Multi-stage Nasal Filter with Tuned MPPS
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current nasal filters are inadequate in filtering small particle sizes, such as those from the Coronavirus and other influenza strains (0.1-0.3 microns), due to their design and materials, which allow bypass airflow and fail to effectively capture these particles, potentially leading to infection.
Innovation Solution
A multi-stage nasal filter device with specific most penetrating particle size (MPPS) values in various layers and materials, including electrospun fibers and antiseptic-coated components, configured to increase effective surface area and reduce impedance, utilizing geometric features and antiseptic properties to enhance filtration efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional filter materials with large pore sizes are used, then breathing impedance is reduced, but filtration effectiveness against small particles (0.1-0.3 microns) deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The filter is divided into multiple stages with different pore sizes arranged in series. The first stage has larger pores for low impedance breathing, while subsequent stages have progressively smaller pores for capturing smaller particles. This segmentation allows each stage to specialize in different particle size ranges, resolving the contradiction between breathing ease and filtration effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the filter have different pore size characteristics tailored to specific functions. The upstream regions have larger pores optimized for airflow, while downstream regions have smaller pores optimized for particle capture. This local differentiation of filter properties allows simultaneous optimization of both breathing impedance and filtration effectiveness for different particle sizes.
2Reliability
If high impedance filter materials are used to capture small particles, then filtration effectiveness improves, but breathing impedance increases making normal breathing difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The filter system is segmented into multiple stages with progressively smaller pore sizes. High impedance materials with small pores are used only in downstream stages where they don't create excessive backpressure, while low impedance materials with larger pores are used in upstream stages to maintain easy breathing. This segmentation allows high impedance materials to be used effectively without making normal breathing difficult.
3Device complexity
If single-stage filter design is used, then device complexity is reduced, but ability to filter multiple particle size ranges deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The filter is segmented into multiple functional stages, each with different pore sizes optimized for specific particle size ranges. This multi-stage segmentation enables the device to effectively filter a broad spectrum of particles from large allergens to small viral particles, significantly enhancing adaptability while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The multi-stage filter design provides universal protection against multiple types of particles simultaneously. Each stage contributes to filtering different particle size ranges, making the single device capable of handling diverse airborne contaminants including pollen, dust, bacteria, and viruses, thus achieving multi-functionality.
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 captures small particles and reduces the risk of infection by ensuring that inhaled air is filtered more comprehensively, with antiseptic properties providing additional protection against pathogens.
Implementation Method 1
the traditional mechanical filtering mechanisms (interception, impaction, and diffusion) are least effective
Implementation Method 2
the traditional mechanical filtering mechanisms (interception, impaction, and diffusion) are least effective
Implementation Method 3
the traditional mechanical filtering mechanisms (interception, impaction, and diffusion) are least effective
Implementation Method 4
electrospun fibers
Data Source
AI summary
Respiratory devices and methods for their manufacture and use are disclosed. The device features a resiliently deformable element configured to form a perimeter seal with the inner nostril wall and to swab the distal portion of the internal nostril region with a disinfectant during device installation. A first filter stage includes a first filter layer characterized by first geometric convolutions and a first MPPS1 value; and a second filter stage includes a second filter layer characterized by second geometric convolutions and a second MPPS2 value.