Handheld Olfactory Tester with Sealed Wick Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing olfactory test devices are either expensive, complex, or difficult to administer, lacking a cost-effective, easy-to-use, handheld solution for measuring olfactory thresholds and functions in clinical settings.
Innovation Solution
A handheld olfactory tester with an elongated housing and a movable odorant chamber, featuring a wick and nozzle system sealed by O-rings, allowing one-handed operation and efficient odorant vapor release, with optional features like audio cues and air pressure for enhanced vapor emission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a complex olfactometer is used to measure olfactory thresholds accurately, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases and cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into distinct functional segments: an odorant reservoir, a wick mechanism, a plunger system, and a seal assembly. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while keeping the overall device simple and manufacturable
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-loaded plunger system automatically advances the wick and controls odorant release without requiring external mechanical or electronic actuation. The device self-regulates the odorant delivery through elastic potential energy storage and release, eliminating the need for complex control systems
2Measurement precision
If a complex olfactometer is used to measure olfactory thresholds accurately, then measurement precision is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The odorant reservoir and wick assembly are designed as disposable or easily replaceable components. This allows the expensive precision elements to be minimized while using inexpensive consumable parts that can be manufactured at low cost and replaced when depleted
Solution Approach 2:
The device uses variations in wick material properties, reservoir geometry, and spring tension to control odorant delivery parameters. These parameter adjustments provide measurement precision without requiring complex mechanical or electronic subsystems that would increase manufacturing cost
3Ease of operation
If Sniffin' Sticks are used for smell testing, then ease of operation is improved, but two hands are needed for administration
Solution Approach 1:
The plunger mechanism is designed to be actuated by thumb pressure, converting a simple linear pressing motion into wick advancement and odorant release. This dynamic mechanical advantage allows one-handed operation while maintaining control over the odorant delivery process
Solution Approach 2:
The plunger acts as an intermediary between the user's thumb and the wick/odorant system. It translates simple thumb pressure into controlled wick advancement and seal engagement, enabling one-handed operation without requiring direct manipulation of multiple components
4Ease of operation
If end cap is removed from Sniffin' Sticks to administer test, then ease of operation is improved, but odorant dries out if end cap is not replaced
Solution Approach 1:
The seal function is extracted from a separate end cap and integrated into the plunger-seal assembly that moves with the wick. This allows the sealing action to be automatically coupled with odorant exposure, eliminating the need for separate cap removal and replacement operations
Solution Approach 2:
The seal is positioned and engaged in advance through the plunger mechanism before odorant release. As the plunger advances, it automatically engages the seal with the reservoir opening, ensuring sealing occurs preliminarily and automatically as part of the same motion that exposes the odorant, preventing evaporation without requiring separate capping actions
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
Enables accurate, quick, and cost-effective olfactory threshold testing, suitable for clinical use, improving patient assessment and monitoring with ease of use and reduced odorant waste.
Implementation Method 1
A wick extends from the odorant chamber forwardly into a nozzle carried at the forward end of the chamber
Implementation Method 2
An elongated spring biases the odorant chamber and nozzle backwardly into its rear sealed position when the thumb collar is released
Data Source
AI summary
A hand held olfactory tester includes an elongated housing (12) with an opening at its forward end (30) thereof. An odorant chamber (22) located within the housing moveable axially between a forward (FIG. 4) and a backward position (FIG. 5). A wick (34) extends from the odorant chamber forwardly into a nozzle (32) carried at the forward end of the chamber. A thumb collar (24) located around the outside of the housing allows to move the odor chamber and nozzle forwardly. The forward end of the wick exposed to outside through the opening when moved forward so that vapors from the odorant can be smelled by a patient. O-rings (40, 42) seal the nozzle from the outside when in backward position to prevent vapors from escaping. An elongated spring (28) biases the odorant chamber and nozzle backwardly into its rear sealed position when the thumb collar is released.