Grooved Nasal Tube Structure for Bilateral Low-Pain Insertion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing nasal cavity insertion devices are invasive and require separate designs for left and right nasal cavities, causing discomfort and potential damage due to improper fit and rigidity.
Innovation Solution
A nasal cavity insertion device with a cylindrical tube featuring grooves and adjustable wall thickness, allowing it to be bent easily and used in either nasal cavity, minimizing invasiveness and discomfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If the nasal cavity insertion device is designed to be curved to fit the shape of the nasal cavity, then the device can be inserted comfortably and minimally invasive, but separate devices are required for left and right sides, increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The tube is designed with asymmetric groove patterns where first grooves are provided in a first region while avoiding a second opposite region, and second grooves are provided in the second region while avoiding the first region. This asymmetric configuration allows the tube to be bent in specific directions while maintaining structural integrity, enabling a single device design to accommodate both left and right nasal cavities without requiring separate mirrored versions.
2Device complexity
If the nasal cavity insertion device is made straight rather than curved, then a single device can be used for both left and right sides, but the device creates greater resistance during insertion and causes pain
Solution Approach 1:
The tube features non-uniform wall thickness distribution with first and second regions having greater wall thicknesses than the connecting regions. This local quality variation allows the tube to be straight in its initial state for simple design and storage, while the thinner connecting regions enable controlled bending during insertion to reduce resistance and discomfort. The localized thickness modification provides flexibility only where needed while maintaining overall structural integrity.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the device tube is made soft to reduce pain, then insertion comfort is improved, but the tube is crushed by the uvula and loses ability to ensure air passage
Solution Approach 1:
The tube employs varying wall thicknesses in different regions, with first and second regions having greater wall thicknesses than the connecting regions. This local reinforcement provides the necessary strength and rigidity in specific areas to resist crushing by the uvula and maintain air passage, while other regions can be softer for comfort. The asymmetric groove pattern further enhances this by providing flexibility in controlled locations while maintaining structural integrity where needed.
4Ease of operation
If grooves are added to the tube to improve flexibility, then the tube can be bent easily for minimal invasiveness, but the tube may become too weak and collapse
Solution Approach 1:
The groove pattern is strategically positioned to avoid the first and second regions with greater wall thicknesses, concentrating the flexibility enhancement in the connecting regions. This local quality approach allows the tube to bend easily at the grooved connecting regions while the thicker first and second regions maintain sufficient structural integrity to prevent collapse. The asymmetric arrangement of grooves provides controlled flexibility without compromising overall tube strength.
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 device provides a minimally invasive solution that can be used in either nasal cavity, reducing discomfort and damage by ensuring flexibility and proper air passage.
Implementation Method 1
The outer peripheral surface of the tube is provided with a plurality of grooves extending in the circumferential direction of the tube, the plurality of grooves being arranged at intervals in the axial direction of the tube
Implementation Method 2
The first and second regions are formed so that wall thicknesses thereof in the radial direction of the tube are greater than the wall thicknesses of the pair of connecting regions
Implementation Method 3
a clipper for securing a rear end side of the tube to a bridge of the nose
Data Source
AI summary
A minimally invasive nasal cavity insertion device can be used in either the left or right nasal cavity. A cylindrical tube for insertion into a nasal cavity includes, in a circumferential direction, a first region, a second region opposite the first region, and a pair of left and right connecting regions connecting between the first and second regions. The clipper is connected to a first of the connecting regions. The outer peripheral surface of the tube is provided with a plurality of grooves extending in the circumferential direction, and the plurality of grooves are arranged at intervals in the axial direction. The plurality of grooves include first grooves provided in a first region avoiding at least the second region, and second grooves provided in the second region avoiding at least the first region.