Nasal EPAP Dilator With Adjustable Exhalation Resistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing nasal dilators do not effectively dilate the nasal passageway to improve inhalation airflow while allowing adjustable exhalation resistance without increasing discomfort or requiring device removal or part replacement.
Innovation Solution
A nasal EPAP dilator with a housing that expands the nasal passageway, featuring a valve with a support structure to prevent blowout during exhalation and a dial to adjust exhalation resistance, ensuring minimal inhalation resistance and customizable exhalation airflow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a nasal dilator is designed to dilate the nasal passageway to improve inhalation airflow, then inhalation resistance is reduced, but the device lacks adjustable exhalation resistance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates an adjustable valve mechanism with a dial that allows the exhalation resistance to be dynamically adjusted by the user. The valve includes an adjustable orifice that can be rotated to different positions, changing the resistance level for exhalation while maintaining the dilation effect on inhalation. This dynamic adjustment capability resolves the contradiction by making the device adaptable to different user needs without compromising inhalation airflow improvement.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a valve is added to restrict exhalation airflow, then exhalation resistance is increased, but the valve may blow out during normal exhalation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a localized support structure specifically positioned behind the valve to prevent blowout. The support includes a retainer or frame that provides structural reinforcement at the critical valve location without affecting the overall device structure or the adjustable orifice functionality. This localized reinforcement resolves the contradiction by ensuring valve reliability during exhalation while preserving the adjustable resistance capability.
3Reliability
If a support structure is added to prevent valve blowout, then valve reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the support structure with the existing valve assembly by making the retainer an integral part of the valve mechanism. The support structure is combined with the dial assembly and housing, creating a unified component rather than adding separate parts. This merging approach resolves the contradiction by providing necessary structural support while minimizing the increase in device complexity through integrated design.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the exhalation orifice is made adjustable, then adaptability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a user-operated dial mechanism that allows individuals to independently adjust the exhalation orifice size according to their comfort and therapeutic needs. The self-adjusting capability eliminates the need for complex external control systems or multiple pre-configured valve options. This self-service approach resolves the contradiction by providing high adaptability through simple user interaction while keeping the adjustment mechanism straightforward and easy to use.
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 device enhances inhalation airflow by dilating the nasal passage and allows precise tailoring of exhalation resistance, improving user comfort and therapeutic efficacy without adverse side effects.
Implementation Method 1
a housing that expands the nasal passageway
Implementation Method 2
a valve with a support structure to prevent blowout during exhalation
Data Source
AI summary
A nasal EPAP dilator is employed as an intranasal device which effect differing degrees of inhibition/easing for exhalation/inhalation. An outer housing functions as a pair of connected mirror image nasal dilators, and a differential-action valve mechanism modulates the airflow through the passages defined by the dilators, when inserted. The valve inhibits exhalation, while opening easily to inhalation which in combination with the dilating effect is thereby eased over the absence of the nasal dilator. A dial assembly having one or more exhalation apertures can be opened to varying degrees to adjust exhalation resistances and EPAP strengths without removal of the device or valve interchange. The housings can include protrusions and may also have lateral ends with a slot that holds a head strap.