Nasal Interface Device with Bidirectional Flow Deflector

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current nasal interface devices for respiratory ventilation systems are bulky, uncomfortable, and lack the ability to regulate pressure effectively, leading to patient discomfort and complications such as skin breakdown and uncontrolled airway pressure.

Innovation Solution

A nasal interface device with a bidirectional tee flow deflector and adjustable nasal prongs, integrated with tubing attachments and pressure regulators, allowing for customizable fit and controlled delivery of high flow and continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) to patients, enabling easy application and adjustment by clinicians.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a nasal mask or head gear is used to deliver CPAP, then pressure control capability is improved, but device size and patient comfort deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepressure control capabilityVSAvoiddevice size

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the pressure control function from the traditional nasal mask interface and relocates it to the ventilator system itself. The nasal interface is reduced to simple prongs without integrated pressure control mechanisms, while the ventilator incorporates pressure sensor feedback and control algorithms to maintain CPAP. This separation allows the nasal interface to be minimal and comfortable while pressure control reliability is maintained through system-level integration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The ventilator system is designed to perform multiple functions: it delivers high-flow oxygen therapy and simultaneously provides CPAP when needed, through software-controlled pressure regulation. The same device can operate in different modes (high-flow mode, CPAP mode, or combined mode), eliminating the need for separate dedicated CPAP equipment and reducing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If a nasal mask or head gear is used to deliver CPAP, then pressure control capability is improved, but patient comfort and skin health deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepressure control capabilityVSAvoidskin breakdown and patient stress

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the nasal mask component entirely, extracting only the essential function of delivering pressurized gas through nasal prongs. By eliminating the mask and headgear that contact the skin, the harmful effects of pressure sores, skin breakdown, and claustrophobia are avoided while pressure control is maintained through the ventilator system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The nasal interface is designed with local quality considerations: the prongs are made of soft, comfortable material that minimizes nasal irritation, and the fit is customized to each patient's anatomy. The interface only contacts the nostrils locally rather than covering the entire face, reducing the affected area and minimizing discomfort while maintaining effective gas delivery.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Ease of operation

If humidified high flow therapy is used, then patient comfort is improved, but pressure control capability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepatient comfortVSAvoidpressure control capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates pressure sensors that continuously monitor airway pressure and provide feedback to the control system. This closed-loop feedback allows the ventilator to automatically adjust gas flow to maintain the prescribed CPAP level, ensuring reliable pressure control while maintaining the comfort benefits of humidified high-flow therapy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

4Reliability

If traditional CPAP equipment is used, then pressure regulation is improved, but device portability and ease of application deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepressure regulationVSAvoidportability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the CPAP functionality into the existing high-flow oxygen ventilator system. Rather than using separate bulky CPAP equipment, the pressure control features are integrated into the ventilator's software and control mechanisms. This combination maintains portability and ease of application while adding reliable pressure regulation capability to the existing compact device.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS8333200B2Nasal interface device

Publication Date: 2012.12.18 TERO ROBERT

AI summary

A nasal interface device delivers a high flow rate of a gas having a pressure that is adjustable to a patient. The device includes a nasal insert that is adapted to deliver pressurized gas to a nasal cavity of the patient, and receive and direct expired air. The nasal insert has a pressurized breathing gas delivery port and an expired gas port. An expiratory limb pressure regulator is in fluid communication with the expired gas port.