Sequential Nose Modelling Instruments for Predictable Cartilage Shaping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for modifying the shape of the nose, such as rhinoplasty and nasal compression splints, are invasive, costly, and lack predictability and comfort, with existing orthopedic devices experiencing deformation issues and requiring frequent adjustments.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the use of modelling instruments with stable three-dimensional contact surfaces produced using 3D printing or molding, applied in succession to guide cartilage or bone growth, determining target intermediate and final shapes to achieve a desired nose shape, reducing the need for surgical intervention and improving predictability and comfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If rhinoplasty operation is performed to modify nose shape, then the external shape of the nose can be changed, but the procedure is invasive, costly, and requires general anesthesia
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by intervening on the nose shape during the growth period (before final adult shape is established) rather than after. The compression device is applied during adolescence when cartilage is still developing, guiding the nose to grow into the desired shape naturally, thereby avoiding invasive surgical intervention later.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical surgical system (knives, forceful restructuring) with a gentle mechanical compression system. Instead of cutting and reshaping cartilage through surgery, the invention uses a compression device that applies sustained pressure to guide natural cartilage growth, substituting aggressive mechanical intervention with a softer, continuous mechanical influence.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If nasal compression splints are used to modify nose shape during growth, then surgical intervention can be avoided, but the splints are rigid, cause discomfort when growth continues, and require frequent replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the compression device adjustable rather than fixed. The device includes mechanisms to modify compression intensity and device dimensions as the nose grows, allowing continuous adaptation during the growth period. This dynamic adjustment maintains comfort and effectiveness throughout adolescence without requiring device replacement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes physical parameters of the compression device over time - specifically, the compression force intensity and the device dimensions are modified as the nose grows. This parameter adjustment ensures the device remains effective and comfortable throughout the growth period, preventing the discomfort and fit issues that arise with rigid, non-adjustable splints.
3Shape
If orthopedic devices with spring wires are used to condition nasal pyramid growth, then growth can be influenced during development, but the wires deform over time making adjustment difficult and inaccurate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the spring wire mechanical system with a rigid compression device system. Instead of relying on elastic spring wires that deform and lose precision, the invention uses a structured compression device with fixed geometric elements that maintain their shape and provide reliable, predictable compression forces throughout the growth period.
Solution Approach 2:
The device applies preliminary compression forces during critical growth periods to establish the desired nasal pyramid shape before final growth completion. By acting early and continuously during development, the device guides the nasal pyramid into the target configuration, making subsequent adjustments easier and more predictable.
4Shape
If rhinoplasty is performed to reduce nasal bridge bumps, then the external appearance can be improved, but the operation can only be carried out after growth is complete at significant cost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by addressing nasal bridge shape issues during the growth period rather than after growth completes. The compression device is applied during adolescence when the nasal bridge is still developing, guiding it to grow into the desired smooth contour, thereby preventing the formation of bumps that would later require expensive surgical correction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by addressing nasal bridge shape issues during the growth period rather than after growth completes. The compression device is applied during adolescence when the nasal bridge is still developing, guiding it to grow into the desired smooth contour, thereby preventing the formation of bumps that would later require expensive surgical correction.
Data Source
AI summary
An external modelling method, including applying to a nose of initial external shape F0, at least two modelling instruments I, to guide the growth of the nose cartilage and thus obtain a target final external nose shape Ff when the individual has stopped growing, which differs from a natural external shape Fn, which would be obtained naturally in the absence of intervention. A set of modelling instruments is provided, the successive shapes of which are determined to represent an evolving succession of one or more target intermediate shapes F, from the initial external nose shape F0 through to the target final external shape Ff. A method of producing the modelling instruments is provided, during which method, starting from the initial external nose shape F0, a target final shape Ff and at least one target intermediate shape F are determined. The instruments corresponding to each target shape are manufactured.