U-Shaped Speech Therapy Device With Jaw-Adaptive Bite Ridge
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing speech therapy devices, such as the LWZ trainer, fail to provide comprehensive stimulation of the orbicularis oris muscle and cheek muscles, are prone to unintentional detachment, and lack integrated measurement and drug delivery capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A U-shaped speech therapy device with a shield segment and bite ridge, featuring projections for lip and cheek muscle stimulation, modular design, and integrated sensors and drug delivery systems, including actuators and sensors for personalized therapy evaluation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the training device is oriented solely towards the upper jaw and partially fixed in place, then the device structure is simplified, but the device can unintentionally detach and only stimulates adjacent anatomical parts of the upper jaw
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into a shield segment and a bite block that can be separately adapted to different jaw sizes. The shield segment covers the teeth while the bite block provides occlusion, allowing modular adaptation without increasing overall structural complexity
Solution Approach 2:
Protrusions are added specifically to the shield segment to stimulate lip and cheek muscles locally, while the bite block maintains the simplified occlusal function. This localized enhancement provides comprehensive stimulation without requiring complete redesign of the entire device
2Device complexity
If protrusions are positioned below the occlusal plane solely for stimulation of the mentalis muscle, then the device structure is simplified, but the stimulation is limited to this muscle group in the anterior region
Solution Approach 1:
The shield segment is designed to serve multiple functions: it protects the teeth, stimulates the orbicularis oris muscle through protrusions on its surface, and stimulates cheek muscles through additional protrusions. This multi-functional design provides comprehensive orofacial muscle stimulation without requiring separate devices for each function
3Ease of manufacture
If the device is made of elastic silicone in a basic shape that can be adjusted by cutting or grinding, then the manufacturing process is simplified, but the precision of adaptation to different jaw situations is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The device maintains the flexibility of elastic silicone material that allows adaptation to different jaw shapes, while incorporating modular elements (shield segment and bite block) that can be precisely positioned and secured. This combination preserves ease of manufacture while improving adaptation precision through the modular design
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a logopaedic treatment device (1) having a U-shaped basic shape to be inserted into the mouth, wherein: the logopaedic treatment device (1) comprises a plate segment (3) for partially covering the rows of teeth in the upper and lower jaw; the logopaedic treatment device (1) comprises at least one bite strip (2) for the teeth of the upper and lower jaw to bite on; the plate segment (3) comprises, on the side facing away from the teeth, at least one projection (5), in particular an arrangement (10) of a plurality of projections (5), for lip stimulation; the bite strip (2) defines a bite-on plane; and the projections (5) are arranged both above and below the bite-on plane.