THE SAME

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a stethoscope head and a stethoscope assembly having the same, and more particularly to a switchable stethoscope head for selective detection of sounds at different frequency ranges.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0002] Stethoscope is a medical device for auscultation. It is often used to listen to the sounds of the heart, lung, and other internal organs of a target subject. As each sound have distinct frequency features, conventional stethoscope head includes a two-sided chestpiece that is consisted of a diaphragm side or a bell side. The diaphragm transmits high frequency sounds, while the bell transmits low frequency ones. A user of the stethoscope may observe different sounds of the subject by flipping the stethoscope head between the diaphragm side and the bell side.

[0003] However, flipping sides for auscultating different frequency sounds requires the stethoscope head to be completely lifted off from and reattach to the body of the subject, which reduces the precision of sound localization and lengthens the auscultation process. Therefore, there is a need for a multi-frequency stethoscope that simplifies and ensures precision of the auscultation process.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0004] An objective of the present disclosure is to improve precision of auscultation.

[0005] Another objective of the present disclosure is to provide a more efficient stethoscope head that needs not be flipped sides during auscultation.

[0006] An embodiment of the present disclosure provides a switchable stethoscope head. The switchable stethoscope head comprises a main body and a switching mechanism. The main body comprises a solid structure, a first acoustic chamber, a second acoustic chamber, and a passage element. Both of the first acoustic chamber and the second acoustic chamber are formed in the solid structure and configured for receiving sounds. The passage element is also formed in the solid structure and is connected to the first acoustic chamber and the second acoustic chamber. The switching mechanism is disposed in the passage element and configured for allowing selective blockade of a first fluid communication between the passage element and the first acoustic chamber and a second fluid communication between the passage element and the second acoustic chamber.

[0007] Preferably, the main body further has a hole formed an at an end of the passage element. The switching mechanism is switchable between a first state and a second state. When the switching mechanism is in the first state, the second fluid communication is blocked by the switching mechanism, and the sounds received by the first acoustic chamber are transmitted through the passage element and pass through the hole on the main body. When the switching mechanism is in the second state, the first fluid communication is blocked by the switching mechanism, and the sounds received by the second acoustic chamber are transmitted through the passage element and pass through the hole on the main body.

[0008] Preferably, the switching mechanism further comprises a third state. When the switching mechanism is in the third state, both of the first acoustic chamber and the second acoustic chamber are in fluid communication with the passage element.

[0009] Preferably, the passage element further comprises two sub-passages are coupled to the first acoustic chamber and the second acoustic chamber, respectively, the first acoustic chamber has a first opening and the second acoustic chamber has a second opening. The first opening and the second opening are located at a same side of the switchable stethoscope head away from the passage element.

[0010] Preferably, a diameter of the first opening of the first acoustic chamber is between 2.7-3.0 cm, and a diameter of the second opening of the second acoustic chamber is between 4.7-5.0 cm.

[0011] Preferably, the first acoustic chamber is further configured for amplifying a first frequency range between 100-2000 Hz of the sounds, and the second acoustic chamber is further configured for amplifying a second frequency range between 1-800 Hz of the sounds.

[0012] Preferably, the solid structure and the switching mechanism comprise a complementary mechanism for positioning the switching mechanism. [0013] Preferably, the complementary mechanism comprises an engaging structure formed in the solid structure and a plurality of concaves formed on a surface of the switching mechanism facing to the engaging structure , the complementary mechanism is so configured that when a portion of the engaging structure is engaged in one of the concaves, the first fluid communication or the second fluid communication is blocked by the switching mechanism.

[0014] Preferably, the engaging structure comprises an elastic portion and a rigid object connected to the elastic portion, and the elastic portion allows the rigid object to engage the corresponding concave in response to a position of the switching mechanism.

[0015] Preferably, the switchable stethoscope head further comprises a lever connected to the switching mechanism and configured for driving motion of the switching mechanism.

[0016] Preferably, the switchable stethoscope head further comprises a diaphragm set configured for covering the first opening of the first acoustic chamber and the second opening of the second acoustic chamber.

[0017] Preferably, the diaphragm set further comprises a membrane holder and at least one diaphragm membrane corresponding to the first opening of the first acoustic chamber and the second opening of the second acoustic chamber respectively

[0018] Another embodiment of the present disclosure provides a stethoscope head. The stethoscope head comprises the aforementioned switchable stethoscope head, and a complementary mechanism engaged to the passage element.

[0019] Preferably, the complementary mechanism comprises an engaging structure, the switching mechanism comprises a plurality of concaves, the concaves are forms on a surface facing to the engaging structure, thus a portion of the engaging structure is engaged in one of the concaves. The switching mechanism and the complementary mechanism allow selective blockade of a first fluid communication between the passage element and the first acoustic chamber and a second fluid communication between the passage element and the second acoustic chamber.

[0020] Preferably, the engaging structure further comprises an elastic portion located at a same side of the stethoscope head as the first acoustic chamber and the second acoustic chamber, and a rigid object connected to the elastic portion. The elastic portion allows the rigid object to engage the corresponding concave in response to a position of the switching mechanism.

[0021] Preferably, the switching mechanism is switchable between a first state and a second state. When the switching mechanism is in the first state, the second fluid communication is blocked by the switching mechanism, and the sounds received by the first acoustic chamber are transmitted through the passage element and pass through the hole on the main body. When the switching mechanism is in the second state, the first fluid communication is blocked by the switching mechanism, and the sounds received by the second acoustic chamber are transmitted through the passage element and pass through the hole on the main body.

[0022] Preferably, the switching mechanism further comprises a third state, and when the switching mechanism is in the third state, both of the first acoustic chamber and the second acoustic chamber are in fluid communication with the passage element.

[0023] Preferably, the passage element further comprises two sub-passages coupled to the first acoustic chamber and the second acoustic chamber, respectively. The first acoustic chamber has a first opening and the second acoustic chamber has a second opening, and first opening and the second opening are located at a same side of the switchable stethoscope head away from the passage element.

[0024] Preferably, a diameter of the first opening of the first acoustic chamber is between 2.7-3.0 cm and the second opening of the second acoustic chamber is between 4.7-5.0 cm.

[0025] Preferably, stethoscope head further comprises a diaphragm set. The diaphragm set comprises a membrane holder, and at least one diaphragm membrane corresponding to the first opening of the first acoustic chamber and the second opening of the second acoustic chamber respectively.

[0026] Preferably, the first acoustic chamber is further configured for amplifying a first frequency range between 100-2000 Hz of the sounds, the second acoustic chamber is further configured for amplifying a second frequency range between 1-800 Hz of the sounds.

[0027] Preferably, stethoscope head further comprises a lever, coupled to the switching mechanism; and a conduit having two ends and one of the two ends connected to the main body.

[0028] In sum, in the switchable stethoscope head according to the various embodiments of the present disclosure, the position of the switching mechanism in the passage element allows the switching mechanism to selectively block the sounds received from the first acoustic chamber or the second acoustic chamber from entering the passage element. As a result, the user may switch to different states to observe sounds of different frequencies without having to flip sides of the stethoscope head during auscultation. Therefore, the present disclosure improves precision of auscultation and simplifies the auscultation process.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029] The accompanying drawings illustrate one or more embodiments of the present invention and, together with the written description, explain the principles of the present invention. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers are used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like elements of an embodiment.

[0030] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a stethoscope assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0031] FIG. 2 is an exploded view of a stethoscope assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0032] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a stethoscope assembly in the first state in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0033] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a stethoscope assembly in the second state in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0034] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a stethoscope assembly in third state in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0035] In accordance with common practice, the various described features are not drawn to scale and are drawn to emphasize features relevant to the present disclosure. Fike reference characters denote like elements throughout the figures and text.

DETAIFED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0036] The present invention will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings illustrating various exemplary embodiments of the invention. The present invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the disclosure to those skilled in the art. Like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout.

[0037] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the disclosure. As used herein, the singular forms“a”,“an” and“the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises” and/or“comprising,” or“includes” and/or“including” or“has” and/or “having” when used herein, specify the presence of stated features, regions, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, regions, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

[0038] It will be understood that the terms "and/or" and“at least one” include any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. It will also be understood that, although the terms first, second, third etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, parts and/or sections, these elements, components, regions, parts and/or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element, component, region, part or section from another element, component, region, layer or section. Thus, a first element, component, region, part or section discussed below could be termed a second element, component, region, layer or section without departing from the teachings of the present disclosure.

[0039] Referring to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a stethoscope assembly 10 includes a switchable stethoscope head 12, a tube 14, a conduit 16, and at least one eartip (not shown in figure). The conduit 16 has two ends, and one of the two ends is connected to the at least one eartip. The tube 14 also has two ends, the first of which is connected to the stethoscope assembly 10 and the second is connected to the conduit 16. In an exemplary embodiment as shown in FIG. 2, the first end of the tube 14 may be secured to the switchable stethoscope head by a threading 141. The second end of the tube 14 may include a connecting portion 142 for removably engaging the conduit 16. [0040] Referring to FIG. 3, a cross-sectional view of the stethoscope assembly 10 in accordance with embodiment of the present disclosure. In the stethoscope assembly 10, the switchable stethoscope head 12 includes a main body 121 and a switching mechanism 124. The main body 121 of the switchable stethoscope head 12 includes a solid structure 1211, a first acoustic chamber 1212, a second acoustic chamber 1213, and a passage element 1214.

[0041] The material of the solid structure 1211 may be, but is not limited to, copper or stainless steel. The first acoustic chamber 1212 and the second acoustic chamber 1213 are formed in the solid structure 1211 and configured for receiving sounds. In a preferred embodiment as illustrated in FIG. 3, the first acoustic chamber 1212 and the second acoustic chamber 1213 may be funnel-shaped or bell-shaped. The first acoustic chamber 1212 forms a first opening 1212a on a lower surface of the switchable stethoscope head 12 away from the passage element 1214; similarly, the second acoustic chamber 1213 also forms a second opening 1213a on the lower surface of the switchable stethoscope head 12. In other words, the first opening 1212a is co-planar with the second opening 1213a.

[0042] In the embodiment, the first acoustic chamber 1212 is further configured for amplifying a first frequency range of the sounds, and the second acoustic chamber 1213 is configured for amplifying a second frequency range of the sounds. The first frequency range may partially overlap or not overlap with the second frequency range. For example, the first frequency range amplified by the first acoustic chamber 1212 may fall within the range of 100-2000 Hz, whereas the second frequency range amplified by the second acoustic chamber 1212 may fall within the range of 1 -800 Hz. Typically, the first frequency is higher than second frequency, but may overlap partially with each other. In the preferred embodiment, the diameter of the first opening may range between 2.7-3.0 cm for pediatric particularly, and the diameter of the second opening may range between 4.7-5.0 cm for adult particularly.

[0043] Still referring to FIG. 3. The passage element 1214 of the switchable stethoscope head 12 is formed in the solid structure 1211 and is connected to the first acoustic chamber 1212 and the second acoustic chamber 1213. A hole 1214a is formed at an end of the passage element 1214 on the main body 121. The passage element 1214 may further include two sub-passages 1214b for connecting the first acoustic chamber 1212 and the second acoustic chamber 1213 with the passage element 1214, so that the sounds received by the acoustic chambers 1212, 1213 may be transmitted to the passage element 1214 and pass through the hole 1214a on the main body 121 to reach the tube 14, the conduit 16, and eventually the eartip of the stethoscope assembly 10. In the preferred embodiment, the two sub-passages 1214b are extended perpendicularly from the same side of the passage element 1214 and parallel with each other. In another embodiment, the two sub-passages 1214b may be extended from the same side of the passage element 1214 with an angle between passage element 1214 and sub-passage 1214b. In an alternative embodiment, the two sub-passages may be extended from opposite side of the passage element 1214 respectively.

[0044] The switching mechanism 124 of the switchable stethoscope head 12 is disposed in the passage element 1214 and is configured to selectively block a first fluid communication between the passage element 1214 and the first acoustic chamber 1212 or a second fluid communication between the passage element 1214 and the second acoustic chamber 1213. In the embodiment, the switching mechanism 124 may be made of aluminum or other material that allow tighter air sealing or stronger sound insulation between the acoustic chambers and the passage element. In the preferred embodiment, the switching mechanism 124 may be a hollow column.

[0045] Referring to FIG. 3 through FIG. 5. The switchable stethoscope head 12 may be operated under three states. FIG. 3 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the switchable stethoscope head 12 in a first state in accordance with embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 3, when in the first state, the switching mechanism 124 may block the second fluid communication between the passage element 1214 and the second acoustic chamber 1213. In other word, only the sounds received by the first acoustic chamber 1212 would be transmitted through the passage element 1214 and pass through the hole 1214a on the main body 121. Therefore, under the first state, the user may be presented with sounds amplified at the first frequency range. In a preferred embodiment where the first frequency range is 100-2000 Hz, the first state may be suitable for observing lung sound or other physiological sounds with frequency between 100-2000 Hz.

[0046] FIG. 4 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the stethoscope assembly 10 in a second state in accordance with embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 4, when in the second state, the switching mechanism 124 may block the first fluid communication between the passage element 1214 and the first acoustic chamber 1212. In other word, only the sounds received by the second acoustic chamber 1213 would be transmitted through the passage element 1214, and pass through the hole 1214a on the main body 121. Therefore, under the second state, the user can may be presented with sounds amplified at the second frequency range. In a preferred embodiment where the second frequency range is 1-800 Hz, the second state may be suitable for observing heart sound or other physiological sound with frequency between 1-800 Hz.

[0047] FIG. 5 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a stethoscope head 12 in a third state in accordance with embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 5, when in the third state, neither of the first fluid communication nor the second fluid communication is blocked by the switching mechanism 124; that is, both of the first acoustic chamber 1212 and the second acoustic chamber 1213 are in fluid communication with the passage element 1214. Therefore, the sounds received by both of the acoustic chambers would be transmitted through the passage element 1214 and pass through the hole 1214a on the main body 121. Consequently, under the third state, the user can may be presented with sounds amplified at both of the first and second frequency ranges. In a preferred embodiment where the first frequency range is 100-2000 Hz and the second frequency range is 1-800 Hz, therefore, the third state may be suitable for observing heart sound, lung sound and any other physiological sound with frequency range between 1-2000 Hz.

[0048] Referring again to FIG. 3. The solid structure 1211 and the switching mechanism 124 of the stethoscope head 12 may further include a complementary mechanism 13 for positioning the switching mechanism 124. The complementary mechanism 13 may include an engaging structure 125 formed in the solid structure 1211 to engage to the passage element 1214, and a plurality of concaves formed on a surface of the switching mechanism 124 facing to the engaging structure 125. In an embodiment as illustrated in FIG. 3, the complementary mechanism 13 may include a first concave 1241 and the second concave 1242 formed on the switching mechanism 124, and an engaging structure 125 formed in the solid structure 1211 and engaged to the passage element 1214. When a portion of the engaging structure 125 is engaged in the first concave 1241 or the second concave 1242, the first or second fluid communication is blocked by the switching mechanism 124. For example, when the stethoscope head 12 is in the first state as exemplified in FIG. 3, the engaging structure 124 may be configured to engage in the first concave 1241, thereby one end of the switching mechanism 124 may connect with sub-passage 1214b of the first acoustic chamber 1212, the other end of the switching mechanism 124 may block sub passage 1214b of the second acoustic chamber 1213; in another embodiment, the engaging structure 124 may be configured to engage in the second concave 1242, thereby one end of the switching mechanism 124 may connect with sub-passage 1214b of the second acoustic chamber 1213, the other end of the switching mechanism may block sub-passagel214b of the first acoustic chamber 1212 when the stethoscope head 12 is in the second state, as shown in FIG. 4.

[0049] More specifically, the engaging structure 125 may include an elastic portion 1251 and a rigid object 1252 connected to the elastic portion 1251. The rigid object may be, but is not limit to, a steel ball; and the elastic portion may be a spring or other elastic material. A portion of the rigid object 1252 may fit into the first concave 1241 or the second concave 1242, and the elastic portion 1251 allows the rigid object 1252 to engage the corresponding concave in response to the state or position of the switching mechanism 124. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, when the switching mechanism 124 is switched to the first state, the movement of the switching mechanism 124 drives the rigid object 1252 to engage the first concave 1241, thereby immobilizing the switching mechanism 124 at the first state. In the above preferred embodiment, the engaging structure 125 is disposed parallelly between two sub-passages 1214b.

[0050] Similarly, movement of the switching mechanism 124 to the second state causes the rigid object 1252 to push against the elastic portion 1251 and leave the concave it previously engages in. Thereafter, movement of the switching mechanism 124 and elasticity of the elastic portion 1251 cause the rigid object 1252 to more toward and eventually engage in another concave. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 4, when the stethoscope head 12 is switched to the second state, the rigid object 1242 leaves the first concave 1241 and engages the second concave 1242; in another embodiment, the complementary mechanism 13 may be so configured that the rigid object 1242 leaves the second concave 1242 and engages the first concave 1241 when the stethoscope head 12 is switched to the second state. [0051] Furthermore, in another embodiment as illustrated in FIG. 5, the complementary mechanism 13 may further include a third concave 1243 configured to position the switching mechanism 124 at the third state. In other words, movement of the switching mechanism 124 to the third state may drive the rigid object 1252 of the complementary mechanism 13 to engage the third concave 1243, thereby immobilizing the switching mechanism 124 at the third state. Therefore, not only one end of the switching mechanism 124 may connect with the sub-passage 1214b of the first acoustic chamber 1212, but also the other end of the switching mechanism 124 may connect with the sub-passage 1214b of the second acoustic chamber 1213 In some embodiments, the concaves may be formed immediately adjacent to one another, or be spaced apart for a distance (e.g., for about 2 mm)

[0052] Referring again to FIG. 1. The stethoscope assembly 10 may further include a lever 18 connected to the switching mechanism 124 for allowing the user to move the switching mechanism 124 from outside of the main body 121, so as to drive the switching mechanism 124 to switch between the different states.

[0053] Referring again to FIG. 2. In an exemplary embodiment, the stethoscope head 12 may further include a diaphragm set 122. The diaphragm set 122 includes a membrane holder 1222, and at least one diaphragm membrane 1221 for covering the openings 1212a, 1213a of the acoustic chambers 1212, 1213 on the lower surface of the main body 121 of the switchable stethoscope head 12 to enable sound acquisition. The at least one membrane

1221 are disposed on the same plane of the membrane holder 1222. The membrane holder

1222 is used to secure on a periphery of the stethoscope head 12, so that the diaphragm set 122 can be fixed and include at least one opening 1231 for securing the at least one diaphragm membrane 1221 to the openings 1212a, 1213a.

[0054] In sum, in the switchable stethoscope head according to the various embodiments of the present disclosure, the position of the switching mechanism in the passage element allows the switching mechanism to selectively block the sounds received from the first acoustic chamber or the second acoustic chamber from entering the passage element. As a result, the user may switch to different states to observe sounds of different frequencies without having to flip sides of the stethoscope head during auscultation. Therefore, the present disclosure improves precision of auscultation and simplifies the auscultation process.

[0055] Previous descriptions are only embodiments of the present disclosure and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. Many variations and modifications according to the claims and specification of the disclosure are still within the scope of the claimed disclosure. In addition, each of the embodiments and claims does not have to achieve all the advantages or characteristics disclosed. Moreover, the abstract and the title only serve to facilitate searching patent documents and are not intended in any way to limit the scope of the claimed disclosure.