thyroid cartilage to detect swallowing and wirelessly outputs data for analysis, reducing the need for continuous high-frequency sound signal processing and minimizing power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If biological sound and myoelectric potential are used to extract swallowing, then swallowing detection capability is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to interference from other biological signals
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary device (swallowing sensor with piezoelectric element) that indirectly detects swallowing by measuring thyroid cartilage displacement rather than directly capturing biological sounds. This mediator isolates the detection from interfering signals like bloodstream noise and body movement, achieving precise swallowing detection without the harmful interference present in direct biological signal monitoring.
2Measurement precision
If frequency analysis up to 2000 Hz is performed on sound signals, then swallowing sound extraction is improved, but computational load increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the necessary low-frequency displacement signal component (up to 100 Hz) related to thyroid cartilage movement, discarding higher frequency components that do not contribute to swallowing detection. This extraction approach maintains measurement precision for swallowing while dramatically reducing computational load by avoiding unnecessary high-frequency analysis.
3Adaptability or versatility
If myoelectric sensor is attached to underjaw for swallowing detection, then swallowing detection capability is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to interference from jaw and neck movements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from detecting electrical signals (myoelectric potential) to detecting mechanical displacement of the thyroid cartilage in a different physical dimension. By measuring the physical position change of the cartilage rather than electrical activity, the system achieves reliable swallowing detection that is not confounded by the electrical interference from surrounding muscles during jaw and neck movements.
4Measurement precision
If full sound signal processing is performed continuously, then swallowing detection accuracy is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic sampling of displacement signals at low frequency (up to 100 Hz) rather than continuous high-frequency sound processing. This periodic measurement approach maintains sufficient swallowing detection accuracy while dramatically reducing power consumption by keeping the arithmetic circuit inactive between measurement cycles.
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
This approach enhances the accuracy of swallowing data extraction, reduces power consumption, and allows for a smaller, more portable device design while improving the distinction between swallowing and other neck movements, such as turning the head.
Implementation Method 1
a piezoelectric element located within a range of movement of thyroid cartilage, which occurs along with swallowing
Data Source
AI summary
A swallowing analyzing system (S) includes a swallowing sensor (1) and a swallowing analyzer (30). A piezoelectric film sensor (3) of the swallowing sensor (1) includes a plurality of sensing portions (3A) and (3B) in a longitudinal direction of the neck region. The piezoelectric film sensor (3) is located within a range of movement of thyroid cartilage (103), which occurs along with swallowing, and is attached to skin of an anterior neck region (102). The piezoelectric film sensor (3) individually outputs analog signals (S1a) and (S2a) along with deformation of the plurality of sensing portions (3A) and (3B). A body (20) of the swallowing sensor (1) determines whether the swallowing occurs based on displacement signals that are low frequency components of the analog signals (S1a) and (S2a). The body (20) extracts data on the signals during the swallowing and wirelessly outputs the data to the swallowing analyzer (30).