Segmented Filter Device for Audiologic Probes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional filter devices for audiologic test equipment are costly to manufacture and alter the acoustic properties of probes when cerumen is trapped, reducing their functionality.
Innovation Solution
A filter device comprising two parts with filter structures joined together to form a filter element with specific openings, allowing sound and air to pass while preventing cerumen entry, manufactured using plastic molding and ultrasonic welding for cost-effectiveness and ease of replacement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional filter devices are used to trap cerumen, then cerumen prevention is achieved, but acoustic properties are altered and functionality is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The filter device is divided into two separate parts: a first part with a first filter structure and a second part with a second filter structure. These parts are joined together to form a complete filter element. The segmentation allows each part to contribute differently to cerumen trapping while maintaining acoustic properties, resolving the contradiction between effective cerumen prevention and preservation of acoustic functionality.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If openings of very small dimensions are used in filter device, then cerumen prevention is improved, but manufacturing cost increases due to difficulty in carving or piercing
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing the filter into two parts with different filter structures, the manufacturing complexity is distributed. Each part can be manufactured using simpler processes such as plastic molding, avoiding the need for expensive precision piercing or carving operations required for single-piece filters with small openings.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the manufacturing parameters by transitioning from precision piercing/carving operations to plastic molding processes. This parameter change enables cost-effective production of filters with appropriately sized openings while maintaining ease of manufacture.
3Ease of manufacture
If filter device is made as single piece, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but functionality is reduced when cerumen accumulates
Solution Approach 1:
The filter element is segmented into two joinable parts, enabling easy replacement when cerumen accumulates. The first part with first filter structure and second part with second filter structure can be separated and replaced independently, maintaining functionality while keeping the manufacturing process relatively simple.
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, reliable, and consistent filter device that maintains acoustic properties by effectively preventing cerumen entry and allowing easy replacement, ensuring high-quality audiologic test measurements.
Implementation Method 1
the first filter structure and the second filter structure define a filter element with a first set of filter openings for the first channel
Implementation Method 2
manufactured using plastic molding and ultrasonic welding for cost-effectiveness and ease of replacement
Data Source
AI summary
A filter device for a hearing test probe and a method of manufacturing a filter device are disclosed. The filter device extends along a center axis in a first direction from a first end to a second end. The filter device comprising: a first part having a first filter structure, a second part having a second filter structure, a first channel extending along the center axis. The first part and second part are joined together, and the first filter structure and the second filter structure define a filter element with a first set of filter openings for the first channel.