Timer-Controlled Viscosity Testing for Dysphagia Liquid Foods
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for determining the viscosity of liquid food products for dysphagic patients, such as the IDDSI Framework, are prone to inaccuracies due to human coordination and reflexes, making them unreliable for consistent evaluation.
Innovation Solution
A viscosity testing apparatus and method that incorporates a timer-controlled valve and receptacle to automate the fluid release process, allowing for precise measurement of liquid food products, which can be used in conjunction with the IDDSI Framework to ensure accurate viscosity determination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a manual gravity flow test is used to measure viscosity, then the test can be performed simply and quickly, but the measurement precision deteriorates due to human coordination and reflex variations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical operation of releasing and timing fluid flow with an automated electromechanical system. A valve controlled by a timer mechanism automatically releases the fluid for a precise duration, eliminating human coordination variability. The system substitutes human reflex-based timing with a mechanical timer that provides consistent, repeatable measurement intervals.
2Measurement precision
If automated timing and valve control are implemented, then measurement precision improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the apparatus to perform multiple functions within a single integrated system. The same装置 that holds the fluid container also serves as the timing mechanism housing and contains the valve control system. The timer-controlled valve serves both to release fluid and to mark the end of the measurement period. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.
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 apparatus provides consistent and accurate viscosity measurements, reducing human error and ensuring the suitability of liquid food products for dysphagic patients by automating the fluid release process.
Implementation Method 1
the International Dysphagia Diet Standardization Initiative has published a Framework and associated Framework Testing Method... This Testing Method and Framework provide a methodology for measuring the viscosity of beverages and other liquid food products. The IDDSI Framework employees a gravity flow test
Data Source
AI summary
A method of administering a liquid food product to one or more dysphagic patients comprises introducing liquid food product into a measuring apparatus, the measuring apparatus comprising a stand supporting a fluid container and a valve, and a receptacle disposed beneath the fluid container; actuating the valve to release liquid food product from the fluid container into the receptacle for a predetermined time period; measuring the amount of liquid food product remaining in the fluid container; and from this determining whether the liquid food product is of a viscosity appropriate for the one or more dysphagic patients. The apparatus described herein is also useful in evaluating viscosity or flowability of other materials.