Nasal Insert Spiral Element Airflow Vortex
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing nasal devices for improving respiration are difficult to use and remove, require individual adaptation for each patient, and do not enhance airflow when nasal passages are not narrowed or blocked, making them impractical for mass production and everyday use.
Innovation Solution
A nasal insert with a cone-shaped base body and internal spiral element that creates a rotational movement of air upon inhalation, allowing for increased airflow and oxygen uptake, and is designed for easy insertion and removal, with a thermoplastic material for comfort and adaptability, and optional magnets for secure fixation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a tubular device is inserted almost completely into the nasal passage to compensate for narrowing, then the air flow through the nose is improved, but the device becomes difficult to use and remove
Solution Approach 1:
The nasal insert is divided into two distinct parts: a conical base body that remains in the nasal vestibule and a flexible tip that extends into the nasal passage. This segmentation allows the main body to be easily accessible for insertion and removal while the tip provides the necessary support deep in the passage.
Solution Approach 2:
The device transitions from a fully internal placement (previous tubular devices) to a partially external, partially internal placement. The conical base body sits in the accessible nasal vestibule region, while only the tip extends into the deeper passage, creating a gradient of insertion depth that improves usability.
2Reliability
If a tubular device is inserted deep into the nasal passage to shape it, then the nasal passage shape is improved, but the device requires individual adaptation for each patient
Solution Approach 1:
The nasal insert is designed as a universal device that can be used by different patients without individual adaptation. The conical base body provides a standardized support structure, while the flexible tip adapts to various nasal passage shapes through its material properties rather than custom geometry.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of changing the geometric parameters of the device for each patient, the solution changes the material parameters - using a flexible, elastomeric material that can deform and adapt to different nasal passage configurations while maintaining the same standardized device design.
3Reliability
If a device is designed to compensate for nasal passage narrowing, then breathing improvement is achieved, but it does not enhance airflow when passages are not narrowed
Solution Approach 1:
The nasal insert incorporates a flexible, dynamic tip that can adapt its configuration based on the nasal passage conditions. When the passage is narrowed, the flexible tip provides support and expansion. When the passage is normal, the flexible tip conforms to the existing shape without obstruction, allowing the device to function effectively in both scenarios.
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 increases respiratory airflow, improves recovery during sleep, reduces snoring, and enhances oxygen uptake during activities, while being easy to use and mass-produce due to its standard sizes and simple design.
Implementation Method 1
The respiratory air, which flows through the interior of the base body and over the spiral-shaped element, is put into a rotational movement around the main axis of the base body
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments described herein to a device for improving respiration comprising at least one nasal insert provided to be inserted into a nostril of a user, wherein the at least one nasal insert comprises a conical base body, a through-hole extending along the main axis of the base body, and a spiral element arranged on the inside of the base body and extending from the base of the base body to the tip of the base body.