Nasal Ventilation Interface with Arcuate Prongs

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current non-invasive ventilation (NIV) patient interface devices, particularly for Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA), face challenges such as high airflow resistance, discomfort, alignment issues, and obtrusiveness, leading to increased noise and discomfort for users and their bed partners.

Innovation Solution

The development of a nasal interface device featuring arcuately curved, non-angulated prongs with freely movable alignment, nostril sealing cushions, and a strap securement system that provides upward compression for optimal comfort and retention, along with improved exhaust vent ports and concurrent supplemental oxygen delivery.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If traditional base tube-right angle prong configuration is used, then device structure is simple, but airflow resistance increases and noise increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice structureVSAvoidairflow resistance and noise

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies curvature by replacing the traditional right-angle prong configuration with smoothly curved, arcuate prongs that follow the natural contour of the nasal canal. This curved geometry eliminates abrupt directional changes in airflow, reducing turbulence and resistance while maintaining structural simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent incorporates movable joints and flexible segments that allow the prongs to dynamically adapt to individual user anatomy. The arcuate design with movable components enables the device to flex and conform to different nasal shapes, optimizing airflow paths for each user while reducing resistance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If prongs are designed to pinch nostril septum for retention, then device retention improves, but user comfort deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice retentionVSAvoiduser comfort

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies different properties to different parts of the prongs: the distal tips are made softer and more compliant to contact and retain against the nostril rim without pinching, while the proximal portions maintain sufficient rigidity for structural support. This local differentiation achieves retention through gentle contact rather than forceful pinching.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs composite construction with multiple materials having different durometer values. Softer materials are used at the distal tips for comfortable retention, while stiffer materials are used in the shaft portions for structural integrity. This composite approach enables simultaneous achievement of comfort and retention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Stability of the object's composition

If prongs are made rigid for structural support, then device stability improves, but alignment with user nostril canal deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice stabilityVSAvoidalignment with nostril canal

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent allows for adjustable parameters including the arcuate angle, prong spacing, and flexibility characteristics. Users can be fitted with specific parameter configurations optimized for their anatomy, or the device can be adjusted post-fitting to achieve optimal alignment and stability for each individual.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

4Reliability

If deep penetration into nostril is used for sealing, then sealing effectiveness improves, but user comfort and irritation reduction deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesealing effectivenessVSAvoiduser comfort and irritation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Data Source

PatentUS8136527B2Method and device for non-invasive ventilation with nasal interface

Publication Date: 2012.03.20 BREATHE TECHNOLOGIES INC

AI summary

A nasal ventilation interface including a pair of tubes configured to deliver a ventilation gas. The tubes are attachable at a first end to a ventilation gas supply hose and engageable at a second end with a person's nostril. A coupler is configured to align the pair of tubes with the person's nostrils, wherein each tube has an absence of pneumatic interconnection with the other tube.