Angled Cap with Air Vent for Gravity-Driven Irrigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid dispensing devices for nasal irrigation do not effectively utilize gravity for liquid flow due to coaxial conduit alignment and lack of air venting, limiting user comfort and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A cap design with angled channels and a separate air flow channel, allowing for gravity-driven liquid dispensing and controlled air intake, enabling optimal orientation and flow regulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the conduit is co-axial with the longitudinal axis of the liquid container, then the structure is simple and manufacturing is easy, but the user cannot comfortably tilt their head to present sinuses in the desired orientation for receiving liquid
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by positioning the conduit at an angle (e.g., 45 degrees) relative to the longitudinal axis of the container rather than co-axially. This asymmetric arrangement allows the user to tilt their head comfortably while the conduit directs liquid into the desired sinus orientation, resolving the contradiction between user comfort and structural simplicity.
2Ease of operation
If there is only one opening in the cap for liquid flow, then the structure is simple, but air cannot flow into the container to permit effective gravity feed of liquid
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the cap opening into two separate openings: one for liquid flow and another for air venting. This segmentation enables both liquid to flow out and air to flow in simultaneously, allowing effective gravity-driven dispensing without requiring manual squeezing, while maintaining relatively simple overall structure.
3Ease of operation
If the container is squeezed to force liquid into the nasal cavity, then liquid can be delivered, but the user cannot utilize gravity for liquid flow and must manually compress the container
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by designing the system to automatically utilize gravity for liquid flow through the angled conduit and separate air venting opening. The container does not require manual squeezing; instead, gravity naturally drives the liquid through the optimized pathway, making the system self-regulating and improving both ease of operation and dispensing efficiency.
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
Facilitates comfortable and efficient nasal irrigation using gravity, eliminating the need for manual squeezing and allowing for adjustable flow rates, enhancing user experience and ease of use.
Implementation Method 1
the degree to which the user would comfortably tilt her head to present her sinuses in the desired orientation to receive liquid for nasal rinsing, for example, would not permit the container to be optimally oriented to dispense liquid under the force of gravity
Implementation Method 2
In order for liquid to flow out of a fixed volume space (i.e., a container which is not squeezed) under the force of gravity, air must flow into the space to displace the liquid
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A
AI summary
A cap and container assembly is disclosed which may be used for human body cavity irrigation or other liquid dispensing activities. The cap may include a first channel extending from a base through a neck portion to an opening in a tip portion of the cap. A side body defining a second channel may extend from the first channel near the neck portion of the cap to an opening at a distal end of the side body. An axial dimension of the tip portion may extend at an angle relative to an axial dimension of the neck portion. Liquid may flow out of the first channel under the influence of gravity and as a result of control of air flow into the second channel.