Asymmetrical Nasal Delivery Elements for Lower-Resistance Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing nasal interfaces face challenges with high motor speeds required to deliver desired flow rates, increased static pressure due to occlusion, limited size options, inefficient dead space clearance, and reduced patient comfort, particularly for children and infants.
Innovation Solution
Asymmetrical nasal delivery elements with differing cross-sectional areas and diameters, combined with fittings like sleeves or inserts, to achieve asymmetrical flow, reducing resistance and peak expiratory pressure, and optimizing dead space clearance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If symmetrical nasal delivery elements are used, then the interface structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the flow resistance is high and dead space clearance is inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by providing nasal delivery elements with different internal cross-sectional areas at their distal ends. Specifically, one nasal delivery element has a larger internal cross-sectional area than the other, creating an asymmetrical flow configuration that improves dead space clearance efficiency while maintaining reasonable manufacturing complexity
2Productivity
If high motor speeds are used, then the desired flow rate is achieved, but the static pressure increases to undesirable levels
Solution Approach 1:
The asymmetrical configuration of nasal delivery elements with different internal cross-sectional areas creates more efficient flow distribution that reduces resistance to flow. This allows the system to achieve desired flow rates with lower motor speeds, thereby reducing static pressure buildup in the system
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the nasal delivery elements by providing different internal cross-sectional areas. This parameter modification optimizes the flow characteristics and pressure distribution, enabling efficient gas delivery without excessive pressure buildup
3Adaptability or versatility
If smaller diameter prongs are used for children and infants, then the interface fits the patient, but the resistance to flow increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
For pediatric and infant applications, the patent employs asymmetrical nasal delivery elements where one element has a larger internal cross-sectional area than the other. This asymmetry compensates for the smaller overall diameter needed to fit pediatric patients, maintaining adequate flow rates by reducing resistance through the larger cross-sectional area element
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by providing different internal cross-sectional areas at different locations within the nasal delivery element configuration. The distal ends have different cross-sectional areas optimized for their specific flow requirements, while the overall size remains appropriate for pediatric patients
4Object-affected harmful factors
If larger diameter prongs are used, then the flow resistance is reduced, but the dead space clearance becomes less efficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction by creating an asymmetrical configuration where one nasal delivery element has a larger internal cross-sectional area to reduce flow resistance, while the other has a smaller area to maintain efficient dead space clearance. This differential design allows both objectives to be achieved simultaneously
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 system achieves desired flow rates with lower motor speeds, reduces noise and pressure, improves patient comfort, and enhances dead space clearance, particularly benefiting infants and children.
Implementation Method 1
the prong or pillow of the second nasal delivery element having a greater internal cross-sectional area on a plane perpendicular to the airflow direction than a prong of the first nasal delivery element, which causes asymmetrical flow or partial unidirectional flow of gases at the nares of a subject
Implementation Method 2
to reduce peak expiratory pressure, to reduce noise, and/or to reduce resistance to flow at the patient interface
Data Source
AI summary
A nasal interface uses asymmetrical nasal delivery elements to deliver an asymmetrical flow through the interface to both nares or to either nare, and a mouthpiece may be inserted to maintain a leak, to improve dead space clearance in the upper airways, decrease peak expiratory pressure, reduce noise, increase safety of the therapy for smaller patients and reduce resistance in the interface allowing desired flow rates to be achieved at reduced motor speeds of associated flow generating devices. Different forms of fittings, such as sleeves or inserts can be attached to nasal delivery elements to improve or optimize the therapeutic effects of nasal high flow. It may allow high pressures to be achieved at lower flow rates, reduce noise, improve patient comfort and efficiently clear anatomical dead space.