Nasal Irrigation Device with Integrated Fluid Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing nasal irrigation devices are complex, expensive, and difficult to use due to multiple components that complicate the separation and collection of medical substances and washing fluids, leading to cumbersome dismantling and rinsing processes.
Innovation Solution
A nasal irrigation device with a simplified design featuring a base body with separate chambers for medical substances and washing fluids, a nozzle connected to a compressed air source, and a nozzle-cap with channels for efficient dispensing and collection, along with an activation mechanism to control air flow without turning off the compressed air source, facilitating easy use and cleaning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple components are used to separate and collect medical substance and washing fluid, then the separation and collection function is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate components (nozzle, nozzle-cap, cover, and collection chamber) into an integrated assembly where the cover and nozzle-cap define the collection chamber together. This merging reduces the number of separate parts while maintaining the separation and collection function through the interconnected design of these components.
Solution Approach 2:
The cover serves multiple functions: it closes the first chamber, defines the collection chamber together with the nozzle-cap, provides an exit hole for medical substance, and facilitates fluid collection. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each function.
2Reliability
If multiple components are used to separate and collect medical substance and washing fluid, then the separation and collection function is improved, but the ease of manufacture deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the cover and nozzle-cap into an integrated assembly that together defines the collection chamber, the patent reduces the total number of parts that need to be manufactured, assembled, and inventoried. This reduces manufacturing complexity and cost while maintaining the separation function.
3Reliability
If multiple components are used for nasal irrigation, then the fluid separation is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated design of the cover and nozzle-cap as a unified assembly reduces the number of disassembly steps required after use. Users only need to remove this combined assembly from the base body, rather than separating multiple individual components, thereby simplifying the dismantling operation while maintaining fluid separation functionality.
4Ease of operation
If compressed air source is turned off to control air flow, then the air flow control is achieved, but the productivity and convenience deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The device enables the user to control air flow through simple manual activation (covering/uncovering the activation hole) without requiring intervention at the compressed air source. This self-service control mechanism allows rapid on/off switching at the point of use, maintaining treatment efficiency while providing convenient local control.
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 is more convenient and easier to use, with fewer components that allow for efficient separation and collection of fluids, reducing waste and simplifying the cleaning process, while enabling intuitive control over the nasal irrigation treatment.
Implementation Method 1
a nozzle (12) suitable for being fluidically connected to a compressed air source, the nozzle having a dispensing hole (14) of said compressed air
Implementation Method 2
the cover (48) and nozzle-cap (28) identify a second chamber (60), fluidically separate from said first chamber (16), so as to permit the collection of the medical substance used earlier for washing and any mucus dissolved therein
Data Source
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AI summary
Nasal irrigation device (4) comprising a base body (8) fitted with a nozzle (12) suitable for being fluidically connected to a compressed air source, the nozzle (12) having a dispenser hole (14) of said compressed air, the base body (8) defining a first chamber (16) for receiving a medical substance to be dispensed through said nozzle (12). The device further comprises a nozzle-cap (28) suitable for being fitted at least partially around the nozzle (12) to act in conjunction with it for the dispensing of the medical substance, and a cover (48), fitted on the base body (8), around the nozzle-cap (28), and provided with an exit hole (52) of the medical substance. Advantageously, the nozzle-cap (28) comprises a separation septum (56) which, acting in conjunction with the cover (48), identifies a second chamber (60), fluidically separate from said first chamber (16) so as to permit the collection of the medical substance used earlier for washing.