In the field of Speech Language Pathology, multiple populations seek intervention and therapy. Among these are individuals who have oropharyngeal dysphagia or challenges during the process of swallowing at the level of the oral cavity and throat. Our study assists this population by altering the flow rate of liquid as it leaves a cup in order to prevent the liquid from going into the trachea when the patient swallows. Our cup uses a patented design that mechanically changes the rate in which thin liquids leave the cup by altering the vent hole. A pinch valve system is used to restrict the air that vents the cup, allowing the flow rate of the fluid to be altered. There is currently no other cup design like this on the market. In our study, we have tested two different 3D printed lids and collected timestamps and weight measurements of the liquid as it leaves the cup when turned from 0 degrees to 90 degrees. These measurements allow for the flow rate to be calculated as the liquid leaves the cup. The flow rates between trials are then compared to analyze the pinch valve’s effectiveness and ability to control the flow at each setting (off, low, med, high). With our preliminary data, we have not found any trends between flow rate obtained and intended flow setting. This indicates that our pinch valve system is not functioning properly nor providing enough force to close the tubing that alters the vent hole and flow rate. Moving forward, we will be testing an additional four lids to account for variability in production as well as re-evaluating the motor and pinch valve system.
Author(s): Logan Novom, Speech Pathology & Audiology Major Hannah Daris, Speech Pathology & Audiology Major Maddie Ranz, Speech Pathology & Audiology Major Charlotte Cutright, Speech Pathology & Audiology Major
Advisor(s): Michael Bailey-Vankuren, Department of Business + Design, an Emerging Technology
Donna Scarborough, Department of Speech Pathology and Audiology
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