Rapidly Dissolving Salt Tablets for Nasal Irrigation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current salt sachets for nasal irrigation are cumbersome to use and generate significant paper and plastic waste, making it difficult to prepare effective nasal cleansing or irrigation solutions while maintaining nasal hygiene and avoiding pH-related irritation.
Innovation Solution
A rapidly dissolving salt tablet composition comprising 60-80% sodium chloride, 10-20% sodium bicarbonate or sodium carbonate, and 2-10% anhydrous organic acid, designed to dissolve completely in less than 120 seconds, with optional excipients like polyethylene glycol for improved strength and solubility, reducing waste and enhancing nasal irrigation efficacy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of substance
If salt sachets are used to prepare nasal irrigation solutions, then the solution can be prepared, but the process is cumbersome and generates significant paper and plastic waste
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the physical form of the salt package from disposable sachets (paper/plastic) to solid tablets. This parameter change eliminates the packaging waste while maintaining the functional ability to prepare irrigation solutions. The tablets dissolve completely in water, leaving no residual packaging waste.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces expensive disposable sachets with inexpensive, biodegradable tablet forms. The tablets are designed to be used once and dissolve completely, eliminating the need for persistent packaging materials like paper and plastic that create environmental waste.
2Productivity
If salt sachets are used, then nasal irrigation solution can be prepared, but the process is difficult and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The salt and other ingredients are pre-mixed and compressed into tablet form during manufacturing. This preliminary action eliminates the need for users to measure and mix multiple ingredients at home, significantly simplifying the preparation process and reducing the time required to prepare the irrigation solution.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state from loose powder in sachets to compressed tablets. This parameter change allows the entire formulation to be delivered in a single dissolvable unit, eliminating multi-step preparation processes and reducing preparation time while improving ease of use.
3Loss of time
If the tablet dissolves rapidly, then the dissolution time is reduced, but the mechanical strength must be maintained during handling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses compressed tablet formulation with controlled density and porosity parameters. This allows the tablet to maintain sufficient mechanical strength for handling and storage while containing ingredients that dissolve rapidly upon contact with water. The compression parameters are optimized to balance structural integrity with dissolution rate.
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 tablets efficiently prepare isotonic saline solutions with optimal pH and rapid dissolution, reducing waste and improving nasal irrigation effectiveness while maintaining pH stability and mechanical strength.
Implementation Method 1
comprising between about 60% and about 80% by weight of sodium chloride, between about 10% and about 20% by weight of sodium bicarbonate or sodium carbonate, and between about 2% and about 10% by weight of an anhydrous organic acid
Implementation Method 2
wherein the tablet is configured to dissolve completely in water in less than about 120 seconds
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are rapidly dissolving salt tablet compositions. Methods for using the rapidly dissolving salt tablets for preparation of isotonic saline solutions for use in nasal irrigation or cleansing are provided.