Nasal Rinse Tip Pressure Attenuation via Segmented Apertures
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing nasal lavage devices often dispense fluid at pressures that are uncomfortable or unsafe for nasal irrigation, as they are designed with high pressure systems that can displace nasal tissue.
Innovation Solution
A fluid ejection device with a tip that attenuates pressure, featuring multiple apertures and a tapered design to deliver fluid at a gentle, controlled flow rate, suitable for nasal irrigation, using bag-on-valve technology or pressurized containers with a pressure-attenuating mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If high pressure systems are used in nasal lavage devices, then fluid delivery efficiency is improved, but nasal tissue displacement and discomfort occur
Solution Approach 1:
The tip is divided into multiple separate apertures (at least two apertures) instead of a single opening. This segmentation distributes the fluid flow across multiple smaller streams, reducing the pressure concentration on nasal tissue while maintaining effective fluid delivery for nasal irrigation
Solution Approach 2:
The tip features a tapered configuration where the diameter decreases from the proximal to distal end, creating different local characteristics. The larger proximal diameter allows efficient fluid intake from the actuator, while the smaller distal diameter with multiple apertures provides gentle, distributed fluid ejection suitable for nasal tissue
2Reliability
If pressure attenuation is achieved through multiple apertures, then tissue safety is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tip functions as a porous structure with multiple apertures distributed across its distal surface. This porous configuration naturally attenuates pressure by distributing fluid flow through numerous small openings, achieving tissue safety without requiring complex external pressure regulation mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a single-point fluid ejection to a distributed multi-aperture surface. By spreading the fluid delivery across multiple dimensions (multiple apertures arranged in a pattern), the system reduces pressure concentration while maintaining simplicity in the overall tip structure
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 provides a comfortable and effective nasal irrigation experience by reducing pressure to a level that does not displace nasal tissue, while maintaining a higher flow rate and volume, making it suitable for treating allergies and sinus issues.
Implementation Method 1
A fluid ejection device is disclosed including a tip operable to attenuate pressure of fluid flowing through the tip
Implementation Method 2
using bag-on-valve technology or pressurized containers with a pressure-attenuating mechanism
Data Source
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AI summary
A device for nasal lavage is described. The device ejects a gentle flow of fluid under pressure. The fluid stream provides a high quantity of fluid at low pressure. The low pressure fluid stream is more comfortable for a user than a high pressure fluid stream that are delivered by various types of pressurized cans of solution.