Handheld visual otoscope

Abstract

The utility model discloses a handheld visual otoscope which is characterized in that the handheld visual otoscope comprises a grab handle, a display module, an otoscope module and a control module, the display module and an earcap module are installed at one end of the grab handle, the display module is arranged on the front face of the grab handle, the otoscope module is arranged on the back face of the grab handle, and the control module is connected with the display module. The control module is arranged on the grab handle, a battery is arranged in the grab handle, the battery is electrically connected with the display module and the control module, a charging panel connected with the control module is arranged in the grab handle, a charging contact is arranged on the charging panel, and the charging contact is exposed out of the grab handle; the end, away from the display module, of the grab handle is provided with a groove opening, the inner end face of the groove opening is provided with a connecting line interface connected with the control module, and the size of the connecting line interface is smaller than the width of the groove opening. According to the utility model, the operation convenience is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to an otoscope, and more particularly to a handheld visual otoscope. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, the most commonly used examination instrument by otolaryngologists in hospitals is the otoscope, also known as an otoscope or ear endoscope. These otoscopes utilize optical magnification; by attaching a magnifying glass to the end of the otoscope and using sufficient light, doctors can directly observe the pathological conditions inside the ear canal with the naked eye, thereby diagnosing potential causes. However, this traditional otoscope easily causes eye fatigue for doctors and is not the optimal visual examination tool, nor is it convenient for doctors to conduct in-depth analysis of the causes of patients' illnesses at different stages. Therefore, this type of otoscope is gradually being phased out.

[0003] In recent years, electronic otoscopes have become increasingly popular. They represent a significant improvement over traditional optical otoscopes, offering equally satisfactory results. The main unit of an electronic otoscope connects to a display device via wires, using a high-magnification camera to observe, photograph, or record lesions within the ear canal. However, these otoscopes have certain requirements regarding computer specifications, including operating system, storage capacity, and graphics card standards. The complexity and inconvenience of the computer system pose practical inconveniences for doctors using electronic otoscopes, especially for home use. Therefore, addressing these technical challenges is a direction that those skilled in the art need to strive towards. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide a handheld visual otoscope. By using this structure, the otoscope becomes lighter and easier to use, and it can also prevent damage to the wires.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution adopted by this utility model is: a handheld visual otoscope, comprising a handle, a display module, an otoscope module, and a control module. The display module and the earpiece module are mounted on one end of the handle. The display module is located on the front of the handle, the otoscope module is located on the back of the handle, and the control module is located on the handle.

[0006] The handle contains a battery that is electrically connected to the display module and the control module. The handle also contains a charging board that is connected to the control module and has charging contacts. A notch is provided on the back of the handle next to the otoscope module that communicates with the inside of the handle. The outer end of the charging board is located in the notch, exposing the charging contacts.

[0007] The handle has a recessed opening at one end away from the display module, and a connection cable interface for connecting to the control module is provided on the inner end face of the recessed opening. The size of the connection cable interface is smaller than the width of the recessed opening.

[0008] In the above technical solution, the handle includes a hand-held part and a mounting part. One end of the hand-held part is connected to one end of the mounting part, the connecting cable interface is located at the other end of the hand-held part, and the display module and the otoscope module are mounted on the mounting part.

[0009] In the above technical solution, the handheld part and the mounting part form an angle of 120° to 170°.

[0010] In the above technical solution, the front of the connection between the handheld part and the mounting part is concave, and the back is convex. The notch is provided on the back of the connection between the handheld part and the mounting part.

[0011] In the above technical solution, the control module includes a control motherboard, a button motherboard, and buttons. The control motherboard, button motherboard, and buttons are disposed in the grip, and the control motherboard is electrically connected to the battery. The outer wall of the grip is provided with a button groove, and the outer end of the button is inserted into the button groove, or the outer end of the button passes through the button groove and is disposed outside the button groove.

[0012] In the above technical solution, a battery compartment is provided on the back of the handle, the battery is installed in the battery compartment, and a battery cover for opening and closing the battery compartment is detachably installed on the back of the handle.

[0013] In the above technical solution, the otoscope module is provided with a conical head, and the back of the handle is provided with an extended boss, and the conical head is mounted on the boss.

[0014] In the above technical solution, the handle includes an upper housing and a lower housing, the notch is provided on the lower housing, and the front of the display module passes through the upper housing and is exposed on the front of the upper housing;

[0015] The otoscope module is mounted on the lower housing, and the back of the otoscope module is located on the back of the lower housing.

[0016] In the above technical solution, an SD card slot is also provided on the side wall of the handle.

[0017] In the above technical solution, there are two groove openings, and each groove opening is provided with a connecting wire interface;

[0018] The connection cable interface is a data cable interface and / or a charging cable interface.

[0019] Due to the application of the above technical solution, this utility model has the following advantages compared with the prior art:

[0020] 1. In this utility model, a display module and an otoscope module are directly set at one end of the handle. The handle can be used for handheld use, and the outer end of the otoscope module can be inserted into the ear for observation and recording. The image observed by the otoscope module can be directly displayed through the display module. Compared with the previous structure, no wires and external devices are required, which can improve the convenience of using the otoscope and reduce the cost.

[0021] 2. In this utility model, the battery is directly installed in the handle, and a charging board with charging contacts is also provided to charge the battery. It can be powered and used without wires, which can effectively improve the convenience of use and has no restrictions on the use environment, making it more widely applicable.

[0022] 3. In this utility model, a groove is also provided at the end of the connector interface. The groove is used to limit and protect the end of the connector. It can prevent the connector from shaking after the connector and the otoscope are connected, which will cause damage to the connector interface, extend the service life, reduce the maintenance rate, and also prevent the connector and connector from loosening, ensuring the stability of data transmission or charging.

[0023] 4. In this utility model, the hand-held part and the mounting part form an angle of 120° to 170°, which facilitates the operator's operation of the otoscope and improves the convenience of operation;

[0024] 5. In this utility model, a protrusion is provided on the back of the handle, and the conical head on the otoscope module is installed on the protrusion. When performing in-ear testing, it can prevent the back of the handle from pressing tightly against the ear and limiting the examination range, thereby improving the convenience and comfort of using the otoscope and ensuring the effectiveness of use. Attached Figure Description

[0025] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure in Embodiment 1 of this utility model;

[0026] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Another structural diagram from a different perspective;

[0027] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure;

[0028] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 Exploded view;

[0029] Figure 5 This is a structural schematic diagram of Embodiment 1 of this utility model (partial cross-sectional view at the groove opening);

[0030] Figure 6 This is a structural diagram of the otoscope placed in the otoscope base in Embodiment 1 of this utility model;

[0031] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the otoscope base in Embodiment 1 of this utility model.

[0032] The components are as follows: 1. Handle; 2. Display module; 3. Earpiece module; 4. Control module; 5. Battery; 6. Charging board; 7. Charging contacts; 8. Notch; 9. Groove; 10. Connecting cable interface; 11. Earpiece base; 12. Charging interface; 13. Handheld part; 14. Mounting part; 15. Conical head; 16. Boss; 17. Control motherboard; 18. Button motherboard; 19. Button; 20. Button slot; 21. Battery compartment; 22. Battery back cover; 23. Upper shell; 24. Lower shell; 25. SD card slot; 26. SD card slot dust plug. Detailed Implementation

[0033] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments:

[0034] Example 1: See Figure 1-7 As shown, a handheld visual otoscope includes a handle 1, a display module 2, an otoscope module 3, and a control module 4. The display module 2 and the earpiece module 3 are mounted on one end of the handle 1. The display module 2 is located on the front of the handle 1, the otoscope module 3 is located on the back of the handle 1, and the control module 4 is located on the handle 1.

[0035] The handle 1 contains a battery 5, which is electrically connected to the display module 2 and the control module 4. The handle 1 contains a charging board 6 connected to the control module 4, and the charging board 6 has charging contacts 7. The back of the handle 1 next to the otoscope module 3 has a notch 8 that communicates with the inside of the handle 1. The outer end of the charging board 6 is located in the notch 8, so that the charging contacts 7 are exposed.

[0036] The handle 1 has a recess 9 at one end away from the display module 2. The inner end face of the recess 9 has a connection cable interface 10 that is connected to the control module 4. The size of the connection cable interface 10 is smaller than the width of the recess 9.

[0037] In this embodiment, the otoscope module has an imaging function, enabling it to take videos and photos. Utilizing a lens, the operator grasps the handle and inserts the otoscope module into the ear, capturing images of the inner ear and displaying them in real-time on the display module. This method eliminates the need for wiring to connect the otoscope to external devices, significantly reducing the overall size of the device, making it easier to operate and carry, and suitable for home use. Furthermore, it is battery-powered, eliminating the need for a separate power supply to the otoscope, improving operational convenience and reducing space limitations, allowing operation even in areas without power outlets. More preferably, a charging plate with charging contacts is provided on the handle next to the otoscope module, allowing the otoscope to be charged via the charging contacts and a charging device. In this invention, a dedicated otoscope base 11 is provided, which has a charging interface 12 with elastic contact pins. When the otoscope is placed on the otoscope base, it supports, positions, and stores the otoscope. Simultaneously, when the otoscope is placed on the otoscope base, the charging contact pins contact the elastic contact pins of the charging interface on the otoscope base. Thus, while the otoscope base positions, supports, and stores the otoscope, it can also charge the otoscope through the charging interface and charging contact pins. This eliminates the need to insert a wire into the otoscope for charging, preventing damage to the charging wire due to bending during charging and preventing the charging wire from detaching from the otoscope, which would prevent normal charging. The connection cable interface can be a data cable interface or a charging cable interface, or it can be an integration of a data cable interface and a charging cable interface. In this embodiment, there are two grooves, and each groove is provided with a connection cable interface. Therefore, the two interfaces can be a data cable interface and a charging cable interface, respectively. The data cable interface is used for data transmission (transmitting video images, photos, and other data captured during the use of the otoscope), and the charging cable interface is used for charging the battery.

[0038] In this invention, if the charging board, charging contacts, or charging module on the earpiece base malfunctions and cannot charge the earpiece via the charging contacts or earpiece base, the earpiece is also charged via the connecting cable interface to ensure normal use. The conventional connecting cable interface is flush with the outer wall of the handle. The connector typically includes a metal connector at the head and an insulating connector that connects to the metal connector. The insulating connector is larger than the metal connector. For example, with the most common Type-C cable, the metal connector is inserted into the connector interface for electrical connection. In this method, the connection between the metal connector and the connector interface is not very tight (for easy insertion), especially when the cable is bent or subjected to other forces. The metal connector may wobble or loosen relative to the connector interface, causing the cable to easily detach. This also prevents damage to the connector interface. Therefore, a groove is also provided, the size of which is larger than the size of the connector interface. The size of the groove matches the size of the insulating connector. This method can effectively prevent the connector from shaking or loosening relative to the connector interface, and also prevent damage to the connector interface and the connector.

[0039] Meanwhile, in this embodiment, the charging contacts are located on the side of the otoscope module, which facilitates charging. At the same time, the otoscope base can be used to support and place the otoscope while charging.

[0040] See Figure 1 , 3 As shown, the handle 1 includes a hand-held part 13 and a mounting part 14. One end of the hand-held part 13 is connected to one end of the mounting part 14. The connecting cable interface 10 is disposed at the other end of the hand-held part 13. The display module 2 and the otoscope module 3 are mounted on the mounting part 14.

[0041] The handheld part 13 and the mounting part 14 form an angle of 120° to 170°.

[0042] In this embodiment, the handheld part is mainly used by the operator to hold it, so that the back of the mounting part faces the patient's ear. Then, the otoscope module is inserted into the patient's ear, and the display module faces the operator, so that the operator can display the detection screen of the otoscope module through the display module. The operation is convenient. At the same time, the handheld part and the mounting part form an angle of 120° to 170°, preferably 150°, so that the operator's hand will not be separated from the patient during the operation, and it is also convenient for the operator to view the display module.

[0043] In this embodiment, the otoscope module may include a camera with a light, which is connected to a control module. The control module controls the activation of the camera and its ability to switch between video recording and photo taking modes. More preferably, the otoscope module 3 has a conical head 15, and the back of the handle 1 has an extended protrusion 16, on which the conical head 15 is mounted. The camera can be located at the end or inside of the conical head (the conical head is a hollow structure with both ends through, used to mount the camera or other parts that provide a field of view). The conical head is designed to mount a protective cover, protecting both the camera and the patient's ear canal during the examination. The protrusion ensures that the examination range is not limited by the back of the mounting part being tightly pressed against the ear when using the otoscope to examine the patient's ear canal (during the examination, the otoscope is rotated according to the size of the ear canal to ensure clear observation of the ear canal), improving the convenience and scope of the examination and ensuring comfort.

[0044] The display module is a monitor, which can be a liquid crystal display, an LED display, an LCD, or other types of displays. In this embodiment, a liquid crystal display is used, which includes a display panel and a liquid crystal screen. The display panel is located on the back of the liquid crystal screen and is connected to the control module. It can display the image of the otoscope module through the liquid crystal display. Preferably, the size of the display module is 3.5 inches, which is a suitable size that is not too large, but still allows for a clear view of the situation inside the ear canal.

[0045] See Figure 1 , 3 As shown, the front of the connection between the handheld part 13 and the mounting part 14 is concave, and the back is convex. The notch is located on the back of the connection between the handheld part and the mounting part. In this configuration, when the otoscope is placed on the otoscope base, the otoscope can be lifted by the otoscope base, and the back of the otoscope is supported by the otoscope base. It will not contact the display module, preventing scratches to the display module and affecting the display effect. At the same time, when the back of the otoscope is used to support the otoscope, it can directly contact the charging module through the charging contacts to achieve fast and convenient charging.

[0046] The control module 4 includes a control motherboard 17, a button motherboard 18, and buttons 19. These components are housed within the grip 1. The control motherboard 17 is electrically connected to the battery 5. A button groove 20 is provided on the outer wall of the grip 1. The outer end of the button 19 is inserted into the button groove 20, or the outer end of the button 19 passes through the button groove 20 and is located outside the groove. In this embodiment, the outer end of the button protrudes from the grip, facilitating operation.

[0047] The control motherboard is the controller of the otoscope, which can feed back the image captured by the otoscope module to the display module. The button motherboard is used to contact the buttons. When the buttons are pressed, the button motherboard feeds back the signal to the control motherboard to control the operation of the otoscope, such as: power on, power off, video mode, photo mode, screenshot mode, etc. (it has multiple buttons to achieve the corresponding functions).

[0048] See Figure 4 As shown, a battery compartment 21 is provided on the back of the handle 1, and the battery 5 is installed in the battery compartment 21. A battery cover 22 for opening and closing the battery compartment 21 is detachably installed on the back of the handle 1. The battery compartment is provided for battery installation. In this embodiment, the battery is a rechargeable battery. A battery cover is also provided so that if the battery is damaged or its performance degrades, the battery cover can be opened to expose the battery compartment for quick battery replacement. Of course, the battery can also be a conventional rechargeable battery, so that the otoscope can be powered by a conventional rechargeable battery in the absence of charging regulation or a normal external power supply.

[0049] See Figure 4 As shown, the handle 1 includes an upper housing 23 and a lower housing 24. The notch 8 is provided on the lower housing 24. The front of the display module 2 passes through the upper housing 23 and is exposed on the front of the upper housing 23.

[0050] The otoscope module 3 is mounted on the lower housing 24, and the back of the otoscope module 3 is located on the back of the lower housing 24.

[0051] The upper and lower shells are connected by bolts, and this split two-part structure facilitates the installation, disassembly and maintenance of the internal modules.

[0052] See Figure 1 , 3 As shown, the side wall of the handle 1 is also provided with an SD card slot 25. The SD card slot is used for installing SD cards. The SD card can be used to store data from otoscopy examinations, such as video recordings, photos, and screenshots (of course, the SD card slot can be omitted, and the memory card can be built directly into the main control board). The SD card slot can be located on the side wall of the mounting part or on the side wall of the handheld part. Preferably, it is located on the side wall of the mounting part because the handheld part is frequently held, and the SD card may pop out. Therefore, placing it on the side wall of the mounting part prevents the SD card from popping out of the SD card slot due to holding. At the same time, an SD card slot dust plug 26 is also provided to block the SD card slot and prevent the SD card slot and the internal SD card from leaking out, thus providing protection and dust prevention.

[0053] The SD card slot eliminates the need for a cable and otoscope connection to export data from the otoscope. The SD card can be quickly removed for export, offering convenience and multiple export options. This is particularly useful for patients who require their own ear canal examination footage; a new SD card can be used to directly store the examination data, which can then be given to the patient. This provides greater flexibility.

[0054] In the description of this utility model, it should be understood that the terms "upper," "lower," "top," "bottom," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing the invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of the invention. In the description of the invention, "a plurality of" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0055] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "linking," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium. For instance, the two components can be mechanically connected by contact or abutting; they can also be directly hooked or connected by an intermediate medium; or they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention according to the specific circumstances.

Claims

1. A handheld visual otoscope, characterized in that: The device includes a handle, a display module, an otoscope module, and a control module. The display module and earpiece module are mounted on one end of the handle. The display module is located on the front of the handle, the otoscope module is located on the back of the handle, and the control module is located on the handle. The grip contains a battery that is electrically connected to the display module and the control module. The grip also contains a charging board that is connected to the control module. The charging board has charging contacts that are exposed on the outside of the grip. The handle has a recessed opening at one end away from the display module, and a connection cable interface for connecting to the control module is provided on the inner end face of the recessed opening. The size of the connection cable interface is smaller than the width of the recessed opening.

2. The handheld visual otoscope according to claim 1, characterized in that: The handle includes a hand-held part and a mounting part. One end of the hand-held part is connected to one end of the mounting part, the connecting cable interface is located at the other end of the hand-held part, and the display module and the otoscope module are mounted on the mounting part.

3. The handheld visual otoscope according to claim 2, characterized in that: The handheld part and the mounting part form an angle of 120° to 170°.

4. The handheld visual otoscope according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that: The back of the handle next to the otoscope module has a notch that communicates with the inside of the handle, and the outer end of the charging plate is disposed in the notch; The front of the connection between the handle and the mounting part is concave, and the back is convex. The notch is provided on the back of the connection between the handle and the mounting part.

5. The handheld visual otoscope according to claim 1, characterized in that: The control module includes a control motherboard, a button motherboard, and buttons. The control motherboard, button motherboard, and buttons are disposed inside the grip, and the control motherboard is electrically connected to the battery. A button groove is provided on the outer wall of the grip. The outer end of the button is inserted into the button groove, or the outer end of the button passes through the button groove and is disposed outside the button groove.

6. The handheld visual otoscope according to claim 1, characterized in that: The back of the grip has a battery compartment, in which the battery is installed. The back of the grip is detachably fitted with a battery cover for opening and closing the battery compartment.

7. The handheld visual otoscope according to claim 1, characterized in that: The otoscope module is provided with a conical head, and the back of the handle is provided with an extended boss, on which the conical head is mounted.

8. The handheld visual otoscope according to claim 1, characterized in that: The back of the handle next to the otoscope module has a notch that communicates with the inside of the handle, and the outer end of the charging plate is disposed in the notch; The handle includes an upper housing and a lower housing, the notch is provided on the lower housing, and the front of the display module passes through the upper housing and is exposed on the front of the upper housing; The otoscope module is mounted on the lower housing, and the back of the otoscope module is located on the back of the lower housing.

9. The handheld visual otoscope according to claim 1, characterized in that: An SD card slot is also provided on the side wall of the grip.

10. The handheld visual otoscope according to claim 1, characterized in that: There are two groove openings, and each groove opening is provided with a connecting wire interface. The connection cable interface is a data cable interface and / or a charging cable interface.

Images