Ear Protection Kit Using Thin Waterproof Membrane and Adhesive
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Solution Overview
Problem
The complex morphology of the ear makes reliable protection challenging, especially in children with recurrent ear infections who require ventilation devices, where water exposure can lead to inflammation or infection, and enforcing dryness is difficult.
Innovation Solution
A kit comprising a flexible, ovoid-shaped cover sheet made of non-allergenic, waterproof synthetic material, such as polyurethane, with an adhesive substance for secure and watertight application to the ear, allowing easy adaptation and sound wave permeability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a protective device is applied to the ear, then water protection is improved, but sound transmission and visibility are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a thin, flexible membrane (10-100 μm thick) made of elastomeric material that forms a waterproof barrier while being acoustically transparent. The membrane's thinness and elasticity allow sound waves to pass through effectively while blocking water, resolving the contradiction between water protection and sound transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The adhesive substance is applied locally at the periphery of the membrane to secure it to the skin, while the central area remains clear and acoustically transparent. This localized application of adhesive provides secure attachment without blocking sound transmission through the main protective area.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a protective device is applied to the ear, then water protection is improved, but the complexity of application and removal is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The protective device is divided into two separate components: a reusable adhesive substrate and disposable membrane sheets. This segmentation allows the adhesive to be applied once and reused, while the thin membranes can be easily replaced without removing the adhesive, simplifying the overall application and removal process.
Solution Approach 2:
The membrane sheets are designed as disposable, thin, flexible barriers that are easy to apply and remove. After use, the membranes are discarded while the adhesive substrate remains on the skin for continued use, reducing the complexity of repeated applications and removals.
3Strength
If the cover sheet is made thicker, then waterproofing and impact resistance are improved, but flexibility and sound permeability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent specifies a membrane thickness of 10-100 μm, which is thin enough to maintain flexibility and acoustic transparency while providing adequate waterproof protection. This thin film approach achieves the required strength through the inherent properties of the elastomeric material rather than through thickness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes the thickness parameter to a specific range (10-100 μm) that balances multiple requirements: thin enough for flexibility and sound transmission, but thick enough for waterproofing. The elastomeric material properties are selected to provide the necessary strength at this optimized thickness.
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 kit provides effective protection against water and infection risks while maintaining ear visibility and sound transmission, ensuring easy removal without residue or pain, suitable for prolonged wear.
Implementation Method 1
at least one package containing an adhesive substance having an outlet opening allowing the attachment of a cord of this adhesive substance which connects the contour of the patient's ear auricle and the cover sheet
Implementation Method 2
The synthetic material of the soft cover sheet also provides water-resistant properties and is also waterproof
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The present invention relates to a device for protecting a patient's ear comprising i) at least one flexible, ovoid-shaped cover sheet made of a flexible synthetic material with a thickness between 10 and 100 µm, intended to be applied to the ear; ii) at least one container containing an adhesive substance having an extrusion head or a neck allowing the application of a cord of 5 mm or less of this adhesive substance which connects the contour of the patient's ear to the cover sheet; and iii) a detachable protective sheet applied against the outer face of the cover sheet, having a flexibility less than that of the cover sheet.