Ear Canal Sensor Housing With Detachable Earmold Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for recording physiological parameters in the ear canal face challenges in ensuring optimal sensor positioning, reliable measurement, and cost-effectiveness, particularly due to complex electrical connections and the need for interchangeable components for fitting and cleaning.
Innovation Solution
A device with a tube and housing design that integrates sensors directly into the ear canal, using a detachable earpiece for secure positioning and easy cleaning, eliminating miniaturized connectors and allowing for multiple sensor types, such as photodiodes and LEDs, to measure parameters like pulse rate and temperature.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If existing sensor technology is used, then basic physiological parameters can be measured, but the sensors are too large to be comfortably inserted into the ear canal and lack the ability to measure multiple parameters simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor system is divided into multiple independent sensing elements (accelerometer, gyroscope, magnetometer, barometer, temperature sensor, humidity sensor) that can be independently integrated into a single compact device, allowing each sensor to be optimized for its specific function while collectively providing comprehensive measurement capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple sensing functions are nested within a single compact sensor housing, with each sensor element integrated into the same structural unit, enabling the device to maintain small overall dimensions while incorporating diverse measurement capabilities
2Volume of moving object
If the earbud is made compact for comfort, then it can be inserted into the ear canal, but the battery capacity is reduced and wireless charging capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical wireless charging system (requiring large battery and charging coil) is replaced with an optical wireless power transmission system using light, enabling compact earbud design while maintaining wireless charging capability through photovoltaic conversion of optical energy
Solution Approach 2:
The power transmission medium is changed from electromagnetic waves (requiring large coils and batteries) to optical energy (light), allowing significant reduction in battery capacity and device size while maintaining wireless power transfer functionality
3Adaptability or versatility
If more sensors are integrated into the earbud, then more physiological parameters can be measured, but the device becomes more complex and harder to manufacture
Solution Approach 1:
A single earbud device integrates multiple sensing functions (motion, orientation, environmental conditions) into one unified platform, allowing the device to perform diverse measurement tasks without requiring separate specialized equipment for each parameter
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 reliable, precise, and cost-effective measurement of physiological parameters with easy cleaning and adaptation to individual ear canals, reducing manufacturing costs and improving user convenience.
Implementation Method 1
The wireless charging case comprises a housing, a battery, a charging circuit, a light source coupled to the charging circuit, and a photovoltaic layer coupled to the charging circuit. The photovoltaic layer is configured to be exposed to light from the light source
Implementation Method 2
an acoustic transducer configured to detect one or more parameters in the ear canal using acoustic energy
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 2C~2D
AI summary
The invention relates to an apparatus for detecting physiological parameters, which apparatus is insertable into an ear canal. The apparatus has a hose line for insertion into the ear canal and a housing connected to the hose line. The hose line comprises, on a distal end facing the eardrum when worn, a largely cylindrical portion. At least one sensor device for detecting physiological parameters is integrated in the housing. The largely cylindrical portion is formed having at least one sensor opening for at least one sensor component for detecting physiological parameters. The at least one sensor opening is spaced apart from the longitudinal axis LA of the largely cylindrical portion at a distance Isensoröffnung. A hearing aid for output of sound signals can furthermore be integrated in the apparatus, making the apparatus suitable for applying sound to the eardrum. The invention furthermore relates to an earmold for removable attachment to the largely cylindrical portion of the hose line of the apparatus, wherein the earmold is attached thereto such that the at least one sensor opening lies in the direct vicinity of or comes into contact with an inner surface of the ear canal.