Nasal Irrigation Device with Rotatable Flow Control Tip
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing naso-sinus irrigation devices lack the ability to control flow rate and are not easily adaptable to varying levels of congestion or user preference, leading to user abandonment due to impracticality and potential bacterial contamination issues.
Innovation Solution
A device with adjustable flow rate control, achieved through a mechanism involving a second and third orifice with varying relative positions, allowing for gentle or intense irrigation, and easy disassembly for cleaning, using a flexible container and rotatable tip with visual indicators for flow adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a device with fixed flow rate is used, then the structure is simple, but the adaptability to different congestion levels and user preferences is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the flow rate adjustable through a rotatable tip with orifices of different sizes. The tip can be rotated to different positions to change the effective flow area, allowing the device to adapt to different congestion levels and user preferences while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of flow rate by providing multiple orifices of different diameters in the tip. By rotating the tip, the effective flow area changes, thereby adjusting the flow rate without requiring a complex valve mechanism or multiple separate devices.
2Ease of operation
If a device with manual compression is used, then the flow can be generated, but the flow rate cannot be controlled and may cause intense irrigation only
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables dynamic flow rate adjustment by allowing the user to rotate the tip to different positions. This provides controlled variation in flow rate from gentle to intense irrigation, making the device easy to operate for different scenarios while avoiding uncomfortable intense irrigation when not needed.
3Ease of manufacture
If a device with multiple parts is used, then the functionality is enhanced, but the ease of cleaning and disassembly is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the device into three main parts: a container, a tip with orifices, and a connecting element. This segmentation allows for easy disassembly and cleaning of each component separately while maintaining enhanced functionality through the modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal design where the same basic structure can provide multiple functions: gentle irrigation, intense irrigation, and easy cleaning. The modular design with standardized connecting elements allows the same components to be used across different configurations.
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
Enables controlled flow rate adjustment for tailored irrigation, enhancing user convenience and hygiene by allowing gentle or intense treatments without multiple devices and facilitating easy cleaning and assembly.
Implementation Method 1
compression of the walls by a hand forces the liquid inside the tubular conduit so as to create a flow of liquid from the container into the nasal cavities
Implementation Method 2
compression of the walls by a hand forces the liquid inside the tubular conduit so as to create a flow of liquid from the container into the nasal cavities
Implementation Method 3
The passage of the liquid into the nostril is done by tilting the container from bottom to top and therefore by gravity
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
According to the invention, the irrigation device (1) comprises: a receptacle (10) which is suitable for containing a liquid and which has a body (11) and an opening (13); a nozzle (20, 200) with a base (21), which is designed to be fixed on said receptacle (10), and with a tip (22), which has an orifice (23) intended to allow the liquid to flow out of the device (1); a means for controlling the flow rate of said liquid capable of flowing through said flow orifice (23), characterized in that said means for controlling the flow rate of liquid comprises a second orifice (24), connected to the flow orifice (23) by a conduit (25), and a third orifice (36), connected to the receptacle (10), and means are provided for varying the relative positions of said second and third orifices (24, 36), such that the cross section of passage of liquid passing through the second and third orifices (24, 36) can vary.