Ear Cleaning Device with Electronic Flow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ear irrigation devices lack automated control over fluid flow rate and pressure, leading to discomfort and inefficiency in ear cleaning and wax removal.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a liquid reservoir with a heater, a portable applicator, and a control unit that includes a pump and sensors to regulate temperature, pressure, and flow rate, eliminating the need for a pressure regulator and solenoid valve, allowing for precise control of fluid delivery through a hand-held trigger and nozzle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a pressure regulator and solenoid valve combination is used to create a pulse stream of water, then the ear cleaning function is provided, but the flow rate and pressure control is insufficient and patient comfort is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical pressure regulator and solenoid valve system with an electronically controlled pump system. The pump is driven by a motor whose speed is controlled by a microprocessor, enabling precise electronic control of fluid flow rate and pressure instead of relying on mechanical components that cannot provide sufficient control precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic parameter control by varying the pump motor speed through pulse width modulation (PWM) to precisely control the flow rate and pressure of the irrigation fluid. The system can adjust parameters such as flow rate (e.g., 5-50 mL/min), pressure (e.g., 10-100 mmHg), and temperature (e.g., 37°C ± 2°C) to optimize patient comfort and effectiveness.
2Ease of operation
If automated control is implemented for flow rate and pressure, then patient comfort is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The microprocessor-based control system serves multiple functions: it controls pump motor speed for flow rate regulation, manages heater power for temperature control, monitors sensor data (flow, pressure, temperature), and interfaces with the user through display and controls. This multi-functionality consolidates what would otherwise require separate control circuits into a single integrated system.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback control through sensors that monitor actual flow rate, pressure, and temperature, comparing these measurements against target values set by the practitioner. The microprocessor adjusts pump speed and heater power in real-time based on feedback from these sensors, enabling automated maintenance of optimal irrigation parameters without requiring complex manual control mechanisms.
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 system provides a reliable, effective, and comfortable ear cleaning method by allowing precise control over fluid flow and pressure, enhancing patient comfort and reducing the risk of pain during ear cleaning.
Implementation Method 1
The liquid reservoir includes a heater
Implementation Method 2
The control unit includes a pump
Data Source
AI summary
A system for cleansing a patient's ear is disclosed. The system includes a control unit, a portable applicator, and a liquid reservoir. The liquid reservoir includes a heater. The control unit includes controls for maintaining the temperature of the liquid in the reservoir within certain limits, for limiting the pressure of the liquid, and for varying the flow rate and pressure of the liquid. The portable applicator includes a hand piece, a nozzle connected to the fluid source and mounted on the hand piece, and a trigger for providing a flow control signal to the control unit.