INTEGRATION OF LIQUID-POINT DETECTION SENSOR DATA IN ROBOTIC STUDIES TO IMPROVE TRANSITIONAL CUP DESIGN

The goal of developing the transitional cup is to assist populations who experience dysphagia, or difficulty swallowing, while drinking liquids. The transitional cup regulates the rate at which fluid is released from the lid opening. The collected data contributes to future refinement of the cup design to improve patients’ quality of life by promoting independence, encouraging safe swallowing, and adjusting to patients’ varying swallow patterns. (U.S patent no. 8432249, 2013)

Figure 1 Displays the USB cord connection to the microcontroller sensor which is secured to the base of the cup.

Figure 2 Displays plausible pathways for the angles of water as the cup is tilted from upright to a pour position. These pathways begin with three starting volumes of water: (1) below both sensors, (2) between both sensors, and (3) above both sensors. The dashes on the model represent the placement of sensors on the cup. The sensors activate when they detect the presence of water at that point. During the pour, the angle changes could result in either a change in activation of the sensors (green arrow) or no change in activation of the sensors (black arrow).

Methods

Basic Methodology and Lab Protocols

Researcher 1 monitored the robotic arm movements during trials.

Researcher 2 activated the robotic arm and monitored data collection.

Photograph of the lab setup including a desktop computer in the right upper corner with displays of 2 RealTerm Data windows, the software used to record data from the scale and from the sensors and the coding script that runs the robot. The robot is affixed to the top of a table to the left of the desktop computer. Attached to the distal end of the robotic arm is the prototype cup and lid. Resting on the back side of the table is the microcontroller collecting data on the angle of the cup and monitoring open close pinch valve positions. In the bottom left corner of the image is a gray metal square scale with a clear plastic bin on top that served as a data collection container.

Figure 3 Showing experimental setup: A robotic arm was utilized to provide a standardized pour based on routines in the robot control software. The cup lid is attached at top of cup and the cup itself is attached to the robot with a velcro strap. The air valve is connected to the spout on back of the cup lid and attached to the microcontroller (Arduino Nano 33BLE Sense Rev 2) to control the flow. The microcontroller uses an integrated sensor (accelerometer) to measure angle changes and non-contact liquid level sensors attached to the top left and bottom right of the cup (not seen in picture) to predict liquid volume in the cup. The team used a data collection scale with a liquid collection bin to collect the dispelled water. Data was collected through Realterm software on a standard PC.

Results

Below we have included data from trials with different combinations of variables as well as graphical representations of the relationship of the angle of the cup and flow rate and the angle of the cup and volume of water poured over the course of time.

Table 1 Depicts the results from various trials including (left to right) the starting volume, vent closure, amount of pours over 60 seconds, volume poured out of the cup, residual volume measured, and average flow rate.

Figure 4 Displays the four panels depicting the relationship between angle of the cup (blue: left y-axis) and flow rate of 275mL of water (orange: right y-axis) over 60 seconds. Variables in the trials included: closed vent with one pour for 60 seconds (top left), closed vent with four pours for 15 seconds each (top right), open vent with one pour for 60 seconds (bottom left), and open vent with four pours for 15 seconds each (bottom right).

Figure 5 Displays the four panels depicting the relationship between container tilt angle (blue: left y-axis) and cumulative pour volume (red: right y-axis) as a function of time for 275 mL. Variables in the trials included: closed vent with one 60 second pour (top left), closed vent with four consecutive 15 second pours (top right), open vent with one 60 second pour (bottom left), open vent with four consecutive 15 second pours (bottom right).

Discussion

The aim of this study was to investigate how the addition of a pinch valve to an existing transitional cup prototype impacts the flow rate of the water poured from it. We found, under different experimental conditions, the flow rate range to be between 0.1 mL and 10 mL per second. This information will serve as the parameters within which we can code for in further development of this smart cup. Ultimately, this data will be used to refine the timing of the pinch valve opening and closing to release a pre-programmed volume of water in a specified time. Once the cup design is finalized and commercialized, the cup can be used clinically to benefit dysphagia populations with personalized flow rates. The cup can be adjusted to release manageable amounts of liquid depending on the age and severity of diagnosis for each patient. With these modifications, we hope patients will have lower frequency of aspiration, lower likelihood of lung damage and infection, lower need for thickened liquids, higher levels of patient safety and comfort, and higher levels of hydration. The cup may also be used as an intermediary between bottle and open cup drinking to promote a child’s safe transition.

Child with Cerebral Palsy smiling in a wheel chair with a plate of watermelon on a table in front of him.

https://www.health.com/cerebral-palsy-8695695

Toddler with Down Syndrome in a high chair sipping from a cup held to his mouth by an adult.

https://noahsdad.com/cup/

Future Directions

This study of a functional cup prototype (shown above) informs the software and hardware development of future cup configurations. The data from this study determines the control parameters so that the cup achieves specific flow rate thresholds, to meet personalized needs. Additionally, a future model will have an air-tight lid, reducing the leakage, which increases the accuracy of the controlled flow rate.

Blueprint diagram of a new prototype embedding the sensor and pinch valve into the cup and lid.

Poster

Questions?

For additional information please contact: Dr. Bailey-Van Kuren (baileym@miamioh.edu) or Dr. Donna Scarborough (scarbod@miamioh.edu)

NACE Career Readiness Competencies

Communication:

This year in the Dysphagia Lab, we had a team of eight people all holding different roles. As a result, it was necessary we developed effective communication as a team. This included asking and discussing many questions, to ensure data collection and calculations for each trial were representative of what was actually observed. Additionally, we had to improve our written clarity to document trial results as well as methodology for future analysis and replication. These skills are preparing us, as aspiring speech pathologists, to communicate clearly on interdisciplinary teams and with clients in the future.

Teamwork:

Merging the fields of engineering and speech pathology, this lab has provided student researchers an opportunity to learn from different backgrounds and work together to address the common goal of improving the quality of life for dysphagia patients. Additionally, through collaborative discussions we have been able to understand results and determine the next steps of the process. This ability to listen to others' ideas and come to a solution together will be relevant in our future professions oriented around creating goals and monitoring progress.

Technology:

With the use of a robotic arm in our studies, we had to learn the basics of how to run the code for the robot and use the data collection software. Additionally, during the data analysis part of the project, we adapted to learn how to run formulas and graphically display data. With the ever evolving technological world, this flexibility to learn new systems and use them to our benefit will be helpful especially when considering implementing new assistive technology with out future clients.

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