Dome-Shaped Tympanic Membrane Patch for Precise Placement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing treatments for tympanic membrane disorders, such as Patulous Eustachian Tube dysfunction, are inadequate and difficult to apply due to the unique topology of the tympanic membrane, requiring a more effective and precise application method that can be performed in an office setting.

Innovation Solution

A biocompatible, anatomically contoured tympanic membrane patch with a dome-shaped upper surface and varying lower surface configurations, including a central compartment for inserts like weights, electronic devices, or drug delivery systems, allowing precise application and customizable treatment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If silicone sheets are used to treat tympanic membrane disorders, then the treatment can be applied to epithelial surfaces, but the unique topology of the tympanic membrane makes it difficult to apply silicone sheets precisely

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositioning precisionVSAvoidapplication difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies a dome-shaped silicone patch that conforms to the curved topology of the tympanic membrane. The dome shape with a base diameter of 6-11mm and height of 1-3mm allows the patch to match the natural curvature of the eardrum, enabling precise positioning and contact with the epithelial surface without the application difficulties associated with flat sheets.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the tympanic membrane patch includes a housing for masses, then it functions as a mass-loading device for PET dysfunction treatment, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetreatment versatilityVSAvoidpatch structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates a central compartment within the dome-shaped patch that can contain inserts such as masses, electronic devices, or drug delivery devices. This nested structure allows the basic patch to be enhanced with additional functional elements without requiring completely separate devices, thereby increasing treatment versatility while managing complexity through integration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Shape

If the patch is made with varying thickness and contoured surfaces, then it provides anatomical contournment for precise positioning, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveanatomical contournmentVSAvoidmolding precision

Core Design Contradiction:

ShapeVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent specifies a dome shape with a base diameter of 6-11mm and a height of 1-3mm, creating a contoured surface that matches the tympanic membrane topology. The curvature radius is controlled to ensure proper anatomical fit while remaining manufacturable using standard molding techniques for medical devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Data Source

PatentUS12403003B1Tympanic membrane patch and loading vehicle

Publication Date: 2025.09.02 VOLSKY PETER G

AI summary

An apparatus for contacting a tympanic membrane fashioned as a removable non-resorbable patch. The patch has an oval periphery and a central portion with a proximal surface contoured to correspond in size and shape to a natural mammalian tympanic membrane. The proximal surface is adapted to contact a tympanic membrane or tympanic membrane tissue grafts.