Stethoscope Head Adjustable Frequency Diaphragm Groove

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional stethoscopes are difficult to assemble, require skilled personnel, and lack adjustability in sound frequency and intensity, leading to discomfort and reduced hearing effectiveness when switching between frequencies.

Innovation Solution

A stethoscope head design with an adjustable audio frequency mechanism, featuring an annular groove and diaphragm configuration that allows for easy assembly, reduced pressure requirements, and improved sealing with a washer and sealing ring, enabling continuous adjustment of sound intensity and frequency without skilled assistance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the diaphragm is fastened to the head body by a fastener that wraps an annular step, then the diaphragm is securely fixed, but it becomes difficult to change the λ angle and requires more effort to press the head body

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvediaphragm fixation stabilityVSAvoideffort to change frequency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a movable diaphragm footing that can slide along the inner side surface of the annular groove. This dynamic structure allows the diaphragm to transition between different positions (pressing against the annular protrusion for high frequency, or relaxed for low frequency) without requiring permanent fastening changes, thus maintaining secure fixation while enabling easy frequency switching

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the geometric parameter of the annular groove by forming an obtuse angle between the inner side surface and bottom surface. This parameter change creates a mechanical advantage that reduces the force required to move the diaphragm footing along the groove, making frequency switching easier while maintaining reliable diaphragm fixation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Device complexity

If the diameter of the transverse section of the annular groove is uniform, then the structure is simple, but sound leakage occurs between the diaphragm and contacting surfaces during frequency switching

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveannular groove structureVSAvoidsealing effect
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the geometric parameter of the annular groove by making the diameter of the transverse section variable rather than uniform. The diameter increases from top to bottom, creating a tapered structure that improves sealing by ensuring better contact between the diaphragm footing and the groove surface during frequency transitions, thus preventing sound leakage while maintaining structural simplicity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Stability of the object's composition

If the stethoscope head is designed for dual-frequency listening with fixed components, then the structure is stable, but it is not convenient to assemble and requires skilled personnel

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidassembly convenience
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the stethoscope head into separable components: the diaphragm, the diaphragm footing, the annular groove structure, and the fastener system. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured independently and assembled in a straightforward sequence, reducing assembly complexity while maintaining structural stability through proper interlocking design

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent designs the fastener system and diaphragm footing to work together in a self-aligning manner. The diaphragm footing automatically positions itself within the annular groove during assembly, and the fastener naturally secures the components without requiring precise manual adjustment, enabling unskilled personnel to assemble the device correctly

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

4Device complexity

If the user cannot adjust the sound intensity, then the structure is simple, but users with different audibility and preference cannot optimize their listening experience

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadjustment mechanismVSAvoiduser preference adaptability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates a movable diaphragm footing that can be positioned at different locations along the inner side surface of the annular groove. This dynamic positioning capability allows users to adjust the diaphragm's contact pressure against the annular protrusion, thereby controlling the degree of pressing and optimizing sound intensity according to their individual preferences and audibility requirements

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 design allows for easy assembly, reduced pressure needed to switch frequencies, increased durability of the diaphragm, and user-adjustable sound settings, enhancing comfort and effectiveness in listening to multiple frequency bands.

Implementation Method 1

when a downward force is applied to the diaphragm, the force is decomposed of a horizontal force and a vertical force when applied to the inner side surface of the annular groove

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectForce decomposition:

Implementation Method 2

the upward reacting force applied to the diaphragm is the vertical force provided by the inner side surface of the annular groove

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectReaction force: Reaction (physics)

Implementation Method 3

a washer is disposed on the annular protrusion or a recess is disposed at the annular protrusion. The recess is also provided with a washer, and the washer can improve the sealing ability of the sound collecting chamber

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSealing:

Data Source

PatentEP2559383B1Stethoscope head with adjustable audio frequency
Publication Date: 2019.11.06 WUXI KAISHUN MEDICAL DEVICE MFG CO LTD
  • EP2559383B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP2559383B1 patent drawingFigure 4
  • EP2559383B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

A stethoscope head with adjustable audio frequency includes a head body (14), a diaphragm (12) and a fastener (11). The diaphragm (12) is provided with an annular step (142) and a footing (122). The diaphragm (12) is disposed on a sound collecting surface (5) at the front side of the head body (14) and is fixed on the head body (14) by the fastener (11). The outer marginal part of the front side of the head body (14) is provided with the annular step (142), and a screw thread (143) is provided on a step surface of the annular step (142). An annular groove (144) is provided at the sound collecting surface (5) inside the annular step (142), and the inner surface (148) of the annular groove (144) and the bottom surface (147) of annular groove (144) form an obtuse angle γ. The diaphragm footing (122) is disposed in the annular groove (144). The fastener (11) includes a ring A and a ring B whose upper surfaces are located at the same horizontal plane. The ring B is place in the ring A and the external diameter of the ring B is the same as the internal diameter of the ring A. An inner wall (115) of the ring A is provided with a screw thread (111) which matches with the screw thread (143) on the step surface. The stethoscope head of the invention is convenient to assemble and the sound effect can be adjusted continuously.