Piston Valve Element for Laryngectomy Speech Valve
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing speech valves for individuals post-laryngectomy or tracheotomy suffer from filter material fatigue and reduced elasticity due to compression and decompression, leading to insecure opening and closing mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A speech valve design featuring a piston-like valve element that is spring-loaded, allowing for easy transition between open and closure positions with minimal force required, utilizing a foam or elastic material for the filter and spring elements, and incorporating bearing means for secure retention and guidance of the spring elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the filter is compressed during closure position transition, then the voice valve can be closed securely, but the filter material becomes fatigued and loses elasticity
Solution Approach 1:
A valve element is introduced as an intermediary component between the filter and the closure mechanism. This valve element performs the compression action during closure, while the filter remains uncompressed and retains its elastic properties. The valve element acts as a mediator that transfers the closure function without transmitting damaging compressive forces to the filter material.
Solution Approach 2:
The closure mechanism is segmented into separate functional components: the valve element handles the compression and closure action, while the filter handles only the filtration function. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific purpose without compromising the other, preventing filter material fatigue while maintaining secure closure.
2Ease of operation
If manual force is applied to close the voice valve, then speech function is enabled, but the transition requires excessive force
Solution Approach 1:
A spring element is pre-loaded in the open position to store potential energy. When the user activates the closure mechanism, this pre-stored energy assists in moving the valve element to the closed position, reducing the manual force required. The spring performs preliminary work to facilitate the transition, making operation easier.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring element creates a pneumatic-like elastic force that assists valve actuation. This elastic force mechanism provides a smooth, controlled transition during closure without requiring excessive manual force, while maintaining a relatively simple overall device structure.
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 design ensures durable and secure operation without impairing moisture exchange functions, providing comfortable wear and reliable airflow, while maintaining the speech functionality only in the closure position.
Implementation Method 1
a spring element (60), in particular a compression spring element, for supporting the valve element (30) in the housing (12), wherein the valve element (30) can be moved by means of a finger, directly or indirectly, onto the valve seat (32), in order to close the proximal first opening (14), and can be returned, by means of the spring element (60), into the open position
Data Source
AI summary
To solve the problem of making available a speech valve for persons who have undergone a laryngectomy or tracheotomy, which speech valve in particular has a long useful life, a speech valve is proposed having a housing with a proximal opening and at least one filter at least partially received in the housing, and with a piston-like valve element, wherein the filter at least partially surrounds the valve element, wherein the valve element is movable on a valve seat, arranged on the proximal opening, in order to produce a closure position and can be returned with a spring action to an open position of the speech valve, and wherein the valve element has a lower end which faces towards the proximal opening and which is assigned to the valve seat in the open position and, with the valve seat, forms a gap through which an air stream can be guided.