Compressible Adaptor and Reed Module for Natural Speech
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Solution Overview
Problem
Laryngectomy patients face challenges in communicating effectively due to the loss of a natural voice, with existing speech aids being either expensive, unreliable, or producing a 'robotic' sound, and there is a need for a more affordable and natural-sounding alternative that can accommodate varying user anatomies and preferences.
Innovation Solution
A speech assistance device comprising a compressible adaptor to seal against a tracheal stoma, a reed module to produce sound, and a tube for mouth insertion, allowing for adjustable fit and natural sound production, potentially incorporating a portable electronic device for audio signal generation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional speech aids are used to provide communication after laryngectomy, then speech assistance is available, but the cost is very high and requires regular expensive follow-up by healthcare professionals
Solution Approach 1:
The patent describes a speech assistance device that can be manufactured at lower cost compared to traditional devices. The device uses a simple reed mechanism rather than complex electronic components, allowing for more affordable production and reducing the need for expensive follow-up visits and adjustments by healthcare professionals.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex electronic speech synthesis systems with a simple mechanical reed-based sound generation system. This mechanical approach uses air flow from the user's lungs to vibrate reeds, creating natural-sounding speech without requiring expensive electronic components, batteries, or regular technical maintenance.
2Ease of operation
If electronic speech aids are used to provide communication after laryngectomy, then speech assistance is available, but the sound produced is electronic or robotic rather than natural
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electronic sound generation with a mechanical reed system that produces sound through air flow-induced vibration. This mechanical approach mimics natural human vocal cord vibration, producing warm, natural-sounding speech rather than the cold, robotic sound of electronic synthesizers.
Solution Approach 2:
The core of the invention is the use of vibrating reeds to generate sound. Air flow from the user's lungs causes the reeds to vibrate at natural frequencies, creating harmonious, human-like speech sounds. This mechanical vibration approach fundamentally differs from electronic waveform synthesis and produces inherently more natural acoustic characteristics.
3Ease of manufacture
If a fixed speech aid design is used, then manufacturing is simplified, but it cannot accommodate varying user anatomies and preferences
Solution Approach 1:
The speech assistance device is divided into separate modular components including the adaptor, reed module, and tube. This segmentation allows each component to be independently manufactured using simple processes while enabling customization and adjustment to accommodate different user anatomies and preferences without complicating the overall manufacturing process.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The device provides a more affordable, adjustable, and natural-sounding speech solution for laryngectomy patients, improving communication by mimicking human voice characteristics and accommodating individual anatomical differences.
Implementation Method 1
a reed module connected to the adaptor, the reed module comprising a reed configured to produce sound using air expelled by the user from the stoma
Implementation Method 2
the first end of the adaptor configured to cover and seal directly or indirectly against a tracheal stoma defined in a neck of the user, the adaptor comprising a compressible material
Implementation Method 3
a speaker coupled to the tube and configured to transmit vibrations through the tube to an oral cavity of the user
Data Source
AI summary
A speech assistance device includes: an adaptor defining a first end and a second end, a first end of the adaptor configured to cover and seal directly or indirectly against a tracheal stoma defined in a neck of a user, the adaptor comprising a compressible material; a reed module connected to the adaptor, the reed module including a reed configured to produce sound using air expelled by the user from the stoma; and a tube coupled to the reed module, the tube configured to be inserted into a mouth of the user.