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Manufacturing development of the Voice Producing Element

Douma, J. W. (2006) Manufacturing development of the Voice Producing Element.

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Abstract:Patients with advanced laryngeal cancer are treated by total removal of the larynx, including the vocal folds and epiglottis. The most radical change experienced by the patients after the operation is the loss of the ability to produce a voice. An alternative sound source is realized by placing a shunt-valve through the trachea and the esophagus. While the tracheostoma is closed, the air stream from the trachea can flow via the shunt into the esophagus. This causes a vibration of the surrounded tissue in the esophagus, which produces a sound that can be used for speech. However, the produced sound has relatively a low fundamental frequency and for some patients a poor quality, which makes it hard for patients to express themselves. Therefore a voice producing element (VPE) is needed. One of the possible methods is the VPE as designed by J.W. Tack. This VPE is based on a double membrane concept and can be described as a mass spring system. When air passes the VPE the membrane oscillate and produces a fundamental frequency with higher harmonics. In this VPE, masses are needed for lowering frequency. This VPE is difficult to process. Therefore a redesign is needed to get a cheap and high quality VPE. Different solutions are researched and described. The production method for the VPE is tested. The results therefore have to been seen as a first step in founding a design and production process that makes producing a high quality VPE cheap and reliable. We found however a promising direction which can results in cheap quality and high quality VPEs. After further research, a cheap and high quality VPE can be produced by the method as described in this report.
Item Type:Essay (Bachelor)
Clients:
UMCG
Faculty:ET: Engineering Technology
Subject:21 art forms
Programme:Industrial Design BSc (56955)
Link to this item:https://purl.utwente.nl/essays/58162
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