DOI: 10.3390/biomimetics11080548 ISSN: 2313-7673

Biomimetic Wearable Device for Dysphagia: Digital Conceptual Design via KANO-EWM-TOPSIS and Extended FCBS Mapping

Ke Yin, Zilin Mao, Yiting Cui, Aimin Zhou

Biomimetic wearable devices provide non-invasive physical support for elderly patients with dysphagia. However, most existing assistive products adopt fixed layouts designed through empirical methods and cannot meet differentiated needs in household, social, and medical scenarios. To fill this gap, this study constructed an integrated design framework combining the KANO-EWM-TOPSIS hybrid model and extended FCBS mapping. The KANO model was used to classify functional attributes and exclude mandatory safety indicators from weighting calculations to prevent data dilution. The entropy weight method (EWM) and TOPSIS were then adopted to calculate scenario weights and prioritize core functions. To resolve structural incompatibility in traditional rigid braces, a morphological biomimetic design scheme was proposed. Referring to the anatomical outline of the thyroid cartilage and movement rules of the infrahyoid muscle groups, a high-fidelity 3D digital model of the wearable collar was established. The biomimetic structure replicates the soft tissue compliance of the human neck. It offers adequate physical support without limiting vertical laryngeal displacement during swallowing. Simulated usability tests were conducted with 16 participants, and the fuzzy comprehensive evaluation (FCE) returned an overall score of 77.91. The digital design balances physiological safety and users’ psychological feelings while reducing obvious medical styling. This study offers a repeatable quantitative process and practical reference for developing human larynx anatomy-based biomimetic wearable rehabilitation devices at the preliminary design stage.

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