Multi-Stage Nasal Filter with Resilient Seal and Antiseptic Coating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing nasal filters allow bypass of inhaled air and fail to effectively capture very small particles, potentially leading to infections.
Innovation Solution
A multi-stage nasal filter system with progressively smaller pore sizes and antiseptic-coated stages, utilizing venturi-type turbulence to enhance contact between particulates and antiseptic, and a resiliently deformable second stage that forms a seal within the nasal passage, ensuring effective filtration and disinfection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single-stage filter with uniform pore size is used, then the device structure is simple, but very small particles pass through the filter and enter the body
Solution Approach 1:
The filter is divided into multiple stages with progressively smaller pore sizes. The first stage has larger pores for initial filtration, the second stage has intermediate pores, and the third stage has the smallest pores to capture fine particles. This segmentation allows each stage to target specific particle size ranges, improving overall filtration effectiveness while managing complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the filter have different pore sizes optimized for capturing different particle sizes. The proximal stage (first stage) has larger pores suitable for larger particles, while the distal stage (third stage) has smaller pores for fine particles. This local differentiation of filter properties ensures comprehensive particle capture across all size ranges.
2Reliability
If the filter is inserted deeply into the nasal passage, then more particles are filtered, but the seal between the filter and nasal surfaces is compromised allowing air bypass
Solution Approach 1:
The second stage filter incorporates resiliently deformable foam-type material that dynamically adapts to the nasal passage geometry. When inserted, the foam expands to fill irregular spaces and conform to the unique shape of each user's nasal passage, creating an effective seal without requiring deep insertion. This dynamic adaptation ensures both comprehensive filtration coverage and proper sealing.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter utilizes material with varying degrees of resilience and deformability across different stages. The second stage employs highly resilient foam material that can be compressed during insertion and then expands to fill the nasal passage, changing the physical parameters of the filter-material interaction to achieve both deep placement and effective sealing.
3Productivity
If the filter material is made highly porous to allow air flow, then breathing resistance is reduced, but very small particles pass through the filter
Solution Approach 1:
The filtration process is segmented into multiple stages with progressively tighter pore sizes. The first stage uses highly porous material for low-resistance air flow and initial particle capture, the second stage uses moderately porous material for intermediate filtration, and the third stage uses low-porosity material for fine particle capture. This segmentation allows each stage to optimize the trade-off between air flow and particle capture for its specific function.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter employs composite construction with different materials having different porosity characteristics in each stage. The combination of materials with varying pore sizes and flow resistance properties creates a composite filtration system that achieves both adequate air flow and comprehensive particle capture across all size ranges.
4Reliability
If the filter assembly is made oversized to ensure seal, then the seal is improved, but insertion into the nostril becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The filter assembly utilizes dynamically deformable materials, particularly the resilient foam in the second stage, that compress during insertion and then expand to their full size once in place. This dynamic behavior allows the filter to be inserted in a compact state and then achieve its full sealing dimensions within the nasal passage, resolving the contradiction between insertion ease and seal effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter stages are nested within each other in a telescoping arrangement, with the third stage enveloping the second stage, which envelops the first stage. This nested configuration allows the entire assembly to be compressed to a smaller insertion size while maintaining the full functional dimensions when deployed, facilitating easy insertion while ensuring effective sealing.
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 effectively traps smaller particles and pathogens, reducing the risk of infection by ensuring all inhaled air passes through the filter stages, with the antiseptic coating enhancing the elimination of pathogens upon insertion.
Implementation Method 1
the second stage comprises a resiliently deformable foam-type material having slightly larger cross-section than the nasal passage within which it is disposed... the second stage resiliently expands to synchronously urge both the second and third stages against the internal surfaces of the septum and nares, forming a perimeter seal
Implementation Method 2
A preferred embodiment comprises a pair of three stage filters... where the initial (first) stage has a smaller pore size than the intermediate (second) stage, and the final (third) stage has a smaller pore size than the first and second stages
Implementation Method 3
The shape and size of the second and third stages may be configured to induce venturi-type turbulence proximate the stage 2/stage 3 interface, causing increased contact between particulates and the antiseptic borne by the filter fibers. For example, eddy currents resulting from turbulent air flow may cause pathogens to contact (and thus killed by) antiseptic
Implementation Method 4
One or more stages may be electrostatic and/or coated (or saturated) with an antiseptic or disinfectant such as povidone iodine or iodoprovidone, commonly marketed under the brand name Betadine or silver
Data Source
AI summary
Devices and methods of inhibiting the inhalation of particulates using a resiliently deformable filter packaged in a sealed envelope containing a liquid medium. The method includes opening the sealed package to thereby expose the filter to ambient air; removing the filter from the package; inserting the filter into a distal region of a nostril; and urging the filter from the distal region to a proximal region of the nostril while simultaneously swabbing the distal region with the liquid disinfectant. The filter includes: an initial stage characterized by a first pore size; an intermediate stage characterized by a second pore size; and a final stage characterized by a third pore size, wherein the third pore size is a smaller than the first and second pore sizes.