Compressible Nasal Insert with Adjustable Gap Valve
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing nasal inserts for treating sleep disorders like sleep apnea are often uncomfortable, difficult to use, and have low patient compliance due to issues such as claustrophobia, discomfort, and limited size variance, leading to ineffective treatment.
Innovation Solution
A nasal insert with a housing having a circumferential wall with an adjustable longitudinal gap and a valve system that allows for controlled airflow, providing resistance during exhalation and ensuring a secure fit in various nasal passageway sizes, while preventing aspiration and allowing for easy insertion and use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If internal holdfast systems are used to secure the device in the nasal passage, then the device stability is improved, but the device comfort is worsened due to tight sealing requirements that limit size variance and cause discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The housing is made compressible so that its outer peripheral dimension can be dynamically adjusted during insertion and use. The housing can be compressed to a smaller dimension for insertion and then expands to a larger dimension when installed, adapting to different nasal passage sizes while maintaining stability and comfort
2Manufacturing precision
If the housing outer peripheral dimension is fixed, then the manufacturing precision is improved, but the adaptability is worsened due to limited size variance for different nasal passages
Solution Approach 1:
The housing incorporates a compressible structure that allows dynamic size adjustment. The housing can be compressed to a smaller outer peripheral dimension for insertion into the nasal passage, then expands to a larger dimension when installed, providing adaptability to different nasal passage sizes while maintaining manufacturing precision for each size state
Solution Approach 2:
The housing outer peripheral dimension is changed from a fixed parameter to a variable parameter that can be adjusted between compressed and expanded states. This allows the same housing structure to adapt to different nasal passage sizes by changing its dimensional parameter
3Stability of the object's composition
If tight sealing is created in the nasal passage, then the device stability is improved, but the device comfort is worsened due to claustrophobic feeling and discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The housing is made of a compressible, flexible material that can conform to the nasal passage walls. This flexible structure provides sealing stability while adapting to the natural contours of the nasal passage, reducing claustrophobic feelings and discomfort associated with rigid tight seals
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 insert provides a comfortable and effective treatment for sleep disorders by ensuring a secure fit, controlled airflow, and reduced patient discomfort, improving compliance and treatment efficacy.
Implementation Method 1
A valve is in communication with the interior passage and limits a fluid flow through the interior passage in at least one direction
Implementation Method 2
The wall has a longitudinal gap extending along a length thereof, with an outer peripheral dimension of the housing being adjustable by varying the gap
Data Source
AI summary
A nasal insert includes a housing having a circumferential wall defining an interior passage. The wall has a longitudinal gap extending along a length thereof, with an outer peripheral dimension of the housing being adjustable by varying the gap. A valve is in communication with the interior passage and limits a fluid flow through the interior passage in at least one direction. In another embodiment, a nasal insert includes a user interface having a tubular housing defining an interior cavity open at opposite ends. An exterior surface of the housing is adapted to interface with a nasal vestibule of a user. A base is received in the interior cavity of the housing and includes an exit port. A cap is connected to the base and has an input port. A valve member is disposed in an interior passage defined by at least one of the cap and base, with the valve member being moveably received in the interior passage. Methods of using and assembling the nasal inserts also are provided.