Self-Administered Ear Rinsing Assembly with Integrated Fluid Collection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ear rinsing methods require additional assistance for fluid application and collection, which can be inconvenient and inefficient, especially for self-administration, as they often require a specific entry angle and additional containers to manage the fluid flow and collection effectively.
Innovation Solution
A dispensing assembly with a sealed housing, actuator, and collector system that allows for self-administered ear rinsing by providing a conduit for fluid dispensing and collection, featuring a channel support to maintain fluid passage under pressure and a collector that conforms to the user's face to catch exiting fluid without interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional ear rinsing methods are used, then fluid can be dispensed into the ear canal, but additional assistance and containers are required for fluid application and collection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the fluid dispensing function and fluid collection function into a single integrated device. The housing contains both the fluid reservoir with dispensing mechanism and the collection chamber with opening facing the user, eliminating the need for separate containers and assistance for fluid application and collection.
Solution Approach 2:
The device performs multiple functions within a single unit: it stores fluid, dispenses fluid into the ear canal, and collects the fluid that exits. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for additional aids and makes self-administration practical.
2Productivity
If fluid is dispensed at high pressure, then fluid can effectively enter the ear canal, but fluid exit may be interfered with and cause discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The device segments the fluid flow process into distinct phases: a high-pressure dispensing phase for effective fluid entry into the ear canal, and a low-pressure collection phase for smooth fluid exit. The housing design allows the user to control the timing and separation of these phases, preventing interference between incoming and outgoing fluid.
3Ease of operation
If the device is designed for self-administration, then user convenience is improved, but the device must accommodate various user positions and orientations
Solution Approach 1:
The collection chamber opening is positioned to face the user, creating a three-dimensional arrangement where the fluid path extends outward from the dispensing opening toward the user. This spatial configuration allows fluid to exit smoothly regardless of the user's head orientation or device positioning angle.
Data Source
AI summary
An assembly for dispensing fluid is described. In some implementations, an assembly can include a housing containing fluid, where the housing includes a conduit. The assembly can also include an actuator operably attached to the conduit of the housing. The actuator can include a body portion surrounding a cavity; a tip portion having a fluid path that is fluidly connected to the cavity, the cavity being fluidly connected to the conduit, and a channel support including a fluid passage space under pressure. The assembly can further include a collector having a collection zone configured to collect the fluid dispensed by the actuator.