Ear Canal Device Retaining Strip Segmentation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ear canal retention devices are cumbersome to attach and detach, and the connection between the device and retaining means is not stable, requiring dexterity and allowing for potential misplacement during use.
Innovation Solution
A strip-bendable piece of plastic is used, which can be easily slid through an opening in the ear canal device, with a knob or angled section to secure it in place, applying inward force to the ear canal and ensuring a stable, immobile connection without requiring disassembly of other parts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a prior art retention device is used, then the device can provide retention force, but the device is cumbersome to attach and detach requiring disassembly of other parts
Solution Approach 1:
The retention device is segmented into a separate removable strip component that can be independently attached to and detached from the ear canal device. This segmentation allows the retention strip to be handled separately, making attachment and detachment simple without requiring disassembly of other device parts.
Solution Approach 2:
The retention function is extracted as a separate strip component from the main ear canal device body. This extracted retention strip can be independently manipulated, attached, and removed without affecting the main device structure, thereby simplifying the attachment and detachment process.
2Reliability
If a prior art retention device is used, then the device can provide retention force, but the connection is not stable allowing potential misplacement
Solution Approach 1:
The retention strip is nested through an opening in the ear canal device, with a knob at one end of the strip that engages with a recess in the device. This nesting arrangement secures the strip in place, preventing misplacement while allowing simple attachment and detachment by sliding the strip through the opening.
Solution Approach 2:
The opening is pre-formed in the ear canal device with a recess positioned to receive the knob of the retention strip. This preliminary preparation of the opening and recess structure ensures that when the strip is attached, it automatically achieves stable positioning without requiring additional adjustment or complex fastening operations.
3Ease of manufacture
If the opening is visible at the entrance of the ear canal, then the strip can be attached, but the opening is visible when not in use which is undesirable
Solution Approach 1:
The opening is positioned locally at the entrance of the ear canal device where it serves its function for attaching the retention strip. When the strip is attached, the opening is effectively covered or hidden by the strip itself, so it is not visible during normal use. The opening maintains its functional location while achieving aesthetic concealment.
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 allows for effortless attachment and detachment of the retaining strip, providing a secure and comfortable fit within the ear canal, maintaining the device in place during movement without visible openings when not in use, and ensuring a uniform force distribution for comfort.
Implementation Method 1
a strip-bendable piece of plastic, which can be placed in the ear piece unit by sliding it through an opening. When the strip is placed in the ear concha and fixed in the bend position, reaction forces in the plastic will try to straighten the strip again and hereby apply the desired inward force to the ear canal.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention regards an ear canal device and a retainer strip, whereby the ear canal device has a distal part for extending into the ear canal and facing the tympanic membrane and a proximal part extending towards the ear canal opening, wherein the proximal part of the ear canal device comprises an opening extending transversely through the ear canal device, and where a retaining strip is arranged with a first end thereof arranged to be fastened in the opening and a second end arranged to lie resiliently against the inside of the concha for exerting a retaining force on the ear canal device.