Ear canal inner diameter measurer and measuring method thereof
By combining mechanical structure and electronic sensors, the ear canal diameter measuring device solves the problem of large measurement errors caused by reliance on doctors' experience in existing technologies, realizes accurate measurement of ear canal diameter, improves measurement stability and safety, and reduces the risk of surgical failure.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202610119908.7
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2026-01-28
- Publication Date
- 2026-03-10
AI Technical Summary
Current techniques for measuring the inner diameter of the middle ear canal rely on the doctor's experience and feel, resulting in poor repeatability of measurement results, long measurement time, and large errors. They cannot provide real-time and accurate feedback, increasing the risk of surgical failure.
An ear canal diameter measuring device was designed, combining a mechanical structure and an electronic sensor. Through the parallel design of a fixed measuring rod and a movable measuring rod, an angle sensor is used to detect the angle in real time and convert it into length data. Combined with a mechanical scale and an electronic display, it provides accurate measurement.
It enables precise measurement of the inner diameter of the ear canal, reduces subjective error, decreases operator fatigue, improves the stability and safety of measurement, reduces surgical time and medical resource consumption, and lowers the anesthesia risk for patients.
Smart Images
Figure CN121622020A_ABST
Abstract
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present application relates to the technical field of medical devices, in particular to an ear canal inner diameter measuring device and a measuring method thereof. BACKGROUND
[0002] In ear surgery, such as tympanic membrane repair or external ear canal defect repair, accurate measurement of the internal structure of the ear canal is required to ensure the size matching of the graft or the accuracy of the incision position. The size of the graft directly affects the surgical outcome: too large or too small grafts can lead to surgical failure, and incisions too far or too close to the tympanic membrane can affect surgical safety. Currently, such measurements in clinical practice mainly rely on the personal experience and manual operation of the doctor, and lack of standardized tools; specifically, the diameter of the tympanic membrane, the size of the external ear canal defect, or the distance between the annular incision and the tympanic membrane often need to be measured during surgery. These measurements require high precision, as even small errors can cause complications such as repeated trimming of mismatched grafts, prolonged surgery time, or even surgical failure. In addition, the complex structure of the ear canal and large individual differences further increase the difficulty of measurement;
[0003] In existing methods, doctors often use simple probes or visual estimation, which has certain technical defects:
[0004] First, the existing method mainly relies on the experience and feel of the doctor for measurement, without the support of standardized instruments, which leads to measurement results being easily affected by individual factors, poor repeatability, and difficulty in ensuring consistency. In particular, when making grafts, the doctor needs to repeatedly put them in and take them out for trimming, increasing the risk of subjective errors;
[0005] Second, due to the lack of specialized tools in existing technology, the doctor needs to try and adjust the size of the graft multiple times, which is time-consuming. The prolongation of surgery time not only increases the consumption of medical resources, but also increases the risk of anesthesia and postoperative complications for patients;
[0006] Third, when the graft is trimmed excessively, it may not effectively cover the defect area, directly leading to surgical failure. Existing technology cannot provide real-time and accurate feedback, making the correction process full of uncertainty. SUMMARY
[0007] Therefore, the present application provides an ear canal inner diameter measuring device and a measuring method thereof to solve the problem of large measurement errors in existing technology due to reliance on the experience and feel of the doctor for ear canal inner diameter measurement.
[0008] To achieve the above-mentioned purpose, the present application provides the following technical solutions:
[0009] An ear canal diameter measuring device includes a mounting base. A fixed measuring rod is fixedly connected to one end of the mounting base. A movable measuring rod, parallel to the fixed measuring rod, is rotatably connected to the inner side of the mounting base via a pin. A first torsion spring is sleeved on the pin of the movable measuring rod. One end of the first torsion spring is welded to the inner wall of the mounting base, and the other end of the first torsion spring is welded to the movable measuring rod. A connecting frame is fixedly connected to the other end of the mounting base. An arc-shaped frame is fixedly connected to the end of the connecting frame. Diameter scales are fixedly connected to both sides of the arc-shaped frame. A handle is fixedly connected to one end of the arc-shaped frame, and a handle is fixedly connected to one end of the movable measuring rod.
[0010] Furthermore, the outer side of the grip is covered with a first rubber sleeve, and the outer side of the handle is covered with a second rubber sleeve.
[0011] Furthermore, the handle has a Z-shaped structure and can slide inside the arc-shaped frame.
[0012] Furthermore, a self-locking assembly is provided on the inner side of the mounting base. The self-locking assembly includes a ratchet that is coaxially and fixedly connected to the movable measuring rod. A pawl is rotatably connected to the inner side of the mounting base. The pawl engages with the tooth groove of the ratchet. A second torsion spring is sleeved on the pin of the ratchet. One end of the second torsion spring is welded to the mounting base, and the other end of the second torsion spring is welded to the pawl.
[0013] Furthermore, a connecting block is fixedly connected to one end of the pawl, a rotating plate is rotatably connected to the inner side of the connecting frame, an abutting block that abuts against the connecting block is fixedly connected to one end of the rotating plate, a rotating wheel that is coaxially fixedly connected to the outer side of the arc frame is rotatably connected to the rotating plate, and a lever is fixedly connected to the outer edge of the rotating wheel.
[0014] Furthermore, both the fixed measuring rod and the movable measuring rod are fixedly connected to a soft rubber head, which is a spherical structure.
[0015] Furthermore, both the fixed measuring rod and the movable measuring rod have weight-reducing grooves on their outer sides, and these grooves are arranged along the length of the fixed measuring rod and the movable measuring rod.
[0016] Furthermore, an angle sensor is fixedly connected to the outer side of the mounting base, and the output end of the angle sensor is fixedly connected to the pin of the movable measuring rod. A display connected to the angle sensor signal is fixedly connected to the outer side of the arc frame.
[0017] Furthermore, the display has a built-in processor connected to the angle sensor signal, and the output of the processor is electrically connected to a data calculation module for converting angle data into length data. The data calculation module is electrically connected to the display screen.
[0018] The present invention also provides a method for measuring the inner diameter of the ear canal, implemented using an ear canal inner diameter measuring device, comprising the following steps:
[0019] Step 1: First, align the fixed measuring rod and the movable measuring rod by operating the handle. Then, insert the thin ends of the fixed measuring rod and the movable measuring rod into the patient's ear canal.
[0020] Step 2: Hold the handle and press the lever to rotate the movable measuring rod, causing it to misalign with the fixed measuring rod to form an angle, until the ends of both the movable and fixed measuring rods are in contact with the inner wall of the ear canal.
[0021] Step 3: Determine the sliding endpoint of the handle on the arc frame, measure the displacement data of the handle using the diameter scale, and calculate the inner diameter of the ear canal;
[0022] Step 4: During the process of the ends of the movable and fixed measuring rods contacting the inner wall of the ear canal, the angle sensor can detect and measure the rotation angle of the handle in real time, and convert the angle data into length data through the data calculation module, and display the ear canal inner diameter data on the display screen.
[0023] The present invention has the following advantages:
[0024] 1. By combining mechanical structures and electronic sensors, precise measurement of the ear canal diameter is achieved, reducing subjective errors. The parallel design of the fixed and movable measuring rods, along with the angle sensor and display, converts angle data into length data in real time, avoiding the uncertainty of traditional methods that rely on the doctor's touch.
[0025] 2. The overall structure of the mounting base, connecting frame, and arc-shaped frame is compact. The weight-reducing groove is set along the length of the measuring rod, reducing the weight of the equipment without affecting its strength, and facilitating long-term operation. This design reduces operator fatigue and improves measurement stability.
[0026] 3. The self-locking assembly includes a ratchet and a pawl, which locks the position of the moving measuring rod during measurement to prevent accidental retraction. It can be easily released by a wheel and a lever to ensure reliable measurement data.
[0027] 4. The soft rubber tip has a spherical structure and is made of soft material. When it comes into contact with the inner wall of the ear canal, it reduces point pressure and avoids scratching or irritating the tissue. This reduces the risk of trauma during the measurement process and meets medical safety standards.
[0028] 5. The Z-shaped handle and arc-shaped frame are ergonomically designed, allowing the handle to slide inside the arc-shaped frame for a smooth and controllable measurement process. The first torsion spring provides an automatic reset function, reducing manual intervention; the operator only needs to press the handle to complete the measurement.
[0029] 6. The soft rubber tip has a spherical structure and is made of soft material, which reduces point pressure when in contact with the inner wall of the ear canal, avoiding scratches or irritation of the tissue. This reduces the risk of trauma during the measurement process and meets medical safety standards.
[0030] 7. By integrating a mechanical dial (diameter dial) and an electronic sensor (angle sensor), dual measurement methods are provided, enhancing the reliability and flexibility of the data.
[0031] 8. Standardized measurements reduce the number of times grafts need to be trimmed and adjusted, thereby reducing surgery time. This reduces the consumption of medical resources and the risk of anesthesia for patients. Real-time digital feedback (such as displaying inner diameter data on a monitor) avoids surgical failures caused by graft size mismatch and improves the success rate of surgery.
[0032] Other features and advantages of the invention will be set forth in the description which follows, and will be apparent in part from the description, or may be learned by practicing the invention. Attached Figure Description
[0033] To more intuitively illustrate the prior art and this application, exemplary drawings are provided below. It should be understood that the specific shapes and structures shown in the drawings should not generally be regarded as limiting conditions for implementing this application; for example, based on the technical concept disclosed in this application and the exemplary drawings, those skilled in the art are able to easily make conventional adjustments or further optimizations to the addition / reduction / classification, specific shapes, positional relationships, connection methods, size ratios, etc. of certain units (components).
[0034] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an ear canal diameter measuring device according to the present invention. Figure 1 .
[0035] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an ear canal diameter measuring device according to the present invention. Figure 2 .
[0036] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the working state of an ear canal diameter measuring device according to the present invention.
[0037] Figure 4 This is a partial structural schematic diagram of an ear canal diameter measuring device according to the present invention.
[0038] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the self-locking component of the present invention.
[0039] Figure 6 for Figure 5 A magnified structural diagram of point A in the middle.
[0040] Figure 7 This is a partial structural diagram of the self-locking component of the present invention.
[0041] Figure 8 This is a system block diagram of the present invention.
[0042] In the diagram: Mounting base 1, Fixed measuring rod 2, Movable measuring rod 3, First torsion spring 31, Soft rubber head 4, Connecting frame 5, Arc frame 6, Diameter dial 7, Grip 8, First rubber sleeve 81, Handle 9, Second rubber sleeve 91, Angle sensor 10, Display 11, Self-locking assembly 12, Ratchet 121, Pawl 122, Second torsion spring 123, Connecting block 124, Abutting block 125, Rotating plate 126, Rotating wheel 127, Pulley 128, Weight reduction groove 13. Detailed Implementation
[0043] The following specific embodiments illustrate the implementation of the present invention. Those skilled in the art can easily understand other advantages and effects of the present invention from the content disclosed in this specification. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, not all embodiments. It should be understood that these embodiments are merely for further explanation of the present invention and should not be construed as limiting the scope of protection of the present invention. Technical engineers in the field can make some non-essential improvements and adjustments to the present invention based on the above-described content. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.
[0044] Please see Figures 1-8 An ear canal diameter measuring device includes a mounting base 1, a fixed measuring rod 2 fixedly connected to one end of the mounting base 1, a movable measuring rod 3 arranged parallel to the fixed measuring rod 2 rotatably connected to the inner side of the mounting base 1 via a pin, a first rubber sleeve 81 covering the outer side of a handle 8, and a second rubber sleeve 91 covering the outer side of a handle 9; a first torsion spring 31 is sleeved on the pin of the movable measuring rod 3, one end of the first torsion spring 31 is welded to the inner wall of the mounting base 1, and the other end of the first torsion spring 31 is welded to the movable measuring rod 3; a connecting frame 5 is fixedly connected to the other end of the mounting base 1, an arc-shaped frame 6 is fixedly connected to the end of the connecting frame 5, diameter scales 7 are fixedly connected to both sides of the arc-shaped frame 6, a handle 8 is fixedly connected to one end of the arc-shaped frame 6, and a handle 9 is fixedly connected to one end of the movable measuring rod 3.
[0045] In this embodiment, the movable measuring rod 3 is rotated around the pin by operating the handle 9. Since one end of the first torsion spring 31 is welded to the inner wall of the mounting base 1 and the other end is welded to the movable measuring rod 3, the first torsion spring 31 provides a restoring force, keeping the movable measuring rod 3 parallel to the fixed measuring rod 2 when there is no external force. During measurement, the ends of the fixed measuring rod 2 and the movable measuring rod 3 are placed into the ear canal, and the handle 9 is pressed to rotate the movable measuring rod 3, forming an angle with the fixed measuring rod 2, until both ends are in contact with the inner wall of the ear canal. The handle 9 slides inside the arc frame 6, and the displacement data of the handle 9 is read through the diameter scale 7 to calculate the inner diameter of the ear canal. This design is simple and compact, easy to operate, the first torsion spring 31 ensures that the movable measuring rod 3 automatically resets, reducing manual intervention, and the diameter scale 7 provides intuitive measurement readings, improving measurement efficiency, and is suitable for clinical ear canal examination.
[0046] In a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, the handle 9 has a Z-shaped structure and can slide inside the arc-shaped frame 6.
[0047] In this embodiment, the Z-shaped handle 9 is ergonomically designed, allowing for a natural grip during operation. The movable measuring rod 3 rotates by sliding the handle 9. The sliding trajectory of the handle 9 within the arc-shaped frame 6 is correlated with the rotation angle of the movable measuring rod 3, ensuring a smooth and controllable measurement process. The Z-shaped structure improves operational comfort and stability, while the sliding design reduces friction, resulting in more accurate measurements. The second rubber sleeve 91 provides anti-slip protection and enhances safety.
[0048] In a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, a self-locking assembly 12 is provided on the inner side of the mounting base 1. The self-locking assembly 12 includes a ratchet 121 coaxially and fixedly connected to the movable measuring rod 3. A pawl 122 is rotatably connected to the inner side of the mounting base 1. The pawl 122 engages with the tooth groove of the ratchet 121. A second torsion spring 123 is sleeved on the pin of the ratchet 121. One end of the second torsion spring 123 is welded to the mounting base 1, and the other end of the second torsion spring 123 is welded to the pawl 122. A connecting block 124 is fixedly connected to one end of the pawl 122. A rotating plate 126 is rotatably connected to the inner side of the connecting frame 5. A contact block 125 that abuts against the connecting block 124 is fixedly connected to one end of the rotating plate 126. A rotating wheel 127 coaxially and fixedly connected to the outer side of the arc frame 6 is rotatably connected to the outer side of the arc frame 6. A lever 128 is fixedly connected to the outer edge of the rotating wheel 127.
[0049] In this embodiment, when the movable measuring rod 3 rotates, the ratchet 121 rotates accordingly, and the pawl 122 engages with the tooth groove under the action of the second torsion spring 123, preventing the movable measuring rod 3 from retracting. When release is required, rotating the wheel 127 drives the rotating plate 126 via the lever 128, causing the contact block 125 to push the connecting block 124, disengaging the pawl 122 from the ratchet 121, thus resetting the movable measuring rod 3. The self-locking function ensures stable measurement position and avoids data errors caused by accidental loosening. The second torsion spring 123 provides reliable locking force, and the lever 128 design makes release easy, improving measurement reliability.
[0050] In a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, both the fixed measuring rod 2 and the movable measuring rod 3 are fixedly connected to a soft rubber head 4, which is a spherical structure.
[0051] In this embodiment, the soft rubber tip 4 is made of a soft material and comes into contact with the inner wall of the ear canal during measurement. The spherical structure reduces point pressure and avoids scratching or irritating the ear canal tissue. This design improves patient comfort, reduces the risk of trauma during the measurement process, and meets medical safety standards.
[0052] In a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, a weight-reducing groove 13 is provided on the outer side of both the fixed measuring rod 2 and the movable measuring rod 3, and the weight-reducing groove 13 is arranged along the length direction of the fixed measuring rod 2 and the movable measuring rod 3.
[0053] In this embodiment, the weight-reducing groove 13 reduces the weight of the measuring rod by removing some material without affecting the structural strength. During measurement, the device is lighter and easier for the operator to hold and move; this design reduces overall weight, reduces operator fatigue, and is particularly suitable for long-term use while maintaining measurement accuracy.
[0054] In a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, an angle sensor 10 is fixedly connected to the outer side of the mounting base 1. The output end of the angle sensor 10 is fixedly connected to the pin of the movable measuring rod 3. A display 11 connected to the angle sensor 10 is fixedly connected to the outer side of the arc frame 6. The display 11 has a built-in processor connected to the angle sensor 10. The output end of the processor is electrically connected to a data calculation module for converting angle data into length data. The data calculation module is electrically connected to the display screen of the display 11.
[0055] In this embodiment, the angle sensor 10 detects the rotation angle of the movable measuring rod 3 in real time, and sends the data to the processor. The data calculation module converts the angle data into length data (ear canal inner diameter) and displays it on the screen of the display 11. By adding the angle sensor 10, digital measurement is achieved, reducing human reading errors and improving accuracy and efficiency. The display 11 displays the results intuitively, which is convenient for recording and analysis.
[0056] A further preferred embodiment of the present invention provides a method for measuring the inner diameter of the ear canal, implemented using an ear canal inner diameter measuring device, comprising the following steps:
[0057] Step 1: First, align the fixed measuring rod 2 and the movable measuring rod 3 by operating the handle 9. Then, insert the thin ends of the fixed measuring rod 2 and the movable measuring rod 3 into the patient's ear canal.
[0058] Step 2: Hold the handle 8 and press the handle 9 to rotate the movable measuring rod 3, so that the movable measuring rod 3 and the fixed measuring rod 2 are misaligned to form an angle, until the ends of the movable measuring rod 3 and the fixed measuring rod 2 are in contact with the inner wall of the ear canal;
[0059] Step 3: Determine the sliding endpoint of handle 9 on arc frame 6, measure the displacement data of handle 9 through diameter scale 7, and calculate the inner diameter of ear canal;
[0060] Step 4: During the process of the ends of the movable measuring rod 3 and the fixed measuring rod 2 contacting the inner wall of the ear canal, the angle sensor 10 can detect and measure the rotation angle of the handle 9 in real time, and convert the angle data into length data through the data calculation module, and display the ear canal inner diameter data on the display screen of the monitor 11.
[0061] In this embodiment, the method is simple and easy to implement, combining mechanical and electronic measurements to improve data reliability. The non-invasive design reduces patient discomfort and is suitable for diverse ear canal shapes; together, they enhance the accuracy, safety, and convenience of ear canal diameter measurement, meeting the high standards required for medical devices.
[0062] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the protection scope of the present invention.
Claims
1. An ear canal diameter measuring device comprising a mounting base (1), one end of which is fixedly connected with a fixed measuring rod (2), characterized in that, The inner side of the mounting base (1) is rotatably connected with a movable measuring rod (3) arranged in parallel with the fixed measuring rod (2) through a pin shaft, a first torsional spring (31) is sleeved on the pin shaft of the movable measuring rod (3), one end of the first torsional spring (31) is welded with the inner wall of the mounting base (1), the other end of the first torsional spring (31) is welded with the movable measuring rod (3), the other end of the mounting base (1) is fixedly connected with a connecting frame (5), the end of the connecting frame (5) is fixedly connected with an arc-shaped frame (6), the two sides of the arc-shaped frame (6) are fixedly connected with diameter scales (7), one end of the arc-shaped frame (6) is fixedly connected with a handle (8), one end of the movable measuring rod (3) is fixedly connected with a handle (9).
2. An ear canal gauge according to claim 1, wherein The outer side of the handle (8) is covered with a first rubber sleeve (81), and the outer side of the handle (9) is covered with a second rubber sleeve (91).
3. An ear canal gauge according to claim 1, wherein The handle (9) is a Z-shaped structure, and the handle (9) can slide on the inner side of the arc-shaped frame (6).
4. An ear canal gauge according to claim 1, wherein The inner side of the mounting base (1) is provided with a self-locking assembly (12), the self-locking assembly (12) comprises a ratchet wheel (121) fixedly connected with the movable measuring rod (3) coaxially, the inner side of the mounting base (1) is rotatably connected with a pawl (122), the pawl (122) is engaged with the tooth groove of the ratchet wheel (121), a second torsional spring (123) is sleeved on the pin shaft of the ratchet wheel (121), one end of the second torsional spring (123) is welded with the mounting base (1), and the other end of the second torsional spring (123) is welded with the pawl (122).
5. An ear canal calibrating device according to claim 4, wherein One end of the pawl (122) is fixedly connected with a connecting block (124), the inner side of the connecting frame (5) is rotatably connected with a rotating plate (126), one end of the rotating plate (126) is fixedly connected with an abutting block (125) abutting against the connecting block (124), the outer side of the arc-shaped frame (6) is rotatably connected with a rotating wheel (127) fixedly connected with the rotating plate (126) coaxially, and the outer edge of the rotating wheel (127) is fixedly connected with a pushing block (128).
6. An ear canal calibrating device according to claim 1, wherein The end of the fixed measuring rod (2) and the end of the movable measuring rod (3) are fixedly connected with soft rubber heads (4), and the soft rubber heads (4) are spherical structures.
7. An ear canal calibrating device according to claim 1, wherein The outer side of the fixed measuring rod (2) and the outer side of the movable measuring rod (3) are both provided with weight-reducing grooves (13), and the weight-reducing grooves (13) are arranged along the length direction of the fixed measuring rod (2) and the movable measuring rod (3).
8. An ear canal calibrating device according to claim 1, wherein The outer side of the mounting base (1) is fixedly connected with an angle sensor (10), the output end of the angle sensor (10) is fixedly connected with the pin shaft of the movable measuring rod (3), and the outer side of the arc-shaped frame (6) is fixedly connected with a display (11) signal-connected with the angle sensor (10).
9. An ear canal calibrating device according to claim 8, wherein The display (11) is built-in with a processor signal-connected with the angle sensor (10), the output end of the processor is electrically connected with a data calculation module for converting length data from angle data, and the data calculation module is electrically connected with the display screen of the display (11).
10. A method of measuring the internal diameter of an ear canal, implemented by the ear canal diameter measurer according to claim 9, characterized by, The method comprises the following steps: Step one, first, by operating handle (9) coincides with the fixed measuring rod (2) and the activity measuring rod (3), at this time then the fixed measuring rod (2) and the activity measuring rod (3) end of the ear canal into the patient; Step two, hold the handle (9) and press the handle (9) so that the activity measuring rod (3) rotates, so that the activity measuring rod (3) and fixed measuring rod (2) dislocation angle, until the activity measuring rod (3) and fixed measuring rod (2) end of the inner wall of the ear canal are in contact; Step three, determine the handle (9) in the sliding end position of the arc frame (6), the displacement data of the handle (9) is measured by the diameter scale (7), and the ear canal diameter is calculated; Step four, in the process of the end of the activity measuring rod (3) and the fixed measuring rod (2) and the inner wall of the ear canal, the angle sensor (10) can detect the rotation angle of the handle (9) in real time, and the angle data is converted into length data by the data calculation module, and the ear canal diameter data is displayed on the display screen of the display (11).