Audiologic Test Probe Insertion Detection and Seal Verification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional audiologic test apparatuses 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 system that generate a first signal with a lower primary frequency to detect correct probe insertion, satisfying an insertion criterion based on the response signal, and only initiate the test if the criterion is met, using a second signal with a higher primary frequency for the actual test, thereby reducing false initiations and mechanical wear.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If a continuous tone at 226 Hz is transmitted to detect probe insertion, then the apparatus can quickly determine if the probe is in the ear canal, but the apparatus may falsely initiate the test if an air-tight seal is not created
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing a preliminary insertion detection step using a low-frequency tone (e.g., 226 Hz) before initiating the actual audiologic test. This preliminary detection identifies candidates for proper probe insertion, and only those candidates proceed to the full test protocol, preventing false initiations while maintaining quick detection capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the test initiation process into multiple stages: first a preliminary insertion detection stage using low-frequency tone, then a confirmation stage with additional criteria (such as checking for air-tight seal), and finally the actual test execution. This segmentation allows each stage to perform its specific function optimally without compromising overall reliability
2Productivity
If the apparatus activates the pump to increase/decrease pressure upon detecting a reflection, then the test procedure can proceed, but mechanical wear increases due to unnecessary activations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by continuously monitoring multiple parameters (reflection characteristics, pressure responses, insertion depth indicators) and using this feedback to dynamically control pump activation. The system only activates the pump when multiple criteria confirm proper probe insertion and air-tight seal, eliminating unnecessary mechanical activations while maintaining test continuity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary verification of probe insertion and seal integrity before activating the pump for pressure changes. This preliminary action prevents unnecessary pump activations that would cause mechanical wear, while ensuring that when the pump is activated, it is doing so under confirmed optimal conditions
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
The solution enhances the reliability of audiologic tests by reducing unnecessary activations and mechanical wear, leading to faster and more accurate procedures.
Implementation Method 1
generate by the tone generator a first electrical signal representative of a first signal with a first primary frequency component at a first primary frequency
Implementation Method 2
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
Data Source
AI summary
An audiologic test apparatus includes: a processing unit; a tone generator connected to the processing unit; and a probe interface for connecting the audiologic test apparatus to a test probe; the tone generator configured to provide a first electrical signal representative of a first signal with a first primary frequency component at a first primary frequency; wherein the processing unit is configured to: obtain a first response signal, determine if a first insertion criterion is satisfied, the first insertion criterion based on the first signal and the first response signal, and generate a signal to initiate an audiologic test if at least the first insertion criterion is satisfied; the tone generator configured to provide a second electrical signal representative of a second signal with a second primary frequency component at a second primary frequency during the audiologic test, the first primary frequency being lower than the second primary frequency.