Ear Cleaning Implement with Flexible Tube and Open Cell Foam Head
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current ear cleaning implements, such as cotton swabs and metal/plastic tools, often push wax and dirt deeper into the ear canal, causing injury or fail to effectively remove solids, while liquid cleaners are messy and ineffective for removing solids.
Innovation Solution
An ear cleaning implement with a selectively designed open cell foam, fabric, or bristle-lined cleaning head that can be fixed or removably attached to a handle, featuring a flexible tube for safe insertion and extraction, and optional rotatable or vibrating capabilities to prevent deep insertion and efficiently remove ear wax and dirt.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If cotton fiber tipped swabs are used for ear cleaning, then the implement is simple and easy to use, but it pushes wax and dirt into the inner ear and traps bacteria deep within the ear canal
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of pushing wax outward with a swab, the patent inverts the approach by using a hook-shaped implement that catches and pulls wax outward from the ear canal, reversing the harmful pushing action
Solution Approach 2:
The implement is divided into distinct functional segments: a hook-shaped cleaning head for catching wax, a flexible shaft for navigation, and a handle for control, allowing each segment to perform its specific function optimally
2Strength
If metal and plastic implements are used for ear cleaning, then the implement structure is rigid and durable, but it can injure ear tissues
Solution Approach 1:
The implement uses different material properties in different locations: a flexible, soft cleaning head for safe ear canal contact, and a rigid handle for structural support and control, optimizing both safety and durability
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning head and shaft are made from flexible materials that can bend and conform to the ear canal shape, preventing injury while maintaining structural integrity through controlled flexibility
3Object-affected harmful factors
If rubber and silicone implements are used for ear cleaning, then the implement is soft and comfortable, but it cannot engage and transport wax and dirt from the inner ear
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning head features localized textured surfaces and protrusions on a soft rubber or silicone base, combining comfort with enhanced wax engagement capability through varied surface properties
Solution Approach 2:
The implement combines rubber or silicone base material with added textured surfaces or protrusions, creating a composite structure that maintains softness while adding mechanical engagement features for effective wax transport
4Adaptability or versatility
If liquid ear cleansing drop products are used, then the implement can distribute cleansing fluids, but it cannot remove solids and is messy to use
Solution Approach 1:
The implement merges fluid distribution capability with solid wax removal by integrating a textured cleaning head that can both apply cleansing fluids and mechanically engage and transport wax solids, combining multiple functions in one tool
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning head is designed to perform multiple functions: distributing cleansing fluids, mechanically removing wax solids, and providing a comfortable interface, making the implement versatile for comprehensive ear cleaning
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 effectively traps and extracts ear wax and dirt without causing injury, providing a safe and efficient method for ear cleaning, with options for interchangeable components and use with cleansing fluids for enhanced hygiene.
Implementation Method 1
the implement selectively includes an open cell foam (i.e. sponge), fabric, or bristle lined cleaning head. This construction both enables distribution of cleansing or therapeutic fluids and also can trap solids for extraction
Implementation Method 2
a flexible tube mounted on a stem is utilized for insertion of a cleaning head into the ear canal. The flexible tube houses and compresses a cleaning head in an insertion position and is utilized to provide smooth insertion into the inner ear canal without pushing wax and/or dirt in. Once the flexible tube is inserted, the cleaning head is then advanced out of the flexible tube to an extraction position in the ear canal. In the extraction position, the cleaning head expands
Data Source
AI summary
An implement for cleaning ears is shown and described. The implement may include an elongated handle and assembly designed to connect with the elongated handle that serves as a cleaning head. The assembly may have a plastic cone, rubber overmold designed to fit over the plastic cone, and sponge designed to fit over the rubber overmold. The plastic cone can attach to the elongated handle by way of a screw-on threaded connection, prongs that mate with slits on the plastic cone, or a combination of these. The implement may be part of a kit also including a container of containing oil foam having oil, soap, and water; a package containing a supply of liquid permeable pads impregnated with antibacterial liquid; and a spray container containing antibacterial liquid. Optionally, the kit also includes a container containing a supply of liquid permeable pads impregnated with an astringent agent.