Nasal Dilator With Flexible U-Shaped Bridge
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current treatments for increasing oxygen intake, such as those for snoring and sleep apnea, are often uncomfortable, inconvenient, and limited in their application to both day and night, failing to provide a continuous and efficient solution for enhanced oxygen supply.
Innovation Solution
A nasal dilator with 'C' shaped nostril separators and a flexible 'U' or 'C' shaped connection member that adjusts to fit individual nostril sizes, increasing airflow by opening the nasal passages, potentially customizable and equipped with sensors for oxygen measurement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If traditional treatments (dental appliances, surgery) are used to increase oxygen intake, then oxygen supply may be improved, but comfort and convenience deteriorate, and recovery time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device divides the nasal passage treatment into two separate C-shaped separators that fit into each nostril individually, connected by a flexible bridge. This segmentation allows the device to be inserted and removed easily without requiring dental appliances or surgical intervention, thereby improving comfort and convenience while maintaining oxygen intake benefits.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection member between the two separators is made of flexible material that can bend and adapt to the user's nasal structure. This flexibility allows the device to be comfortably worn during both day and night without causing pain or requiring recovery time, resolving the contradiction between oxygen intake improvement and ease of operation.
2Reliability
If traditional treatments are used to decrease snoring and sleep apnea, then breathing issues may be addressed, but the treatments are limited in application to both day and night
Solution Approach 1:
The nasal dilator device is designed to be universally applicable for both daytime and nighttime use, addressing snoring and sleep apnea during sleep while also providing breathing benefits during waking hours. The simple insertion into nostrils without complex mechanisms makes it suitable for continuous use across different activities and times, achieving both reliability and adaptability.
3Productivity
If C-shaped nostril separators with flexible connection member are used, then airflow is increased and comfort is improved, but device complexity increases compared to simple structures
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible connection member allows the device to dynamically adapt to the user's nasal structure and movements rather than requiring a complex fixed structure. This dynamic flexibility achieves effective airflow increase while maintaining relatively simple construction, as the flexibility is achieved through material selection rather than complex mechanical components.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of nasal dilators are disclosed. In one embodiment, a nasal dilator has an internal portion with first and second nostril separators and an external portion forming a connection member. Each nostril separator has a generally “C” configuration and includes a first and second end separated by a linking member. The first and second ends have a gap therebetween. The connection member has a generally “U “configuration, and is fixed to the linking members of the first and second nostril separators to form the nasal dilator.