Nasal Irrigation Pump Assembly for Adjustable Hands-Free Cleaning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing nasal irrigation devices require awkward positioning, messy cleanup, or user-handled operation, and fail to accommodate varying nostril distances, leading to inefficiencies and discomfort.
Innovation Solution
A bi-powered nasal irrigation device with motorized pumps for positive pressure cleaning and negative pressure suction, featuring adjustable nasal inserts and a compact, portable design for hands-free use, accommodating varying nostril distances.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If gravity-based devices are used for nasal irrigation, then the device structure is simple, but the user must hold the head in an awkward position and requires messy cleanup
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the gravity-based mechanical system with an electric pump system that uses electrical power to generate fluid flow. The pump assembly with motor and impeller creates pressurized flow without requiring the user to maintain specific head positions, eliminating the need for awkward positioning while maintaining simple device structure through modular integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The device incorporates an integrated suction mechanism that automatically removes waste fluid from the nasal cavity through a second pump assembly. This self-service feature eliminates the need for manual cleanup by the user, as the system automatically suctiones and collects waste fluid in a sealed reservoir, addressing the messy cleanup issue while keeping the overall device structure manageable.
2Device complexity
If fixed position nasal inserts are used, then the device structure is simple, but users with varying nostril distances cannot effectively engage the inserts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements adjustable nasal inserts that can be repositioned along the tubing assembly to accommodate different nostril distances. The inserts are designed with movable connection points that allow users to adjust the distance between inserts, transforming a static fixed-position system into a dynamic adjustable system that adapts to individual anatomical variations while maintaining reasonable device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The nasal inserts are segmented into separate, independently adjustable components rather than a single fixed unit. Each insert can be positioned separately along the tubing, allowing flexible adaptation to various nostril spacings. This segmentation enables customization without requiring a completely complex reconfigurable structure, as each segment can be independently adjusted.
3Volume of moving object
If handheld portable devices are used, then the device size is reduced, but the user must hold the device against the face with both hands
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a handheld device requiring two-handed operation to a tabletop device that operates in a different spatial dimension. By placing the pump assembly on a stable surface and using flexible tubing to deliver fluid to the user, the system frees both of the user's hands while maintaining a compact footprint on the tabletop, effectively solving the hands-free operation requirement without significantly increasing overall device volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces flexible tubing as an intermediary between the tabletop pump assembly and the user's nasal cavity. This intermediary component allows the bulk of the device to remain stationary on the tabletop while delivering functionality to the user, enabling hands-free operation. The tubing acts as a mediator that separates the heavy pump components from the user interface, maintaining portability and compact size while achieving hands-free operation.
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
Facilitates efficient, comfortable, and mess-free nasal irrigation with adjustable fit, allowing simultaneous cleaning and waste removal without user-handling, enhancing user experience and hygiene.
Implementation Method 1
a first motorized pump coupled to the clean liquid tank and the tubing assembly, the first motorized pump being structured to draw liquid from the clean liquid tank and pump the liquid to the tubing assembly and to the first nasal insert with positive pressure
Implementation Method 2
a second motorized pump separate from the first motorized pump and coupled to the waste liquid tank and the tubing assembly, the second motorized pump being structured to draw waste liquid from the second nasal insert and tubing assembly and with negative pressure
Data Source
AI summary
A nasal irrigation device includes a clean liquid tank, a waste liquid tank, a tubing assembly, first and second nasal inserts, a first motorized pump coupled to the clean liquid tank and the tubing assembly structured to draw liquid from the clean liquid tank and pump the liquid to the tubing assembly and to the first nasal insert with positive pressure when the first nasal insert is fixedly or removably coupled to the tubing assembly, and a second motorized pump separate from the first motorized pump and coupled to the waste liquid tank and the tubing assembly structured to draw waste liquid from the tubing assembly and the second nasal insert with negative pressure when the second nasal insert is fixedly or removably coupled to the tubing assembly and provide the waste liquid to the waste liquid tank.