Layered Nasal Mucus Capture Structure for Sanitary Containment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing nasal mucus capture devices, such as tissue paper and Q-tips, fail to adequately capture nasal mucus, leading to unsanitary disposal and potential spreading of mucus particles, and require users to wash their hands after handling used tissues.

Innovation Solution

A disposable nasal mucus capture device comprising multiple layers, including a cylindrical configuration with a cotton pad, non-woven material, and a scented third layer, designed to be inserted into the nostril to collect mucus efficiently and prevent spreading, while allowing for sanitary disposal.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If tissue paper is used to capture nasal mucus, then the device is simple and cost-effective, but it cannot capture all mucus particles and requires hand washing after disposal

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesimplicity and cost-effectivenessVSAvoidmucus capture completeness

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The device is divided into multiple functional layers: an outer layer for structural support, a middle layer for mucus capture, and an inner layer for direct contact with nasal passages. This segmentation allows each layer to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall simplicity and manufacturability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The device employs a nested structure where the inner layer is contained within the middle layer, which is in turn contained within the outer layer. This nested configuration enables complete containment of mucus particles while maintaining a compact, disposable form factor that is simple to manufacture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Ease of operation

If conventional tissue paper is used, then the device is simple to use, but mucus particles spread into air and surrounding areas

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of useVSAvoidmucus particle spread

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The device utilizes a flexible, multi-layered structure that conforms to the nasal passages while containing mucus particles. The layered film structure prevents particle escape while maintaining ease of insertion and removal, addressing both ease of operation and particle containment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The device transforms the potentially harmful spreading of mucus particles into a contained, controlled environment. By designing layers with appropriate pore sizes and adhesive properties, the device captures and holds particles that would otherwise spread, converting a harmful effect into a controlled containment scenario.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

3Adaptability or versatility

If handkerchief or paper is used for constant cleaning, then the device is readily available, but it causes irritation to the nose

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereadily availableVSAvoidnose irritation

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The device combines multiple materials with complementary properties: a soft inner layer for gentle nasal contact, a middle layer for mucus absorption, and an outer layer for structural integrity. This composite structure reduces irritation while maintaining availability and effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the device have specialized properties: the inner layer is ultra-soft for nasal contact, the middle layer has high absorbency for mucus capture, and the outer layer provides strength. This local differentiation reduces irritation while maintaining overall functionality and availability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

4Device complexity

If tissue paper is used to blow nose, then the device is simple, but makeup on the face is ruined

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovesimplicityVSAvoidmakeup damage

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The device extracts and contains mucus particles within the layered structure, preventing their expulsion onto the face and subsequent damage to makeup. The contained capture mechanism eliminates the harmful side effect while maintaining device simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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 captures nearly all nasal mucus, preventing its spread and ensuring sanitary disposal, reducing irritation and the need for reapplying makeup, and minimizing contact with mucus.

Implementation Method 1

the second layer may include a non-woven material. In addition, the second layer may be adapted to capture nasal mucus

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAdsorption: Adsorption

Data Source

PatentUS20260020989A1Nasal mucus capture device

Publication Date: 2026.01.22 CHAIREZ RAMONA

AI summary

A simple, sanitary, disposable, and cost-effective device that allows a user to safely capture mucus from one's nose and dispose of such mucus in a sanitary manner. The nasal mucus capture device may include a first layer, a second layer secured to the first layer, and a third layer secured to the first and second layers, wherein the first, second, and third layers are in a substantially cylindrical configuration. In addition, a top region of the first and second layer can be disposed between the third layer, wherein the third layer may include a cotton pad.