Detection of Swallowing Movement Using Pressure Sensor

Abstract

Staff at care home needs to watch swallowing carefully to prevent someone from accidental swallowing and suffocation by getting caught in someone's throat when assisting meals. However, in fact there are also other work staff has to do, staff is unable to watch carefully. If staff is able to notice someone's swallowing, there are various advantages, for example, staff can pick up someone's eating pace and make consideration for other people, prevent someone from accidental swallowing and suffocation.

In this study, we developed a swallowing sensor with a pressure sensor and an air bag, using the movement of thyroid cartilage at swallowing.