JP7756357B2 - Thickness measuring device and method - Google Patents

Description

Application of Article 30, Paragraph 2 of the Patent Act Proceedings of the 2nd World Swallowing Summit, August 21, 2021 [Publications, etc.] The 2nd World Swallowing Summit, August 20-22, 2021

The present invention relates to a viscosity measuring device and a viscosity measuring method. More specifically, the present invention relates to a viscosity measuring device for measuring the thickness of food and drink in medical and nursing care settings, and a method for measuring the thickness of food and drink.

Swallowing refers to the process of swallowing food and drink from the mouth and sending it to the stomach, and a condition in which the swallowing action is not performed properly is called dysphagia. When dysphagia occurs, food and drink cannot be swallowed properly, which can lead to pneumonia due to aspiration. Therefore, when providing beverages to patients with dysphagia, thickening agents are added to the beverage to thicken it. The degree of thickness of the beverage needs to be adjusted according to the severity of the swallowing disorder. However, thickening agents are sold by various companies and their performance varies slightly. For this reason, in medical and nursing care settings, the thickness of a thickened beverage is measured each time it is prepared.

Accurately measuring the viscosity of a liquid requires a viscosity measurement device such as a rotational viscometer. However, this type of device is expensive, and it is not practical to install it in all hospitals and elderly care facilities. For this reason, simpler measurement methods are often chosen. For example, the Japanese Society of Dysphagia Rehabilitation has proposed the line spread test (LST) as a simple measurement method that can be performed without a viscosity measurement device (Non-Patent Document 1).

The line spread test is performed as follows: A metal ring with an inner diameter of 30 mm is placed on a graduated plastic measuring plate. 20 mL of sample is poured into the ring and left to stand for 30 seconds to stop the flow of the sample. The ring is then lifted and the spread distance of the sample is measured at six points after 30 seconds, and the average value is taken as the LST value.

Japanese Society of Dysphagia Rehabilitation, Dysphagia Adjusted Diet Committee, "2021 Dysphagia Adjusted Diet Classification for the Japanese Society of Dysphagia Rehabilitation," Journal of the Japanese Society of Dysphagia Rehabilitation 25 (2), 2021, pp. 135-149

The line spread test is unhygienic because the food or drink spreads over the measuring plate and may overflow, especially if the liquid is thin. Also, the lower the temperature of the liquid, the more viscous it becomes, so a short measurement time is better for accurately measuring viscosity. However, the line spread test requires at least one minute to complete.

In view of the above circumstances, the present invention aims to provide a thickness measuring device and a method for measuring thickness that can hygienically measure the thickness of food and drink in a short period of time.

The viscosity measuring device of the first invention comprises a vertical tube into which fluid food or beverage is poured, a nozzle provided at the lower end of the vertical tube and having a first outlet through which the food or beverage flows out, and a base that supports the nozzle above a container that collects the food or beverage that flows out from the first outlet, wherein the vertical tube has a scale indicating the liquid level of the food or beverage, the base has a second outlet, the first outlet and the second outlet are positioned offset from the center of the nozzle, and the nozzle can be rotated relative to the base to switch between connection and disconnection of the first outlet and the second outlet.
The viscosity measuring device of the second invention is the same as that of the first invention, and is characterized in that a liquid cut-off ring is provided around the second outlet on the bottom surface of the base.
The viscosity measuring device of the third invention is the same as that of the first or second invention, and is characterized in that it includes a handle provided on the vertical tube.
The viscosity measuring device of the fourth invention is any one of the first to third inventions, characterized in that it includes a funnel provided at the upper end of the vertical cylinder.
The viscosity measuring device of the fifth invention comprises a vertical tube into which fluid food or beverage is poured, a nozzle provided at the lower end of the vertical tube and having a first outlet through which the food or beverage flows out, and a base that supports the nozzle above a container that collects the food or beverage that flows out from the first outlet, wherein the vertical tube has a scale that indicates the liquid level of the food or beverage, and the vertical tube, the nozzle and the base are all removable.
The viscosity measuring device of the sixth invention is characterized in that, in any one of the first to fifth inventions, the height dimension of the vertical cylinder is 15 to 25 cm.
The viscosity measuring device of the seventh invention is characterized in that, in any one of the first to sixth inventions, the inner diameter of the vertical cylinder is 15 to 25 mm.
The viscosity measuring device of the eighth invention is characterized in that, in any one of the first to seventh inventions, the inner diameter of the first outlet is 2 to 6 mm.
The viscosity measurement method of the ninth invention is characterized by comprising the steps of: injecting a fluid food or beverage into a vertical tube while disconnecting a first outlet of a nozzle provided at the lower end of the vertical tube from a second outlet of a base supporting the nozzle ; rotating the nozzle relative to the base to connect the first outlet and the second outlet, causing the food or beverage to flow out from the first outlet and the second outlet and recovering it in a container; and measuring the time required for the liquid level of the food or beverage in the vertical tube to drop from a predetermined liquid level at the start of measurement to a liquid level at the end of measurement.

According to the first invention, the spilled food and drink is collected in a container, which is hygienic. Furthermore, since the thickness of the food and drink is measured by spilling the food and drink from a vertical tube, the measurement time is relatively short. Furthermore, the flow of the food and drink can be started and stopped by rotating the nozzle, making the measurement easy.
According to the second invention, the food or drink flowing out from the second outlet is prevented from adhering to the bottom surface of the base, so the outflow time is stable and the accuracy of measuring the degree of viscosity is improved.
According to the third aspect of the present invention, the nozzle can be easily rotated by operating the handle with a hand.
According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the funnel makes it easy to pour food and drink into the vertical tube.
According to the fifth invention, the individual components can be removed for easy cleaning, and the viscosity measuring device can be kept clean.
According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, the height of the vertical tube is 15 cm or more, so the head of the food or drink is high and the outflow rate of the food or drink can be increased. As a result, the time required to measure the viscosity can be shortened. Furthermore, the height of the vertical tube is 25 cm or less, so the volume of the vertical tube can be reduced, and the amount of food or drink required for measurement can be reduced.
According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, the inside of the vertical tube is easy to clean because the inner diameter of the vertical tube is 15 mm or more. Also, the inner diameter of the vertical tube is 25 mm or less, so the volume of the vertical tube can be reduced, and the amount of food or drink required for measurement can be reduced.
According to the eighth aspect of the present invention, the inner diameter of the first outlet is 2 to 6 mm, so that the outflow speed of food and drink becomes appropriate, and the measurement time can be shortened while maintaining measurement accuracy.
According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, the spilled food or drink is collected in a container, which is hygienic. Furthermore, since the method involves measuring the degree of viscosity by spilling the food or drink from a vertical tube, the time required for measurement is relatively short.

FIG. 1 is a front view of a viscosity measuring device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure (A) is a plan view of the vertical cylinder, and Figure (B) is a front view of the vertical cylinder. Figure (A) is a plan view of the nozzle, and Figure (B) is a vertical cross-sectional view of the nozzle. Figure (A) is a plan view of the base, Figure (B) is a vertical cross-sectional view of the base, and Figure (C) is a bottom view of the base. Figure (A) is a front view of the viscosity measuring device at the start of measurement, and Figure (B) is a front view of the viscosity measuring device at the end of measurement.

Next, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
The viscosity measuring device AA according to one embodiment of the present invention is used for simple measurement of the viscosity of fluid foods and beverages. Examples of foods and beverages include water, tea, nutritional supplements, and other beverages, as well as food such as soup. Food and beverages may contain small amounts of solid matter that do not significantly affect the fluidity. Typically, the viscosity of foods and beverages is adjusted by adding thickeners (also known as thickening agents), potato starch, arrowroot starch, etc.

As shown in Figure 1, the viscosity measuring device AA consists of a vertical tube 10, a nozzle 20, and a base 30. As described below, the food or drink to be measured is poured into the vertical tube 10, and the degree of viscosity is measured from the time it takes for the food or drink to flow out of the vertical tube 10. When measuring the degree of viscosity, the viscosity measuring device AA is placed above a container C. Therefore, the food or drink that flows out of the vertical tube 10 is collected in the container C. Note that the container C is not particularly limited as long as it can hold food or drink, and a cup, bowl, etc. can be used.

As shown in Figures 2(A) and 2(B), the vertical tube 10 is a tubular member with open top and bottom ends. A cylinder is preferably used as the vertical tube 10, but a tube with a polygonal cross section may also be used. When measuring the degree of viscosity, the vertical tube 10 is positioned vertically with its central axis aligned vertically.

The vertical tube 10 is provided with a scale 11 that indicates the liquid level of the food or drink inside. The scale 11 is made up of multiple lines that indicate the liquid level in predetermined units such as cm or inch. The scale 11 may also be made up of one or multiple lines or marks that indicate a predetermined reference liquid level. For example, the scale 11 may be made up of two lines that indicate the liquid level at the start and end of measuring the food or drink outflow time. Alternatively, the liquid level at the start of measuring the food or drink outflow time may be set at the top of the vertical tube 10, and the scale 11 may have a single line that indicates the liquid level at the end of measurement. The difference in liquid level between the start and end of measurement is set in advance to provide an outflow time appropriate for measurement.

The vertical tube 10 is made of a transparent material so that the level of the food or drink inside the vertical tube 10 can be seen. It is sufficient that the level of the food or drink can be seen within the range necessary to measure the degree of viscosity, and part of the vertical tube 10 may be transparent and other parts may be opaque.

If necessary, a funnel 12 may be provided at the upper end of the vertical tube 10. The funnel 12 makes it easier to pour food or drink into the vertical tube 10. If necessary, a handle 13 may also be provided on the vertical tube 10.

As shown in Figures 3(A) and 3(B), the nozzle 20 is generally a cylindrical body with a bottom. The nozzle 20 is provided at the lower end of the vertical tube 10. The nozzle 20 has a recess 21 into which the lower end of the vertical tube 10 is inserted. The nozzle 20 also has a first outlet 22 that connects the recess 21 to the bottom. Food and drink poured into the vertical tube 10 flows out from the first outlet 22. It is preferable to have a tapered slope 23 extending from the inner surface of the recess 21 to the first outlet 22 so that even thick foods and drinks can flow smoothly.

The location of the first outlet 22 is not particularly limited, and may be in the center or outer periphery of the nozzle 20. In this embodiment, the first outlet 22 is disposed at a position offset from the center O of the nozzle 20 (eccentric position). In addition, a protrusion 24 is provided on the outer periphery of the nozzle 20. The functions of these will be described later.

As shown in Figures 4(A), 4(B), and 4(C), the base 30 has a support 31 that engages with the edge of the container C. The support 31 shown in the figure is disk-shaped, but is not limited to this. For example, the support 31 may be composed of multiple arms arranged radially.

A storage section 32 for storing the nozzle 20 is provided in the center of the support 31. The storage section 32 has a circular recess 33 into which the nozzle 20 is inserted. By placing the base 30 with the nozzle 20 inserted into the storage section 32 on top of a container C, the nozzle 20 can be supported on top of the container C (see Figure 1). Therefore, food and drink flowing out from the first outlet 22 is collected in the container C.

The storage section 32 has a second outlet 34 that connects the recess 33 to the bottom surface. The second outlet 34 is positioned so that it can be connected to the first outlet 22. In this embodiment, the second outlet 34 is positioned (eccentric position) offset from the center O of the nozzle 20 stored in the storage section 32. Here, the eccentric distance of the second outlet 34 is approximately the same as the eccentric distance of the first outlet 22. Furthermore, the inner diameter of the recess 33 is approximately the same as the outer diameter of the nozzle 20, allowing the nozzle 20 to rotate around the central axis. A portion of the inner circumferential surface of the recess 33 expands outward, and the protrusion 24 of the nozzle 20 is inserted into this expansion section 35. The nozzle 20 rotates within the range in which the protrusion 24 is located in the expansion section 35. In other words, the rotation range of the nozzle 20 is limited.

When the nozzle 20 is rotated until the convex portion 24 reaches one end of the extension portion 35, the first outlet 22 and the second outlet 34 are connected (the state shown in Figure 4(B)). When the nozzle 20 is rotated from this state and the convex portion 24 reaches the other end of the extension portion 35, the connection between the first outlet 22 and the second outlet 34 is released, and the first outlet 22 is blocked by the base 30. In this way, by rotating the nozzle 20 relative to the base 30, the first outlet 22 and the second outlet 34 are switched between connected and disconnected.

When the first outlet 22 and the second outlet 34 are connected, the food and drink inside the vertical tube 10 flows out from the first outlet 22 and the second outlet 34. That is, the food and drink is discharged from the opening on the bottom of the base 30. When a viscous liquid flows out of the opening, the liquid adheres to the periphery of the opening. The liquid adhering to the periphery of the opening affects the flow of the liquid from the opening. As a result, the outflow time of the food and drink from the vertical tube 10 changes with each measurement, reducing the accuracy of the viscosity measurement.

In this regard, in this embodiment, a liquid cutter ring 36 is provided on the bottom surface of the base 30 around the second outlet 34. The liquid cutter ring 36 prevents food and drink flowing out from the second outlet 34 from adhering to the bottom surface of the base 30. This stabilizes the outflow time of the food and drink, improving the accuracy of measuring the degree of viscosity.

Next, a method for measuring the thickness of food and drink using the thickness measuring device AA will be described.
First, as shown in FIG. 5(A), the vertical cylinder 10, the nozzle 20, and the base 30 are connected to assemble the viscosity measuring device AA, and the device is placed on the container C.

Next, with the first outlet 22 of the nozzle 20 and the second outlet 34 of the base 30 disconnected (with the first outlet 22 closed), the food or drink to be measured is poured into the vertical tube 10. The food or drink is poured until it reaches a predetermined liquid level. For example, the food or drink is poured up to the top of the vertical tube 10.

Next, as shown in Figure 5 (B), the nozzle 20 is rotated to connect the first outlet 22 and the second outlet 34. At this time, the handle 13 is operated by hand to rotate the nozzle 20 together with the vertical tube 10. This allows the nozzle 20 to be easily rotated.

When the nozzle 20 is rotated, the food or drink begins to flow. As the food or drink flows out, the liquid level inside the vertical tube 10 drops. The time required for this flow is measured. The liquid levels at the start and end of the flow time measurement are predetermined. For example, the liquid level at the start of the measurement is set to the top of the vertical tube 10, and the liquid level at the end of the measurement is set to 5 cm below the top of the vertical tube 10. The time required for the food or drink level to drop from the level at the start of the measurement to the level at the end of the measurement (flow time) is measured using a stopwatch or similar device. Rotating the nozzle 20 starts and stops the food or drink from flowing, making it easy to start the food or drink flow and start measurement using a stopwatch simultaneously.

Food and drink flows from the vertical tube 10, which has a large inner diameter, into the first outlet 22, which has a smaller inner diameter. Local loss due to the narrowing of the flow path correlates with the viscosity of the liquid; the higher the viscosity of the liquid, the greater the local loss. Furthermore, the greater the local loss, the slower the outflow speed and the longer the outflow time. Therefore, the outflow time of the food and drink correlates with the degree of viscosity. Therefore, the degree of viscosity can be evaluated using the outflow time as an indicator.

As described above, the viscosity measuring device AA measures the degree of viscosity by allowing food or drink to flow out of the vertical tube 10. As a result, the time required for measurement is shorter than conventional line spread tests. Because the measurement time is short, the temperature of the food or drink does not drop as easily, allowing for accurate measurement of viscosity.

Food and drink that flows out of the vertical tube 10 is collected in the container C, making it hygienic. Furthermore, the vertical tube 10, nozzle 20, and base 30 are all removable. By removing the individual components, they can be easily cleaned. Therefore, the viscosity meter AA can be kept clean.

It is preferable that the dimensions of each part of the viscosity measuring device AA be as follows.
The height dimension H1 of the vertical tube 10 (see FIG. 2(B)) is preferably 15 to 25 cm, and more preferably 17 to 23 cm. If the height dimension H1 of the vertical tube 10 is 15 cm or more, the head of the food or drink is high and the outflow rate of the food or drink can be increased. As a result, the time required to measure the viscosity can be shortened. Furthermore, if the height dimension H1 of the vertical tube 10 is 25 cm or less, the volume of the vertical tube 10 can be reduced, and the amount of food or drink required for measurement can be reduced.

The difference H2 between the liquid level at the start and end of the outflow time measurement (see Figure 2 (B)) is set so that the outflow time is within an appropriate range, taking into account the range of viscosity of the food or drink. The liquid level difference H2 is preferably 2 to 7 cm, and more preferably 3 to 5 cm. If the liquid level difference is 2 cm or more, the outflow time will not be too short, making measurement easier. Furthermore, if the liquid level difference is 7 cm or less, the outflow time will not be too long, and the measurement time can be shortened.

The inner diameter D1 of the vertical tube 10 (see Figure 2(A)) is preferably 15 to 25 mm, and more preferably 17 to 23 mm. If the inner diameter D1 of the vertical tube 10 is 15 mm or more, the inside of the vertical tube 10 can be easily cleaned. Furthermore, if the inner diameter D1 of the vertical tube 10 is 25 mm or less, the volume of the vertical tube 10 can be reduced, and the amount of food or drink required for measurement can be reduced.

The ratio of the height dimension H1 to the inner diameter D1 of the vertical tube 10 is preferably between 5 and 15, and more preferably between 7 and 13. This allows the volume of the vertical tube 10 to be reduced while ensuring a sufficient head for food and beverages.

The inner diameter of the first outlet 22 is preferably 2 to 6 mm, and more preferably 3 to 5 mm. Setting the inner diameter of the first outlet 22 to 2 to 6 mm allows the food and drink to flow out at an appropriate rate, shortening the measurement time while maintaining measurement accuracy. The inner diameter of the second outlet 34 should be approximately the same as or larger than the inner diameter of the first outlet 22.

Next, an example will be described.
A viscosity measuring device was prepared with a nozzle at the bottom of a vertical cylinder. No base was provided. The height of the vertical cylinder was 20 cm and the inner diameter was 20 mm. The inner diameter of the first outlet was 5 mm.

Samples with viscosities of 50, 150, 300, and 500 mPa·s were prepared by mixing water with a thickening agent (Tsururinko Quickly, manufactured by Clinico Co., Ltd.). Viscosity measurements were performed using a rheometer (Physica MCR301, manufactured by Anton Paar).

A sample at a temperature of 20±1°C was poured into the vertical tube up to the top, and the liquid began to flow out of the tube. The time required for the liquid level to drop by 5 cm was measured with a stopwatch. Eight measurements were taken for each sample, and the average value was calculated.

The results are shown in Table 1.

The measurement results are shown in Table 2, which is based on the 2021 Academic Classification (see Non-Patent Document 1).

Even with a sample with a viscosity of 500 mPa·s, the measurement time is approximately 23 seconds. Compared to the line spread test, which requires at least one minute for measurement, it has been confirmed that the degree of viscosity can be measured in a shorter time.

AA Viscosity Meter 10 Vertical Cylinder 11 Scale 12 Funnel 13 Handle 20 Nozzle 22 First Outlet 30 Base 31 Support 34 Second Outlet 36 Liquid Cut-Off Ring

Claims (9)

a vertical tube into which fluid food or drink is poured;
a nozzle provided at a lower end of the vertical tube and having a first outlet through which the food or beverage flows out;
a base for supporting the nozzle on a container for collecting the food or beverage that flows out from the first outlet,
The vertical tube has a scale indicating the liquid level of the food or drink,
the base has a second outlet;
the first outlet and the second outlet are disposed at positions offset from the center of the nozzle,
By rotating the nozzle relative to the base, connection/disconnection between the first outlet and the second outlet is switched.
A viscosity measuring device characterized by the above. The viscosity measuring device according to claim 1 , wherein a liquid cut-off ring is provided around the second outlet on the bottom surface of the base. The viscosity measuring device according to claim 1 or 2 , further comprising a handle provided on the vertical cylinder. The viscosity measuring device according to any one of claims 1 to 3 , further comprising a funnel provided at the upper end of the vertical cylinder. a vertical tube into which fluid food or drink is poured;
a nozzle provided at a lower end of the vertical tube and having a first outlet through which the food or beverage flows out;
a base for supporting the nozzle on a container for collecting the food or beverage that flows out from the first outlet,
The vertical tube has a scale indicating the liquid level of the food or drink,
The viscosity measuring device is characterized in that the vertical tube, the nozzle, and the base are each removable. The viscosity measuring device according to any one of claims 1 to 5 , wherein the height dimension of the vertical cylinder is 15 to 25 cm. The viscosity measuring device according to any one of claims 1 to 6 , characterized in that the inner diameter of the vertical cylinder is 15 to 25 mm. The viscosity measuring device according to any one of claims 1 to 7 , wherein the first outlet has an inner diameter of 2 to 6 mm. a step of pouring a fluid food or beverage into the vertical tube while disconnecting a first outlet of a nozzle provided at a lower end of the vertical tube from a second outlet of a base supporting the nozzle;
a step of rotating the nozzle relative to the base to connect the first outlet and the second outlet, causing the food and beverage to flow out from the first outlet and the second outlet , and collecting the food and beverage in a container;
A method for measuring viscosity, comprising the steps of: measuring the time required for the liquid level of the food or beverage in the vertical tube to drop from a predetermined liquid level at the start of measurement to a liquid level at the end of measurement.