Ear Canal Mini-Apparatus for Portable Diagnosis and Treatment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for diagnosing and treating ear diseases, such as tympanitis, are limited by the need for expensive and immobile endoscope equipment, making it difficult for early detection and analysis outside of hospitals, especially for ordinary individuals.
Innovation Solution
A canal-type mini-apparatus is developed, featuring a bio-data detection unit and a medium injection unit, with a protrusion body for signal transmission and medium delivery, allowing for in-ear diagnosis and treatment, including image capture and ultrasonic imaging, and the generation of therapeutic mediums like far-infrared radiation, heat, or plasma.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If endoscope equipment is used for diagnosing ear diseases, then diagnostic accuracy is improved, but device portability and accessibility deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The endoscope system is segmented into two parts: a compact insertion portion that fits in the ear canal and a protrusion body that remains outside. This segmentation allows the diagnostic functions to be portable while maintaining connection to external processing equipment through wireless or wired communication.
Solution Approach 2:
The imaging unit and detection units are nested within the canal body, which is inserted into the ear canal. The protrusion body contains the data transceiving unit and connects to external analyzing devices, creating a nested structure that combines portability with comprehensive diagnostic capabilities.
2Measurement precision
If endoscope equipment is used for diagnosing ear diseases, then diagnostic capability is improved, but equipment cost and complexity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The complex analyzing device is extracted from the insertion portion and placed externally. The insertion portion contains only the imaging unit and detection units, while the protrusion body and external device handle data processing and analysis, reducing the complexity of the in-ear component.
Solution Approach 2:
The external analyzing device serves multiple functions: receiving data from multiple users, processing images and biological signals, storing data, and providing diagnostic results. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized equipment for each diagnostic task.
3Measurement precision
If imaging units and detection units are integrated in the ear, then comprehensive diagnosis is improved, but device size and comfort deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The device is segmented into a canal body with imaging and detection units for comprehensive diagnosis, and a separate protrusion body for data transmission. This segmentation allows the in-ear portion to remain compact while maintaining multiple diagnostic functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The device transitions from a purely in-ear configuration to a hybrid configuration where part of the device (protrusion body) extends outside the ear. This dimensional change allows comprehensive diagnostic functions to be distributed between the in-ear and external portions, reducing the size of the in-ear component.
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
Enables portable, comfortable, and effective diagnosis and treatment of ear diseases, allowing patients to monitor and treat conditions like tympanitis and jaundice at home, improving health outcomes and accessibility to medical analysis and care.
Implementation Method 1
an optical source and an image sensor
Implementation Method 2
an ultrasonic generator and an ultrasonic detector
Implementation Method 3
a far-infrared generator
Implementation Method 4
a heat generator
Implementation Method 5
a plasma generator
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a canal type mini-apparatus insertable in an ear for diagnosing a disease. The canal type mini-apparatus includes a canal body and a protrusion body. The canal body is insertable in an ear and includes a bio-data detection unit at an end thereof. The bio-data detection unit is configured to detect biological data from an inside of the ear for diagnosing a disease. The protrusion body is disposed at the other end of the canal body and including a data transceiving unit. The data transceiving unit is configured to control the bio-data detection unit and transmit/receive a signal to/from an analyzing device. When the canal type mini-apparatus is inserted in the ear, at least a portion of the protrusion body protrudes outward from the ear.