Nasal Delivery Assembly Angled Spray Trajectory

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Solution Overview

Problem

Nasal fluid delivery devices fail to effectively distribute fluid products to the ethmoids due to the anatomy of the nasal valve and turbinates, resulting in a low percentage of the dose reaching this area.

Innovation Solution

A nasal fluid distribution assembly that includes a metering pump, a compressed gas flow generation system, and a nasal tip with a distribution channel and orifice, where the compressed gas flow is used to expel the fluid product at an angle greater than 30° and less than 90°, ensuring that the dose reaches the ethmoids.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If axial or rectilinear trajectory fluid spray is used, then the device structure is simple, but the fluid cannot reach the ethmoids due to nasal valve anatomy

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespray trajectory structureVSAvoidfluid delivery to ethmoids
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the spray trajectory from a simple axial/rectilinear path to a multi-dimensional path that includes lateral deviation. The spray is directed laterally toward the nasal valve and then upward to reach the ethmoids, utilizing multiple spatial dimensions to overcome the anatomical barriers of the nasal cavity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Productivity

If compressed air flow is mixed with liquid at dispensing orifice, then spraying is promoted, but the distribution to ethmoids remains insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespray generation efficiencyVSAvoiddose delivery to ethmoids
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies different qualities to different parts of the spray system. The compressed air and liquid are mixed at the dispensing orifice to create a fine spray (local quality for atomization), while the spray trajectory is then directed through specific anatomical regions (local quality for targeted delivery) to ensure the dose reaches the ethmoids.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Ease of operation

If nasal delivery devices are non-invasive or minimally invasive, then user comfort is maintained, but the fluid does not cross the nasal valve to reach the ethmoids

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser comfortVSAvoidfluid delivery to ethmoids
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses the nasal valve itself as an intermediary structure. Instead of trying to force the spray through or around the nasal valve, the spray is directed laterally toward the nasal valve region, using the natural anatomy as a guide to reach the ethmoids. This maintains non-invasiveness while achieving reliable delivery.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 solution significantly increases the percentage of the fluid product that reaches the ethmoids, improving the delivery efficiency while being simple and inexpensive to manufacture and assemble.

Implementation Method 1

a flow of compressed gas is mixed with the flow of liquid at the dispensing orifice to promote spraying

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCompressed gas flow: Pressure Gradient

Implementation Method 2

A metering pump (120) is mounted on said first reservoir (110) to dispense a dose of said fluid product with each actuation of said dispensing assembly (100)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPump mechanism: Pump

Data Source

PatentEP3400106B1Nasal delivery assembly for a fluid product
Publication Date: 2024.08.07 APTAR FRANCE SAS
  • EP3400106B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3400106B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3400106B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A nasal delivery assembly (100) for a fluid product, comprising: a first container (110) for a fluid product, a metering pump (120) mounted on said first container (110) and having a piston (121), a system for generating a compressed gas flow, a nasal end piece (150) having a connection portion (151) attached to the outlets of the pump (120) and the valve (140), and comprising a fluid chamber (153) receiving the dose of fluid product and the compressed gas flow and a nasal insertion member (152) for insertion into a user's nostril, extending longitudinally along an axis (B), containing a delivery channel (154) connected to said fluid chamber (153) and provided with a delivery aperture (155), said axis (B) forming an angle (a) relative to the longitudinal axis (A), wherein the fluid dose is first delivered to the fluid chamber (153) and then expelled under pressure by said compressed gas flow from the fluid chamber (153) through the delivery channel (154) and then through the delivery aperture (155).