Inflatable Nostril Seal for Pathogen Blocking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods are inadequate in preventing the entry of airborne pathogens, such as COVID and flu viruses, into the nasal cavity through the nostrils, as they rely on masks that restrict speech and eating, and do not account for nasal asymmetry.
Innovation Solution
A device with inflatable donuts inserted into the nostrils, inflated to block the nasal airway, using separate channels for each nostril to accommodate asymmetry, and equipped with filters and ear straps for secure fit, allowing for unobstructed breathing and speech while preventing pathogen entry.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If masks are used to block the nasal airway, then pathogen entry is prevented, but speech and eating are restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The device divides the protection mechanism into two separate tubes, each with its own inflatable donut for left and right nostrils. This segmentation allows independent control of each nostril's blockage, enabling selective patency that maintains speech and breathing capabilities while preventing pathogen entry.
Solution Approach 2:
The inflatable donuts provide dynamic control over the nasal airway blockage. They can be inflated to block pathogens or deflated to allow free breathing and speech, offering adaptability that static masks cannot provide. The system transitions between blocked and open states as needed.
2Device complexity
If a single inflation channel is used for both nostrils, then device complexity is reduced, but asymmetry of nostrils cannot be accommodated
Solution Approach 1:
The inflation system is segmented into separate channels for each nostril, allowing independent adjustment of each donut's inflation level. This accommodates the natural asymmetry between left and right nostrils while maintaining manageable device complexity through modular channel design.
Solution Approach 2:
Each nostril receives customized inflation levels through its dedicated channel, allowing the left and right donuts to be inflated to different degrees based on individual nostril size and shape requirements, optimizing the fit and effectiveness for each side.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the donut is made large enough to block the nasal entrance, then pathogen prevention is effective, but insertion into the nostril becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The donut transitions from a compact, insertable size to an expanded, blocking size through inflation after insertion. This dynamic size change allows easy insertion in a deflated state, then transforms to provide effective pathogen blocking when inflated within the nostril.
Solution Approach 2:
The donut is nested within the tube structure in a deflated state, allowing it to pass through the tube and be inserted into the nostril. Once inside, it expands outward from its nested configuration to provide the blocking function, effectively hiding its full size during insertion.
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
Effectively reduces the likelihood of infection by blocking airborne pathogens from entering the nasal cavity and lungs, enabling safe consumption and communication without masks, while ensuring comfort and safety.
Implementation Method 1
The inflatable donut (balloon) is just below the distal tip of each tube and receives a flow of air or fluid, preferably from a connected syringe, to inflate the donut
Data Source
AI summary
A device for blocking the nasal airway at the opening of the nostrils has two tubes that terminate at distal tips. The tubes are each separated into channels, or lumens, running the length of the tubes, including an outer lumen that extends from an inflation connection port to an inflatable donut just below the distal tip of each tube. With the distal tips received in the respective left and right nostrils of the user, the donuts are inflated to close off the nostrils at the rim, adjacent the nasal vestibule. Filters may be provided between the inflation ports and the distal tips for cleaning air prior to entry into the nasal cavity. The device may further include left and right ear straps to secure the device on the user's ears.