Adjustable Nasal Dilator Supports for Personalized Nostril Fit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional nasal dilators have fixed diameters that fail to accommodate varying nostril shapes, causing discomfort and pain, and noticeable appearance on the face.
Innovation Solution
A nasal dilator with adjustable support portions and soft pads made of liquid silicone, connected by high-strength materials, allowing for personalized fit and hidden wear.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed-diameter tubular insert is used, then the structure is simple, but it cannot accommodate varying nostril shapes causing discomfort and pain
Solution Approach 1:
The insertion portion is divided into multiple support portions (first, second, third, fourth support portions) that can be independently adjusted. Each support portion can be positioned at different locations within the nasal cavity, allowing localized adaptation to the user's specific nasal anatomy without requiring complete redesign of the entire device.
Solution Approach 2:
The device transitions from a fixed-diameter rigid structure to a dynamic, adjustable structure where the degree of curvature of each support portion can be modified. This allows the device to adapt its shape in real-time to match the user's nostril geometry, resolving the contradiction between simplicity and adaptability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a curved ring-like structure is used, then the insert can match nostril shapes, but the large cross-sectional area makes it noticeable on the face
Solution Approach 1:
The curved structure is segmented into multiple discrete support portions rather than a continuous ring. This segmentation allows the device to achieve the necessary curvature adaptation while using smaller, more discreet components that reduce the overall visible cross-sectional area when worn.
Solution Approach 2:
Each support portion has optimized local geometry with smaller cross-sectional dimensions compared to a full ring structure. The curvature and size of each segment are tailored to its specific functional requirement, allowing adaptation to nostril shapes while minimizing visibility and discomfort from excessive material presence.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the entire curved section expands elastically, then the insert can adjust to nostril shapes, but it causes localized pain due to inability to adjust expansion locally
Solution Approach 1:
The insertion portion is segmented into multiple independent support portions that can be adjusted separately. This allows localized adaptation to different regions of the nasal cavity without forcing uniform expansion that would create pain points. Each segment can be optimized for its specific location, accommodating anatomical variations without causing discomfort.
Solution Approach 2:
Each support portion has locally optimized curvature and dimensions tailored to its specific position within the nasal cavity. This localized customization allows the device to conform to the unique anatomy of each region without creating pressure points or pain, unlike uniform elastic expansion that cannot accommodate local anatomical variations.
4Strength
If high-strength materials are used for the connecting strip, then the structural strength is improved, but the appearance may be more noticeable
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting strip uses high-strength materials with optimized local dimensions and cross-sectional area. The material strength compensates for the reduced size, allowing the strip to maintain sufficient structural strength while having a smaller, less noticeable profile when worn on the face.
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
Provides a comfortable and inconspicuous nasal dilator that conforms to individual nasal cavities, reducing pain and visibility.
Implementation Method 1
An outer periphery of the support plate is provided with a soft pad that is elastically deformable to fit a user's nasal cavity
Data Source
AI summary
A nasal dilator includes a connecting strip having two insertion portions on left and right sides thereof. The insertion portions each have two support portions. At least one end of each of the support portions has a support plate. An outer periphery of the support plate is provided with a soft pad that is elastically deformable to fit a user's nasal cavity.