Canal Hearing Device Insertion Tool with C-Shaped Cavity
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Solution Overview
Problem
The placement of canal hearing devices inside the ear canal is challenging due to difficulty in access and manipulation, particularly for miniature devices, which can lead to trauma and damage from improper insertion.
Innovation Solution
A handheld tool with a medial section that removably couples to the canal hearing device, featuring a first cavity for cradling the lateral end and a second cavity for engaging a knob element, along with a handle section that can be resiliently deformed to secure and insert the device into the ear canal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a canal hearing device is placed substantially inside the ear canal for aesthetics and improved acoustic performance, then the device becomes less visible and provides better high frequency response, but the device becomes difficult to access and manipulate for proper insertion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an insertion tool as an intermediary device that couples to the lateral end of the canal hearing device. This tool provides extended leverage and control, enabling the hearing device to be safely inserted into the ear canal without direct manual manipulation of the small device itself, thus resolving the contradiction between deep placement and ease of insertion.
2Volume of moving object
If the canal hearing device is miniaturized to improve aesthetics and comfort, then the device becomes less visible and more comfortable, but the device becomes increasingly difficult to manipulate and insert properly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the system into two distinct components: the miniaturized canal hearing device and a separate, larger insertion tool. This segmentation allows the hearing device to remain small for aesthetics and comfort while the tool provides the necessary size and leverage for easy manipulation and safe insertion.
3Reliability
If the canal hearing device is placed deep in the ear canal to reduce acoustic occlusion effect and improve energy efficiency, then acoustic performance improves, but the risk of trauma and damage from improper insertion increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies beforehand cushioning by using the insertion tool to control and guide the canal hearing device during insertion. The tool acts as a protective intermediary that prevents direct contact between the user's fingers and the small, potentially sharp components of the hearing device, thereby cushioning against potential trauma to the ear canal while enabling deep placement for optimal acoustic performance.
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
Facilitates safe and proper insertion of canal hearing devices into the ear canal, reducing the risk of trauma and improving accessibility for both professionals and individuals with limited dexterity or vision, while ensuring aesthetics by minimizing visible components.
Implementation Method 1
the handle section is configured to be resiliently deformed from a first position to a second position upon the application of a force and to return to the first position upon release of the force
Data Source
AI summary
A hand held tool for safely inserting a canal hearing device into the ear canal having a medial end configured to simultaneously cradle the lateral end of the canal hearing device and constrain a knob element laterally positioned on the canal hearing device. In a preferred embodiment, the insertion tool comprises a C-shaped cavity for self-centering engagement with a D-shaped lateral end of a CIC device, providing ease of use for hearing impaired individuals. In a preferred embodiment, the insertion tool is substantially formed of a single monolithic structure for improved durability and lower cost of fabrication.