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Title:
A MANEUVER TRAINING SET FOR INNER EAR BALANCE DISORDERS
Document Type and Number:
WIPO Patent Application WO/2023/277834
Kind Code:
A1
Abstract:
The invention relates to a training set designed to be used for maneuver training of necessary users, which can provide instantaneous angle information in three axes during the maneuver and provides visualization in order to follow the changes that occur in the inner ear as a result of the movements of the skull.

Inventors:
TOZDAN SONER (TR)
Application Number:
PCT/TR2022/050052
Publication Date:
January 05, 2023
Filing Date:
January 21, 2022
Export Citation:
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Assignee:
TOZDAN SONER (TR)
International Classes:
A61B5/11; A61H1/00; G09B23/00
Foreign References:
US20150011920A12015-01-08
US20150032186A12015-01-29
US20040097839A12004-05-20
Attorney, Agent or Firm:
BILIR, Edip Deha (TR)
Download PDF:
Claims:
CLAIMS

1. A maneuver training set for inner ear balance disorders characterized in that comprising;

- A circle group (1),

- A skull (2),

- A digital display (3),

- A transparent semicircular canal group (4),

- A base (5) where a led group (5.1 ) is placed,

- A gyroscope (6) moving parallel to the skull (2) and detecting the movements of the skull (2) then sending this information to the led group,

- A gyroscope (7) measuring the angle of the skull (2) in the X, Y and Z axes instantaneously during the movement of the skull (2) by the user through the circle group (1) and sending this angle information to the digital display (3),

- A microprocessor detecting the appropriate leds according to the instantaneous turns of the skull (2), it ensures that the electrical circuit of the relevant leds is completed by means of transistors and thus lights up in red or blue using the database comprising which leds should light up as a result of the rotations in its axes previously recorded.

2. The circle group (1) of Claim 1 characterized in that comprising; an inner circle (1a), a middle circle (1b) and an outer circle (1c).

3. The circle group (1 ) of Claim 2 characterized in that comprising; an inner-middle circle shaft (1d) between the inner circle (1a) and the middle circle (1b), a middle-outer circle shaft (1e) between the middle circle (1b) and the outer circle (1c) and a skull shaft (1f) between the skull (2) is connected to the inner circle (1a).

4. The digital display (3) of Claim 3 characterized in that; indicating the rotation of the skull (2) from the zero point to the right and forward is shown as "+" angles, the rotation from the zero point to the left and back is shown as "-" angles and the vertical position of each axis as “0”.

5. The semicircular canal group (4) of Claim 1 characterized in that; comprising a right inner ear (4a), a left inner ear (4b) parts and a base (4c) on which the inner ear (4) is placed with all its parts and a tumor piece (4d).

6. The right inner ear (4a) of Claim 5 characterized in that; comprising an anatomical representation of semicircular canals further comprising a cochlea, a right posterior (4a1 ), a left posterior (4b1 ), a right lateral (4a2), a left lateral (4b2), a right anterior (4a3) and a left anterior (4b3) canals larger in size than the real canals which are further comprising a colored liquid that represents the liquid in an actual canal and a multiple of nerves responsible for these structures.

7. The left inner ear (4a) of Claim 5 characterized in that; comprising an anatomical representation of semicircular canals further comprising a cochlea, a right posterior (4a1), a left posterior (4b1), a right lateral (4a2), a left lateral (4b2), a right anterior (4a3) and a left anterior (4b3) canals larger in size than the real canals which are further comprising a colored liquid that represents the liquid in an actual canal and a multiple of nerves responsible for these structures.

8. The led group (5) of Claim 1 characterized in that; comprising a right lateral semicircular canal led (5a), a left lateral semicircular canal led (5d), a right anterior semicircular canal led (5b), a left anterior semicircular canal led (5e), a right posterior semicircular canal ampullary area led (5c) and a left posterior semicircular canal ampullary area led (5f).

9. The led group (5) of Claim 8 characterized in that; giving a red light when it is indicated that there is stimulation, and a blue light when it is indicated that there is no stimulation.

10. The semicircular canal group (4) of Claim 5 characterized in that; comprising a multiple of plastic parts to represent otoconia.

Description:
A MANEUVER TRAINING SET FOR INNER EAR BALANCE DISORDERS

TECHNICAL FIELD The invention relates to a training set designed to be used for maneuver training of necessary users, which can provide instantaneous angle information in three axes during the maneuver and provides visualization in order to follow the changes that occur in the inner ear as a result of the movements of the skull. BACKGROUND

The prior art before this designed model was usually performed as a memorization by seeing the ear structure as a 2D picture on a book and following the maneuvering instructions by the educator. It is possible to work on this subject with animations made in the virtual environment. There are also 3D anatomy models available. However, in today's education methods, no other study has been seen that can provide touching and seeing and also simultaneously explain the physiological working principle and provide an education opportunity as a whole with the anatomical placements in the model. LIST OF FIGURES

Figure 1. Front View of the Invention

Figure 2. Side View of the Invention

Figure 3. View of the Invention without the Skull

Figure 4. Exploded view of the Skull Figure 5. Exploded view of the Skull

Figure 6. Upper View of the Invention

Figure 7. The view of the Invention while its Circles are Moving

Equivalents of the numbers given in the figures are: 1. Circle Group la. Inner Circle lb. Middle Circle lc. Outer Circle ld. Inner-Middle Circle Shaft le. Middle-Outer Circle Shaft lf. Skull Shaft

2. Skull

3. Digital Display

4. Semicircular Canal Group 4a. Right Inner Ear

4b. Left Inner Ear

4c. Base

4d. Tumor Piece

4a1. Right Posterior 4a2. Right Lateral 4b1. Left Posterior 4b2. Left Lateral 4a3. Right Anterior 4b3. Left Anterior

5. Base

5.1. Led Group

5a. Right Lateral Semicircular Canal Led

5b. Right Anterior Semicircular Canal Led

5c. Right Posterior Semicircular Canal Ampullary Area Led

5d. Left Lateral Semicircular Canal Led

5e. Left Anterior Semicircular Canal Led

5f. Left Posterior Semicircular Canal Ampullary Area Led

6. Gyroscope

7. Gyroscope

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The invention is designed to be used for maneuver training of necessary users against inner ear disorders comprising a circle group (1), a skull (2), a digital display (3), a semicircular canal group (4), a base (5) and two gyroscopes (6, 7). The skull (2), as can be seen in Figure 2, is fixed on a platform to enable its use.

The invention includes a circle group (1) that enables movement in three axes. The circle group (1) comprises an inner circle (1a), a middle circle (1b) and an outer circle (1c). The inner circle (1a) allows the skull (2) to be rotated to the right and left. The middle circle (1 b) provides the forward and backward movement of the skull (2). The outer circle (1c) is used for the left and right tilting movements of the skull (2). In order to enable all these rotational movements, there is an inner-middle circle shaft (1d) between the inner circle (1a) and the middle circle (1 b) and a middle-outer circle shaft (1e) between the middle circle (1 b) and the outer circle (1c). And the skull (2) is connected to the inner circle (1a) with a skull shaft (1 f), so it can move forward and backward by being connected to the center of it. These shafts are positioned to the inner parts of the skull (2) and the circles they are attached to, at the midpoint of the arc they are in, so as not to block their rotational movements.

The skull (2) is used in our invention in order to enable the user to work with a real-size human head model. The upper part of the skull (2) includes a special form and the base (5) for a multiple of hardware to be placed inside. On the base (5), there is the digital display (3), a led group (5.1 ), the gyroscope (6) that provides information to the led group (5.1 ) and the other gyroscope (7) that provides information to the digital display (3). The circle group (1 ) and the skull (2) are fixed on a platform to enable their use, as can be seen in Figure 2.

The digital display (3) is used to show the angle ranges taken from the gyroscope (7). The gyroscope (7) measures the angle of the skull (2) in the X, Y and Z axes instantaneously during the movement of the skull (2) by the user through the circle group (1 ) and sends this angle information to the digital display (3). The digital display (3) visually transmits this information to the user, by displaying each angle on each axis separately. The rotation of the skull (2) from the zero point to the right and forward is shown as "+" angles, and the rotation from the zero point to the left and back is shown as "-" angles on the digital display (3). In the vertical position of each axis indicated as “0” on the digital display (3). Thus, the user can clearly see in which direction and angle range the skull (2) is in the X, Y and Z axis. Being able to see these angles is important for the user to practice. For example, in the treatment of vertigo, the skull should be tilted with a slope of 30 degrees. By seeing the amount of slope on the digital display (3), the user easily gains the habit of 30 degrees of slope.

The semicircular canal group (4) comprises a right inner ear (4a), a left inner ear (4b) parts and a base (4c) on which the inner ear (4) is placed with all its parts. On the right inner ear (4a) and left inner ear (4b) there is an anatomical representation of the semicircular canals comprising a cochlea and a right posterior (4a1 ), a left posterior (4b1), a right lateral (4a2), a left lateral (4b2), a right anterior (4a3) and a left anterior (4b3) canals, which are the anatomical structures of the inner ear, and a multiple of nerves responsible for these structures. These structures on the model are positioned exactly at the same angles as the structures in our body. The semicircular canals are specially designed for the invention. It is larger in size than the real canals. And it also comprises a colored liquid that represents the liquid in an actual canal (on a human). In addition, the fluid in the left posterior (4b1) is designed to be different in color and density, specific to the pathology it represents. Apart from these, there is also a tumor piece (4d) that can be attached to the end points of both the right inner ear (4a) and the left inner ear (4b), in a portable structure, which will allow the user to see the tumors that may occur in the inner ear (4). This part is attached to the tip of the inner ear (2), which is shown in Figure 4. This piece can be made from any material. The part showing the formation of the tumor in the inner ear has no other function.

Vertigo is a balance disorder and BPPV (Bening Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo) is the most common form of vertigo. The reason for BPPV is that the stones called otoconia and located in the vestibule fall into the semicircular canal. Clinically there are specialized maneuvers available for each canal for relief of BPPV. The basic principle in these treatment maneuvers is based on the removal of otoconia falling into the canal. In order to see this pathology visually, the semicircular canal group (4) in our invention is designed as transparent and a multiple of plastic parts are placed inside the canals to represent otoconia. Thus, a function of the invention is to meet the need to understand the whole system by seeing and working comfortably during BPPV maneuvers. For example, the maneuver applied to the posterior canal for BPPV is called the “epley maneuver” and the following procedure is followed, respectively; the head is turned 45 degrees to the affected side. When a person practising this maneuver on the invention turns the skull (2), this 45-degree value can be adjusted by seeing the angle value on the front digital display (3). And she/he can see the canal positions and the status of the otoconias in the canal when it is turned. The user can follow the position of the canals and the position of the otoconia in the canal when the patient is lying on his/her back. And, when the user turns the skull (2) 45 degrees to the other side, he/she can see the angle correctly on the screen and can follow the position of the otolith. Fle/she can follow the tilting of the skull (2) to the side and the removal of the otoconia from the canal. At the same time, he/she can monitor the stimulations in the ampullas via the led group (5). In this way, the user can have a better understanding of the subject by seeing both the physiological working system and the anatomically angular movements of a complete maneuver.

In our body there are 6 semicircular canals, 3 on the right and 3 on the left, located in the inner ear (4a1 , 4a2, 4a1 , 4b1 , 4b2, 4b3). These semicircular canals are the structures responsible for balance in our body. The semicircular canals contain endolymph fluid and one end of each is swollen. These swellings are called ampulla. Inside the ampullas, there are ciliated cells, which are our sensor structures. These semicircular canals are located in the inner ear according to 3 basic axes. With the head movement, the channel responsible for that movement activates the ciliated cells in the ampulla by taking advantage of the inertia of the endolymph it contains, and inhibition (stimulation) and excitation (negative stimulation) states occur. In one plane, if the canal on one side of the head is stimulated, the same canal on the other side of the head is in negative stimulation. The led group (5) shown in Figure 5 comprises a total of six leds (5a, 5b, 5c, 5d, 5e, 5f) and each led represents an ampulla. These leds (5a, 5b, 5c, 5d, 5e, 5f) are connected to the gyroscope (6) shown in Figure 4. The gyroscope (6) detects even one degree of movement and causes the responsible leds to light up. The LED group (5) comprises a right lateral semicircular canal led (5a), a left lateral semicircular canal led (5d), a right anterior semicircular canal led (5b), a left anterior semicircular canal led (5e), a right posterior semicircular canal ampullary area led (5c) and a left posterior semicircular canal ampullary area led (5f). For example, the lateral canal is responsible for the right and left rotation of the head. By turning the head to the right side, the right lateral canal's ampulla is stimulated, and the right lateral semicircular canal LED (5a) gives a red light. At the same time, the left lateral semicircular canal LED (5d) gives a blue light, since the other lateral canal is in a negative stimulation state. The gyroscope (6) moves parallel to the skull (2) and detects the movements of the skull (2). The microprocessor connected to the gyroscope (6) uses the database comprising which leds should light up as a result of the rotations in its axes previously recorded. By detecting the appropriate leds according to the instantaneous turns of the skull (2), it ensures that the electrical circuit of the relevant leds is completed by means of transistors and thus lights up in red or blue. The mentioned database contains the information on which led will light up in which movement through the microprocessor given below.

- When the skull (2) turns right and left, the right lateral semicircular canal led (5a) and the left lateral semicircular canal led (5d) are lit. When the skull (2) turns to the right, the right lateral semicircular canal led (5a) lights up red (meaning that there is stimulation), and the left lateral semicircular canal led (5d) lights up blue. The opposite happens when it turns left.

- When the skull (2) moves forward and backward, it turns on the right posterior semicircular canal ampullary area led (5c) and left posterior semicircular canal ampullary area led (5f). When the skull (2) moves forward, both LEDs light up red, and when it moves backwards, both of them light up blue. Because, specific to this canal, both areas are stimulated or not stimulated in both movements.

- When the skull (2) is tilted to the right and left, the right anterior semicircular canal led (5b) and the left anterior semicircular canal led (5e) are lit. When the skull (2) is tilted to the right, the right anterior semicircular canal LED (5b) lights up red, and the left anterior semicircular canal led (5e) lights up blue. In the reverse movement, the opposite happens.

Thanks to the microprocessor that completes the circuit according to these motion-led matches in the database, by using this system, the user can directly see which ampulla is stimulated and which ampulla is negative stimulated in movements in all axes of the head.