Integrated Ear Probe Illumination and Sealing Detection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current ear probes face challenges in achieving proper placement and sealing in dark environments, leading to suboptimal audiological testing due to poor visibility, which can result in attenuated sound responses and increased 'REFER' results from outer ear occlusions or debris.
Innovation Solution
An ear canal obstruction detecting acoustical stimulation ear probe with integrated light or variable frequency emitters, a microprocessor, and sensors to aid in probe placement and sealing, including a camera for imaging and a sensor to ensure proper seating, allowing for improved visualization and real-time monitoring of ear canal conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a separate torch (flashlight) is used to illuminate the ear canal during probe placement, then visibility is improved, but the examiner's hands are tied up and probe positioning becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the illumination function and probe positioning function into a single integrated device. The ear probe includes an integrated light source that illuminates the ear canal while the examiner positions the probe, eliminating the need to hold a separate torch and allowing hands-free illumination during probe placement.
2Illumination intensity
If additional light sources are used to illuminate the ear canal, then probe placement visibility is improved, but sleeping subjects such as young children are disturbed and may wake up
Solution Approach 1:
The illumination is localized to the immediate area of the ear canal being examined. The light source is positioned at the tip of the probe, providing focused illumination only where needed (in the ear canal), rather than general room lighting that would disturb sleeping subjects. This allows probe placement in dark environments without waking children.
3Reliability
If proper probe placement and sealing are achieved, then audiological test performance is improved, but the complexity of the device increases due to integrated illumination and detection components
Solution Approach 1:
The ear probe is designed as a multi-functional device that combines several functions into a single unit: acoustic stimulation, otoacoustic emission recording, illumination, and probe placement verification. The light source serves multiple purposes - illuminating the ear canal for visualization and verifying proper probe placement by detecting light reflection from the eardrum. This integration improves reliability while managing complexity through functional consolidation.
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
Enhances probe placement accuracy, reduces 'REFER' results by enabling effective detection and removal of occlusions, and improves test performance by ensuring better fitting and sealing without additional light sources, minimizing disruption to subjects, especially young children.
Implementation Method 1
The passageway may be open or translucent, such as when an optical cable is housed within the housing interior. A light source is associated with the housing passageway and powered by the power source to pass through the passageway and illuminate the outer ear
Implementation Method 2
An acoustical stimulator, such as an acoustical transducer, which sends sound signals and receives otoacoustical signals is mounted within the housing passageway
Implementation Method 3
A frequency emitter is associated with the housing passageway to radiate energy from the passageway into the ear canal to identify wax or other obstructions for removal before sound testing
Data Source
AI summary
An illuminated acoustical stimulation ear probe with outer ear illumination and a probe-fit status indicator.