Nasal Irrigation Device with Simultaneous Aspiration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current nasal and sinus congestion treatments are inadequate, as existing devices for nasal aspiration and irrigation are inefficient, difficult to use, and lack a system for simultaneous control of aspiration and irrigation, leading to suboptimal relief and increased side effects.
Innovation Solution
A device with a housing containing an irrigant and aspirant reservoir, a nozzle with separate lumens for irrigation and aspiration, and a control mechanism to manage both functions with a single switch, providing improved airflow and ease of use through a flexible tip that maintains a seal and allows for simultaneous irrigation and aspiration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If separate devices are used for nasal aspiration and irrigation, then each function can be performed, but the device complexity increases and ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines separate aspiration and irrigation devices into a single integrated device with a common handle and control mechanism. The housing contains both an aspirant reservoir and an irrigant reservoir, with a single motor driving both aspiration and irrigation pumps. This merging reduces the number of separate devices needed and simplifies operation while maintaining both functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The device is designed to perform multiple functions including aspiration, irrigation, and simultaneous aspiration-irrigation through a single unit. The control mechanism can operate in different modes (aspiration only, irrigation only, or simultaneous operation) providing universal functionality that eliminates the need for multiple specialized devices.
2Productivity
If manual control of aspiration and irrigation is used, then basic function is achieved, but productivity decreases due to repeated attempts
Solution Approach 1:
The device incorporates sensors that detect the presence of fluid in the nasal cavity and provide feedback to the control mechanism. This allows the system to automatically adjust aspiration and irrigation parameters, reducing the need for repeated manual attempts and improving treatment efficiency while maintaining ease of use.
Solution Approach 2:
The device includes automatic control features where the motor and pumps self-regulate based on operational conditions. The system can automatically switch between aspiration and irrigation modes, control fluid flow rates, and adjust suction pressure without requiring constant manual intervention, thereby improving productivity.
3Device complexity
If a single nozzle is used for both irrigation and aspiration, then device complexity is reduced, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The single nozzle is divided into separate lumens or channels within the same nozzle structure. One lumen delivers irrigation fluid while another lumen performs aspiration. This segmentation allows each function to have its own dedicated pathway while maintaining a unified nozzle design, reducing overall device complexity while managing manufacturing precision requirements through modular construction.
4Reliability
If simultaneous aspiration and irrigation are implemented, then treatment efficacy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device enables simultaneous and continuous aspiration and irrigation operations through a single coordinated system. The motor drives both pumps concurrently, allowing irrigation fluid to be delivered while aspiration removes secretions in real-time. This continuous simultaneous operation improves treatment efficacy by maintaining constant therapeutic action without interruption.
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 effectively relieves nasal and sinus congestion by providing controlled and efficient irrigation and aspiration, reducing the need for repeated attempts and minimizing side effects, thereby improving patient comfort and treatment efficacy.
Implementation Method 1
a nozzle, the nozzle including an irrigant lumen and an aspirant lumen... adapted to deliver irrigation fluid through the irrigation lumen and remove secretions through the aspirant lumen
Implementation Method 2
remove secretions through the aspirant lumen
Data Source
AI summary
Irrigation and/or aspiration devices and methods may be configured to aspirate and irrigate alone, sequentially, or concurrently. The devices and methods may provide a base with a removable head, and adapted for partial or complete separation of the irrigation and aspiration functions. The devices and methods can be configured to aspirate and/or irrigate the nasal and sinus cavities. The devices and methods may be manually and/or automatically controlled. The devices and methods may include removable, and/or replaceable, and/or refillable, and easily cleanable reservoirs for aspirant and irrigant. The device head and/or aspirant reservoir may comprise a diagnostic device, i.e., test device and/or container after use of the devices and methods.