Ear Canal Sensor Device With Elastic Wing Element
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for measuring physiological parameters in the external auditory canal face challenges due to varying ear sizes and shapes, requiring individual adaptation, and struggle with cross-contamination when used by multiple patients, especially in medical settings where hygiene standards must be maintained.
Innovation Solution
A device with a hose line and housing that includes a wing element with restoring force to automatically adapt to the ear canal, featuring multiple sensor components for precise measurement, and an elastic umbrella for stable positioning, which can be easily detached and replaced to prevent cross-contamination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the sensor elements remain in contact with the skin of the external auditory canal to measure physiological parameters with high resolution, then measurement precision is improved, but the device requires individual adaptation to different ear canal sizes and shapes, increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The wing element is designed as an elastic, deformable structure that dynamically adapts to the specific geometry of the user's ear canal. Instead of a fixed rigid structure requiring manual adjustment, the wing element flexes and conforms to the contours of the ear canal, automatically achieving proper sensor contact without individual adaptation procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The wing element possesses self-adjusting capability through its elastic properties, automatically positioning itself to make contact with the ear canal wall at the correct location. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for user intervention or professional fitting, as the device adapts to different ear canal geometries on its own.
2Productivity
If the device is used by several different patients to improve productivity, then cross-contamination risk increases, but maintaining hygiene standards requires stricter protocols
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into two distinct segments: a reusable housing containing the electronics and a disposable wing element with sensor components. This segmentation allows the hygiene-critical portion that contacts the patient's ear to be easily separated and discarded after a single use, while the main device body can be reused after simple cleaning, thus maintaining productivity while eliminating cross-contamination risks.
Solution Approach 2:
The wing element is designed as a low-cost, single-use component that is discarded after one patient use. This disposable approach ensures that no cross-contamination can occur between patients, as each new patient receives a completely fresh, sterile wing element. The low cost of this component allows frequent replacement without significantly impacting overall device productivity.
3Measurement precision
If manual adjustment of the device to anatomical characteristics is performed to achieve proper sensor contact, then ease of operation is reduced, but measurement precision can be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The wing element transitions from a static, manually-adjustable component to a dynamic, self-adapting structure. Its elastic material properties enable it to automatically conform to the ear canal's anatomical characteristics upon insertion, eliminating the need for manual positioning while maintaining precise sensor contact with the ear canal wall.
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 high-resolution measurement of physiological parameters without the need for manual adjustment and effectively prevents cross-contamination by allowing easy replacement of components between users, ensuring hygiene standards are met.
Implementation Method 1
The wing element can have a restoring force, so that, when the device is worn, the at least one first sensor component can be brought into contact with skin of the external auditory canal by the restoring force of the at least one wing element
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a device for measuring physiological parameters insertable into an external auditory canal of a human and to a method for measuring physiological parameters in an external auditory canal of a human.