JPWO2007029769A1 - Lip force measuring device - Google Patents

Abstract

An object of the present invention is to provide a lip force measuring device including a measurement unit in which an internal pressure changes corresponding to lip force and a detection unit that detects the internal pressure of the measurement unit.

Description

  The present invention relates to a lip force measuring device for measuring lip force.

  In order to chew well without spilling food in the mouth, the lips must be closed functionally. In addition, food cannot be swallowed well if the lips are not closed when the food is swallowed.

  Furthermore, recently, the number of children with open mouths has increased, and mouth breathing of children has become a problem. In addition, it is said that if the lip force is weak, so-called tooth extraction occurs. Thus, lip power plays an important role when chewing food or pronouncing words.

  In recent years, it has been reported that there is a close relationship between lip force and the development of oral organs (eg, jaw, skull, dentition, tongue). However, since lip force is generated by various complex movements of the muzzle muscles in the upper and lower lips that contract with the muscles surrounding the cleft, a scientifically supported method for evaluating lip force has been established. There wasn't.

However, there have been few cases where lip force has been studied. For example, current measuring instruments can measure lip force only in the vertical direction, and do not consider complex characteristic movements associated with lip force. Therefore, current measuring devices cannot directly measure lip force in a plurality of directions. In the future, in order to evaluate and study lip force in relation to mastication and pronunciation, a device capable of accurately measuring complex and functional movements related to lip force is desired.

  Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of the above, and an object of the present invention is to provide a lip force measuring device capable of accurately and finely measuring lip force with a simple configuration.

  One specific embodiment of the present invention is a lip force measuring device, characterized in that it comprises a measurement unit that changes the internal pressure in response to the lip force and a detection unit that detects the internal pressure of the measurement unit. To do.

  In another specific embodiment of the present invention, the measurement unit includes a flexible tube that includes therein a substance sealed at a predetermined internal pressure and is deformable in response to the lip force. It is characterized by that.

  In another specific embodiment of the present invention, the substance enclosed in the measurement unit is a gas.

  In another specific embodiment of the present invention, the substance enclosed in the measurement unit is a liquid.

  In another specific embodiment of the present invention, the detection unit includes a pressure sensor that detects the internal pressure of the flexible tubular body.

  Moreover, in another specific embodiment of the present invention, it further has a holding part for holding the periphery of the flexible tube.

  Further, in another specific embodiment of the present invention, it further includes a pressure adjusting unit that adjusts the internal pressure of the flexible tubular body to a predetermined pressure.

  By using the lip force measuring device of the present embodiment, it is possible to accurately and precisely measure the lip force with a simple configuration. This makes it possible to evaluate and study various movements related to lip force in multiple directions. It is also possible to know how the lip force is related to the growth and development of oral organs (eg, jaw, skull, dentition, tongue). In addition, this lip force measuring device is used when rehabilitating people with brain disabilities and older people who have poor mouth function (people who have difficulty eating or speaking), and thus lip strength Force) and the degree of rehabilitation recovery, and can be used to evaluate the degree of rehabilitation recovery. Further, since pressure such as air pressure is an interface to the lips of the subject for lip force measurement, measurement with less discomfort to the subject is possible.

It is the schematic which shows one Example of the system containing the lip force measuring apparatus of this invention. It is a disassembled perspective view which shows one Example of the measurement part of this invention. It is an assembly perspective view which shows one Example of the measurement part of this invention. It is a disassembled perspective view of one Example of the tube holder of this invention. It is a horizontal schematic of one Example of the tube holder of this invention. It is a front view which shows one Example of a structure of the upper clamp of this invention. It is a top view which shows one Example of a structure of the upper clamp of this invention. It is a front view which shows one Example of a structure of the lower clamp of this invention. It is a top view which shows one Example of a structure of the lower clamp of this invention. It is the schematic for demonstrating one Example of the measuring method using the lip force measuring apparatus of this invention. It is a graph which shows the measurement result of one Example of this invention. It is the schematic which shows the example of the variation of arrangement | positioning of the tube for a measurement of this invention. It is the schematic which shows the example of the variation of arrangement | positioning of the tube for a measurement of this invention. It is the schematic which shows the example of the variation of arrangement | positioning of the tube for a measurement of this invention. It is the schematic which shows the example of the variation of arrangement | positioning of the tube for a measurement of this invention. It is the schematic which shows the example of the variation of arrangement | positioning of the tube for a measurement of this invention. It is the schematic which shows the example of the variation of arrangement | positioning of the tube for a measurement of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 Lip force measuring system 102 Lip force measuring apparatus 111 Measuring part, 112 Stand, 113 Detection part, 114 Processing part 121 Measuring tube, 122 Tube holder, 123 Tube clamp 124 Tube plug, 125 Holder, 126 Valve, 127 Connecting tube 221 board, 222 pressure sensor 231, 251 cable 241 board, 242 connector, 243 signal processing IC
261 display

  Hereinafter, although one preferable aspect of this invention is explained in full detail, this invention is not limited to these Examples. In addition, various aspects are possible about the detail, unless it deviates from the meaning and range of this invention.

〔System configuration〕
FIG. 1 is a schematic view showing an embodiment of a lip force measuring system including the lip force measuring device of the present invention. The lip force measurement system 100 according to the present embodiment includes at least a measurement unit 111, a lip force measurement device 102 including a detection unit 113, a stand 112, and a processing unit 114.

    The measurement unit 111 is attached to the stand 112. The measuring unit 111 is deformed according to the lip force transmitted from the subject 101 whose lip force is measured, and converts the lip force into pressure. The pressure converted by the measurement unit 111 is detected by the detection unit 113. And the detection part 113 converts the detected pressure into an electrical signal. The electrical signal converted by the detection unit 113 is supplied to the processing unit 114. The processing unit 114 displays an image indicating the measurement result of the lip force by the electric signal from the detection unit 113.

[Measurement unit 111]
First, the measurement unit 111 will be described. FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing an embodiment of the measuring unit of the present invention. FIG. 3 is an assembled perspective view showing an embodiment of the measuring unit of the present invention.

  The measurement unit 111 includes, for example, eight measurement tubes 121, a tube holder 122, a tube clamp 123, a tube plug 124, a holder 125, a valve 126, and a connection tube 127.

  Each of the eight measuring tubes 121 is made of, for example, a silicone resin having a tubular shape, and has an outer diameter of 6 mm and an inner diameter of 4 mm. As shown in FIG. 3, the eight measurement tubes 121 are held by the tube holder 122 and are arranged in a substantially elliptical shape. Further, the eight measuring tubes 121 are provided so as to protrude from the tube clamp 123 toward the subject 101.

  FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the tube holder 122, and FIG. 5 is a horizontal schematic view of the tube holder 122.

  The tube holder 122 includes an end unit 131, three intermediate units 132, a tip unit 133, and a knock pin 134. The end unit 131, the three intermediate units 132, and the tip unit 133 are made of, for example, POM (polyoxymethylene, trademark: Duracon). The end unit 131, the three intermediate units 132, and the tip unit 133 are coupled together by press-fitting the knock pin 134 into the press-fitting hole 141 formed in the end unit 131, the three intermediate units 132, and the tip unit 133. ing. As a result, the tube holder 122 having the end unit 131, the three intermediate units 132, and the tip unit 133 is formed.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the tube holder 122 has a substantially elliptical cross-sectional shape. Eight engaging portions 142 are arranged around the tube holder 122 at equal intervals in order to engage with the measuring tube 121. Each engagement portion 142 has a shape corresponding to the outer diameter of the measurement tube 121. The eight measuring tubes 121 are positioned in a substantially elliptical shape by engaging with the engaging portions 142. The eight measuring tubes 121 are fixed to the engaging portion 142 with an adhesive or resin.

  The tube holder 122 engaged with the measurement tube 121 has its end unit 131 attached to a tube clamp. Further, the tip unit 133 of the tube holder 122 extends from the tube clamp 123. As a result, as shown in FIG. 3, the distal end portion of the measurement tube 121 extends outward.

  The tube clamp 123 includes an upper clamp 151 and a lower clamp 152. The upper clamp 151 and the lower clamp 152 sandwiching the end unit 131 of the tube holder 122 are fixed by screws 153. In this state, the tip unit 133 of the tube holder 122 extends to the surface side of the tube clamp 123.

  6A and 6B are views showing an embodiment of the configuration of the upper clamp 151 of the present invention. 7A and 7B are views showing an embodiment of the configuration of the lower clamp 152 of the present invention.

  In order to hold the measurement tube 121, the upper engagement portion 161 is formed on the lower surface of the upper clamp 151, and the lower engagement portion 162 is formed on the upper surface of the lower clamp 152 in a manner facing the upper engagement portion 161. Has been. By combining the upper engaging portion 161 and the lower engaging portion 162, a groove portion (hole portion) having a shape substantially coinciding with the outer shape of the measuring tube 121 is formed. As a result, the measurement tube 121 is held by the grooves of the upper engagement portion 161 and the lower engagement portion 162.

  The tube plug 124 is attached to one end of the measurement tube 121 so as to close one end of the measurement tube 121. The tube plug 124 is fixed to the tip unit 133 of the tube holder 122 with a screw 155. The tube plug 124 can be fixed by, for example, an adhesive or a resin material.

  In the holder 125, the back surface of the lower clamp 152 is fixed to the lower portion with a screw 154. By attaching the holder 125 to the stand 112, the tube clamp 123 is fixed to the stand. Each of the eight measurement tubes 121 is connected to a valve 126.

  In this embodiment, each valve 126 is composed of, for example, a three-way cock valve as shown in FIG. The other end of each measurement tube 121 is connected to the first port P1, and one end of the connection tube 127 is connected to the second port P2. The third port P2 is open to the atmosphere. The valve 126 can be switched between various connection states by operating (adjusting) the lever 126a. For example, by adjusting the valve 126, the first port P1 and the second port P2 are connected, the first port P1 and the third port P3 are connected, and the second port P2 and the third port P3 are connected. It is possible to connect the first port P1, the second port P2, and the third port P3.

  By setting the first port P1, the second port P2, and the third port P3 by adjusting the lever 126a of the valve 126, the internal pressure of the measurement tube 121 and the connection tube 127 can be reset to atmospheric pressure. It becomes possible. The other end of the connection tube 127 is connected to the detection unit 113.

[Detection unit 113]
The embodiment of the detection unit 113 of the present invention includes a sensor board 220 and an interface board 240.

  The sensor board 220 is configured such that eight pressure sensors 222 are mounted on a substrate 221. Each pressure sensor 222 is connected to a corresponding connecting tube 127.

  The pressure sensor 222 is a so-called pressure transducer. The pressure sensor 222 has a pressure inlet, and detects the atmospheric pressure at the pressure inlet. In the present embodiment, a connecting tube 127 is connected to the pressure inlet, and the pressure sensor 222 outputs an electrical signal corresponding to the pressure inside the connecting tube 127. The pressure sensor 222 is connected to the interface board 240 via the cable 231. The electrical signal output from the pressure sensor 222 is supplied to the interface board 240 via the cable 231.

    The interface board 240 is configured such that a connector 242 and a signal processing IC 243 are mounted on a substrate 241. The cable 231 is connected to the connector 242, whereby the electrical signal supplied from the pressure sensor 222 of the sensor board 220 is supplied to the connector 242. The electrical signal supplied to the connector 242 is supplied to the signal processing IC 243.

  For example, after amplifying the electrical signal from the connector 241, the signal processing IC 243 converts the amplified electrical signal into digital data, removes noise components and the like, and sends the digital data to the processing unit 114 via the cable 251. Supply.

[Processing unit 114]
The processing unit 114 is composed of a personal computer. The processing unit 114
Digital data corresponding to the pressure detected (measured) by the pressure sensor 222 is received from the detection unit 113, and the digital data is processed. Then, the processing unit 114 displays the detection result (measurement result) on the display unit 261 using a graph or the like.

〔Measuring method〕
Next, a method for measuring lip force using the lip force measuring apparatus 100 will be described.

  FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram for explaining an embodiment of a measuring method using the lip force measuring device of the present invention.

  First, the lever 126a of the valve 126 is adjusted to connect the first port P1, the second port P2, and the third port P3. Thereby, the internal pressure of the measurement tube 121 and the connection tube 127 is set to atmospheric pressure. At this time, the detection unit 113 or the processing unit 114 stores the output electric signal of the pressure sensor 222 as an offset component in relation to the atmospheric pressure.

  Next, the lever 126a is operated so that the first end and the second end are connected and the third end is closed.

  Next, the subject 101 holds the extending portion of the measuring tube 121 in the surface direction of the tube clamp 123, and the subject 101 applies a lip force to the measuring tube 121. According to the lip force, as shown in FIG. 8, the measurement tube 121 corresponding to the applied lip force is pressed and deformed. As the measurement tube 121 is deformed, the internal pressure of the measurement tube 121 and the connection tube 127 connected thereto increases. At this time, the internal pressures of the measurement tube 121 and the connection tube 127 connected thereto change according to the lip force. Therefore, the lip force can be measured by detecting the internal pressure of the measurement tube 121 and the connection tube 127 connected thereto by the pressure sensor 222.

  In this embodiment, eight measuring tubes 121 are arranged around the tube holder 122. Since each of the measurement tubes can detect pressure independently, the direction and magnitude of the lip force can also be detected.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of the measurement result of the present invention. 9, (A) is an electromyogram on the lower side of the muzzle muscle, which is a muscle on which lip force mainly works, (B) is an electromyogram on the upper side of the muzzle muscle, and (C) is an electromyogram of the masseter muscle. FIGS. 4A and 4B are diagrams showing the pressure measurement results of each of the eight measuring tubes 121. FIG.

  (A), (B), and (C) of FIG. 9 are electromyograms corresponding to the measurement results of (G), (H), and (I) of FIG. This indicates that the lip force varies depending on the direction of the lip force (the directionality of the force applied to the measurement tube 121).

  Thus, one embodiment of the lip force measuring apparatus 100 of the present invention can detect not only the magnitude of the lip force but also its direction.

〔effect〕
By using the lip force measuring apparatus 100 of the present embodiment, the lip force can be accurately and precisely measured with a simple configuration. This makes it possible to evaluate and study various movements related to lip force in multiple directions. It is also possible to know how lip force is related to the growth and development of oral organs (for example, jaw, skull, dentition, tongue). In addition, this lip force measuring device is used when rehabilitating people with brain disabilities and older people (people who have trouble eating and speaking) who have poor mouth function. Force) and the degree of rehabilitation recovery, and can be used to evaluate the degree of rehabilitation recovery. Further, since pressure such as air pressure is an interface to the lip of the subject for lip force measurement, measurement with less discomfort to the subject is possible.

[Others]
10A to 10F are schematic views showing examples of variations in the arrangement of the measurement tubes of the present invention.

    Note that the arrangement of the measurement tubes 121 is not limited to an elliptical shape, and may be a circular shape as shown in FIG. Further, as shown in FIGS. 10B to 10F, the ratio of the length in the vertical direction to the length in the horizontal direction of the arrangement of the measurement tube 121 is appropriately changed according to the size of the mouth of the subject 101 or the like. Also good.

  In this embodiment, air is sealed in each measurement tube 121, but the present invention is not limited to this, and other gases such as nitrogen and argon may be used. Moreover, you may enclose liquids, such as water and oil, in the inside instead of gas. Further, a bias pressure may be applied in advance. In other words, when the measurement tube 121 is deformed, the internal pressure of the measurement tube 121 changes correspondingly, and the configuration is not limited thereto.

  In this embodiment, the number of measurement tubes 121 is eight, but the number of measurement tubes 121 is not limited to this. For example, a necessary number may be provided depending on the type and direction of lip force to be measured, the desired measurement accuracy, and the like, and may be one or more. In this embodiment, eight pressure sensors 222 are provided corresponding to the eight measurement tubes 121, but the number of pressure sensors 222 is not limited to this.

  The preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above, but the present invention is not limited to such specific embodiments, and various modifications and changes can be made within the scope of the gist of the present invention described in the claims. It can be changed.

  This application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2005-261372 filed on Sep. 8, 2005, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

Claims (7)

A lip force measuring device,
A measuring unit in which the internal pressure changes in response to the lip force; and a detecting unit for detecting the internal pressure of the measuring unit;
Lip force measuring device composed of   The lip force measuring device according to claim 1, wherein the measurement unit includes a flexible tube that includes therein a substance sealed at a predetermined internal pressure and is deformable in accordance with the lip force. The lip force measuring device.   The lip force measuring device according to claim 2, wherein the substance enclosed in the measurement unit is a gas.   The lip force measuring device according to claim 2, wherein the substance enclosed in the measurement unit is a liquid.   The lip force measuring device according to claim 2, wherein the detection unit includes a pressure sensor that detects the internal pressure of the flexible tube.   The lip force measuring device according to claim 2, further comprising a holding portion for holding the periphery of the flexible tube.   The lip force measuring device according to claim 2, further comprising a pressure adjusting unit that adjusts the internal pressure of the flexible tube to a predetermined pressure.

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