Non-Uniform Inflatable Membrane for 3D Ear Canal Scanning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current techniques for capturing three-dimensional data inside inflated membranes, such as in the human ear canal, are inadequate and require improved inflatable membranes that can effectively capture data in specific environments.

Innovation Solution

The development of inflatable membranes with non-uniform inflation characteristics, integrated three-dimensional scanning systems, and various mediums like liquids or gases that selectively absorb light, along with fiducials and optical coatings, to enhance data capture and processing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If uniform inflation is used in the membrane, then the membrane inflates evenly, but the data capture precision and three-dimensional shape calculation accuracy deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvethree-dimensional shape calculation accuracyVSAvoidinflation uniformity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by creating non-uniform inflation characteristics in specific regions of the membrane. The membrane includes varying thickness regions, reinforced zones, or localized stiffness variations that cause different parts of the membrane to inflate at different rates or to different extents, thereby achieving precise three-dimensional shape control for accurate data capture while maintaining overall structural integrity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Ease of operation

If the membrane is made highly elastic for easy inflation, then the ease of operation improves, but the manufacturing precision of three-dimensional shape calculation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of inflationVSAvoidthree-dimensional shape calculation accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs parameter changes by systematically varying the elastic properties, thickness, or material composition of different membrane regions. This allows the membrane to exhibit controlled non-uniform inflation behavior where certain areas are more compliant for easy inflation while other areas maintain structural rigidity for precise shape definition, thereby resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and measurement accuracy

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If the membrane thickness is increased for structural stability, then the reliability improves, but the measurement precision of interior cavity data capture deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidinterior cavity data capture accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies segmentation by dividing the membrane into distinct functional zones with different thickness characteristics. Thinner regions are positioned where high measurement precision is required for interior cavity data capture, while thicker reinforced regions are located at structural support points or boundaries, thereby achieving both reliability and measurement precision simultaneously

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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

Enables improved three-dimensional imaging of interior spaces by providing controlled inflation, precise data capture, and accurate shape calculation, suitable for environments like the human ear canal and other anatomical structures.

Implementation Method 1

The medium may selectively absorbs one wavelength of light more than another wavelength of light. The three-dimensional scanning system may calculate a distance through the medium to a point on the interior using a ratio of two different wavelengths of light.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSelective light absorption: Absorption (EM radiation)