Limb-Mounted Nose Wiping Device with Absorbent Pad
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Solution Overview
Problem
Individuals engaging in outdoor activities or suffering from nasal allergies face challenges in conveniently and hygienically managing nasal drip due to limited dexterity or mobility, often resulting in exposure to nasal fluid when trying to wipe their noses with handkerchiefs or tissues.
Innovation Solution
A limb-mounted nose wiping device featuring an absorbent pad with ridges or bumps attached to an adjustable strap, allowing for hands-free nasal drip removal by fitting gently into the nostril to capture excess fluid, preventing contact with nasal fluid and maintaining hygiene.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a handkerchief or tissue is used to wipe the nose, then nasal drip can be removed, but hands are exposed to nasal fluid which may be transferred to food or surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The device introduces an intermediary absorbent structure that contacts nasal fluid without requiring hand contact. The protrusions into the nasal cavity and absorbent pad create a barrier between the user's hands and the nasal fluid, allowing drip removal while preventing contamination transfer.
2Ease of operation
If hands are removed from handlebars to wipe the nose, then nasal drip can be wiped, but cycling safety is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The device enables self-service nasal drip removal through the limb-mounted structure that the user can access independently. The protrusions and absorbent pad are positioned to allow the user to wipe their nose without needing to use their hands, maintaining control of the bicycle while managing nasal drip.
3Temperature
If heavy gloves are worn for skiing or hiking, then hand warmth is maintained, but digit mobility is limited making tissue manipulation difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The device serves as an intermediary mechanism that performs the wiping function without requiring manual dexterity. The absorbent pad and protrusions are designed to function through the glove material, allowing nasal drip removal while maintaining hand warmth and avoiding the need to manipulate tissues with gloved hands.
4Ease of operation
If fingers are inserted into the nasal cavity to apply tissue, then nasal drip can be captured, but fingers are exposed to nasal fluid that cannot be washed before touching food
Solution Approach 1:
The device creates an intermediary barrier between the nasal cavity and the user's fingers. The protrusions and absorbent pad contact and absorb nasal fluid directly, eliminating the need for finger insertion into the nasal cavity and preventing finger contamination while maintaining effective drip capture.
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 effective, hygienic, and convenient removal of nasal drip during activities without exposing hands to nasal fluid, ensuring users do not transfer fluid to food or surfaces, and can be easily sanitized.
Implementation Method 1
an absorbent pad fashioned with ridges or bumps and/or a napped material. The pad includes slight protrusions configured to fit gently into the interior of the nostril so as to capture excess fluid before it exits the nose.
Data Source
AI summary
A nose wiping device comprises a knobbed base structure, a cover enclosing the knobbed base structure, and connecting member attached to a first end of the cover and a second end of the cover. The nose wiping device is configured to be worn around a limb thereby allowing removal of nasal drip.