Nasal Insert With Non-Linear Curved Path For Targeted Drug Delivery

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

The complex anatomy of the nasal cavity poses challenges for precise drug delivery and treatment administration, particularly in reaching specific areas like the superior meatus, while avoiding unwanted areas, due to its convoluted structure and the need to prevent substances from entering or reaching the nasal lining or bloodstream.

Innovation Solution

The development of nasal inserts with unique designs, including non-linear paths, multiple passageways, and sealing mechanisms that direct airflow and substances to specific regions within the nasal cavity, preventing unwanted substances from reaching certain areas, and leveraging nasal characteristics for targeted treatment delivery.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If conventional nasal delivery methods are used, then simplicity of administration is maintained, but precision of drug delivery to specific nasal regions deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprecision of drug deliveryVSAvoidcomplexity of nasal device

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The nasal device is divided into multiple segments including a proximal section, a non-linear intermediate section, and a distal section. Each segment serves a specific function in directing airflow to different nasal regions, enabling precise drug delivery to targeted areas while maintaining overall device manageability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The device incorporates a non-linear curved path that follows the natural contours of the nasal cavity. This curved geometry enables the device to navigate through the complex nasal anatomy and deliver drugs to specific regions such as the superior meatus, which are difficult to reach with straight delivery methods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

2Manufacturing precision

If nasal inserts direct airflow to specific regions, then precision of treatment delivery is improved, but difficulty of reaching superior meatus increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprecision of treatment deliveryVSAvoidease of reaching superior meatus

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The non-linear curved path of the nasal insert is specifically designed to follow the anatomical route to the superior meatus, making this difficult-to-reach region accessible while maintaining precise drug delivery capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Solution Approach 2:

The device utilizes a three-dimensional curved trajectory rather than a linear path, allowing it to navigate the complex spatial geometry of the nasal cavity and reach the superior meatus by moving through multiple dimensions and planes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If nasal inserts prevent substances from reaching unwanted areas, then side effects are minimized, but complexity of sealing mechanisms increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveside effectsVSAvoidcomplexity of sealing mechanisms

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The nasal insert incorporates sealing mechanisms at specific locations where substance containment is most critical. Rather than sealing the entire device, localized sealing elements are placed strategically to prevent drug migration to unwanted areas while maintaining overall device simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

Sealing elements act as intermediary components between the drug delivery channel and the surrounding nasal environment. These seals prevent unwanted substance interaction while allowing the device to maintain a simple overall structure without complex sealing systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Manufacturing precision

If non-linear paths are used to direct airflow, then precision of regional delivery is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprecision of regional deliveryVSAvoidcomplexity of non-linear path structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The non-linear curved path is integrated into a single continuous device structure rather than requiring multiple separate components. This curvature enables precise regional delivery while keeping the device design relatively simple and manufacturable.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Solution Approach 2:

The proximal section, non-linear intermediate section, and distal section are merged into a single integrated nasal insert structure. This combination achieves complex drug delivery functionality through a unified device rather than requiring multiple separate components, thereby reducing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS11400244B2Nasal device for treatment

Publication Date: 2022.08.02 BECK ADVA

AI summary

Herein disclosed are nasal inserts for treatment and/or management of various different ailments. Easy modification of the insert allows for treatment of various ailments that can readily be treated via the nose. The insert can direct air into or out of the nasal cavity and/or deliver medicinal substances and/or non-medicinal substances to the appropriate regions, thereby providing the appropriate therapeutic effect, depending on the ailment being treated.