Spring-Loaded Ear Tube Insertion Device with Integrated Suction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ear ventilation tube insertion devices often require discrete perforation and insertion steps, leading to prolonged procedures and discomfort, especially in young patients, and lack automated processes for simultaneous perforation, insertion, and aspiration.
Innovation Solution
A device with a rigid shaft and flexible tube, featuring a spring-loaded plunger assembly and suction mechanism, allowing for automated near-simultaneous tympanic membrane perforation, ventilation tube insertion, and aspiration via a single button activation, with a perforating blade attached to the ventilation tube for precise and efficient insertion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If discrete perforation and insertion steps are used, then the procedure is simpler to perform, but the procedure time is prolonged and patient discomfort increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the perforation function and ventilation tube insertion function into a single integrated device. The perforating blade and ventilation tube are positioned on the same shaft, allowing both functions to be performed in one continuous motion without requiring separate discrete steps, thereby reducing procedure time while maintaining operational simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The perforating blade is pre-positioned at the distal end of the shaft before the procedure begins. This preliminary positioning allows the blade to be immediately available for perforation when the device is inserted, eliminating the need for separate preparation steps and enabling rapid transition to the insertion phase.
2Device complexity
If manual perforation is used, then the device structure is simpler, but the precision and reliability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The perforating blade is designed to automatically perform the perforation function when the device is inserted into the ear canal. The blade's position and orientation are predetermined, allowing it to self-effect the perforation without requiring manual manipulation by the operator, thereby improving precision while keeping the device structure relatively simple.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If near simultaneous perforation and insertion are achieved, then patient discomfort is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device is segmented into distinct functional components (shaft, perforating blade, ventilation tube, suction tube) that are arranged linearly along the same axis. This segmentation allows each component to perform its function independently yet simultaneously, reducing patient discomfort through rapid sequential action while maintaining a manageable device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The suction tube is nested within the shaft, and the ventilation tube is positioned on the shaft alongside the perforating blade. This nested arrangement allows multiple functions (perforation, insertion, and suction) to be integrated in a compact configuration, reducing patient discomfort through simultaneous operation without excessively increasing device complexity.
4Productivity
If automated perforation and insertion are implemented, then productivity is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The shaft serves multiple functions: it provides structural support, positions the perforating blade, holds the ventilation tube, and contains the suction tube. This multi-functionality allows automated perforation and insertion to be achieved without requiring separate dedicated components for each function, thereby improving productivity while limiting the increase in device complexity.
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 device minimizes patient discomfort by facilitating rapid and automated perforation and insertion, reducing the time between steps and enabling immediate aspiration, thus improving the efficiency of the procedure.
Implementation Method 1
A vacuum can be provided so as to suction fluid contained in an ear canal and/or middle ear into the suction tube
Implementation Method 2
a spring-loaded plunger, at least a portion of which is located within the flexible tube
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~5
AI summary
Improved spring loaded insertion device (10) for use with ventilation tubes whereby perforation and insertion steps take place substantially simultaneously with an aspiration step following. The device comprise a a plunger retrieval button (44) for returning the device to a ready position and a suction hole (24) located on the top portion of the plunger retrieval button.