Myringotomy Tool Retractable Blade Ear Tube Delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current myringotomy procedures involve multiple tools and complex steps, which can complicate the process and reduce precision, especially in terms of making incisions and inserting ear tubes.
Innovation Solution
A myringotomy device with a retractable cutting tool and a mechanism for delivering an ear tube, allowing for a streamlined process where the cutting tool extends beyond the elongated tube to make an incision and then retracts to create a fluid conduit, while the ear tube is delivered through the same tube.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple separate tools are used for cutting and delivering ear tubes, then each tool can be optimized for its specific function, but the overall device complexity and number of tool management steps increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the cutting tool and ear tube delivery tool into a single integrated myringotomy device. The cutting tool with blade is integrated within the same device housing as the ear tube delivery mechanism, allowing both functions to be performed with one instrument rather than requiring separate tools. This merging reduces tool management complexity while maintaining the functional capabilities of both cutting and delivery operations.
2Manufacturing precision
If a retractable cutting tool is used, then precision control during incision is improved, but the device structure becomes more complex with additional retraction mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The cutting tool is nested within the elongated tube of the device. The blade can be extended beyond the tube tip for precise incision making, then retracted back into the tube for safety and to create fluid communication. This nesting arrangement allows precision control during the cutting phase while minimizing the exposed cutting element during non-use, effectively managing the complexity through spatial organization rather than additional mechanical systems.
3Ease of operation
If the cutting tool extends beyond the tube during incision, then cutting accessibility is improved, but safety risk increases when the blade is exposed
Solution Approach 1:
The cutting tool is designed with dynamic extendability, allowing the blade to be extended beyond the tube tip only when needed for making the incision. During non-cutting phases, the blade remains retracted within the tube. This dynamic configuration provides cutting accessibility when required while minimizing blade exposure time and risk, creating a safe-operational balance through controlled state changes rather than permanent exposure.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If the blade is retracted into the tube after incision, then safety is improved by reducing exposure, but fluid conduit creation requires additional mechanism coordination
Solution Approach 1:
The retraction of the cutting tool and the creation of the fluid conduit are merged into a single coordinated action. When the cutting tool is retracted into the elongated tube, it simultaneously creates the fluid communication pathway from the tube tip to the housing. This combined action eliminates the need for separate mechanisms to establish fluid flow, reducing overall device complexity despite the coordinated movement required.
Data Source
AI summary
A myringotomy device includes a housing; an elongated tube extending from the housing; and a retractable cutting tool extendable through the elongated tube, the cutting tool comprising a blade. The cutting tool is configured such that when advanced, the blade of the cutting tool extends beyond a distal end of the elongated tube. The cutting tool is also configured such that when retracted, the blade is retracted into the elongated tube and a fluid conduit is created from the distal end of the elongated tube to the housing.