Elastic Sheath for Ear Thermometer Ejection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ear thermometers face challenges in providing a simple and efficient mechanism for attaching and detaching disposable sheaths, which complicates the structure and makes the ejection process cumbersome, leading to potential cross-infection risks and user discomfort.
Innovation Solution
A sheath design with a cylindrical body featuring an engaging fitting part that can deform and disengage from the engaging element, allowing for easy attachment and detachment without a fixed structure, utilizing a recess part and bendable part to store energy for elastic ejection, simplifying the structure and enhancing user convenience.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a fixed structure and pushing structure are added to the sheath for fixing and ejecting, then the sheath can be securely attached and removed, but the sheath structure becomes more complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the fixed structure and pushing structure into a single integrated engaging fitting part. The elastic deformation of this single structure accomplishes both the attachment (when deformed outward to engage with the probe) and the ejection (when deformed inward by the pushing mechanism), eliminating the need for separate components and simplifying the overall sheath design.
Solution Approach 2:
The engaging fitting part is designed as an elastic structure that can dynamically deform between two states: an expanded state for engaging with the probe during attachment, and a contracted state for disengaging during ejection. This dynamic behavior allows a single structure to perform multiple functions that would traditionally require separate components.
2Device complexity
If the sheath structure is simplified by removing fixed and pushing structures, then the sheath becomes easier to manufacture and use, but the attachment and ejection mechanisms become insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes changes in the physical state of the engaging fitting part through elastic deformation. By changing the shape parameter (deforming outward for attachment, deforming inward for ejection), the single structure achieves both secure attachment and reliable ejection functions, compensating for the removal of separate fixed and pushing structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic engaging fitting part serves itself by using its own deformability to accomplish both attachment and ejection functions. When deformed outward, it automatically engages with the probe; when deformed inward by the pushing mechanism, it automatically disengages. This self-service capability eliminates the need for separate dedicated structures for each function.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a disposable sheath is used for each measurement, then cross-infection is prevented, but the complexity of repeatedly attaching and removing sheaths increases
Solution Approach 1:
The dynamic elastic deformation of the engaging fitting part enables quick attachment by simply deforming outward to engage with the probe, and rapid removal by deforming inward to disengage. This dynamic mechanism significantly reduces the time and complexity of repeated sheath changes compared to traditional fixed structures, making disposable sheath usage more convenient.
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 solution provides a simpler and more efficient mechanism for attaching and detaching the sheath, reducing the risk of cross-infection and user discomfort while maintaining the accuracy of ear temperature measurements.
Implementation Method 1
the bendable part can be bent and deformed toward the cylindrical body
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
Embodiments provide a sheath for an ear temperature measurement apparatus and an ear temperature measurement device. When applied the sheath (400), an engaging element (200) of the ear temperature measurement apparatus is engaged and fixed with the sheath (400), so the sheath (400) is engaged and fixed with the ear temperature measurement apparatus. When the engaging element (200) moves toward a proximal end (A) of the ear temperature measurement apparatus, it pulls the sheath (400) to deform toward the proximal end of probe housing (110), so that the sheath (400) stores energy until the engaging element (200) is separated from the sheath (400), then the sheath (400) is ejected toward the distal end (B) under its own elasticity. The fixation and disassembly of the sheath (400) relative to the probe (100) requires no separate fixing and ejected structures and makes the structure simpler and the ejection operation more convenient.