| abstract |
A system for measuring tongue pressure comprising a thin palate floor plate (1) whose shape matches with the shape of the palate, thin pressure sensor sheets (2a, 2a, 2b) having a plurality of pressure sensing cells secured to the lower surface of the palate floor plate (1), an attaching means (3) for attaching the palate floor plate (1) to a proper position in the palate, and a cable (4) for transmitting information from the pressure sensing cells of the pressure sensor sheets (2a, 2a, 2b) to an apparatus outside the palate. The cable (4) is led out of the palate extending around the back of the final gum tooth and passing along the vestibule of the palate when the palate floor plate (1) is attached in the palate. Each of the pressure sensor sheets (2a, 2a, 2b) comprises two resin backings structured in one body and each having a plurality of electrodes covered with a pressure-sensitive ink layer on one side of the backing. Between the backings, air is contained gastightly. The electrodes are opposed to each other via the pressure-sensitive ink. Each pressure sensing cell is constituted by the opposed electrodes and the portion corresponding to the pressure-sensitive ink layer. |