Automatic Wax Guard Design for Hearing Instruments
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wax guard systems for hearing instruments are often manually generated through trial and error in 3D modeling, leading to inefficiencies and inconsistencies in fitting each individual ear, and lack adaptive algorithms for automatic positioning.
Innovation Solution
A computerized method using adaptive algorithms and feature recognition to automatically generate and position wax guards based on specific ear impressions, allowing for customizable wax guard systems with adjustable parameters for precise fitting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If wax guard systems are manually generated through trial and error in 3D modeling, then flexibility in design exploration is maintained, but productivity and consistency are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs automatic wax guard generation using algorithms that independently analyze ear impression geometry and compute optimal wax guard designs without requiring manual iterative adjustments, thereby eliminating the trial-and-error process while maintaining design quality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical 3D modeling process with an automated computational system that uses algorithms to generate wax guard designs, substituting human manual operations with automated software-based processing
2Adaptability or versatility
If empirical trial and error methods are used for wax guard design, then adaptability to individual ears is limited, but manufacturing simplicity is maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The system tailors the wax guard design to each individual ear by analyzing specific geometric features of the ear impression and generating customized wax guard parameters that adapt to the unique characteristics of each patient's anatomy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent automatically adjusts wax guard design parameters based on the analyzed ear impression geometry, transforming fixed empirical designs into adaptive parameterized designs that optimize fit and protection for each individual case
3Manufacturing precision
If automated feature recognition algorithms are implemented for wax guard positioning, then positioning precision is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual positioning methods with automated feature recognition algorithms that computationally identify key anatomical features and calculate optimal wax guard positions, substituting human judgment with algorithmic precision
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a digital 3D representation of the ear impression and performs virtual positioning and visualization of the wax guard design on this digital model before manufacturing, allowing for precise positioning verification without physical trial-and-error
Data Source
AI summary
A method and appertaining system provide for automatically adding a wax guard to a hearing aid shell impression. The location of a canal, tip of the canal, and central line of the impression are automatically identified in a digital 3D representation of a hearing aid shell impression. A first wax guard plane is determined at a predefined flip distance from the canal tip along the central line, and a second wax guard plane is determined at a predefined canal tip offset distance from the canal tip along the central line. A size and position for a feature of the wax guard is calculated based on predefined parameters, and the wax guard is constructed utilizing the calculated side and position. The type of wax guard can be a bell bore design, an open design, a Philip design, or a flip design.