Lighted Suction Device for Ear Canal Visualization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current ear suction techniques are 'blind' procedures, making it difficult for operators to accurately visualize the suction tip during cerumen removal, as they lack intrinsic illumination and visualization, which can complicate the removal of ear wax and foreign objects in the ear canal.
Innovation Solution
A lighted suction device with a light pipe member made of transparent material and an integral suction channel, equipped with a white LED light source for illumination and a magnifying lens for enhanced visualization, allowing for better visualization during the procedure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional metal suction catheter is used, then the device structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the operator cannot visualize the suction tip accurately during the procedure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the suction catheter with a light pipe member into a single integrated device. The light pipe is embedded within the catheter structure, merging the illumination function with the suction function. This allows the operator to visualize the suction tip while maintaining a relatively simple overall device structure that can be manufactured as an integrated unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The light pipe acts as an intermediary element that transmits light from a remote source to the suction tip location. Instead of placing a light source directly at the tip (which would complicate the device), the light pipe mediates by conducting light through its length to illuminate the working area, enabling visualization without adding complex local components.
2Ease of operation
If operating microscope or magnifying loupes with head-lamp are used for visualization, then the suction tip can be visualized, but the procedure becomes more complex and requires additional equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the illumination system directly into the suction catheter by integrating a light pipe member within the catheter structure. This eliminates the need for separate head-lamps or microscope illumination systems, as the light source and light transmission path are now part of the suction device itself, reducing the number of additional equipment pieces required.
Solution Approach 2:
The lighted suction catheter becomes a multi-functional device that combines suction capability with self-illumination. Instead of requiring separate equipment for illumination (head-lamp) and suction (catheter), the single device performs both functions, making the system more universal and reducing equipment complexity.
3Illumination intensity
If the light pipe member is made of transparent material with low haze, then light transmission is improved, but the material selection and manufacturing become more constrained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent specifies particular parameter ranges for the light pipe material (transparent with low haze) to optimize light transmission. By defining these material parameters, the invention balances the need for effective illumination with manufacturability, as materials meeting these criteria are well-established in optical applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The light pipe member requires specific optical properties (transparency, low haze) only in the portions where light transmission is needed, while other parts of the overall device can use different materials optimized for their specific functions. This localized requirement for special material properties reduces the overall manufacturing constraints.
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 lighted suction device provides both illumination and visualization, enabling more precise and effective removal of ear wax and foreign objects from the ear canal, reducing the risk of complications and improving procedural accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
a light pipe member extending from a proximal end to a tip that is composed of a transparent material with low haze so as to allow light to travel down the light pipe member from the proximal end to the tip
Data Source
AI summary
A lighted suction device comprises a light pipe member extending from a proximal end to a tip so as to allow light to travel down the light pipe member from the proximal end to the tip, and a suction channel integral to the light pipe member or a suction catheter member that is affixed to the light pipe member having an opening at the tip of the light pipe member and a connector at its proximal end for connection to a source of vacuum. The tip of the light pipe member is introduced into a body orifice, suction is applied wax, debris, a foreign object, or the like in the body orifice, and the light pipe member is withdrawn to remove the wax, debris, and/or foreign object.