Elastomeric Ear Hygiene Stick with Cantilever Head

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional ear hygiene sticks can cause damage to the eardrum due to their rigid material and design, and the cotton wad may detach inside the ear canal, leading to inconvenience and potential harm.

Innovation Solution

A hygiene stick with elastic heads made of elastomeric materials, supported cantilever-style by a rod, featuring a tapered shape, rounded cap, and through slits for shock absorption and safe ear canal navigation, along with a supporting base to prevent over-insertion, and a corrugated surface for effective cleaning and substance delivery.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If a rigid rod is used for structural support, then the stick maintains its shape and handling properties, but it can cause damage to the eardrum due to its intrinsic rigidity and end-on movement

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural rigidityVSAvoideardrum damage risk

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The stick is divided into two distinct parts: a rigid rod for structural support and handling, and a separate elastic head for ear canal interaction. This segmentation allows each part to fulfill its specific function - the rigid rod provides strength and handling properties, while the elastic head provides safety by deforming under pressure to prevent eardrum damage

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The elastic head acts as an intermediary between the rigid rod and the ear canal. It transmits the structural support from the rod while simultaneously providing a safety buffer that deforms under pressure, preventing the rigid rod from directly contacting and damaging the eardrum

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If a cotton wad is used for hygiene contact, then the surface is soft and comfortable, but it may detach and release inside the ear canal causing inconvenience and potential harm

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomfort and softnessVSAvoidattachment stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses an elastic head made of elastomeric material that maintains its structural integrity while providing a soft, flexible surface for comfortable ear canal interaction. This elastic shell replaces the cotton wad, eliminating the detachment risk while preserving the comfort benefits through its inherent flexibility and softness

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Strength

If the rod is made of rigid material for strength, then the stick maintains structural integrity, but the cotton cannot provide practical attenuation of the rigid core's harmful effects

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverod structural integrityVSAvoidrigid core damage transmission

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The stick is divided into two distinct parts: a rigid rod for structural support and handling, and a separate elastic head for ear canal interaction. This segmentation allows each part to fulfill its specific function - the rigid rod provides strength and handling properties, while the elastic head provides safety by deforming under pressure to prevent eardrum damage

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The elastic head acts as an intermediary between the rigid rod and the ear canal. It transmits the structural support from the rod while simultaneously providing a safety buffer that deforms under pressure, preventing the rigid rod from directly contacting and damaging the eardrum

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 elastic design reduces the risk of eardrum damage by damping thrust and preventing over-insertion, while the corrugated surface and slits facilitate safe and effective ear hygiene with reduced risk of the head detaching from the rod.

Implementation Method 1

The head (3) is made of elastic material... should it be in a condition to apply a thrust that is too strong on the eardrum... the head (3)... yields, elastically deforming, thereby damping said thrust

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

The head (3) is equipped with a corrugated lateral surface... facilitating safe and effective ear hygiene

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical abrasion: Abrasion

Data Source

PatentUS11690764B2Hygiene stick for personal care

Publication Date: 2023.07.04 FOGACCI GRP SRL

AI summary

A hygiene stick (1), for personal care, in particular for ear hygiene, comprises a rod (2) for picking up and handling with the fingers and at least one head (3) supported by said rod (2). The head (3) is made of elastic material and is supported cantilever-style by said rod (2) projecting from the rod along an axial line (5).