Nasal Delivery Device with Angled Extensions

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing nasal delivery devices are ineffective in targeting the olfactory zone and ethmoids due to variable orientation during use, resulting in only a minimal dose reaching the intended area, and are often bulky and complex in design.

Innovation Solution

A nasal fluid dispensing device with two nasal extensions forming an angle of 30° to 60°, preferably 45°, that are parallel and extend 5-15 mm into the nostril, allowing for controlled orientation and simultaneous or single nostril dispensing of fluid products, either liquid or powder, using a mechanical actuation system to ensure precise delivery.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If a nasal delivery device is used with variable orientation in the nostril, then the device is simple to use, but the deposition of active product on the olfactory zone is minimal and ineffective

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedeposition precision on olfactory zoneVSAvoidease of insertion
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The device incorporates a flexible distal portion that can adapt to the anatomical variations of the nostril while maintaining the angular relationship between nasal extensions. This flexibility allows the device to be inserted easily by patients while still achieving the precise 30-60 degree angle needed for effective olfactory zone deposition.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent specifies an angular parameter of 30-60 degrees between the nasal extensions and the longitudinal axis of the body, which is optimized to target the olfactory zone. This parameter control ensures that regardless of insertion depth or orientation variations, the spray is consistently directed toward the ethmoids and olfactory region.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Manufacturing precision

If a positioning member with facial support zones is added to control device orientation, then the deposition on target zone improves, but the device becomes bulky and complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetarget zone aiming precisionVSAvoiddevice structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The positioning function is merged into the nasal extensions themselves rather than being a separate component. The angular configuration of the extensions (30-60 degrees) inherently provides the positioning and orientation control needed to target the olfactory zone, eliminating the need for additional bulky positioning members or facial support structures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The device is segmented into a body and two nasal extensions with specific angular relationships. This segmentation allows each component to have a focused function while maintaining overall simplicity, with the extensions serving both as structural elements and as the positioning mechanism for accurate olfactory zone delivery.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Manufacturing precision

If two separate sub-assemblies are used for nasal delivery, then the positioning function is provided, but the device is not discreet and is relatively bulky

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveorientation controlVSAvoiddevice size
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the reservoir, dispensing mechanism, and positioning structure into a single integrated device. The two nasal extensions are directly connected to the body housing the reservoir, eliminating the need for separate positioning members or multiple sub-assemblies, thereby reducing overall device volume and improving discretion.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The nasal extensions serve multiple functions simultaneously: they provide structural support, define the spray orientation angle (30-60 degrees), guide the spray toward the olfactory zone, and act as the insertion component. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated positioning or support components.

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

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 device enables improved deposition of active products on the olfactory zone and ethmoids, offering a discreet, compact, and user-friendly solution for nasal drug delivery, suitable for central nervous system treatments by ensuring consistent targeting and efficient delivery of medications.

Implementation Method 1

said air inlet being provided with a product retaining member adapted to hold the powder in said reservoir before actuation and being connected to an air vent formed by said actuating member, and said product outlet being closed off before actuation by a closing element, such as a spherical ball, said air flush being actuated manually by the user to create a flow of air which passes through said reservoir to convey the powder which it contains towards the dispensing orifice(s)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAir flow: Convection

Implementation Method 2

each reservoir comprising a hollow tube containing a piston, each dispensing head being connected to a respective needle, fixed in said body, to pierce said piston during actuation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical piercing: Mechanical Force

Data Source

PatentEP3852851B1Device for nasal delivery of fluid product
Publication Date: 2022.07.13 APTAR FRANCE SAS
  • EP3852851B1 patent drawingFigure 1~5
  • EP3852851B1 patent drawingFigure 6~11

AI summary

A device for nasal delivery of fluid product comprising a body (10) comprising a hollow sleeve (11) and a top surface (15), an actuation member (40) mounted so as to be able to slide in the body (10) in order to actuate the device, the device comprising two nasal extensions (20, 30), at least one of which forms a dispensing head provided with a respective dispensing opening (21, 31), the nasal extensions extending from the top surface (15), each dispensing head being connected, during actuation, to a respective tank (50) provided in the body (10), the two nasal extensions (20, 30) forming an angle of between 30° and 60° relative to a longitudinal central axis (A) of the body (10).