CDS X ID

Larynx & Esophagus Educational Model

Summer 2022

Brief

Design a tactile educational tool for CDS students and clients who have communication and swallowing disabilities in the SJSU community Clinics

Project Overview

Collaboration between Communicative Disorders and Sciences (CDS) and Industrial Design (ID) departments of San Jose State University

How can we expand the way people learn about their vocal anatomy?

Problem Statement

Speech and swallowing are interconnected actions that take place in Human body and are affected by a number of different anatomical structures. The Larynx and Esophagus are some of anatomical structures that play a crucial role in speech and swallowing. That is why these parts are taught to students pursuing careers in Speech Pathology and clients who might be having trouble with their voice and/or swallowing.

For many students and clients, auditory and visual learning techniques might not be enough to help them understand what they are seeing or what they are experiencing in their vocal anatomy. This is where students and clients can benefit from Kinesthetic learning to increase educational success. These Kinesthetic learning models are afforded by the innovations in 3D-Printing technology.

Designer (Me)

Responsibilities:

  • Explore kinesthetic model concepts of the Larynx and Esophagus

  • Establish production expectations

  • Research the anatomical requirements of the models

  • Conduct weekly meetings with CDS graduate students

  • Receive input and feedback from CDS team to progress towards the final design

  • 3D print the final prototype and usable model

PROJECT ROLES

CDS Team (Graduate CDS Students)

Responsibilities:

  • Advise designer on the anatomical requirements of the model

  • Input feedback about the concepts and ideas for the model

  • Evaluate the ideas

  • Provide anatomical information as necessary

  • Advise the final direction of the design

USER PERSONAS

ANATOMY OF LARYNX & ESOPHAGUS

Larynx A tube-like structure that acts as a passage way to the respiratory system and contains components that allow air to go to the lungs and vocal cords that are necessary for speech.

Location Middle of the neck between the 4th and 6th cervical vertebrae.

Size The approximate size of an adult larynx is about 2 inches. Women have a smaller larynx than men.

Primary Functions Breathing, voice, Prevention of unwanted particles from entering the respiratory system (Cleveland Clinic)

Esophagus A muscular tube that allows food and liquid to go from the pharynx (throat) to the stomach.

Location Behind the trachea (windpipe), in front of the spine, and at the center of the chest (mediastinum).

Size The approximate size of an adult esophagus is about 10 to 13 inches long and about 3 quarters of an inch thick at the smallest point.

Primary Functions Transportation of food from the throat to the stomach. (Cleveland Clinic)

UNDERSTANDING THE LARYNX & ESOPHAGUS

Larynx A tube-like structure that acts as a passage way to the respiratory system and contains anatomy that allow air to go to the lungs and vocal cords that are necessary for speech.

Primary Functions Breathing, voice, Prevention of unwanted particles from entering the respiratory system (Cleveland Clinic)

Esophagus A muscular tube that allows food and liquid to go from the pharynx (throat) to the stomach.

Primary Functions Transportation of food from the throat to the stomach. (Cleveland Clinic)

CONSTRAINTS

Priority:

Users Priority on CDS students (undergrad & grad) learning anatomy, professors, Voice Clinicians, and adult patients.

Age Range Most common age of use will be between 18-26 years old.

Anatomical Representation The anatomical model must represent an adult Larynx and Esophagus.

Place of use Anatomy classes, hospitals (acute care), & voice clinics.

Purpose Educational

3D Printing:

Printing Methods

FDM Printing - cost effective, quick turn-around time, limited print quality

SLA Printing - higher cost, longer print time, more heat resistance, durability, quality

FDM Printing Materials

PLA

PETG (Transparent)

TPU (Flexible)

CONCEPT IDEATION

REFINEMENT

DESIGN DIRECTION

PRINTING PROCESS

Larynx (Right Half) Print

  1. Embed Magnets

Larynx (Right Half) Print

2. Resume Print

Larynx (Right Half) Print

3. Complete Print

Larynx (Both Halves)

4. Join and Test Strength

Larynx & Esophagus

Kinesthetic Model

CDS x ID Project

    • PLA Plastic (3D Printed)

    • Embedded Neodymium Magnets (2x8mm)

    • Cyanoacrylate

  • Larynx

    • 2-part Larynx

    • Magnetic Connection

    • Accurate view of inner anatomy

    Esophagus

    • Sturdy display stand

    • Detachable for storage