Nasal Mucus Extraction Device with Illumination and Depth Stop
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for removing nasal mucus and earwax are ineffective, especially for infants and children, as they often push debris further into the nostrils or ear canals, and lack adequate illumination for visualization during removal.
Innovation Solution
A device with a light assembly and interchangeable extraction portions, including a bowl and loop attachments, designed to illuminate the nostrils or ear canals and prevent deep insertion, allowing for safe and effective removal of mucus and earwax.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional devices (fingers, cotton swabs, nasal aspirators) are used to remove mucus or earwax, then the removal process can be performed, but the devices may push debris further into the nostrils or ear canals and cause injury or discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The extraction element is made of flexible material that can conform to the contours of the nostril or ear canal, allowing gentle extraction without pushing debris deeper. The flexibility enables the element to navigate the curved passages safely while maintaining contact with the walls for effective removal.
Solution Approach 2:
The device includes a light source that illuminates the nostril or ear canal before and during the extraction process, allowing the user to visualize the debris location and plan the extraction path in advance, preventing accidental deep insertion or pushing of debris.
2Loss of information
If conventional devices are used for mucus removal, then the process can be performed, but adequate illumination for visualization is not provided
Solution Approach 1:
The light source is integrated into the extraction device itself, combining the illumination function with the extraction function in a single handheld unit. This eliminates the need for separate lighting equipment and allows the user to see the area being treated while performing the extraction.
Solution Approach 2:
The device serves multiple functions: it provides illumination, allows visualization of debris, and performs the extraction all in one unit. The light assembly can be used with different extraction elements for various applications (nostril cleaning, earwax removal), making the device versatile.
3Ease of operation
If fingers or large objects are used to remove mucus from infants and children, then the process might be simpler, but the smaller size of their nostrils prevents effective use of such devices
Solution Approach 1:
The extraction element is designed as a segmented or modular component that can be easily attached and removed from the light assembly. The extraction element itself can be made in different sizes or shapes to accommodate infants, children, and adults, allowing the same device to adapt to different age groups and nostril sizes.
Solution Approach 2:
The extraction element is made of flexible material that can conform to the smaller contours of infant and child nostrils, allowing the same device to be used across different age groups. The flexibility enables safe navigation of the smaller, more delicate passages while maintaining effective extraction capability.
4Reliability
If nasal irrigation techniques are used to remove mucus, then cleansing can be achieved, but the process is difficult, uncomfortable and messy
Solution Approach 1:
The device extracts mucus directly from the nostril using a physical extraction element rather than requiring irrigation with water or saline. This takes the messy fluid-based approach and replaces it with a dry, mechanical extraction method that is cleaner and more comfortable for the user.
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 enables efficient and comfortable removal of both dry and wet mucus from nostrils and earwax from ear canals, particularly suitable for infants and children, by providing illumination and preventing over-insertion, thus improving hygiene and reducing discomfort.
Implementation Method 1
a light emitting device, the light emitting device configured to emit light so as to illuminate at least a portion of a nostril or an ear canal
Data Source
AI summary
A device for removing mucus from a nostril or earwax from an ear canal is disclosed herein. The device includes a light assembly, the light assembly including a light emitting device, the light emitting device configured to emit light so as to illuminate at least a portion of a nostril or an ear canal; and an extraction portion configured to be coupled to the light assembly, the extraction portion including an extraction element and a stop located adjacent to the extraction element, the extraction element sized and configured to fit within the nostril or the ear canal for extracting mucus or earwax, and the stop sized to prevent insertion of the stop into the nostril or the ear canal and limit the depth that the extraction element is able to be inserted into the nostril or the ear canal.