Audiologic Test Apparatus Probe Insertion Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing audiologic test systems risk falsely initiating tests due to incorrect probe positioning or lack of an air-tight seal in the ear canal, leading to unnecessary activation of mechanical parts and potential mechanical wear.
Innovation Solution
An audiologic test apparatus and method that generate a first signal with a primary frequency between 30 Hz to 80 Hz to assess insertion criteria, such as reflection and admittance, before initiating a test with a second signal at a higher frequency, ensuring proper probe placement and reducing false activations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional high-frequency test tone (e.g., 226 Hz) is transmitted to detect probe insertion, then the apparatus can quickly determine if the probe is in the ear canal, but it may falsely indicate insertion even when an air-tight seal is not created, leading to unnecessary pump activation
Solution Approach 1:
The insertion detection process is segmented into two distinct stages: a first insertion test using a low-frequency signal (30-80 Hz) to detect basic probe presence, followed by a second insertion test using a conventional high-frequency signal (e.g., 226 Hz) to verify air-tight seal. This segmentation allows each test to serve a specific purpose, reducing false positives while maintaining procedural efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The low-frequency insertion test is performed as a preliminary action before the conventional high-frequency tympanometry test. This preliminary test screens for basic probe insertion, preventing unnecessary activation of the pump and subsequent full test procedure when the probe is not properly inserted, thereby improving reliability without significantly increasing overall complexity
2Extent of automation
If the apparatus automatically activates the pump based on reflection detection, then the test procedure can be fully automated, but mechanical parts experience unnecessary wear from false activations
Solution Approach 1:
The low-frequency insertion test serves as a preliminary automated screening step that must pass before the apparatus automatically initiates the full test procedure with pump activation. This preliminary action filters out false positives, ensuring that only genuine probe insertions with proper seal potential trigger the automated pump activation and subsequent testing
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from the low-frequency insertion test results to control whether the pump should be activated. The processing unit analyzes the reflection characteristics at low frequency and provides feedback that either permits or prevents subsequent pump activation, creating a reliability gate in the automation chain that reduces unnecessary mechanical wear
3Reliability
If a low-frequency signal (30-80 Hz) is used for insertion detection, then false activations are reduced and probe placement accuracy is improved, but the detection process requires additional time and steps
Solution Approach 1:
The detection process is segmented into a rapid low-frequency insertion test followed by the conventional high-frequency tympanometry test. The low-frequency portion is optimized for speed in detecting basic insertion, while the subsequent high-frequency test performs the detailed acoustic measurements, thereby distributing the time investment across two specialized stages rather than extending a single test
Solution Approach 2:
The low-frequency signal test performs a partial function (detecting basic probe insertion) rather than attempting to perform the complete tympanometry measurement. By doing only what is necessary for insertion verification at low frequency, the system avoids unnecessary measurement steps while maintaining rapid detection, and then proceeds with the conventional high-frequency test for full diagnostic capability
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
This approach enhances the reliability of automation, reduces unnecessary mechanical activation, and minimizes wear on test equipment by ensuring accurate probe placement and air-tight seal verification before proceeding with the test.
Implementation Method 1
transmitting, through the test probe, the test tone, e.g. 226 Hz, whenever the apparatus is switched on. The microphone detects a reflection of the test tone, and the reflection is an indicator that the test probe is inserted into an ear canal
Implementation Method 2
In order to modify the pressure, a probe is inserted into the ear canal creating an air tight seal of the ear canal
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosed is an audiologic test apparatus, system and corresponding method for performing an audiologic test in an ear canal. The audiologic test apparatus is configured to: generate by a tone generator a first electrical signal representative of a first signal with a first primary frequency component at a first primary frequency; receive a first response signal; determine if a first insertion criterion is satisfied, wherein the first insertion criterion is based on the first signal and the first response signal; and initiate the audiologic test if at least the first insertion criterion is satisfied. The audiologic test comprises generating a second electrical signal representative of a second signal with a second primary frequency component at a second primary frequency, wherein the first primary frequency is lower than the second primary frequency.