Investigating the use of Magnetic Actuation for a Self-Contained Functional Tongue Prosthetic

Vasquez, Sarah R.

Student Work

Investigating the use of Magnetic Actuation for a Self-Contained Functional Tongue Prosthetic

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Oral cancer can result in the loss of the tongue through surgical removal known as glossectomy. Patients who have undergone this procedure face challenges during speech, mastication, and deglutition. Currently, tongue prosthetics lack functionality and are mainly cosmetic. Many of these prosthetics are made of wax and connected to a retainer which attaches to the back molars of the patient. The goal of this project was to develop a self-contained mechatronic tongue prosthesis that can fit within the oral cavity and aid in deglutition. Investigations into various techniques and sensors supporting miniaturization were carried out and magnetic actuation was found to be the most promising technique. The development process involved redesigning the silicone cast to house sensors, selecting sensors and components for magnetic actuation, magnetic field quantification and miniaturizing various other electrical components. Force sensors were selected as a method to detect external stimuli on the tongue such as a food bolus to signal magnetic actuation to begin. The tongue prosthesis was tested, and the displacement was comparable to a normal human tongue at 1 cm of tip actuation. Alterations made to the design of the tongue mold itself increased biocompatibility through an improved anatomical shape and addition of papillae.

This report represents the work of one or more WPI undergraduate students submitted to the faculty as evidence of completion of a degree requirement. WPI routinely publishes these reports on its website without editorial or peer review.

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