Nasal Spray Non-Return Valve for Pressure Adaptation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Nasal douches lack simplicity in handling, as they cannot be used effectively under both normal and overpressure conditions without complex operations.
Innovation Solution
A nasal irrigator with an elastic container featuring a non-return valve that allows liquid to exit freely under gravity and can be closed to release fluid under pressure by squeezing the container, utilizing a movable closure body within a longitudinal guide to control flow between sealing surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a ventilation opening is left open for use, then the rinsing liquid can exit freely under gravity, but the device cannot be used under overpressure conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The closure body is designed to move dynamically between two positions: open position for normal gravity-driven flow and closed position for overpressure situations. The movable closure body responds to pressure changes, automatically adjusting the valve state to match the operating conditions without requiring manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve changes its flow parameters (open/closed state) based on pressure conditions. Under normal pressure, the valve remains open allowing free flow; when overpressure occurs, the closure body moves to close the passage, changing the flow parameter from open to closed to accommodate the pressure change.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a finger is used to close the ventilation opening for overpressure use, then the device can be used under overpressure, but the handling becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The non-return valve performs the function of closing the ventilation opening automatically in response to pressure changes, eliminating the need for manual finger operation. The closure body self-activates when overpressure conditions occur, providing self-service functionality that maintains simplicity of handling while enabling overpressure use.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual finger-closing action is extracted and replaced by an automatic mechanical response. The closure body takes over the function previously requiring manual intervention, removing the need for finger operation while maintaining the overpressure capability.
3Stress or pressure
If the container is rapidly squeezed for overpressure flushing, then overpressure can be achieved, but the structure requires a non-return valve mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The non-return valve uses a simple dynamic closure body that moves freely in response to pressure differential. The mechanism relies on natural pressure-driven motion rather than complex actuation systems, achieving overpressure capability with minimal structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The closure body acts as an intermediary element between the pressure source and the ventilation opening. It mediates the pressure transmission, allowing overpressure buildup when needed while maintaining a simple structural implementation through its straightforward sealing geometry.
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
Enables easy and efficient use of nasal douches under both normal and overpressure conditions with simple handling, ensuring effective rinsing without the need for complex operations.
Implementation Method 1
the check valve being open when the container is depressurized and allowing flushing liquid to exit the flushing port, and which can be closed by rapidly squeezing the container and allowing flushing liquid under pressure to escape from the flushing port
Implementation Method 2
a first annular seat surface (12) arranged at a first end of the longitudinal guide (8) which in the open position interacts in a sealing manner with a first annular sealing surface (22) formed on a first end of the closure body (6), a second annular seat surface (14) arranged on a second end of the longitudinal guide (8) which, in the closed position, has a seat surface (14) on a second end of the closure body (6) formed second annular sealing surface (24)
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4
AI summary
The non-return valve (1), especially for a nasal spray, has a closure body (6) with a guide section (20) moving between open and closed settings in a longitudinal guide (8). Ring seat surfaces (12,14) at the ends of the longitudinal guide work with sealing surfaces (22,24) at the closure body in the open and closed positions. A passage (30) within the body guide section has an opening (32) at one end within the first sealing surface (22) and an opening (34) opening outwards between the two sealing surfaces. In the open position, there is a flow between the first opening (32) along the second seat surface (14) and, in the closed position a flow is blocked along the second seat surface.