Visual Ear Irrigation Assembly With Camera-Guided Cleaning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing ear-cleaning methods using forceps or ear spoons are unsafe as users cannot visualize the ear canal during cleaning, leading to potential damage and increased risk of ear diseases.

Innovation Solution

An aurilave apparatus with a water storage tank, housing, and ear-washing assembly that includes a water-pumping motor, nozzle, and transparent baffle for controlled liquid delivery, combined with an optional camera and display for visual guidance, ensuring safe and effective ear cleaning.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If forceps or ear spoons are used for ear-canal cleaning, then cleaning function is achieved, but visibility and control are lacking leading to potential damage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesafety of ear cleaningVSAvoidvisibility and control during cleaning
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates a camera assembly that captures images of the ear canal interior and transmits them to a display device, providing real-time visual feedback to the user. This allows the user to see what is being cleaned and adjust their actions accordingly, eliminating the darkness and lack of visibility that caused safety concerns with traditional tools.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical cleaning tools (forceps, ear spoons) with an automated water-pumping system that uses controlled water flow to clean the ear canal. The water pump provides precise control over the cleaning medium, replacing uncontrolled manual manipulation with a regulated mechanical system that can be safely operated without direct visual contact.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If manual cleaning tools are used, then cleaning action is direct, but lack of control leads to potential damage to ear membrane or canal

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesafety of ear cleaningVSAvoidstructure of cleaning device
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a water-pumping motor that generates controlled water flow through hoses and nozzles to perform the cleaning function. This hydraulic system replaces manual mechanical tools with a fluid-based cleaning mechanism that can be precisely controlled through pressure regulation, providing gentle yet effective cleaning without the risk of mechanical injury.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

Solution Approach 2:

The device integrates multiple functions into a single system: the camera assembly provides visual feedback, the water pump delivers controlled cleaning flow, and the LED lights illuminate the ear canal. This multi-functional integration reduces the need for multiple separate tools and simplifies the overall user experience while maintaining safety.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If water-pumping motor is added to provide controlled water flow, then safety is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesafety of ear cleaningVSAvoidstructure of cleaning device
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the cleaning system into separate functional modules: a water storage tank, a water-pumping motor unit, a camera assembly, and a nozzle system. These segmented modules can be independently manufactured and assembled, reducing the complexity of manufacturing and maintenance while providing controlled water flow for safe cleaning operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 aurilave provides safe and efficient ear cleaning by preventing damage to the ear canal and allowing users to visualize the cleaning process, enhancing safety and practicality.

Implementation Method 1

a water-pumping motor arranged in the housing and electrically connected to the control plate, a water inlet pipe connected to a water inlet of the water-pumping motor at one end thereof, a water outlet pipe connected to a water outlet of the water-pumping motor at one end thereof

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPumping: Pump

Implementation Method 2

an LED lamp plate arranged within the front cover and emitting light in a direction toward the nozzle

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight emission from LED: Light Emitting Diode

Implementation Method 3

a camera assembly including a camera arranged on the ear-washing assembly and a signal-transmitting module arranged on the control plate. The camera is electrically connected to the control plate and arranged close to the nozzle. The signal-transmitting module is configured to transmit video signals captured by the camera to a display apparatus

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectImage capture: Photography

Data Source

PatentUS12611333B2Aurilave and visual aurilave
Publication Date: 2026.04.28 LI WENMING
  • US12611333B2 patent drawing
  • US12611333B2 patent drawing
  • US12611333B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The present invention discloses an aurilave, including: a water storage tank provided with a mounting port; a housing detachably arranged on the mounting port of the water storage tank; and an ear-washing assembly including a control plate arranged in the housing, a water-pumping motor arranged in the housing and electrically connected to the control plate, a water inlet pipe connected to a water inlet port of the water-pumping motor at one end thereof, a water outlet pipe connected to a water outlet port of the water-pumping motor at one end thereof, a nozzle arranged on the water outlet port of the water outlet pipe, and a transparent water baffle arranged on the water outlet pipe.