Imaging Ear Speculum with Internal Camera Track
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional ear speculums used in otological examinations and surgeries face challenges such as obstructed views due to the surgeon's hands and tools, limited access for surgical instruments, and the need for a 'third hand' to manage endoscopes, which can lead to ergonomic issues and inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
An imaging ear speculum with a hollow truncated cone design featuring internal tracks and a flexible imaging system that can be slid and rotated within the speculum, allowing for independent positioning of a camera and illumination modules off the central axis, preserving space for surgical tools and eliminating the need for manual support.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If an endoscope is used for visualization, then the view beyond the distal opening is improved, but a third hand is required to manage the endoscope
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging system is merged with the speculum body, combining the visualization function and the structural support into a single integrated device. The camera module is positioned within the speculum housing, eliminating the need for a separate endoscope held by a third hand.
Solution Approach 2:
The speculum acts as an intermediary structure that houses and positions the imaging system. Rather than directly manipulating an endoscope, the surgeon manipulates the speculum which in turn positions the camera, reducing manual dexterity requirements.
2Measurement precision
If the surgeon uses both hands for tool manipulation, then surgical precision is improved, but the view is obstructed by hands and tools
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging system is positioned in a different spatial dimension relative to the surgical field. The camera is located within the speculum structure rather than being held externally, allowing visualization from a dimension that does not obstruct the surgeon's hands and tools.
3Ease of operation
If a self-retaining speculum is used, then the need for manual holding is reduced, but the distal opening size is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The speculum is segmented into functional components: the housing structure, the imaging system, and the distal opening. This segmentation allows the distal opening to be optimized for size while the housing accommodates the imaging system, resolving the trade-off between opening size and imaging capability.
4Device complexity
If the imaging system is positioned on the central axis, then alignment is simplified, but space for surgical tools is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging system is positioned asymmetrically within the speculum housing, offset from the central axis. This asymmetric positioning creates a balanced distribution of space, maintaining simplified alignment while preserving adequate volume for surgical tool manipulation.
Data Source
AI summary
An improved imaging ear speculum is disclosed. The speculum retains a small imaging module such as a camera near is distal opening. The imaging module is retained in a carrier, which is slid into a track or guide in an interior wall of the speculum. Improved specula may also include annular inflatable bladders arranged on their outside distal surface, which bladders can engage with the patient's ear and render the speculum selectively self-retaining.