Nasal calling suite for nitric oxide detector
By designing a silent whistle and nasal plug assembly, the problems of whistling noise and inaccurate measurement are solved, achieving quiet and accurate nasal and oral cavity isolation, thus improving user experience and measurement accuracy.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202423159157.7
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2024-12-20
- Publication Date
- 2026-02-10
- Estimated Expiration
- 2034-12-20
AI Technical Summary
When using existing nitric oxide detectors to detect rhinitis or sinusitis, patients need to whistle to close the connection between their nasal cavity and oral cavity, which leads to noise interference and inaccurate measurement results.
Design a silent whistle and nasal plug assembly. A float moves inside the whistle to confirm the closure of the soft palate. Combined with a pressure detection module and an LED light to indicate the blowing pressure, it ensures that the nasal cavity is isolated from the oral cavity.
It eliminates blowing noise, enhances the user experience, and ensures the accuracy of measurement data through visual and optical cues.
Smart Images

Figure CN223886909U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the field of nitric oxide detectors, specifically to a nasal breathing kit for a nitric oxide detector. Background Technology
[0002] In recent years, nitric oxide detectors have been widely used in the detection of rhinitis or sinusitis. When testing for rhinitis or sinusitis, air is drawn from inside the nose through a nasal plug component. The air then passes through a chemical sensor inside the detector to detect the level of nitric oxide in the nasal cavity, thereby determining whether the patient has rhinitis or sinusitis.
[0003] Currently, in order to ensure that the nitric oxide detector only draws gas from the patient's nasal cavity during the suction process, the patient is required to whistle throughout the suction process. Whistling closes the soft palate and cuts off the connection between the nasal cavity and the oral cavity.
[0004] However, the whistling produces a sharp, piercing sound, making the overall user experience less than ideal, especially for doctors who find the whistling noise unbearable. Furthermore, because patients' whistling volumes vary, it's difficult for both patients and doctors to completely ensure nasal and oral cavity isolation simply by listening to the whistle, leading to inaccurate measurement results.
[0005] Therefore, how to overcome the shortcomings of the existing technology mentioned above has become the subject of this utility model. Utility Model Content
[0006] The purpose of this invention is to provide a nasal breathing kit for a nitric oxide detector.
[0007] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution adopted by this utility model is as follows:
[0008] A nasal breathing kit for a nitric oxide detector includes a nasal plug assembly that connects the nostril to the suction end of the nitric oxide detector and a silent whistle for exhalation, wherein the nasal plug assembly and the silent whistle are either separate or integrated.
[0009] The silent whistle includes a whistle body and a blowing pressure indicator device for indicating the blowing pressure in the whistle body.
[0010] The nasal plug assembly includes a nasal plug, an air tube, and a filter. The nasal plug is provided with an air extraction hole, which is connected to the filter through the air tube. The filter is connected to the air extraction end of a nitric oxide detector.
[0011] Preferably, the blowing pressure indicator includes a float disposed in the rear section of the internal airway of the whistle body, and moves from the front end to the rear end of the internal airway under the action of blowing pressure. The whistle body corresponding to the rear end of the internal airway is made transparent.
[0012] Preferably, the whistle body is tubular, and a partition with a ventilation hole is provided in the internal air passage to divide the whistle body into a front whistle body and a rear whistle body with air passages connected. The front whistle body is horizontally arranged and has a whistle mouth at its front end. The rear whistle body is inclined upward and has an air outlet at its rear end. The rear end of the rear whistle body is transparent.
[0013] The float is disposed in the rear sentry body and moves from the front end to the rear end of the internal airway of the rear sentry body under the action of blowing pressure.
[0014] Preferably, the rear whistle body includes a rear whistle body and a whistle cover. The rear whistle body is integrally formed with the front whistle body. The whistle cover is transparent and serves as the rear end of the rear whistle body. The whistle cover is snapped into the rear whistle body, and the air outlet is located on the cover surface of the whistle cover.
[0015] Preferably, the float is spherical, and the internal air passage cross-section of the rear whistle body is circular, with the diameter of the circular cross-section being larger than the diameter of the float, and the diameter of the float being smaller than the diameter of the air outlet and the vent hole.
[0016] Preferably, the whistle body is configured as a flat tube.
[0017] More preferably, the front end of the sentinel body is inwardly extended to form a mouth-holding portion, and a ring of protrusions is formed at the front edge of the mouth-holding portion.
[0018] Preferably, the air pressure indication device includes a pressure detection module and an LED light. The probe of the pressure detection module is connected to the internal air passage of the whistle body, and the LED light is fixed on the whistle body. The pressure detection module detects the air pressure signal inside the whistle body and controls the LED light to provide a light indication based on the air pressure signal.
[0019] More preferably, the whistle body has a pressurizing baffle in its internal air passage, and the pressurizing baffle has a pressurizing hole that communicates with the internal air passage. The cross-sectional area of the pressurizing hole is smaller than that of the internal air passage.
[0020] More preferably, the air pressure indicator further includes a switch and a power supply, the power supply providing power to the pressure detection module and the LED light, and the switch being connected to the power supply circuit of the power supply.
[0021] Preferably, when the nasal plug assembly and the silent whistle are integrated, the air duct passes through the whistle body and is fixedly connected to the whistle body, and the air duct crosses but does not communicate with the internal airway of the whistle body.
[0022] The working principle and advantages of this utility model are as follows:
[0023] This invention uses a silent whistle to eliminate the blowing noise of existing similar products, thereby greatly improving the user experience. Doctors will not be bothered by noise during long hours of work.
[0024] This invention incorporates a float inside a silent whistle. The rear end of the silent whistle is tilted and transparent. When the breath is exhaled, the float moves against gravity to the highest point at the rear end. The position of the float can be observed to confirm the patient's exhalation pressure, ensuring complete isolation between the nasal cavity and oral cavity, thereby ensuring the accuracy of the measurement data.
[0025] This invention can also use a pressure detection module to detect the air pressure signal inside the whistle body. When the air pressure signal reaches a certain value, it controls the LED light to flash, thereby indicating the blowing pressure, which makes it easier for doctors and users to judge whether the soft palate is closed. Attached Figure Description
[0026] Appendix Figure 1 This is a usage scenario diagram of Embodiment 1 of this utility model;
[0027] Appendix Figure 2 This is an isometric view of the nasal plug assembly according to Embodiment 1 of this utility model;
[0028] Appendix Figure 3 This is a front view of the silent whistle of Embodiment 1 of this utility model;
[0029] Appendix Figure 4 This is an exploded view of the silent whistle in Embodiment 1 of this utility model;
[0030] Appendix Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view of the silent whistle of Embodiment 1 of this utility model;
[0031] Appendix Figure 6 An isometric view of the silent whistle and nose plug assembly integrated in Embodiment 2 of this utility model;
[0032] Appendix Figure 7 An exploded view of the silent whistle and nose plug assembly integrated in Embodiment 2 of this utility model;
[0033] Appendix Figure 8 This is a cross-sectional view of the connection between the air duct and the sentinel body in Embodiment 2 of this utility model;
[0034] Appendix Figure 9 This is a cross-sectional view of the silent whistle in Embodiment 3 of this utility model;
[0035] Appendix Figure 10 This is a circuit diagram of the air pressure indication device in Embodiment 3 of this utility model.
[0036] In the attached diagrams above:
[0037] 1. Nasal plug assembly;
[0038] 11. Nasal congestion;
[0039] 111. Air extraction port;
[0040] 12. Airway tube;
[0041] 13. Filter;
[0042] 2. Silent whistle;
[0043] 21. Outpost;
[0044] 211. Sentry post;
[0045] 212. Mouth part;
[0046] 213. Protrusion;
[0047] 22. Rear sentry body;
[0048] 221. Rear sentry;
[0049] 222. Whistle cap;
[0050] 2221. Air outlet;
[0051] 23. Partition;
[0052] 231. Vent hole;
[0053] 24. Float;
[0054] 25. Pressure detection module;
[0055] 26. LED lights;
[0056] 27. Pressure boosting baffle;
[0057] 271. Pressure boosting hole;
[0058] SW1. Switch;
[0059] U1. Power supply;
[0060] U2. Pressure sensor;
[0061] U3. Comparator;
[0062] U4. Reference voltage source;
[0063] U5. Operational amplifier. Detailed Implementation
[0064] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments:
[0065] Example: The present invention will be clearly described below with illustrations and detailed description. Any person skilled in the art who understands the examples of the present invention can make changes and modifications based on the technology taught in the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.
[0066] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing specific embodiments only and is not intended to limit the scope of this work. Singular forms such as “a,” “this,” “this,” “the,” and “the” as used herein also include plural forms.
[0067] The terms "connection" or "positioning" as used in this article can refer to two or more components or devices making direct physical contact with each other, or making indirect physical contact with each other, or to two or more components or devices operating or moving with each other.
[0068] The terms “include,” “including,” and “have” used in this article are all open-ended, meaning they include but are not limited to.
[0069] Unless otherwise specified, the terms used herein generally have their ordinary meaning in the context of the art, the subject matter, and the specific context. Certain terms used to describe this case will be discussed below or elsewhere in this specification to provide additional guidance to those skilled in the art in describing the case.
[0070] The terms “front,” “back,” “up,” “down,” “left,” and “right” used in this article are directional terms. In this case, they are only used to describe the positional relationship between the structures and are not intended to limit the specific direction of the protection scheme or its actual implementation.
[0071] Example 1, see appendix Figure 1 A nasal breathing kit for a nitric oxide detector includes a nasal plug assembly 1 that connects the nostril to the suction end of the nitric oxide detector and a silent whistle 2 for exhalation, wherein the nasal plug assembly 1 and the silent whistle 2 are separately configured.
[0072] See appendix Figure 2 The nasal plug assembly 1 includes a nasal plug 11, an air tube 12, and a filter 13. The nasal plug 11 is provided with an air extraction hole 111, which is connected to the filter 13 through the air tube 12. The filter 13 is connected to the air extraction end of the nitric oxide detector.
[0073] The nasal plug 11 is made of soft materials, such as silicone or rubber. When in use, the nasal plug 11 is placed in the patient's nostril. The soft nasal plug 11 fits tightly to the nostril, ensuring a reliable seal between the nasal plug 11 and the area around the nostril, and also improving the patient's comfort.
[0074] Filter 13 is used to filter gaseous impurities.
[0075] When testing a patient for rhinitis or sinusitis, the nitric oxide detector draws air from inside the nose through the nasal plug component 1. The air then passes through a chemical sensor inside the nitric oxide detector to detect the nitric oxide content inside the nasal cavity, thereby determining whether the patient has rhinitis or sinusitis.
[0076] To ensure that the gas drawn by the nitric oxide detector is completely drawn from the patient's nasal cavity, the patient needs to blow air into the silent whistle 2 through their mouth while the nitric oxide detector is drawing air, ensuring that the patient's soft palate is sealed, thereby achieving the ideal detection effect.
[0077] See appendix Figure 3-5 The silent whistle 2 includes a whistle body and a blowing pressure indicator for indicating the blowing pressure in the whistle body.
[0078] In this embodiment, the blowing pressure indicator includes a float 24, which is disposed in the rear section of the internal airway of the whistle body and moves from the front end to the rear end of the internal airway under the action of blowing pressure. The whistle body corresponding to the rear end of the internal airway is made transparent.
[0079] Specifically, the whistle body is L-shaped and tubular, with a partition 23 containing a vent 231 in its internal air passage, dividing the whistle body into a front whistle body 21 and a rear whistle body 22 with interconnected air passages. The front whistle body 21 is horizontally positioned and has a whistle nozzle 211 at its front end for blowing, while the rear whistle body 22 is inclined upwards and has an air outlet 2221 at its rear end. The rear end of the rear whistle body 22 is transparent. When whistling, air is blown into the internal air passage through the nozzle 211, generating blowing pressure, and the air is finally discharged from the air outlet 2221. The float 24 is disposed inside the rear whistle body 22 and moves from the front end to the rear end of the internal air passage of the rear whistle body 22 under the action of blowing pressure.
[0080] To ensure easy assembly, uniform force distribution, and smooth movement of the float 24, the float 24 is spherical, and the internal air passage cross-section of the rear whistle body 22 is circular, with a diameter larger than that of the float 24. The diameter of the float 24 is smaller than that of the air outlet 2221 and the vent 231, thus confining the float 24 within the rear whistle body 22.
[0081] Because the whistle body is designed in a tubular shape, when blowing air, the gas enters and exits in one direction only, without producing a whistling sound. This not only closes the soft palate and cuts off the connection between the nasal cavity and the oral cavity, but also eliminates the noise generated by blowing the whistle during nitric oxide detection.
[0082] The rear sentry body 22 is tilted upward and the rear end is transparent. Before blowing air, the float 24 is located at the front end (i.e., the low point) of the tilted rear sentry body 22. When blowing air, the float 24 is pushed by the blowing air pressure and moves to the rear end (i.e., the high point) of the transparent rear sentry body 22. The position of the float 24 can be used to determine whether the patient's soft palate is effectively closed. This structural design makes it convenient for the patient to observe the position of the float 24.
[0083] In this embodiment, the whistle body is designed as a flat tube, which is convenient for holding in the mouth and hand, and also ensures that the rear whistle body 22 is vertically upward so as to observe the float 24.
[0084] The front end of the whistle body 21 is extended inward to form a mouth part 212. A ring of protrusions 213 is formed radially at the front edge of the mouth part 212, which can provide a suitable mouth position for the patient, making it easier for the patient to whistle and preventing it from falling off during the exhalation process.
[0085] The rear whistle body 22 includes a rear whistle body 221 and a whistle cover 222. The rear whistle body 221 is integrally formed with the front whistle body 21. The whistle cover 222 is transparent and is snapped into the rear whistle body 221. The air outlet 2221 is opened on the cover surface of the whistle cover 222.
[0086] The whistle cover 222 is transparent. When the float 24 blows to the highest point of the rear whistle body 22, that is, inside the transparent whistle cover 222, it can be confirmed that the patient's soft palate is closed. On the one hand, the position of the highest point of the whistle cover 222 can be used to confirm the patient's soft palate closure. On the other hand, the whistle cover 222 and the rear whistle body 221 are separately snapped together, which can facilitate processing.
[0087] The whistle cover 222 is snapped into the rear whistle body 221 through a stop structure, which facilitates connection and cleaning of the rear whistle body 221 and the float 24.
[0088] To ensure the patient's soft palate is sealed, a certain blowing pressure is required. This pressure can be determined by the weight of the float 24, the size of the vent 231 on the internal partition 23 of the whistle body, the size of the air outlet 2221 on the whistle cover 222, and the height of the float 24. Specifically:
[0089] The greater the weight of the float 24, the greater the pressure required for the float 24 to reach the higher position. In this embodiment, the float 24 is made of stainless steel ball, ceramic ball, glass ball or steel ball with a diameter of 4.5-7mm. Using a high-density material for the float 24 can better design the blowing pressure of the silent whistle 2.
[0090] The smaller the diameter of the vent 231, the greater the pressure required for the float 24 to reach the high position. In this embodiment, the diameter of the vent 231 can be between 1-4 mm.
[0091] The smaller the diameter of the air outlet 2221, the greater the pressure required for the float 24 to reach the high position. In this embodiment, the diameter of the air outlet 2221 can be between 2-4 mm.
[0092] The higher the float 24 moves, the greater the pressure required for it to reach that position. The height of the float 24 can be determined by the tilt angle of the rear sentry body 22 (after determining its length) or by the length of the rear sentry body 22 (after determining its tilt angle). When the length of the rear sentry body 22 is constant, the larger its tilt angle (i.e., the smaller the angle between the rear sentry body 22 and the front sentry body 21), the higher the float 24 moves. When the tilt angle of the rear sentry body 22 is constant, the longer its length, the higher the float 24 moves. In this embodiment, the length of the rear sentry body 22 can be between 10-50 mm.
[0093] Therefore, by selecting the appropriate weight of the float 24, the size of the vent 231 on the partition 23, the size of the air outlet 2221 on the whistle cover 222, and the length of the rear whistle body 22, the blowing pressure required for the silent whistle 2 float 24 to reach the high position of the float 24 can be designed, thereby ensuring effective closure of the patient's soft palate.
[0094] Example 2, see appendix Figure 6-8 This embodiment is basically the same as embodiment 1, except that: for the convenience of patients, the nasal plug component 1 and the silent whistle 2 are integrated, the air tube 12 passes through and is fixed on the silent whistle 2, and can be integrally formed. The air tube 12 crosses but does not communicate with the internal airway of the silent whistle.
[0095] To avoid affecting the movement of the float 24, the air duct 12 passes through and is fixed to the sentry body 21.
[0096] Example 3, see appendix Figure 9-10 This embodiment is basically the same as embodiment 1, except that the air pressure indicator device includes a pressure detection module 25, an LED light 26, a switch SW1 and a power supply U1.
[0097] The probe of the pressure detection module 25 is connected to the internal airway of the whistle body, and the pressure detection module 25 is embedded in the inner wall of the whistle body 21. Figure 9 In other embodiments, it can also be embedded in the inner wall of the rear sentry body 221, as long as it does not obstruct the movement of the float 24.
[0098] The LED light 26 is mounted on the whistle body. For easier observation of the light, the LED light 26 can be mounted on the rear whistle body 221. Figure 9 In other embodiments, it can also be set on the sentinel body 21, and the specific location can be set according to the needs of the patient or doctor for convenient observation.
[0099] For convenient power supply, switch SW1 and power supply U1 are also installed on the front sentry body 21 or the rear sentry body 221 (not shown in the figure). Power supply U1 supplies power to the pressure detection module 25 and LED light 26. Switch SW1 is connected to the power supply circuit of power supply U1. Power supply U1 uses a button battery.
[0100] The pressure detection module 25 detects the air pressure signal inside the whistle body and controls the LED light 26 to provide light prompts based on the air pressure signal. The LED light 26 is driven to indicate the blowing pressure, which represents the blowing flow rate.
[0101] The whistle body has a pressure-boosting baffle 27 in its internal airway. The pressure-boosting baffle 27 has a pressure-boosting hole 271 that communicates with the internal airway. The cross-sectional area of the pressure-boosting hole 271 is smaller than that of the internal airway. By setting the pressure-boosting hole 271, the user can blow forcefully, thereby closing the soft palate and cutting off the connection between the nasal cavity and the oral cavity.
[0102] The blowing pressure indicator in this embodiment can also be installed in a linear or other shaped whistle body (not shown in the figure).
[0103] In this embodiment, the pressure detection module 25 includes a pressure sensor U2 with analog output function, a comparator U3, a reference voltage source U4, and an operational amplifier U5, see... Figure 10 .
[0104] The output of pressure sensor U2 is connected to the non-inverting input of operational amplifier U5. The output of operational amplifier U5 is connected to the non-inverting input of comparator U3. The inverting input of comparator U3 is connected to reference voltage source U4. The output of comparator U3 is connected to LED 26. Switch SW1 is connected to the connection line between the power supply and the pressure sensor.
[0105] When using the silent whistle 2, switch SW1 is turned on to supply power. Pressure sensor U2 detects the blowing pressure in the airway inside the silent whistle 2 and outputs the blowing pressure as an analog voltage to operational amplifier U5 through the VOUT pin. Operational amplifier U5 adjusts the amplification factor of the analog voltage output by pressure sensor U2 and sends the amplified analog voltage signal to the non-inverting input of comparator U3. At the same time, reference voltage source U4 sends the reference voltage (pressure threshold) generated by voltage division to the inverting input of comparator U3. Comparator U3 compares the magnitude of the reference voltage and the analog voltage. When the analog voltage is greater than the reference voltage, comparator U3 outputs a high signal to drive LED 26 to light up. At this time, the blowing pressure meets the requirements.
[0106] To ensure that the signal from the pressure sensor U2 is transmitted to the operational amplifier U5 stably and sensitively, this embodiment also connects an RC filter circuit on the line connecting the pressure sensor U2 and the operational amplifier U5. The RC filter circuit includes R10 connected in series on the line and capacitor C2 connected in parallel on the line. One end of capacitor C2 is grounded. This design mainly utilizes capacitor energy storage and filtering.
[0107] In addition, the non-inverting input of comparator U3 is connected to ground via feedback resistors R8 and R9, and the inverting input of operational amplifier U5 is connected to the line between feedback resistors R8 and R9. With this design, the amplification factor of operational amplifier U5 can be set by feedback resistors R8 and R9.
[0108] Example 4 is basically the same as Example 3, except that: for the convenience of the patient, the nasal plug component 1 and the silent whistle 2 are integrated, and the air tube 12 passes through and is fixed on the silent whistle 2. Specifically, it can be integrally formed. The air tube 12 crosses but does not communicate with the internal airway of the silent whistle 2 (not shown in the figure).
[0109] The above embodiments are only for illustrating the technical concept and features of this utility model, and are intended to enable those skilled in the art to understand the content of this utility model and implement it accordingly. They should not be construed as limiting the scope of protection of this utility model. All equivalent changes or modifications made in accordance with the spirit and essence of this utility model should be included within the scope of protection of this utility model.
Claims
1. A nasal breathing kit for a nitric oxide detector, characterized in that: The nasal plug assembly, which connects the nostril to the suction end of a nitric oxide detector, and a silent whistle for exhalation, are either separate or integrated. The silent whistle includes a whistle body and a blowing pressure indicator device for indicating the blowing pressure in the whistle body. The nasal plug assembly includes a nasal plug, an air tube, and a filter. The nasal plug is provided with an air extraction hole, which is connected to the filter through the air tube. The filter is connected to the air extraction end of a nitric oxide detector.
2. The nasal breathing kit for a nitric oxide detector according to claim 1, characterized in that: The blowing pressure indicator includes a float disposed in the rear section of the internal airway of the whistle body, and moves from the front end to the rear end of the internal airway under the action of blowing pressure. The whistle body corresponding to the rear end of the internal airway is made transparent.
3. The nasal breathing kit for a nitric oxide detector according to claim 2, characterized in that: The whistle body is tubular, and a partition with a ventilation hole is provided in the internal air passage, dividing the whistle body into a front whistle body and a rear whistle body with air passages connected. The front whistle body is horizontally arranged and has a whistle mouth at its front end. The rear whistle body is inclined upward and has an air outlet at its rear end. The rear end of the rear whistle body is transparent. The float is disposed in the rear sentry body and moves from the front end to the rear end of the internal airway of the rear sentry body under the action of blowing pressure.
4. The nasal breathing kit for a nitric oxide detector according to claim 3, characterized in that: The rear whistle body includes a rear whistle body and a whistle cover. The rear whistle body is integrally formed with the front whistle body. The whistle cover is transparent and serves as the rear end of the rear whistle body. The whistle cover is snapped into the rear whistle body, and the air outlet is located on the cover surface of the whistle cover.
5. The nasal breathing kit for a nitric oxide detector according to claim 3, characterized in that: The float is spherical, and the internal air passage of the rear whistle body is circular. The diameter of the circular cross-section is larger than the diameter of the float, and the diameter of the float is smaller than the diameter of the air outlet and the vent.
6. The nasal breathing kit for a nitric oxide detector according to claim 3, characterized in that: The whistle body is designed as a flat tube.
7. The nasal breathing kit for a nitric oxide detector according to claim 3, characterized in that: The front end of the sentinel body is inwardly elongated to form a mouth-holding part, and a ring of protrusions is formed at the front edge of the mouth-holding part.
8. The nasal breathing kit for a nitric oxide detector according to claim 1, characterized in that: The air pressure indication device includes a pressure detection module and an LED light. The probe of the pressure detection module is connected to the internal air passage of the whistle body, and the LED light is fixed on the whistle body. The pressure detection module detects the air pressure signal inside the whistle body and controls the LED light to provide a light indication based on the air pressure signal.
9. A nasal breathing kit for a nitric oxide detector according to claim 8, characterized in that: The whistle body has a pressurizing baffle in its internal air passage. The pressurizing baffle has a pressurizing hole that communicates with the internal air passage. The cross-sectional area of the pressurizing hole is smaller than that of the internal air passage.
10. A nasal breathing kit for a nitric oxide detector according to claim 8, characterized in that: The air pressure indicator also includes a switch and a power supply. The power supply powers the pressure detection module and the LED light, and the switch is connected to the power supply circuit of the power supply.
11. A nasal breathing kit for a nitric oxide detector according to claim 1, characterized in that: When the nasal plug assembly and the silent whistle are integrated, the air tube passes through and is fixed to the silent whistle, and the air tube crosses but does not communicate with the internal airway of the silent whistle.