Smartphone Otoscope Clip Alignment for Clear Ear Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing otoscopes often fail to align properly with smartphone cameras, resulting in unclear images or videos during tele-otoscopy due to misalignment issues.
Innovation Solution
A clip mechanism with a screw clamp assembly and alignment tab is used to attach an otoscope to a smartphone, allowing precise alignment of the otoscope's viewing portion with the camera, aided by on-screen alignment images.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a simple attachment method is used to join the otoscope to the smartphone, then the ease of operation is improved, but the alignment precision between the otoscope viewing portion and the camera deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a clip assembly as an intermediary device between the otoscope and smartphone. This clip assembly includes alignment features such as alignment tabs that work with alignment indicators on the smartphone, providing a mediator mechanism that ensures precise alignment without requiring complex direct attachment methods between the otoscope and camera.
Solution Approach 2:
The alignment tab and alignment indicator system performs preliminary alignment action before the final attachment is secured. The user can visually align the otoscope with the camera by matching the alignment tab with the alignment indicator displayed on the smartphone screen, ensuring proper positioning before tightening the attachment.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a fixed attachment structure is used to secure the otoscope to the smartphone, then the stability of the connection is improved, but the adjustability for alignment deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The clip assembly incorporates a dynamic adjustment mechanism that allows the otoscope to be positioned and adjusted for alignment, then secured in place. The clip can be opened to allow movement and adjustment, and when closed, provides stable fixation, thus transitioning from a static to a dynamic system that combines both adjustability and stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment system is segmented into adjustable components including the clip assembly with movable parts that allow alignment adjustment, and a securing mechanism that provides stable fixation. This segmentation allows different parts of the attachment system to perform different functions - adjustment and stabilization - separately and sequentially.
Data Source
AI summary
A device for attaching an optical element, such as an otoscope, to a smart phone for diagnosing and/or identifying problems of an outer ear, a middle ear, and/or an ear canal of a patient. The device may comprise a main body. The main body may comprise an aperture and a first engagement member configured to engage with a second engagement structure that belongs to the optical element. A first surface may be connected to the main body and configured may be to contact a first smart phone surface. A piston may be provided that may comprises a second surface that may be parallel to the first surface and may be configured to contact a second smart phone surface. A threaded knob may be provided and may be connected to the piston through the aperture.