Reverse Motion Linkage for Vocal Fold Paralysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional treatments for unilateral vocal fold paralysis, such as medialization, often result in partial airway blockage even when vocal folds are not in use, as they maintain a medialized position of the non-working vocal fold.
Innovation Solution
A vocal fold movement translation device with a reverse motion linkage that interfaces with a non-working and a working vocal fold, moving the non-working vocal fold in an opposite direction to the working vocal fold's movement, allowing for movement between abducted and adducted positions to minimize airway obstruction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If medialization is performed to reposition the non-working vocal fold closer to the working vocal fold, then speech and swallowing function is improved, but the airway passage is partially blocked even when vocal folds are not being used
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by transitioning from a static medialized position to a dynamic position-changing system. The reverse motion linkage mechanism enables the non-working vocal fold to dynamically change position between adducted (for speech/swallowing) and abducted (for breathing) states, resolving the contradiction between improving vocal function and maintaining airway patency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the position parameter of the non-working vocal fold based on operational needs. The system changes the vocal fold's medial-lateral position dynamically - maintaining adduction during speech/swallowing for functional improvement, and allowing abduction during breathing to prevent airway blockage.
2Ease of operation
If the non-working vocal fold is maintained in a medialized position, then speech and swallowing are improved, but breathing is compromised due to partial airway obstruction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by implementing cyclic position changes of the non-working vocal fold that correspond to the periodic nature of vocal fold usage. The reverse motion linkage enables the vocal fold to alternately assume adducted positions during speech/swallowing cycles and abducted positions during breathing cycles, optimizing both functions through time-dependent position modulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a static to dynamic position control, allowing the non-working vocal fold to adapt its position based on real-time physiological demands. The mechanical linkage provides continuous position adjustment capability, enabling optimal configuration for either speech/swallowing or breathing as needed.
3Reliability
If conventional medialization procedures are used, then the non-working vocal fold is repositioned for better function, but the airway remains partially blocked during non-use periods
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a mechanical intermediary system - the reverse motion linkage - that mediates between the working and non-working vocal folds. This intermediary mechanism translates the movement of the working vocal fold into opposite movement of the non-working vocal fold, enabling coordinated position control that prevents airway obstruction while maintaining functional reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements mechanical feedback through the reverse motion linkage, where the position and movement of the working vocal fold automatically influence the position of the non-working vocal fold. This feedback mechanism ensures that when the working vocal fold moves during speech or swallowing, the non-working vocal fold is simultaneously positioned to maintain airway patency or facilitate function as appropriate.
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 effectively translates the movement of the working vocal fold into corresponding movement of the non-working vocal fold, reducing airway obstruction by only initiating a medialized position when necessary, thereby improving breathing and speech while maintaining an open airway when not in use.
Implementation Method 1
a reverse motion linkage configured to interface with a non-working vocal fold and a working vocal fold. The reverse motion linkage includes a mechanical component configured to move the non-working vocal fold in a first movement direction in response to movement of the working vocal fold in a second movement direction that is opposite the first movement direction.
Data Source
AI summary
A vocal fold movement translation device includes a reverse motion linkage configured to interface with a first vocal fold and a second vocal fold. The reverse motion linkage includes a mechanical component configured to move the first vocal fold in a first movement direction in response to movement of the second vocal fold in a second movement direction that is opposite the first movement direction. The reverse motion linkage is movable between a first configuration corresponding to an abducted position of the first and second vocal folds and a second configuration corresponding to an adducted position of the first and second vocal folds.