Elastic Speaking Valve Piston Closure Distal Filter Sealing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing speaking valves for laryngectomized or tracheotomized individuals are not reliable and often compress the filter, leading to moisture loss and the risk of filter material being breathed in, due to their complex design and reliance on springs for closure.
Innovation Solution
A speaking valve with a piston-shaped closure part made of elastic material that deforms to close distally of the filter, eliminating the need for springs and ensuring minimal filter compression, allowing for complete heat and moisture exchange while providing a simple, inexpensive design with interchangeable components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If springs are used to close the speaking valve, then the valve can be reliably closed, but the filter is compressed leading to moisture loss and risk of filter inhalation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the spring component from the valve mechanism entirely. Instead of using a spring to close the valve, the design relies on the elastic deformation of the cover part itself to achieve valve closure, thereby eliminating the source of excessive filter compression while maintaining reliable valve function.
Solution Approach 2:
The cover part is designed as an elastic component that deforms under finger pressure to open the valve and automatically returns to its original shape to close the valve. This flexible shell approach replaces the rigid spring mechanism, providing gentle, controlled closure that prevents filter compression while ensuring reliable valve sealing.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the valve is closed distally of the filter, then filter functionality is maintained, but a reliable sealing mechanism becomes more difficult to achieve
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the closure part distally of the filter, changing the spatial arrangement from traditional designs where the closure mechanism is proximal. This dimensional repositioning allows the elastic cover to seal against the housing at a location that does not compress the filter, while the piston-shaped closure element still achieves effective valve sealing through its interaction with the housing bore.
3Reliability
If a complex design with springs is used, then valve function is achieved, but manufacturing cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the cover part and closure part into a single integrated elastic component. This merging eliminates the need for separate spring mechanisms and multiple assembly steps, reducing both manufacturing complexity and component count while maintaining reliable valve opening and closing functions through the elastic material's inherent properties.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic cover part serves dual functions: it forms the structural housing and simultaneously provides the closure mechanism through its elastic deformation. This self-service design eliminates the need for additional springs or complex mechanical assemblies, simplifying manufacturing while ensuring reliable valve function through the material's natural elastic recovery.
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 solution provides a reliable and efficient sealing mechanism that maintains filter functionality, preventing moisture loss and filter inhalation, while being easy to manufacture and maintain, with adjustable restoring forces and design options for user comfort.
Implementation Method 1
The cover part (2) also comprises an elastic material, which in particular has rubber-elastic properties, wherein the speaking valve closes distally of the filter by means of deformation, in particular denting in the proximal direction of at least one area of the cover part (2)
Implementation Method 2
This artificial nose is a filter that captures moisture and heat from the exhaled air and humidifies and warms the air flowing into the tracheostomy tube
Implementation Method 3
This artificial nose is a filter that captures moisture and heat from the exhaled air and humidifies and warms the air flowing into the tracheostomy tube
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a speech valve (1) for laryngectomy or tracheotomy patients, comprising a cover element (2), a housing part (4) and a filter (8), the cover element comprising a piston-shaped closure element (3) and said closure element being connected to the cover element to form one piece therewith. The cover element comprises an elastic material and by deforming at least part of the cover element the closure element closes the speech valve distally of the filter.