Earwax Removal Device With Segmented Ridges

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing ear cleaning devices face challenges in effectively removing earwax and other debris from the ear without damaging the ear canal, often requiring multiple insertions and potentially pushing debris further into the ear.

Innovation Solution

A utility device with a tip portion featuring radially extending ridges and scoops, designed for single insertion and twisting/pulling removal of earwax, minimizing contact with the ear canal surface to prevent damage and efficiently capture debris within the scoops.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If conventional ear cleaning devices are used, then earwax removal is attempted, but the device may push debris further into the ear or damage the ear canal

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedamage to ear canalVSAvoidearwax removal effectiveness

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The tip portion is segmented into multiple ridges that create separate scoops, allowing debris to be captured in discrete compartments rather than being pushed along a continuous surface. This segmentation enables effective removal while minimizing damage risk.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The ridges and scoops are designed to utilize the natural tendency of debris to be pushed by the device, converting this potentially harmful effect into a beneficial one where the scoops capture and contain the pushed debris for removal, rather than leaving it behind or causing damage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

2Productivity

If conventional ear cleaning devices are used, then cleaning is attempted, but multiple insertions are required which increases time and potential for damage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecleaning efficiencyVSAvoidtime for multiple insertions

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The scoops are pre-formed on the tip portion to capture debris during the insertion and removal process itself, eliminating the need for multiple insertions. The structure is designed in advance to perform the complete cleaning function in a single action.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Productivity

If the tip portion contacts the ear canal surface extensively, then more debris may be captured, but the risk of damage and compaction of debris increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedebris capture capabilityVSAvoidcompaction and pushing of debris

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The tip portion is divided into multiple ridges forming discrete scoops, which capture debris in separate compartments. This segmentation allows the device to contact the ear canal surface at multiple points without compacting debris, as each scoop independently captures and contains debris.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different portions of the tip portion have different functions: the ridges contact the ear canal surface to guide debris, while the scoops capture and contain the debris. This local differentiation of quality allows effective capture without excessive contact that would cause damage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS10449092B2Utility device for removing earwax

Publication Date: 2019.10.22 UTILITYTIP COM LLC

AI summary

A utility device is provided for insertion into an ear. The utility device comprises a first tip portion. The first tip portion can include a first end, a base, a plurality of first ridges extending between the first end and the base, and a plurality of second ridges extending between each of the plurality of first ridges. The utility device can include an intermediate region and a central portion. The intermediate portion can connect the central portion to the first tip portion. The central portion can allow a user to grip and/or hold the utility device.