| 摘要 |
A device for measuring forces generated by a human tongue in three dimensions, i.e., along X, Y and Z axis. The device comprises a housing having sidewalls (preferably cylindrical), a closed back wall and a front wall having a central opening. An elongated beam extend through the opening into the housing to a mounting member which secures the inner beam end to the housing near the back wall. Strain gages are mounted on the beam near the mounting member to measure deflection of the free beam end in X and Y directions. A diaphragm extends across the housing between the mounting member and the back wall. A pin is movably positioned in a axial bore in the beam with one end in contact with the diaphragm and the other extending beyond the beam and housing. Strain gages mounted on the diaphragm detect movement of the diaphragm in the Z direction in response to changing force of the pin against the diaphragm. A tongue cup is mounted on the free end of the pin to receive a patient's tongue when the cup is inserted between the teeth. A tooth plate fastened to the housing adjacent to the opening is gripped between the patient's teeth to hold the tongue cup in position. Signals generated by the strain gages can be monitored on a meter, oscilloscope or computer display as the patient moves the tongue, pronounces words, etc. The results, when compared between a person having normal speech and one having speech disorders, are useful in diagnosing and treating the disorders.
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