Adhesive-Free Nasal Dilator Structure for Customized Airflow Support
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing external nasal dilators require a substantially oil-free skin surface for adhesion, limiting their usability.
Innovation Solution
A nasal device comprising a standard and regulators that extend over the exterior of the nose, with regulators pushing against flexible nasal tissues to optimize nasal breathing, manufactured using three-dimensional printing for customization and comfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an external nasal dilator is secured to the skin via adhesive, then the nasal passage can be dilated and airflow resistance reduced, but the skin must be substantially oil-free for sufficient adhesion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the adhesive component entirely from the nasal dilator system. The device achieves secure attachment through friction and pressure distribution across the nasal bridge and alae, eliminating the requirement for adhesive and the associated skin preparation steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The nasal dilator is designed to be self-securing through its structural features including a curved body that conforms to the nasal bridge and flared ends that engage with the alae. The device maintains its position through mechanical interlocking and pressure distribution without requiring external adhesive substances.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a nasal device is customized for individual nasal contours, then comfort and effectiveness improve, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes 3D printing technology to manufacture nasal dilators with customized geometries based on individual nasal contours. By varying dimensional parameters such as bridge height, curvature radius, and flare angle during the additive manufacturing process, the device adapts to unique patient anatomy without requiring complex assembly or multiple components.
Data Source
AI summary
A nasal device may include a standard shaped to extend over an exterior portion of a user's nose from a first nasal opening, across flexible nasal tissues, to a second nasal opening. The standard may have a first end and a second end. A first regulator may be connected to the first end and extend therefrom into the first nasal opening. The first regulator may be shaped to engage the flexible tissues and regulate their position by pushing them toward an underside of the standard. A second regulator may be connected to the second end and extend therefrom into the second nasal opening. The second regulator may also be shaped to engage the flexible tissues and regulate their position by pushing them toward the underside of the standard.