Flexible Wire Nasal Dilator Against Passage Collapse
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices fail to effectively maintain nasal passage integrity and improve airflow, leading to snoring and poor sleep quality due to blocked or semi-blocked nasal passages.
Innovation Solution
A nasal dilator device constructed of malleable materials, such as medical grade stainless steel wire, with arches and loops that fit over the nose to maintain nasal wall integrity and keep passages open, providing a biasing force to prevent collapse during inhalation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If nasal inhaler devices and coils are used to open nasal passages, then air flow improvement is attempted, but utility and efficacy remain in question and no practical devices are readily available
Solution Approach 1:
The device uses a flexible wire framework that can be inserted into the nasal passage and maintains its shape to provide structural support. The flexibility allows it to conform to the nasal anatomy while the rigidity of the wire provides the necessary biasing force to keep the passage open during breathing cycles.
Solution Approach 2:
The device applies a preliminary outward biasing force to counteract the inward collapse of nasal tissues during inhalation. By pre-positioning the wire structure to exert outward pressure on the nasal walls, it prevents the tissue collapse that would otherwise block air flow during the breathing process.
2Productivity
If head and body position are adjusted frequently during the night to improve breathing, then air supply is attempted to be improved, but deep sleep required for REM is prevented
Solution Approach 1:
The device serves itself by automatically maintaining nasal passage patency through its inherent elastic biasing force. Once inserted, it continuously exerts outward pressure on the nasal walls without requiring user intervention, adjustment, or external power, allowing the user to sleep undisturbed while the device autonomously prevents tissue collapse during breathing.
3Productivity
If mouth breathing is used as a resort when nasal passages are blocked, then breathing is maintained, but snoring and dry mouth increase and dental problems occur
Solution Approach 1:
The wire framework acts as an intermediary structural support within the nasal passage, physically preventing the soft tissues from collapsing inward during inhalation. This intermediary structure maintains the patency of the nasal airway, allowing air to flow through the nose rather than forcing the user to resort to mouth breathing, thereby eliminating the harmful effects of snoring and dry mouth.
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
Enhances airflow and reduces snoring by maintaining nasal passage patency, improving sleep quality and preventing mouth breathing.
Implementation Method 1
The device may include an arched shaped device constructed of a malleable or semi-malleable material having a desired tensile strength to maintain its shape and provide a biasing force within the nose to hold back tissues and keep the nasal passage open
Data Source
AI summary
A removable nasal dilator device is configured and dimensioned for insertion into the nose to improve quality of breathing. The device may increase air flow through the nasal passage to lungs by helping maintain the nasal wall integrity, thus preventing the nasal passage from collapsing. It may also provide relief from snoring caused by mouth breathing when nasal passages are blocked. The nasal dilator apparatus is configured to fit over the bridge of the nose, curve over the edge of the nose, and fit comfortably inside the nasal passage. Loops, paddles or other terminal members on either end of the device maintain gentle outward pressure against the inside of the nasal wall to keep the nasal passage open.