Disposable Speculum with Adhesive for Ear Canal Foreign Body Removal

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for removing foreign bodies from the ear canal are challenging due to the small size and sensitivity of the area, requiring assistance and often resulting in unintentional injury or further insertion of the object, especially in pediatric patients, and existing tools like forceps and suction can cause trauma or require sedation.

Innovation Solution

A speculum with a pressure-sensitive adhesive supported by its tip, designed to guide the adhesive away from contamination and maintain a clear view of the foreign body, allowing continuous visualization and stabilization during removal.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional forceps are used to grasp the foreign body, then removal may be successful for certain soft or organic materials, but the most common foreign bodies are smooth surfaced which are not easily grasped with traditional forceps

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveforeign body removal success rateVSAvoidapplicability to different foreign body types

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the fundamental parameter of the removal tool from mechanical grasping (forceps) to adhesive bonding (pressure-sensitive adhesive). This parameter change enables the tool to effectively remove smooth-surfaced foreign bodies that cannot be grasped by traditional forceps, while maintaining effectiveness across various foreign body types through adhesive properties.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If a specialized probe with pressure-sensitive adhesive is used, then foreign body removal may be improved, but the probe tip is difficult to maneuver to the foreign body without contaminating the pressure-sensitive adhesive with earwax or the like

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveforeign body removal effectivenessVSAvoidease of maneuvering and contamination control

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The speculum is nested within the otoscope, with the adhesive applied to the inner surface of the speculum. This nesting arrangement allows the speculum to be inserted first to stabilize the ear canal and provide a clean environment, followed by the adhesive application that is protected from contamination by the speculum's structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The speculum acts as an intermediary between the otoscope and the adhesive. It provides a clean, controlled surface for adhesive application and maintains the adhesive in a protected position, preventing direct contact with earwax and other contaminants while still allowing the adhesive to reach the foreign body.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If the adhesive is applied directly to the otoscope tip, then foreign body removal is enabled, but the adhesive may be contaminated by earwax and the view of the foreign body may be obstructed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveforeign body removal capabilityVSAvoidadhesive contamination and visualization obstruction

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system is segmented into three distinct components: the otoscope for visualization, the speculum as a protective intermediate structure, and the adhesive applied to the speculum's inner surface. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function without interfering with the others, maintaining both contamination control and clear visualization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

4Reliability

If assistance from multiple persons is used to stabilize the patient and provide illumination, then foreign body removal may be more successful, but the complexity and time required for the procedure increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocedure success rateVSAvoidnumber of personnel required

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The speculum-adhesive system performs multiple functions simultaneously: it stabilizes the ear canal, provides a clean surface for adhesive application, maintains clear visualization of the foreign body, and enables effective removal. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for additional personnel to assist with stabilization and illumination, as the speculum itself provides these functions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 effective and safe removal of foreign bodies from the ear canal without the need for sedation or additional assistance, minimizing the risk of injury and trauma, while maintaining clear visualization through the otoscope.

Implementation Method 1

a pressure-sensitive adhesive supported by the tip of the speculum

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure-sensitive adhesive: Adhesive

Data Source

PatentUS11759365B2Disposable speculum with adhesive surface

Publication Date: 2023.09.19 WISCONSIN ALUMNI RES FOUND

AI summary

A disposable speculum for an otoscope provides an attached forward-facing pressure sensitive adhesive for adhering to and extracting foreign bodies from the ear canal. Attaching the pressure sensitive adhesive to the speculum permits improved control, visualization, and reduced contamination of the pressure sensitive adhesive.