T-Shaped Bite Plate Speech Therapy Device for /r/ Phoneme Articulation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing speech therapy devices for pronouncing the /r/ phoneme are often expensive, difficult to use, and ineffective, making them unsuitable for widespread application in addressing articulation disorders.

Innovation Solution

A speech therapy device comprising a pair of t-shaped bite plates and a connecting member made from latex or non-latex plastic, designed to be positioned in the mouth to guide the tongue correctly, allowing users to practice pronouncing the /r/ sound efficiently.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional speech therapy devices are used to help pronounce the /r/ phoneme, then articulation improvement may be achieved, but the devices are expensive, difficult to use, and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvearticulation improvement effectivenessVSAvoiddevice usability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The device is divided into separate functional components: a bite block that positions the tongue, a mirror for visual feedback, and a connector. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while making the overall device simpler to manufacture and use.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The mirror acts as an intermediary tool that provides visual feedback to the user, allowing them to see tongue position and make adjustments without requiring complex electronic sensors or expensive imaging systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If traditional speech therapy devices are used to help pronounce the /r/ phoneme, then articulation improvement may be achieved, but the devices are expensive

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvearticulation improvement effectivenessVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The device uses inexpensive materials such as plastic for the bite block and mirror assembly, making it affordable to manufacture and distribute widely without requiring expensive medical-grade materials or complex electronics.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The design changes from expensive, complex traditional devices to a simple structure using common materials, fundamentally altering the cost parameters while maintaining the therapeutic function through mechanical tongue positioning and visual feedback.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If traditional speech therapy devices are used to help pronounce the /r/ phoneme, then articulation improvement may be achieved, but the treatment process is time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvearticulation improvement effectivenessVSAvoidtherapy time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The mirror provides immediate visual feedback to the user about tongue position, allowing for real-time self-correction during practice. This eliminates the need for lengthy therapist intervention and speeds up the learning process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The device enables users to independently monitor and adjust their own tongue positioning using the mirror, allowing them to practice without constant therapist supervision and reducing the time required for each therapy session.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS9226866B2Speech therapy device

Publication Date: 2016.01.05 HASELEY SUSAN ANN

AI summary

A speech therapy device configured to be placed in a mouth of a speaker. The speech therapy device includes a first bite plate and a second bite plate disposed opposite the first bite plate. The speech therapy device further includes at least one connecting member disposed between the first bite plate and the second bite plate. A method for using the speech therapy device is also provided.