Angled Nasal Plug Airflow Redirection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing nasal plugs fail to address disoriented nasal airflow patterns and symptoms of Empty Nose Syndrome by merely dilating the nostrils without directing airflow effectively, leading to continued nasal obstruction and discomfort.
Innovation Solution
A nasal plug with a pliable insert and a passage that redirects airflow by angling the proximal end of the passage from the axis, allowing for independent adjustment to channel airflow through one nostril and divert it to mimic natural flow paths, thereby alleviating nasal discomfort and improving nasal function.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If nasal plugs merely dilate the nostrils without directing airflow, then the nasal passage is opened wider, but disoriented airflow patterns and Empty Nose Syndrome symptoms persist
Solution Approach 1:
The nasal plug incorporates an angled passage (offset from the central axis by angle α) that creates localized directional airflow control within the dilated nasal passage. This allows different regions of the nasal plug to perform different functions: the overall structure dilates the passage while the angled passage specifically directs airflow along the lateral nasal wall to improve airflow orientation and reduce disoriented patterns.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces angular orientation as a new dimension of airflow control. By offsetting the passage from the central axis by an angle α, the device transforms the airflow from a simple radial expansion pattern into a directed flow along the lateral nasal wall, adding directional control in the angular dimension while maintaining passage dilation.
2Productivity
If nasal plugs prop open the nares more than baseline, then more airflow is allowed through, but airflow becomes disoriented and forms narrow jets
Solution Approach 1:
The angled passage creates a localized flow direction along the lateral nasal wall, which stabilizes the airflow pattern by guiding it along a predictable path rather than allowing random jet formation. This localized directional control maintains stable airflow composition even at higher flow volumes.
Solution Approach 2:
The angled passage acts as an intermediary structure that mediates between the high-volume airflow demand and the need for stable, non-jet airflow patterns. It redirects the high-volume flow along the lateral wall, preventing direct jet formation while maintaining productivity.
3Stress or pressure
If nasal plugs are designed to dilate nostrils, then nasal resistance decreases, but perceived nasal obstruction and Empty Nose Syndrome symptoms continue
Solution Approach 1:
The angled passage creates localized directional airflow along the lateral nasal wall, which addresses the specific problem of disoriented airflow patterns that cause perceived obstruction. This localized flow direction improvement reduces Empty Nose Syndrome symptoms even while maintaining overall low nasal resistance from dilation.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of simply dilating the passage to reduce resistance, the invention inverts the approach by directing airflow along the lateral wall to improve airflow orientation. This addresses the root cause of perceived obstruction (disoriented flow patterns) rather than just reducing resistance mechanically.
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 nasal plug effectively reduces nasal discomfort and improves nasal function by redirecting airflow to alleviate symptoms of nasal obstruction, dryness, and pain, as demonstrated by significant reductions in ENS6Q scores and improved nasal resistance in patients with turbinate hypertrophy.
Implementation Method 1
a passage through the pliable insert from the first surface to the second surface, the passage having a distal end and a proximal end, wherein the proximal end of the passage is offset from the axis by an angle α, where α>0°
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a nasal plug for diverting airflow from a natural flow path in a person's nostril. In some circumstances, the airflow is channeled and directed to a specific location in a person's nasal or sinus cavity. The person may adjust and self-select a preferred airflow path by adjusting the nasal plug's location in the nostril, e.g., rotating the plugs. A kit may include two plugs, which may be used singly or in combination with each other and are independently adjustable/rotatable. A method for reducing nasal discomfort or improving nasal functions by diverting channeled airflow in a nostril is also disclosed.