Ergonomic Ear Cleaner Spoon Structure for Better Wax Removal

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing ear cleaners are inefficient in effectively removing ear wax and other debris from the ear, lacking ergonomic design for user comfort and ease of use.

Innovation Solution

A handle with a groove and transverse gripping portion, a spoon with a bowl for scooping debris, and a disc for easy manipulation, all made of injection-molded plastic, providing ergonomic features for enhanced user control and efficiency in ear cleaning.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If existing ear cleaners are used, then the structure is simple, but the effectiveness of ear wax removal is poor

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveeffectiveness of ear wax removalVSAvoidstructure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The ear cleaner is divided into distinct functional segments: a handle for manipulation, a disc for positioning, and a spoon with bowl for wax removal. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function, improving overall effectiveness while maintaining reasonable complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines multiple functions into a single integrated device: the handle provides grip, the disc enables rotation and positioning, and the spoon performs the cleaning action. This merging of functions into one tool improves reliability compared to using separate tools, while the complexity remains manageable through unified design

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Ease of operation

If existing ear cleaners are used, then the manufacturing process is simple, but the user comfort and ease of use are poor

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser comfort and ease of useVSAvoidmanufacturing process complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The handle is designed with curved surfaces and the disc provides rotational movement capability, creating an ergonomic shape that conforms to natural hand positioning. This curvature improves grip comfort and ease of operation during the twisting motion required for ear wax removal

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Solution Approach 2:

The disc component enables dynamic rotation of the spoon relative to the handle, allowing the user to adjust the angle and position of the bowl during insertion and cleaning. This dynamic adjustment capability significantly improves ease of operation and user comfort

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of operation

If existing ear cleaners are used, then the device is simple to manufacture, but the user control and manipulation are difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser control and manipulationVSAvoidstructural features

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The disc is pre-positioned between the handle and spoon, establishing a fixed pivot point that enables controlled rotation. This preliminary structural arrangement allows the user to easily manipulate the spoon angle during use without requiring complex adjustment mechanisms

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The disc acts as an intermediary component between the handle and spoon, providing a rotational joint that mediates the transfer of user input from the handle to the cleaning spoon. This intermediate element enables smooth manipulation and precise control of the spoon's position and orientation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS12478506B2Ear cleaner

Publication Date: 2025.11.25 QUEST PRODUCTS LLC

AI summary

An ear cleaner is provided that includes an elongated handle, a spoon, and a disc intermediate the spoon and the disc.