Tongue-Based Performance Enhancement Systems

Publication ID: 24-11857457_0002_PTD

Published: October 28, 2025

Category:New Applications & Use Cases

Legal Citation

pr1or.art Inc., “Tongue-Based Performance Enhancement Systems,” Published Technical Disclosure No. 24-11857457_0002_PTD, Published October 28, 2025, available at https://archive.pr1or.art/24-11857457_0002_PTD

This technical disclosure describes improvements that would be readily apparent to a Person Having Ordinary Skill In The Art (PHOSITA) when considered in combination with the foundational architecture disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 11,857,457.

Summary of the Inventive Concept

This inventive concept leverages the core technology of the original patent to develop novel applications in athletic performance enhancement, high-altitude environments, migraine treatment, cognitive function improvement, and speech clarity improvement.

Background and Problem Solved

The original patent addressed the issue of obstructive sleep apnea by pulling a user's tongue outward. However, the technology's potential extends beyond sleep disorders. The new inventive concept tackles limitations in various industries, such as athletic performance, high-altitude environments, and cognitive function, by adapting the tongue-positioning technology to improve respiratory efficiency, oxygen intake, and nerve stimulation.

Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept

The new claims introduce a range of innovative systems and methods that utilize the core technology to address distinct challenges. For instance, the wearable device in claim 1 enhances athletic performance by optimizing respiratory efficiency, while the suction module in claim 2 improves oxygen intake in high-altitude environments. Claims 3-5 demonstrate the technology's adaptability in treating migraines, enhancing cognitive function, and improving speech clarity. Each embodiment features a unique combination of components, including wearable devices, tongue-positioning elements, locking mechanisms, suction modules, and processing units.

Novelty and Inventive Step

The new claims introduce novel applications and use cases that were not contemplated in the original patent. The inventive step lies in the adaptation of the core technology to address distinct challenges in various industries, resulting in a range of innovative systems and methods that improve performance, efficiency, and overall well-being.

Alternative Embodiments and Variations

Alternative embodiments may include variations in the wearable device design, tongue-positioning element materials, and suction module operating parameters. Additionally, the technology could be integrated with other sensors, such as EEG or heart rate monitors, to provide a more comprehensive performance enhancement system.

Potential Commercial Applications and Market

The inventive concept has significant commercial potential in various industries, including athletic performance enhancement, high-altitude environments, healthcare, and education. The target market includes professional athletes, high-altitude workers, individuals suffering from migraines, and individuals seeking to improve cognitive function and speech clarity.

CPC Classifications

Section	Class	Group
A	A61	A61F5/566
A	A61	A61M1/73
A	A61	A61M1/86
A	A61	A61M1/87
A	A61	A61M16/0683
A	A61	A61M39/24
A	A61	A61M2205/42
A	A61	A61M2209/088
A	A61	A61M2210/0643

Section 103 Obviousness Analysis (PHOSITA)

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Field of Art

Medical device technology focusing on respiratory and neurological interventions, specifically devices for manipulating tongue positioning and generating controlled suction/pressure for physiological modulation

Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile

A biomedical engineer or medical device designer with expertise in respiratory assistance technologies, human anatomy, biomechanical interfaces, and experience designing wearable therapeutic devices with adjustable mechanical components

Obviousness Rationale

A person having ordinary skill would recognize that the core tongue-positioning and suction mechanism from the source sleep apnea patent represents a versatile platform technology with inherent adaptability across multiple physiological performance and treatment domains. The fundamental mechanical principles of controlled tongue manipulation and pressure generation can be systematically translated to address diverse medical and performance challenges through predictable engineering modifications. The PTD demonstrates that minor adjustments to the base device's configuration and control parameters enable novel applications while preserving the underlying technical architecture.

Obvious Combinations & Variations

Source Patent Element

Base fitted on user's head with passage portion and adjustable positioning mechanism

PTD Variation

Adapting the base design for athletic performance, migraine treatment, and cognitive enhancement applications

Obviousness Reasoning

Predictable design extension using known human-device interface techniques, with the base serving as a universal mounting platform for different functional modules

Source Patent Element

Adjustment element with relative displacement and locking mechanism

PTD Variation

Implementing variable suction force and tongue positioning for respiratory and neurological optimization

Obviousness Reasoning

Applying known mechanical control principles to modulate physiological responses through precise mechanical interaction, representing a standard engineering design approach

Source Patent Element

Tongue-pulling mechanism for airway management

PTD Variation

Repurposing tongue positioning technology for performance enhancement, speech clarity, and high-altitude adaptation

Obviousness Reasoning

Recognizing the transferable biomechanical principles underlying tongue manipulation across different physiological contexts, utilizing standard biomedical engineering problem-solving strategies

Source Patent Element

Locking element with resilient arm and positioning capabilities

PTD Variation

Integrating brain-computer interfaces and sensor systems to dynamically adjust tongue positioning

Obviousness Reasoning

Applying known sensor integration and adaptive control techniques to expand the device's functional complexity in a predictable technological progression

Source Patent Element

Mechanical system for tongue displacement

PTD Variation

Creating multi-purpose negative pressure systems for respiratory and neurological stimulation

Obviousness Reasoning

Leveraging established principles of controlled mechanical interaction with human physiological systems through systematic engineering adaptation

35 U.S.C. § 103 Summary: Based on the teachings of US Patent 11857457, a person having ordinary skill in medical device design would find the variations disclosed in the published technical disclosure to represent obvious extensions of the fundamental tongue-positioning and mechanical control technologies. The systematic adaptation of the core mechanical principles to diverse physiological performance domains demonstrates a predictable technological progression achievable through routine engineering modifications, thereby rendering potential derivative claims obvious and unpatentable.

Original Patent Information

Patent Number	US 11,857,457
Title	Device for alleviating obstructive sleep apnea
Assignee(s)	GOOD NEWS MEDICAL CO., LTD.