Middle Ear Pressure Equalization Mouthpiece With Jaw-Guided Nose Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Individuals with Eustachian tube dysfunction face difficulties in equalizing middle ear pressure during activities like diving, flying, or riding in elevators, and conventional methods such as the Edmonds technique are complex and require significant effort to learn.
Innovation Solution
A device with a biting section, nasal section, and actuating section connected via force transmission, allowing for a simplified sequence of movements to achieve pressure equalization by guiding the lower jaw forward and sealing the nose, mimicking the Edmonds technique.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional pressure equalization methods (Edmonds technique) are used, then pressure equalization can be achieved, but the sequence of movements is complex and requires considerable effort to learn
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a mechanical device with a biting section, nose section, and actuating section that serves as an intermediary tool. The device guides the user's jaw movement and nose closure through its mechanical structure, transforming the complex multi-step Edmonds technique into a simpler operation where the user only needs to bite down and exhale. The device's geometry and force transmission mechanism automatically perform the coordinated jaw and nose actions required for pressure equalization.
2Reliability
If the Eustachian tube is narrow or partially blocked, then pressure equalization becomes difficult, but the device should still enable effective equalization
Solution Approach 1:
The device enables parameter changes in the pressure equalization process by mechanically controlling the timing and magnitude of jaw movement and nose closure. The actuating section allows the user to adjust the force applied, which translates to controlled movement of the biting section and sealing of the nose section. This mechanical amplification and coordination of movements can generate sufficient pressure differential to open even narrow or partially blocked Eustachian tubes.
3Ease of operation
If the device structure is simplified, then ease of operation improves, but the ability to transmit force effectively between sections may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The device is segmented into three functional sections (biting section, nose section, actuating section) connected by force transmission elements. This segmentation allows each section to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall simplicity. The biting section interfaces with teeth, the nose section seals the nostrils, and the actuating section provides mechanical advantage for the user's finger movement. The force transmission connections between these segments are designed to be simple yet effective, using basic mechanical elements like links or rigid connectors that efficiently transmit the user's input force to produce the required jaw movement and nose closure.
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
Enables reliable and reproducible pressure equalization in the middle ear, facilitating learning and practice of the necessary movements without complex sequences, even in cases of Eustachian tube dysfunction.
Implementation Method 1
the biting section, nasal section, and actuating section are spaced apart from one another and connected to each other in a force-transmitting manner
Implementation Method 2
the biting section has at least one first retaining element to form a stop for the user's lower row of teeth
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a device for carrying out a pressure compensation between a middle ear of a user and surroundings of the middle ear, the device comprising at least one bite portion (1) for receiving at least one portion of the user's lower row of teeth, at least one nose portion (2) for closing the user's nose and at least one actuation portion (3) for the manual actuation of the device by the user in order to carry out the pressure compensation, wherein the bite portion (1), nose portion (2) and actuation portion (3) are spaced apart from one another and are connected to one another in a force-transmitting manner, and wherein the bite portion (2) has at least one first retaining element (4) in order to form a stop for the user's lower row of teeth.