External Ear Molding Structure for Atraumatic Infant Correction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing non-surgical corrective devices for external ear deformities in newborns and young infants are not customized for their delicate skin and smaller ear size, often causing harm or inadequate results, and may be too bulky or exert excessive force, leading to further deformities.

Innovation Solution

A non-surgical corrective apparatus with a corrective component and attachment element, using atraumatic materials like silicone and bendable metal wires, is designed to mold and reshape the ear over time, ensuring secure fit and minimal trauma.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional corrective devices are used on newborns and young infants, then ear deformity correction is achieved, but the delicate skin is harmed or further deformities are caused due to excessive force and improper sizing

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesafety for delicate infant skinVSAvoidskin trauma and further deformities

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The device changes physical parameters including material selection (medical-grade silicone, hypoallergenic materials), dimensional scaling (smaller size appropriate for infant ears), and force modulation (reduced pressure suitable for delicate cartilage) to resolve the contradiction between achieving correction and avoiding harm to infant skin

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The device applies different properties to different regions: softer materials contact the skin directly, rigid components provide structural support away from skin, and pressure distribution is optimized locally across the ear surface to correct deformities without causing trauma

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Reliability

If conventional corrective devices are used on newborns and young infants, then ear deformity correction is attempted, but the devices are too bulky and do not provide appropriate fit for smaller ear size

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveeffectiveness of correctionVSAvoiddevice size relative to infant ear

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The device is divided into multiple components including a headpiece, ear-specific corrective elements, and adjustable straps, allowing each segment to be optimized for the smaller scale of infant ears while maintaining overall functionality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The device dimensions are scaled down to match infant ear size, with adjustable parameters allowing customization to fit different ear shapes and sizes appropriately

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If conventional corrective devices are used on newborns and young infants, then ear deformity correction is pursued, but unnecessary pain is caused due to excessive physical force

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecorrection effectivenessVSAvoidpain and discomfort to infant

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The device modulates the force parameter to apply gentle, sustained pressure rather than excessive force, using material properties and structural design to achieve correction through gradual remodeling without causing pain

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The device replaces aggressive mechanical correction methods with gentler mechanisms including elastic compression, positional molding, and time-dependent remodeling forces that achieve correction without pain

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Reliability

If conventional corrective devices are used on newborns and young infants, then ear deformity correction is attempted, but the devices exert too much force causing further deformities

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecorrection successVSAvoidiatrogenic deformities from treatment

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The device carefully controls force parameters, pressure distribution, and application duration to achieve correction while staying below thresholds that would cause cartilage damage or create new deformities

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The device incorporates protective features such as cushioning materials, pressure-distributing surfaces, and design elements that prevent excessive force concentration before it can cause harm

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Data Source

PatentUS12558248B2Corrective apparatus for deformed external ear

Publication Date: 2026.02.24 EARGEAR LLC

AI summary

A non-surgical corrective apparatus for a deformed external ear is described. The corrective apparatus may be worn externally to correct a deformity or malformation on the external ear through molding over a period of time. In one aspect, the corrective apparatus includes a corrective component configured for contacting a target surface of the external ear and maintaining a desired shape to reshape the deformity; and an attachment element configured for placement around a helix of the ear for remodeling the outer portion of the helix and securing the corrective component against the target surface. The attachment element is strong enough to maintain the corrective component in place during the time period of use and sufficiently atraumatic to avoid causing any harm or further deformities to the patient's ear during use or removal.