Voice Prosthesis Insertion Aid with Conical Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing insertion aids for voice prostheses often result in loose or damaged attachments, requiring multiple aids for different designs and posing challenges in secure retention and painless removal.
Innovation Solution
A rod-shaped device with a stop element and an inverted truncated cone retention element, along with a sleeve, provides secure retention and easy removal of voice prostheses, utilizing flexible material contact to prevent damage and ensure stable placement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the voice prosthesis is placed on a cylindrical head or rod with a fastening nipple, then the voice prosthesis can be retained on the insertion element, but the attachment becomes loose and the voice prosthesis can slip or separate
Solution Approach 1:
The insertion element is divided into distinct functional segments: a rod-shaped device for insertion, a head region for positioning, a stop element for limiting insertion depth, and a retention element with an inverted truncated cone shape for secure engagement. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally without compromising overall reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The retention element features an inverted truncated cone shape with a first annular surface that creates an asymmetric engagement geometry. This asymmetric design provides a locked, fixed position for the voice prosthesis, preventing slippage while maintaining ease of insertion through the tapered conical surface.
2Reliability
If the voice prosthesis is retained securely on the insertion element, then slippage and damage are prevented, but the insertion aid must be customized for different voice prosthesis designs
Solution Approach 1:
The retention element with its inverted truncated cone shape and first annular surface creates a universal interface that can accommodate different voice prosthesis designs. The conical geometry provides a standardized engagement mechanism that works across multiple prosthesis types, eliminating the need for customized insertion aids for each design.
Solution Approach 2:
The head region of the rod-shaped device incorporates specific local features (stop element, retention element with inverted truncated cone) that provide universal compatibility. These localized structural qualities enable the insertion aid to work with various voice prosthesis designs while maintaining secure retention through the standardized conical engagement interface.
3Reliability
If the voice prosthesis is inserted through a surgical opening, then voice restoration is achieved, but the flanges with greater diameter than the shaft make insertion difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The rod-shaped insertion element is pre-shaped with a tapered conical retention element that facilitates gradual insertion. The inverted truncated cone geometry allows the voice prosthesis to be guided through the surgical opening progressively, with the tapering shape enabling smooth passage of the flanges before final seating, thereby reducing insertion difficulty while ensuring reliable voice restoration.
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 ensures secure, painless, and universal compatibility for voice prosthesis insertion across different designs, preventing slippage and damage while facilitating easy removal.
Implementation Method 1
The region of the voice prosthesis that the retention element comes in contact with is normally made of a flexible, elastic material, such as medical silicone
Data Source
AI summary
To achieve the object of making available an insertion aid for a voice prosthesis, which insertion aid can be used universally and permits a secure hold on the voice prosthesis, such an insertion aid is proposed comprising a rod-shaped device with a head region arranged at a first end of a rod, said head region comprising a limit stop element for a voice prosthesis and, adjoining this limit stop element, a locking element for a voice prosthesis, wherein a first ring surface is formed between the limit stop element and the locking element, which ring surface is configured extending radially with respect to a longitudinal axis of the rod.