Wind Instrument Training Device with Integrated Acoustic Feedback

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for training muscles and connective tissue in the oral cavity and pharynx lack precision and effectiveness in preventing respiratory and sleep disorders, often requiring surgical interventions and external devices.

Innovation Solution

A device comprising a wind instrument with integrated microphone or piezoelectric sensors for sound detection, evaluation, and feedback output, using a data memory to specify target specifications for pitch and volume, allowing for precise monitoring and adjustment of training sessions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If traditional training methods without monitoring are used, then training simplicity is maintained, but training precision and effectiveness deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetraining precisionVSAvoidtraining system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the wind instrument with integrated sensors (acoustic, pressure, flow) and electronic monitoring components into a single unified training device. This merging allows precise measurement of training parameters while maintaining ease of use, as the monitoring system is built into the instrument itself rather than requiring separate external equipment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements real-time feedback mechanisms that provide the user with immediate information about their performance through visual displays and audible signals. The system monitors parameters such as note accuracy, volume, and breathing patterns, then provides feedback to guide the user toward achieving target specifications, thereby improving training precision without significantly increasing complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Reliability

If surgical interventions or nighttime devices are used, then respiratory disorders are treated, but patient quality of life and convenience deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverespiratory disorder preventionVSAvoidpatient convenience
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a preventive approach by training the muscles and connective tissue in the oral cavity and pharynx before respiratory disorders develop. The wind instrument training strengthens these muscles proactively, preventing sleep apnea and other respiratory issues rather than treating them after onset, thereby eliminating the need for nighttime devices or surgical interventions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The training device empowers patients to perform their own muscle strengthening exercises at home without requiring medical professionals or specialized equipment. The self-contained wind instrument with built-in monitoring allows individuals to conduct their own training sessions, making the system convenient and accessible while reliably preventing respiratory disorders.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Productivity

If manual training without feedback is used, then device simplicity is maintained, but training effectiveness and muscle strengthening precision deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetraining effectivenessVSAvoidmonitoring system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent designs the wind instrument to serve multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as both a musical training tool and a medical rehabilitation device. The integrated sensors and monitoring system serve dual purposes of musical performance evaluation and muscle strength measurement, thereby improving training effectiveness without proportionally increasing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual assessment methods with electronic sensing and digital processing. Instead of requiring instructors to manually evaluate performance, the system uses acoustic sensors, pressure sensors, and flow sensors to automatically measure and analyze training parameters, significantly improving training effectiveness while keeping the added complexity manageable through automated processing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

Enables precise training programs that effectively strengthen muscles and connective tissue, reducing the likelihood of respiratory and sleep disorders by providing real-time feedback and adjusting training standards based on performance.

Implementation Method 1

a device for detecting a sound generated by the person with the wind instrument, wherein the device for detecting comprises a microphone arranged in the wind instrument

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMicrophone sound detection:

Implementation Method 2

a piezoelectric sensor arranged in the wind instrument

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPiezoelectric effect: Piezoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentEP3376416B1Device and method for training muscle and connective tissue in the oral cavity and throat of a person
Publication Date: 2021.07.21 ASATE AG
  • EP3376416B1 patent drawingFigure 1a
  • EP3376416B1 patent drawingFigure 1b
  • EP3376416B1 patent drawingFigure 1c

AI summary

A device for training the muscles and connective tissue in a person's oral cavity and pharynx, particularly for the long-term prevention of respiratory and sleep disorders and their consequences, comprises a wind instrument (1, 101, 201, 301, 401) and a device (30, 130, 230) for detecting a sound produced by the person using the wind instrument (1, 101, 201, 301, 401). Furthermore, the device includes a device (40, 50) for evaluating the detected sound and a device (42, 52) for outputting feedback to the person playing the wind instrument (1, 101, 201, 301, 401), the feedback being defined based on the result of the evaluation.