Nasal Aspirator Backflow Prevention via Segmented Airway Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electric nasal aspirators often experience backflow of nasal secretions into the air pump unit, leading to potential damage and premature shutdown due to inadequate liquid detection and airway design.
Innovation Solution
A nasal aspirator with a detection system integrated into the control board that monitors real-time liquid flow, controlling the air pump unit's motor to prevent backflow by stopping it when liquid is detected, and featuring a sophisticated airway design comprising multiple passageways and chambers to effectively manage suction and secretion collection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a liquid detection function is added to automatically stop the air pump, then backflow protection is improved, but the airway design becomes too simple and triggers shutdown too early
Solution Approach 1:
The airway is segmented into multiple distinct chambers (collection chamber, transition chamber, detection chamber) with separate detection points. This segmentation allows the detection system to distinguish between normal liquid collection and actual backflow conditions, preventing premature shutdown while maintaining protection.
Solution Approach 2:
A detection chamber acts as an intermediary between the collection chamber and the air pump. This intermediate space with its own detection system provides a buffer zone that allows the system to detect liquid levels and control pump operation more precisely, avoiding direct contact between liquid and pump while enabling timely detection.
2Device complexity
If the airway is designed simply, then device complexity is reduced, but the detection system triggers too early causing shutdown
Solution Approach 1:
The airway is divided into multiple chambers with separate detection points, transforming a simple single-chamber design into a multi-chamber system. This segmentation provides multiple detection zones that work together to accurately distinguish between normal operation and backflow conditions, improving detection reliability without excessive complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The detection system operates across multiple spatial dimensions by placing detection points at different locations (collection chamber, transition chamber, detection chamber). This multi-dimensional detection approach enables the system to accurately track liquid movement and distinguish between normal collection and backflow, improving detection accuracy.
3Reliability
If the detection system is positioned to detect liquid early, then backflow prevention is improved, but the air pump shuts down too early
Solution Approach 1:
The detection system is segmented into multiple detection points distributed across different chambers. This segmentation allows the system to detect liquid at various stages of potential backflow, enabling timely intervention while maintaining normal operation duration by distinguishing between transient liquid presence and actual backflow conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The detection system provides continuous feedback about liquid presence to the control system. By monitoring liquid levels at multiple points and using this feedback to control pump operation, the system can prevent backflow while maintaining appropriate operation duration, adjusting pump runtime based on real-time detection data rather than shutting down prematurely.
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
Prevents damage to the air pump unit by preventing backflow and prolonging the device's service life, while ensuring convenient and reliable operation by avoiding early shutdowns.
Implementation Method 1
A conventional electric nasal aspirator mainly relies on a built-in air pump unit to generate suction for extracting the secretions in the nasal cavity into a liquid storage cup
Implementation Method 2
A detection system for detecting a liquid is provided in the chamber. The detection system is connected to the control board.
Data Source
AI summary
A nasal aspirator capable of effectively preventing backflow and a control method thereof are disclosed. The nasal aspirator includes a casing, a control board, a lower suction nozzle, an upper suction nozzle, a liquid storage cup, and an air pump unit. The control board is disposed in the casing. The lower suction nozzle is disposed on an upper end of the casing. The lower suction nozzle has a chamber and a suction passageway therein. The chamber has an opening facing upward. An upper end of the suction passageway communicates with the chamber. A detection system for detecting a liquid is provided in the chamber. The detection system is connected to the control board.