Concentric Prong Nasal Cannula for Unobstructed Neonatal Breathing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Nasal cannulae obstruct nasal passages, particularly in infants and neonates, limiting airflow and causing breathing difficulties due to the small dimensions of their nostrils, which can lead to positive end-distending pressure and other complications.
Innovation Solution
A nasal cannula design featuring concentric cylindrical prongs with a central bore and an annular air channel that minimizes obstruction, allowing for free airflow and simultaneous gas delivery or sampling, with optional flexible inner walls that collapse to accommodate natural breathing and a truncated cone shape for reduced nasal passage blockage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If a traditional nasal cannula with solid prongs is used, then gas delivery is effective, but the nasal passage is obstructed and natural breathing is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies nesting by placing the gas delivery channel inside the prong structure, with the gas delivery lumen nested within the prong body. This allows the gas delivery function to be embedded within the support structure, maintaining effective gas delivery while minimizing external obstruction of the nasal passage.
Solution Approach 2:
The prong is segmented into multiple functional zones: a gas delivery channel, a support structure, and an open framework portion. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function - gas delivery through the lumen, structural support through the framework, and minimal obstruction through the open design.
2Volume of moving object
If the prong dimensions are reduced to fit small nostrils, then the cannula fits infants and neonates, but gas flow rate is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a solid prong design to a three-dimensional open framework structure. By utilizing vertical and lateral spacing within the prong volume, the design creates multiple gas delivery pathways and increases the effective gas flow cross-section without increasing the external prong dimensions, thus maintaining fit for small nostrils while improving gas flow rate.
Solution Approach 2:
The prong incorporates a porous or open framework structure that allows gas to flow through multiple pathways simultaneously. This porous-like structure increases the effective flow area within the same physical volume, enabling higher gas flow rates in neonates and infants without requiring larger prong dimensions.
3Length of stationary object
If the prong is inserted deeply into the nostril, then gas delivery reaches the nasal cavity, but the nasal passage becomes blocked and exhalation is hindered
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by making different portions of the prong have different properties: the distal tip maintains sufficient insertion depth for effective gas delivery to the nasal cavity, while the proximal and lateral portions采用 an open framework design that allows natural airflow and exhalation. This localized differentiation resolves the contradiction between deep insertion for gas delivery and open design for natural breathing.
4Productivity
If a wider channel humidified nasal cannula is used, then higher gas flow rates are achieved, but the nasal passage obstruction is increased
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of increasing the external prong dimensions to achieve higher gas flow rates, the patent utilizes the internal three-dimensional space of the prong volume. By creating multiple internal flow pathways and utilizing vertical spacing within the prong structure, the design achieves high gas flow rates without increasing the external profile that would obstruct the nasal passage.
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
A nasal cannula includes a prong formed from an inner cylindrical wall surrounded by an outer cylindrical wall, a base connecting the inner cylindrical wall to the outer cylindrical wall and an air channel formed between the inner and outer cylindrical wall. The inner cylindrical wall defines a bore through which air may freely flow. The nasal cannula additional includes a connector fluidly connected to the air channel and configured to provide flow communication between the air channel and an external device connected to the connector.