Asymmetrical Nasal Delivery Elements for Low-Resistance Dead Space Clearance

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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 discomfort in children and infants, leading to high resistance and noise.

Innovation Solution

Asymmetrical nasal delivery elements with varying cross-sectional areas and diameters, combined with fittings like sleeves or inserts, to achieve asymmetrical flow, reducing resistance and peak expiratory pressure, and improving comfort and efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If symmetrical nasal delivery elements are used, then the device structure is simple, but the dead space clearance is inefficient and resistance to flow is high

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice structure simplicityVSAvoiddead space clearance efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies asymmetry by providing nasal delivery elements where at least one element has a different internal cross-sectional area than the other, creating asymmetrical flow patterns that improve dead space clearance efficiency while maintaining reasonable structural complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

2Productivity

If high motor speeds are used, then the desired flow rate is delivered, but the static pressure increases to undesirable levels

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflow rate deliveryVSAvoidstatic pressure

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSStress or pressure

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by varying the internal cross-sectional area of different nasal delivery elements, allowing optimized flow distribution that delivers desired flow rates while reducing peak static pressure through asymmetrical flow patterns

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Adaptability or versatility

If small diameter prongs are used for children and infants, then the interface fits the nares, but the resistance to flow increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinterface fit for different patientsVSAvoidresistance to flow

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies asymmetry in nasal delivery elements sized for pediatric and infant patients, where elements with different internal cross-sectional areas create asymmetrical flow that reduces resistance to flow while maintaining appropriate fit for smaller nares

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

4Stress or pressure

If supplemental oxygen and heating are increased, then the desired pressure effects are achieved, but patient comfort decreases and resource usage increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepressure effectsVSAvoidpatient comfort

Core Design Contradiction:

Stress or pressureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the internal cross-sectional area distribution of nasal delivery elements, creating asymmetrical flow patterns that achieve desired pressure effects more efficiently, thereby reducing the need for supplemental oxygen and heating while improving patient comfort

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 asymmetrical nasal delivery elements enhance dead space clearance, reduce peak expiratory pressure and noise, and allow lower motor speeds for effective flow delivery, enhancing patient comfort and safety, particularly in children and infants.

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

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAsymmetrical flow:

Implementation Method 2

The asymmetry of the nasal delivery elements can reduce the resistance to flow through the interface, which can achieve desired flow rates using lower backpressure and/or lower motor speeds of the flow generating device

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFlow resistance reduction:

Implementation Method 3

Due to a decrease in peak expiratory pressure, noise can be reduced

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure reduction:

Data Source

PatentUS20250249196A1Asymmetrical nasal delivery elements and fittings for nasal interfaces

Publication Date: 2025.08.07 FISHER & PAYKEL HEALTHCARE LTD

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 optimise 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.