Telescopic Vocal Training Device with Variable Aperture

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vocal training devices for semi-occluded vocal tract (SOVT) exercises lack adjustability and feedback mechanisms, leading to limited resistance options and user convenience, particularly with fixed aperture straws contributing to environmental issues and complex, bulky devices with water requirements.

Innovation Solution

A telescopic vocal training device with adjustable length and diameter, featuring a connector system and variable aperture attachments, including a breath visualization attachment and oscillating resistance generator, to provide customizable resistance and biofeedback for optimal vocal training.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a fixed aperture straw is used for SOVT exercises, then the device is simple and portable, but the resistance options are limited and environmental pollution is caused

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesimplicity and portabilityVSAvoidresistance options
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the straw aperture variable rather than fixed. The aperture can be dynamically adjusted by changing the position of the straw relative to the water surface, allowing the resistance to be modified continuously during use. This resolves the contradiction by maintaining simplicity while enabling adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the physical parameter of aperture size by varying the straw's position in water. By adjusting the submerged length of the straw, the effective aperture changes, thereby modifying the resistance offered to airflow. This parameter change enables multiple resistance options without complicating the device structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If a complex apparatus with water chambers and tubes is used, then resistance can be varied, but the device becomes bulky and requires water

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresistance variationVSAvoidbulkiness and water requirement
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the water chamber and complex tube structure from the device, retaining only the essential water-straw interaction. By using a simple straw inserted into water rather than an integrated water chamber apparatus, the invention eliminates bulkiness while maintaining resistance variation capability through the water-straw interface.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent makes the simple straw device universal by enabling it to provide variable resistance through its interaction with water. The same simple straw structure can offer different resistance levels by adjusting its position, eliminating the need for complex dedicated resistance-adjustment mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If the straw length is increased to extend the vocal tract, then vocal training benefits are improved, but the device becomes less portable

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevocal training effectivenessVSAvoidportability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the effective length of the straw adjustable through water immersion. The portion of the straw that extends beyond water can be varied, allowing users to optimize the vocal tract extension for training effectiveness while maintaining portability when the straw is retracted.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 offers versatile resistance adjustments and biofeedback, enhancing vocal training by allowing users to tailor exercises to their needs, reducing environmental impact, and eliminating the need for water, thus improving vocal performance and user experience.

Implementation Method 1

the length of the generally cylindrical hollow body of the vocal training device is adjustable... the resistance offered by the device is variable

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectResistance variation through length adjustment: Drag

Implementation Method 2

a breath visualization attachment... to provide customizable resistance and biofeedback

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVisual feedback mechanism:

Implementation Method 3

an oscillating resistance generator... to provide customizable resistance and biofeedback

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOscillating resistance: Vibration

Data Source

PatentEP4157085B1Vocal training device
Publication Date: 2024.11.13 RAYVOX LTD
  • EP4157085B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4157085B1 patent drawingFigure 3~5
  • EP4157085B1 patent drawingFigure 6~8

AI summary

A vocal training device comprises a generally cylindrical hollow body. The generally cylindrical hollow body has a first open end, a second open end, a first tube member and a second tube member. The second tube member is configured to be telescopically inserted into the first tube member, such that the length of the generally cylindrical hollow body of the vocal training device is adjustable. The vocal training device also has a connector having a portion that is configured for removable connection to the second open end of the generally cylindrical hollow body of the vocal training device and a portion configured for removable connection to a vocal training attachment member. The vocal training attachment member can be an aperture reducing attachment, a variable aperture reducing attachment, a breath visualisation attachment, a water resistance voice therapy training attachment or an oscillating resistance generator.