Nasal Cannula With Rotatable Interior Outlet For Targeted Fluid Delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for delivering therapeutic fluids to the nasal cavity are inefficient, as they often result in a large percentage of the fluid being wasted by being applied to surfaces that do not require therapeutic treatment, due to indiscriminate dispensing.
Innovation Solution
A fluid delivery device with an elongated member comprising a hollow exterior cannula and a hollow interior cannula, where the distal section has a curved centerline dividing it into two lateral sections, allowing the interior cannula's outlets to be selectively positioned to predominantly eject fluid towards specific areas within the nasal cavity, such as turbinates, thereby targeting specific structures for efficient delivery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of substance
If a spray bottle is used to deliver fluid to the nasal cavity, then the delivery method is simple and easy to use, but a large percentage of the fluid is wasted by being applied to surfaces that do not require therapeutic treatment
Solution Approach 1:
The device divides the single fluid stream into multiple separate outlet streams (first outlet, second outlet, third outlet) positioned at different locations and orientations. This segmentation allows the fluid to be delivered to multiple specific targets simultaneously, reducing waste by ensuring each stream reaches its intended destination rather than dispersing indiscriminately throughout the nasal cavity.
Solution Approach 2:
Each outlet is positioned and oriented to deliver fluid to a specific local area within the nasal cavity (different turbinates or sinus regions). The first outlet delivers to one specific target, the second outlet to another, and the third outlet to a third target. This local quality approach ensures that fluid is applied precisely where therapeutic value is maximized, rather than being wasted on surfaces that do not require treatment.
2Reliability
If fluid is ejected indiscriminately in the nasal cavity, then the delivery method is simple to operate, but the fluid is applied to surfaces for which it can deliver little to no therapeutic value
Solution Approach 1:
The device incorporates a rotatable interior cannula that can be rotated to different orientations, allowing the user to dynamically adjust which outlet is positioned near which target. The first outlet can be oriented toward the second outlet for delivering fluid to a first target, or rotated so the first outlet is near the third outlet for delivering fluid to a second target. This dynamic adjustability provides reliable targeted delivery while maintaining ease of operation through simple rotation.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotatable interior cannula acts as an intermediary mechanism between the fluid source and the multiple outlets. By rotating this intermediate component, the user can control the orientation and positioning of the outlets relative to the nasal cavity targets, enabling reliable selective delivery without complex control systems.
3Measurement precision
If multiple outlets are positioned at different locations in the distal section, then fluid can be delivered to specific targets, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The device employs a nested structure where the interior cannula (containing the first outlet) is housed within the exterior cannula (containing the second and third outlets). This nesting allows multiple outlets to be positioned at different locations within the distal section while maintaining a compact overall structure. The nested arrangement reduces device complexity compared to having separate independent components for each outlet.
Solution Approach 2:
The device utilizes the curved centerline of the distal section as an additional spatial dimension for positioning outlets. Rather than simply arranging outlets along a straight line, the curved path allows outlets to be positioned at different angular orientations and radial distances from the centerline, enabling precise targeting of multiple surfaces within the nasal cavity while maintaining a relatively simple cannula structure.
Data Source
AI summary
A device for delivering fluid to a nasal cavity comprises an elongated member comprising a hollow exterior cannula and a hollow interior cannula. The interior cannula is flexible, is at least partially housed within the exterior cannula, and comprises an inlet for intake of the fluid and at least one outlet for ejecting the fluid. The exterior cannula has outlets for ejecting the fluid which are positioned within the nasal cavity by inserting the distal end of the device through a given nostril. A portion of the device has a continuously curving centerline that divides the device into a first and second lateral section. At least one outlet is positioned in each of the first and second lateral sections. Rotation of the distal section of the interior cannula within the exterior cannula permits the ejection of fluid predominantly out of outlets on respective lateral sides of the outer cannula.