Vibration Generator for Sinus Ventilation and Nitric Oxide Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current treatments for rhinitis and rhinosinusitis are inefficient when symptoms subside, and existing devices for increasing nitric oxide in the sinuses are not effective during nasal congestion, as they either cause discomfort or require cumbersome methods like humming, which are not applicable in cases of significant nasal stuffiness.
Innovation Solution
A device with a vibration generator capable of changing frequency rapidly within a specific range to target the resonance frequency of the paranasal sinuses, using internal and external damping to minimize noise and discomfort, ensuring vibrations reach the upper apex of the maxillary sinus without affecting the teeth, and operating in intermittent mode to enhance nitric oxide release.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a vibration generator is used to eliminate congestion in the paranasal sinuses, then the ventilation of the sinuses is improved, but it causes discomfort and toothache
Solution Approach 1:
The device applies vibration locally to the cheekbone area (zygomatic bone) rather than directly to the sinus cavity, targeting the upper apex of the maxillary sinus through bone conduction while avoiding direct contact with teeth and sensitive areas
Solution Approach 2:
The device uses mechanical vibration at specific frequencies to resonate with the paranasal sinuses, creating pressure changes that facilitate drainage and ventilation of the sinus cavities without requiring direct insertion into the nasal passage
2Quantity of substance
If air flow methods are used to increase nitric oxide in the sinuses, then nitric oxide levels are improved, but they are not applicable during nasal congestion
Solution Approach 1:
The device replaces air flow-based methods with mechanical vibration, eliminating the requirement for open nasal passages. The vibration can be transmitted through the cheekbone even when the nasal cavity is completely congested, making the treatment applicable in all stages of sinusitis
3Quantity of substance
If vibration frequency is increased to target resonance frequency of sinuses, then nitric oxide release is improved, but noise and discomfort increase
Solution Approach 1:
The device dynamically adjusts the vibration frequency to match the resonance frequency of the user's specific sinus cavity, which varies by individual anatomy. This targeted approach achieves effective nitric oxide release at lower amplitudes, reducing noise and discomfort compared to fixed high-frequency vibration
Solution Approach 2:
The device changes the vibration frequency parameter to optimize the balance between therapeutic effect and user comfort, operating at the specific resonance frequency of the maxillary sinus rather than using universally high frequencies
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 increases nitric oxide levels in the nasal cavity, enhancing mucociliary transport and alleviating respiratory tract disorders without causing toothache or requiring air flow through a congested nose, making it suitable for routine use during everyday activities.
Implementation Method 1
capable of changing frequency rapidly within a specific range to target the resonance frequency of the paranasal sinuses
Implementation Method 2
using internal and external damping to minimize noise and discomfort
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~6B
Figure 7~11
AI summary
Device especially for the ventilation of nitric oxide in the paranasal sinuses and to suppress disorders of the upper respiratory tract, comprising housing (16); vibration generator (11) configured in housing (16); energy supply unit (17) in communication with vibration generator (11); vibration transmitter (19) in mechanical/physical contact with vibration generator (11), partly configured in housing (16). Its vibration transmitter (19) is designed as a unit that prevents the transmission of vibrations below a pre-set bottom value to the human body; the treatment unit of vibration transmitter (19) in engagement with the human body is designed as treatment unit vibrating at a frequency with a pre-set upper threshold limit, and its vibration generator (11) is designed as a unit which produces at least ten vibrations which increase from the bottom value to the ceiling value and decrease from the ceiling value to the bottom value over 30 s. The proposed device is preferably suitable for the treatment and diagnosis of diseases of the lower and the upper respiratory tracts and the pulmonary circulation, respectively, such as, for example, rhinitis, rhinosinusitis, nose congestion, common cold, flu, bronchitis, bronchus contractions, asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) of various origins.