Intranasal Device Grooves Direct Propellant for Upper Nasal Cavity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current nasal delivery methods struggle to effectively deposit drugs in the upper nasal cavity due to its complex architecture, often resulting in absorption into the bloodstream instead of targeting the central nervous system.
Innovation Solution
A device featuring a tip with grooves that directs propellant from a canister into a compound container, agitating and propelling the compound through an exit channel and outlet orifice, allowing for targeted delivery to the upper nasal cavity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If existing nasal drop or spray devices are used, then the lower nasal cavity is saturated with the compound, but the compound is absorbed into the bloodstream instead of reaching the central nervous system
Solution Approach 1:
The device creates a localized high-velocity jet flow that targets specifically the upper nasal cavity region, delivering compound with concentrated force to the olfactory region rather than dispersing it throughout the lower nasal cavity. This localized delivery ensures the compound reaches the central nervous system through olfactory absorption rather than bloodstream absorption.
Solution Approach 2:
The device utilizes a perpendicular ejection angle relative to the nasal cavity floor, directing the compound upward into the upper nasal cavity and olfactory region rather than forward along the natural breath path. This dimensional change in delivery direction enables access to the upper nasal cavity that is protected from conventional spray delivery.
2Reliability
If the nasal cavity architecture is considered, then the complex structures protect the entry way into the central nervous system, but they also prevent materials from depositing in the upper nasal cavity
Solution Approach 1:
The device employs rapid, pulsed jet delivery of the compound rather than continuous spray. This periodic, high-velocity action allows the compound to penetrate the protective nasal architecture by delivering it in concentrated bursts that can overcome the natural barriers and reach the upper nasal cavity before the protective structures can redirect the flow.
Solution Approach 2:
The device replaces the passive diffusion and gravity-dependent flow of conventional nasal drops with an active, high-velocity jet propulsion system. This mechanical substitution provides sufficient force to penetrate the complex nasal architecture and deposit compound in the upper nasal cavity regions that are inaccessible to passive delivery methods.
3Reliability
If a device is designed to deliver compound to the upper nasal cavity, then targeted delivery to the central nervous system is achieved, but the device complexity increases with multiple components including tip, grooves, and inlet interface
Solution Approach 1:
The device employs a nested structure where the tip with grooves is coupled to the inlet interface, which in turn connects to the compound container. This nesting allows multiple functional components to be integrated in a compact arrangement, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining the capability for targeted upper nasal cavity delivery.
Solution Approach 2:
The tip component serves multiple functions: it provides the ejection aperture, contains the grooves for flow distribution, and interfaces with the compound container through the inlet interface. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, simplifying the overall device structure while achieving reliable targeted delivery.
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
Enables consistent and targeted delivery of compounds to the upper nasal cavity, enhancing the efficacy of intranasal drug delivery by avoiding absorption into the bloodstream and ensuring deposition in the desired region.
Implementation Method 1
the one or more grooves are oriented on the inlet interface such that the one or more grooves are configured to direct propellant released from the canister into the compound container in an orthogonal or near-orthogonal direction relative to a bottom surface of the compound container, thereby agitating and entraining the compound in the compound container with the released propellant
Implementation Method 2
propellant released from the canister travels through the propellant channel and the one or more grooves, into the compound container, thereby contacting the compound and propelling the compound through the exit channel and out the outlet orifice
Data Source
AI summary
A device for delivering a compound to the olfactory region of the nasal cavity includes an actuator body and a tip that removably couples to the actuator body. The actuator body comprises a propellant channel in fluid communication with a propellant canister. The tip comprises an exit channel, an inlet interface, one or more grooves, and an outlet orifice. The exit channel extends between a proximal end and a distal end of the tip. The inlet interface is positioned about a distal end of the exit channel, and the inlet interface couples to a compound container containing the compound. The grooves are positioned about the inlet interface and direct propellant from the propellant channel into the compound container, thereby agitating and entraining the compound in the compound container with the released propellant. The compound and the propellant then travel through the exit channel and out the outlet orifice.