Ear Interface Mechanism for Stable Cymba Concha Biosensor Contact
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current treatments for Poor Cerebral Blood Flow (CBF) are inadequate, as pharmacological approaches are contraindicated for hypertensive patients, mechanical interventions are inconvenient, and lifestyle modifications are hard to adhere to, leading to a need for an effective and adoptable solution to manage CBF and prevent debilitating dizziness and falls.
Innovation Solution
A wearable biosensing system that non-invasively measures brain blood flow using a biometric sensor positioned in the ear, analyzing arterial waveforms to detect and predict CBF changes, and provides real-time alerts and coaching through an open-ear audio device to prevent presyncope, syncope, and falls.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a biometric sensor is positioned in the ear to measure cerebral blood flow, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases due to the need for secure retention mechanisms and biosensor contact assurance
Solution Approach 1:
The wearable device is nested within the concha of the ear, utilizing the natural ear anatomy as a housing structure. The retention mechanism integrates the biosensor, retention element, and ear interface mechanism into a compact nested assembly that fits within the concha space, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
An ear interface mechanism acts as an intermediary between the biosensor and the ear tissue. This interface includes a retention element that mediates the mechanical connection, ensuring the biosensor maintains proper contact pressure with the arterial tissue while protecting the sensor from direct exposure to ear canal environment.
2Reliability
If compression socks or airbag belts are used for mechanical intervention, then cerebral blood flow is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to daily inconvenience of donning and doffing
Solution Approach 1:
The earwearable device leverages the natural geometry of the ear concha to automatically retain the device in place. The retention element engages with the concha's curved surface, allowing the device to self-retain without requiring straps, clips, or complex fastening mechanisms. This eliminates the daily donning and doffing inconvenience while maintaining reliable cerebral blood flow monitoring.
Solution Approach 2:
The device transitions from linear compression (socks/belts) to three-dimensional conformal fitting within the ear concha. By utilizing the vertical and radial dimensions of the concha space, the device achieves secure retention through geometric interlocking rather than mechanical fastening, significantly improving ease of operation.
3Reliability
If lifestyle modifications are recommended, then cerebral blood flow is improved, but adherence deteriorates due to burden of behavior change
Solution Approach 1:
The device incorporates real-time cerebral blood flow monitoring with immediate feedback to the user. The biosensor continuously measures arterial blood flow parameters and provides real-time alerts when cerebral blood flow drops below threshold levels, enabling users to make instant behavioral adjustments (e.g., slow down transitions, take breaks) without needing to remember or plan lifestyle modifications in advance.
Solution Approach 2:
The device provides predictive alerts based on detected trends in cerebral blood flow parameters. By analyzing real-time data, the system can warn users of impending blood flow drops before they occur, allowing users to take preliminary actions (such as sitting down or adjusting posture) to prevent syncope or falls, rather than relying on memory of lifestyle recommendations.
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 effectively prevents presyncope, syncope, and falls by providing immediate alerts and coaching, improving safety and reducing medical costs associated with falls in elderly populations.
Implementation Method 1
obtain, using the biometric sensor, biometric data relating to a blood flow waveform of one or more arteries near the target location
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosed wearable insert is designed for positioning a biometric sensor within the cymba concha of a user's ear. The insert includes a first portion configured to abut the antihelix of the ear, and a second portion designed to be disposed within the cymba cavum. The insert also features a cavity to hold the biometric sensor. When positioned within the ear, the engagements between the insert portions and the ear apply retention force vectors that press the biometric sensor medially toward the skin surface of the cymba concha. The insert may also include a shim, a nose portion, and a light-sealing gasket. The insert can be customized to fit the user's ear based on a two or three-dimensional smartphone-facilitated scan of the ear.