Nasal Irrigation Device with Heated Pressurized Saline Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional nasal washing devices use saline solutions at ambient temperatures, which are ineffective for dissolving mucus, and lack pressurization, leading to incomplete mucus removal and potential reversal of phlegm into the ear tubes, requiring specialized treatments and equipment.
Innovation Solution
A washing device with a heat exchanger that heats saline solution to 35°-38°C, using a pump to provide pressurized flow through a cannula, allowing adjustable temperature control and easy mucus expulsion without reversing phlegm, suitable for domestic use without medical personnel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If saline solution is used at ambient temperature (10°-20° C.), then the device is simple to operate, but the saline solution is ineffective for dissolving mucus
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by heating the saline solution from ambient temperature (10°-20° C.) to optimal therapeutic temperature (35°-38° C.) using an integrated heating element. This temperature parameter change enables effective mucus dissolution while maintaining ease of operation through automated temperature control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary heating system that acts as a mediator between the saline solution and the user's nasal cavity. The heating element serves as an intermediary component that transforms the saline solution from a suboptimal state (cold) to an optimal state (therapeutic temperature) without requiring manual preparation.
2Device complexity
If non-pressurized saline solution is used, then the device is simple in structure, but it struggles to mechanically drag mucus out of the nostril
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies pneumatics and hydraulics by incorporating a pump system that generates pressurized saline solution flow. This hydraulic pressure provides the mechanical force necessary to effectively remove mucus from the nasal cavity, overcoming the limitations of non-pressurized irrigation while maintaining reasonable device complexity through integrated pump design.
3Ease of operation
If saline solution is introduced at incorrect temperature, then the device is easy to operate, but it may cause damage to nasal mucous membranes or fail to dissolve mucus
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback control through a temperature sensor and control system that continuously monitors and adjusts the saline solution temperature. This feedback mechanism ensures the solution maintains the optimal temperature range (35°-38° C.), preventing both overheating (which could damage tissue) and underheating (which would fail to dissolve mucus), thereby ensuring treatment reliability while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies beforehand cushioning by pre-heating the saline solution to the optimal therapeutic temperature before it contacts the user's nasal cavity. This preliminary temperature adjustment cushions against potential harm from cold solution shock or thermal damage, ensuring safe and effective treatment from the outset.
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 effectively dissolves and removes nasal mucus at optimal temperatures, prevents phlegm reversal, and allows for easy, effective nasal, ear, and eye washings without specialized tools or personnel, enhancing user safety and convenience.
Implementation Method 1
a heat exchanger (22) which heats the saline solution to a temperature between 35° and 38° C.
Implementation Method 2
a pump (20) which withdraws the saline solution from the container element (14) defining the tank and sends it pressurized to the heat exchanger (22)
Data Source
AI summary
A washing device for the ear, nose and throat and the like (10) for domestic use or in medical offices which comprises a body (12) within which the components functional to the operation of the device are housed, a container element (14) defining a tank for a saline solution, a cannula (16) for use by the individual for the washing operations, a cable (18) for connecting to the power supply network.