Tongue Pressure Brace for Passive Deep Core Muscle Activation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for strengthening deep core muscles, such as the diaphragm and transversus abdominis, require conscious physical exercises and are not designed to provide continuous, passive stimulation, and there is no known technique or device that activates these muscles via myofascial and neurological connections originating from the oral cavity.
Innovation Solution
A tongue depression auxiliary device that applies a specific pressure to the tongue through a neuro-modulating member with a protrusion, stimulating the deep myofascial layer and triggering a neuro-modulating mechanism to activate deep core muscles, including the diaphragm, transversus abdominis, and pelvic floor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional physical exercises are used to strengthen deep core muscles, then muscle strength can be improved, but the exercises require conscious concentration and proprioceptive awareness which limits continuous passive stimulation
Solution Approach 1:
The device enables the tongue to automatically stimulate deep core muscles through its natural anatomical connections, eliminating the need for conscious control. The tongue's inherent movements and positioning within the oral cavity provide continuous passive stimulation to the diaphragm and transversus abdominis via myofascial connections, allowing the body to self-regulate core muscle activation without requiring focused attention or proprioceptive awareness.
Solution Approach 2:
The tongue serves as an intermediary element that transfers stimulation from the oral cavity to the deep core muscles. By positioning the device within the oral cavity, it utilizes the tongue as a mediator to transmit mechanical pressure and neural signals through the myofascial network, thereby activating the diaphragm and transversus abdominis indirectly rather than requiring direct muscular effort from the user.
2Duration of action of moving object
If conventional exercise methods are used, then deep core muscles can be engaged, but the methods are confined to active training sessions and not designed for continuous stimulation
Solution Approach 1:
The device provides continuous stimulation to the deep core muscles whenever the user wears it in the oral cavity, regardless of whether the user is awake, exercising, or sleeping. The constant presence of the device ensures uninterrupted activation of the diaphragm and transversus abdominis through sustained gentle pressure on the tongue, transforming core muscle engagement from an intermittent exercise activity into a continuous physiological process.
Solution Approach 2:
The device is designed to function across multiple contexts and activities without requiring adjustment or user intervention. It can be worn during daily activities, exercise sessions, or sleep, providing universal applicability for core muscle stimulation. The device's passive design allows it to adapt to various states of consciousness and activity levels, making it versatile for continuous use in diverse situations.
3Measurement precision
If professional guidance is sought to correctly isolate and activate deep core muscles, then activation accuracy can be improved, but accessibility and ease of use are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The device leverages the body's own anatomical structures and neural pathways to achieve accurate muscle activation without external guidance. By utilizing the tongue's inherent position and movement patterns within the oral cavity, the device automatically engages the correct muscle groups through myofascial connections, eliminating the need for professional instruction or conscious effort to isolate the target muscles.
Solution Approach 2:
The tongue acts as a natural intermediary that ensures precise targeting of the deep core muscles. The device's placement in the oral cavity uses the tongue as a mediator to transmit force and neural signals along predetermined anatomical pathways, guaranteeing accurate activation of the diaphragm and transversus abdominis without requiring the user to understand or control the underlying mechanics.
Data Source
AI summary
A tongue depression auxiliary device with a brace and a neuro-modulating member is disclosed. The brace is configured to be detachably positioned within a user's oral cavity. The neuro-modulating member is connected to the brace and extends therefrom toward a lower jaw, wherein a bottom side of the neuro-modulating member comprises at least one protrusion configured to exert a concentrated pressure on a specific functional region of the tongue, and the concentrated pressure is configured to sufficiently stimulate a deep myofascial layer of the tongue that contributes to an activation of a deep core muscle, wherein the concentrated pressure is proportional to a length of the protrusion of the neuro-modulating member protruded from the bottom side of the brace.