Tongue Force Sensor with Registration Plate
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current tongue force measurement devices lack a simple and efficient means of patient registration that does not require simultaneous biting and pushing, and they fail to provide objective measures of tongue strength relevant to speech production, leading to inaccurate assessments and lack of motivation in exercises.
Innovation Solution
A force sensing device with a registration plate that maintains a fixed position for force measurements, equipped with a processor, display, and resistance adjuster, providing continuous feedback and auditory/tactile indications, allowing for adjustable resistance and measuring compressive force effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a device requires simultaneous biting and pushing for patient registration, then the device can maintain stable position for measurement, but the operation becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The device separates the registration function from the measurement function. The registration plate is a distinct component that can be positioned independently to establish a stable reference point, while the force sensing element measures tongue force without requiring simultaneous biting action. This segmentation allows the patient to simply push against the tongue depressor without needing to bite down simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The registration plate acts as an intermediary element between the patient's tongue and the force sensing element. It provides a stable reference surface that maintains consistent positioning during measurement, eliminating the need for the patient to bite down while pushing. The registration plate mediates the interaction by establishing a fixed reference frame that simplifies the patient's action to a single pushing motion.
2Measurement precision
If a device uses customized mouth pieces or electrodes for patient registration, then the measurement accuracy improves, but the cost and time required for therapy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device uses a simple, inexpensive registration plate that can be easily disposed of or replaced if needed, rather than requiring expensive customized mouth pieces or electrodes. This simple plate provides sufficient registration functionality without the high cost and time investment required for custom fabrication or electrode application, allowing for quick setup and minimal therapy time.
Solution Approach 2:
The device extracts the essential registration function from complex customized mouth pieces and electrodes, isolating it into a simple registration plate. This extraction removes the unnecessary complexity and cost while retaining the core functionality of establishing a stable reference point for accurate tongue force measurement, significantly reducing therapy time.
3Productivity
If a device provides only peak force measurement, then the measurement is simple, but the relevance to speech production is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The device transitions from static peak force measurement to dynamic force measurement throughout the range of motion. The force sensing element continuously measures tongue force from the starting position through the full range of motion, capturing the dynamic characteristics of tongue movement during speech production. This dynamic measurement provides detailed information about force application patterns, timing, and coordination that are directly relevant to speech therapy.
Solution Approach 2:
The device maintains continuous force measurement throughout the entire range of motion rather than only at peak positions. The force sensing element continuously detects tongue force as the patient moves the tongue through various positions, providing an uninterrupted profile of force application. This continuous measurement captures the nuanced variations in tongue force during speech production, making the data highly relevant for therapeutic assessment and intervention.
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 device offers accurate, objective, and motivating tongue force measurements, addressing the limitations of existing devices by providing continuous feedback and adjustable resistance, enhancing patient engagement and clinical assessment accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
a force sensing element configured to receive compressive force from a user's tongue
Data Source
AI summary
A force sensing and exercise device for assessment and therapeutic usage is described herein. The force sensing device may include a registration plate, to form a ridge with a body part of a patient and provide a fixed point from which measurements are taken. The force sensing device allows for linear movement as a component of the measurement and the ability to vary exercise resistance continuously over an exercise range. Tactile and auditory feedback is provided to a patient to indicate than an exercise objective has been achieved.