Flexible Nasal Insert for Anatomical Deformity Relief
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current devices for nasal congestion and obstruction relief, such as nasal strips and air masks, are often cumbersome, uncomfortable, or ineffective for individuals with significant anatomical deformities, and existing treatments for chronic sinusitis and snoring fail to directly address the underlying issues or cause side effects.
Innovation Solution
A nasal insert device with a tubular shape and varying diameters, featuring a break or thinned portions for flexibility, and optionally embedded with therapeutic agents, designed to be inserted into the nostrils to maintain open nasal passages and improve airflow, while also providing a mechanism to secure the device in place.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If nasal strips are used to dilate nasal passages, then airflow is improved to some degree, but they are ineffective for patients with significant anatomical deformities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a flexible nasal insert made of elastomeric material that can be inserted into the nasal cavity to mechanically support and hold open the nasal passages. This flexible shell approach provides effective support for anatomical deformities while maintaining device simplicity and patient comfort.
2Strength
If rigid and metal spring like products are used for nasal valve collapse, then structural support is provided, but discomfort and metal taste occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from rigid metal springs to flexible elastomeric material with appropriate durometer hardness (20-80 Shore A). This provides sufficient structural support for nasal valve collapse while eliminating the discomfort and metal taste associated with rigid metal products.
Solution Approach 2:
The nasal insert is made from elastomeric material that combines flexibility with structural integrity, creating a composite-like structure that provides the necessary support without the harmful effects of metal materials.
3Ease of operation
If air masks forcing pressurized air are used, then breathing is assisted, but they are cumbersome, unsightly, painful, and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential function of breathing assistance from complex pressurized air mask systems and implements it through a simple flexible nasal insert that mechanically opens nasal passages. This eliminates the need for external power sources, tubing, and bulky mask components while providing effective breathing assistance.
4Reliability
If conventional treatments for chronic sinusitis are used, then general treatment is provided, but they cannot get directly to the source of the problem
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible nasal insert serves as an intermediary device that is positioned directly within the nasal cavity, allowing therapeutic agents to be delivered directly to the source of sinusitis problems. This intermediary structure enables localized treatment that bypasses the limitations of oral medications and nasal sprays.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3A
Figure 3B
AI summary
A nasal insert may include a wall in the shape of a tube, the wall including a first end defining a first orifice and a second end defining a second orifice. The first end may have a diameter, diagonal measurement, or cross-sectional area larger than that of the second end. The first end may define at least one break in the wall, so that the first end incompletely encircles the first orifice. The second end may completely encircle the second orifice.