Speech Aid System Artificial Glottis Volume Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional speech aid systems for tracheostomized patients, such as those with laryngectomies, struggle to control volume variation in speech, resulting in unnatural voice production.
Innovation Solution
A speech aid system comprising a tube mounted at the tracheostomy with an artificial glottis section, a voice parameter acquiring device, a processor, and a remote controller, which simulates the action of the glottis during speaking by controlling airflow and processing pressure differences to generate an audio signal for a sound generator, allowing for precise volume and tone adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conventional artificial larynx with an intraoral speaker is used, then speech can be produced, but volume variation in spoken sentences cannot be controlled as desired by the user
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operational parameters by introducing a voice parameter acquiring device that detects airflow characteristics and a processor that analyzes these parameters to control speaker output. This enables dynamic adjustment of volume and other speech parameters, allowing users to achieve natural volume variation in spoken sentences while maintaining reliable speech production.
2Reliability
If airflow is directed through the artificial glottis section, then glottal sound simulation is achieved, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the speech aid system into distinct functional modules: a tube with artificial glottis section for airflow control, a voice parameter acquiring device for detection, a processor for analysis, and a speaker for sound production. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while making the overall system more manageable and maintainable despite the increased complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an artificial glottis section as an intermediary component between the airflow source and the speaker. This intermediary simulates natural glottal sound production by shaping the airflow in a manner similar to the human vocal cords, thereby achieving realistic speech sound without requiring the entire system to be overly complex.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple spaces and vent holes are incorporated in the artificial glottis section, then breathing and speech functions are improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the tube with an artificial glottis section that serves multiple functions: it allows normal breathing through vent holes, directs airflow for speech through the artificial glottis, and provides structural support. By incorporating multiple spaces and pathways within a single integrated tube structure, the design achieves versatility for both breathing and speech functions while attempting to streamline manufacturing.
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
Enables tracheostomized patients to produce speech with natural volume variation and clear pauses, simulating the glottal sound production of an ordinary person, thereby alleviating the unnatural voice issues of prior systems.
Implementation Method 1
a voice parameter acquiring device (4) which senses airflow applied to the tube (2) from the tracheostomy (901) of the user (900) and generates a voice parameter signal according to the airflow
Data Source
AI summary
A speech aid system includes a tube (2) for mounting at a tracheostomy (901) of a user (900), a voice parameter acquiring device (4) mounted to the tube (2) and generating a voice parameter signal according to airflow applied within the tube (2) resulting from attempt by the user (900) to speak, a processor (5) generating an audio signal corresponding to the voice parameter signal, and a sound generator (7) for mounting in an oral cavity (902) of the user (900). The sound generator (7) produces a substitute glottal sound corresponding to the audio signal.