Earwax Removal Tip with Flared Base Plate
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Solution Overview
Problem
The use of audio devices, earbuds, and sound protector ear plugs can push earwax deeper into the ear canal, leading to complications such as hearing reduction due to earwax buildup, and conventional methods like Q-tips can further block and damage the ear canal.
Innovation Solution
A device with a flared design and solid base plate on the tip, combined with a handle that limits excessive insertion, featuring a spinning mechanism and optional syringe system for liquid dispensing, to safely remove earwax without damaging the eardrum.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional methods like Q-tips are used to clean the ear, then earwax removal is attempted, but earwax is pushed deeper into the ear canal causing blockage and potential damage
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of inserting a tip into the ear canal to remove earwax (conventional approach), the device uses a flared base design that expands within the ear canal to create negative pressure and suction, pulling earwax outward through the flared opening. This inverts the traditional insertion direction and mechanism, preventing earwax from being pushed deeper while safely removing it without damaging the eardrum.
2Adaptability or versatility
If audio devices and earbuds are used, then hearing protection or audio enjoyment is achieved, but earwax is pushed deeper into the ear canal causing hearing reduction
Solution Approach 1:
The device converts the harmful effect of earwax accumulation (which causes hearing reduction) into a beneficial cleaning mechanism. The flared base design creates a suction effect that actively removes earwax, transforming the problem of earwax buildup into an opportunity for effective ear cleaning, thereby preventing hearing reduction while maintaining audio device usability.
3Productivity
If the tip is designed to reach deep into the ear canal for effective cleaning, then earwax removal is improved, but the risk of contacting and damaging the eardrum increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device inverts the traditional approach by using a flared base that expands within the ear canal to create suction, pulling earwax outward through the flared opening rather than relying on a long tip to reach deep areas. This design achieves effective earwax removal while physically preventing the tip from contacting the eardrum, thereby maintaining both productivity and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The flared base acts as an intermediary mechanism between the cleaning action and the eardrum. Instead of a direct contact tip reaching the eardrum, the flared base creates a suction field that mediates the earwax removal process, allowing effective cleaning while maintaining a safe distance from the eardrum and eliminating the risk of direct contact and damage.
Data Source
AI summary
In one example, we describe a method and apparatus for cleaning the ear canal of cerumen contaminants, dust, and particulates. That includes a handle and replaceable tips, a combination of a flared design and solid base plate attached to the bottom of the tips, limiting the excessive insertion of the tip into the deep area of ear canal that could contact eardrum, which can seriously damage the eardrum and hearing capabilities. The handle has a slot in the front in which a tip can snap into, and as the whole system is secured together, the user can operate the system by spinning the handle, using fingers, e.g., in a clockwise direction, as the user proceeds to insert the tip in the ear canal. Different variations are also presented here.