Photocurable Polymer Ear Insert for Custom Fit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Custom-fit earpieces are costly and require a time-consuming fitting process, making them inaccessible to many consumers who seek high auditory performance at a lower economic price point.
Innovation Solution
A customizable ear insert made of photocurable polymer that can be shaped using a light source to conform snugly to the user's ear, with a method for calibration involving feedback modules and a communication means to achieve a precise fit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If custom-fit earpieces are used to achieve superior noise suppression and comfort, then auditory performance is improved, but production cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The earpiece body automatically conforms to the ear canal shape through self-adjustment mechanisms, eliminating the need for professional fitting services. The material adapts to the user's anatomy on its own, providing custom-fit benefits without requiring audiologist visits or specialized manufacturing processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes materials with specific physical properties that change under certain conditions (such as temperature or humidity) to adapt the earpiece shape. By changing material parameters like flexibility or moldability, the earpiece can conform to different ear shapes using standardized manufacturing processes, reducing costs while maintaining custom-fit performance.
2Reliability
If custom-fit earpieces are used to achieve superior noise suppression, then auditory performance is improved, but the fitting process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The earpiece performs self-fitting by automatically adapting to the user's ear canal shape without requiring professional intervention. The design incorporates self-adjusting mechanisms that eliminate complex fitting procedures, making the product accessible to consumers who cannot visit audiologists.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of having the fitting process adapt to the user's ear, the invention inverts the approach by having the earpiece material adapt to the ear shape automatically. This reversal of the traditional fitting paradigm simplifies the process from complex professional procedures to simple user insertion.
3Ease of operation
If custom-fit earpieces are used to achieve superior comfort and noise suppression, then user experience is improved, but time for fitting increases
Solution Approach 1:
The earpiece is pre-designed with materials and structures that automatically adapt to the user's ear shape upon insertion. The self-conforming action occurs immediately during the insertion process itself, eliminating the need for separate fitting sessions or adjustments, thereby reducing the total time investment required.
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 solution provides a cost-effective, customizable ear insert that offers superior noise suppression and comfort, allowing users to listen at safer volume levels for extended periods without the need for expensive audiologist visits.
Implementation Method 1
the body can be cured into a second shape by application of light generated by the light source
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a customizable ear insert for fitting within a user's outer ear or ear canal or both and methods therefor. In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a customizable ear insert having: a body formed of photocurable polymer, the body having a first shape configured for insertion into the outer ear canal of a user; a light source, the light source positioned adjacent the body, and wherein the body can be cured into a second shape by application of light generated by the light source, the second shape snugly conforming to the interior surface of the user's outer ear or ear canal or both.