Hearing Screening Probe Integrating OAE and Tympanometry Modules
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current hearing screening systems are bulky, unsafe, and inefficient due to continuous pumps in tympanometry devices, which can cause pressure damage and require multiple hardware changes for OAE and tympanometry tests, leading to prolonged screening times and potential over- or under-referrals.
Innovation Solution
A compact hearing screening system integrating an otoacoustic emission (OAE) module and a tympanometry module with a fixed displacement pump subsystem that limits pressure and includes a probe with a pump system, pressure sensor, and sound receivers, allowing for simultaneous and safe performance of OAE and tympanometry tests without hardware changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stress or pressure
If continuous pumps are used in tympanometry systems to produce pressure differentials, then pressure control capability is improved, but device size and bulk increase due to large motors and peristaltic pumps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the continuous pump and its associated large motor from the tympanometry system. Instead, it uses a fixed displacement pump with a limited stroke that is driven directly by the audio frequency signal, eliminating the need for a separate continuous drive motor and significantly reducing device size while maintaining pressure control capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the pump drive function with the audio frequency signal already present in the system. The audio signal directly drives the fixed displacement pump through a coupling mechanism, merging two functions (audio delivery and pressure generation) into a single integrated system rather than requiring separate continuous motors.
2Stress or pressure
If continuous pumps are used in tympanometry systems, then pressure differential generation is improved, but the system becomes bulky due to large motors connected to peristaltic pumps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the complex continuous motor-drive system entirely. The fixed displacement pump is driven directly by audio frequency signals through a simple coupling mechanism, eliminating motors, belts, and control electronics associated with continuous pumps, thereby reducing system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical continuous motor-drive system with an acoustic drive system. The audio frequency signal itself provides the mechanical drive for the pump through direct coupling, substituting a complex mechanical motor system with a simpler acoustic-field-driven mechanism.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple hardware changes are performed between OAE and tympanometry tests, then test versatility is improved, but screening time increases and efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a single probe and pump system that can perform both OAE and tympanometry tests without hardware changes. The fixed displacement pump generates pressure differentials for tympanometry while the same probe and audio system deliver stimuli for OAE testing, making the system universal for multiple test types and eliminating time-consuming hardware transitions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the OAE and tympanometry test capabilities into a single integrated testing sequence using the same hardware. The probe, pump, and audio system are used continuously for both test types without removal or replacement, combining multiple test functions into one unified operational workflow.
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 system provides a safe, efficient, and compact solution for performing OAE and tympanometry tests, reducing the risk of pressure damage and streamlining the screening process, while minimizing false positives and negatives, thus improving the effectiveness of hearing screenings.
Implementation Method 1
The pump subsystem may be a fixed displacement pump subsystem that limits applied maximum and minimum air pressure
Implementation Method 2
a pressure sensor in communication with the probe
Implementation Method 3
The low level sound is known as the otoacoustic emission
Implementation Method 4
a first sound receiver in communication with the probe through a first sound tube
Data Source
AI summary
A hearing screening system for testing hearing abilities of a patient includes an otoacoustic emission (OAE) module operable to perform OAE tests, a tympanometry (tymp) module operable to perform tymp tests, and at least one probe in communication with at least one of the OAE and tymp modules. The probe includes a probe tip that is configured to be positioned within an ear canal of a patient.