Spatulate Nasal Mucus Collection Device with Absorbent Layer
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The removal of nasal mucus often leads to cross-contamination and can cause discomfort or injury due to the unsuitable shape of fingers and the use of foreign objects for nasal insertion.
Innovation Solution
A rhinotillexis apparatus with a spatulate head member and absorbent layer for controlled mucus collection and removal from the nasal cavity, preventing direct hand contact and potential injury, and designed for single-use to maintain sterility and prevent opportunistic infections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If fingers are used to remove mucus from the nasal cavity, then the action is simple and requires no additional devices, but cross-contamination occurs and discomfort or injury may result
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a specialized tool as an intermediary between the user's hand and the nasal cavity. This tool features a spatulate head member with an absorbent layer that directly contacts the nasal mucosa, while the user's hand only contacts the handle. This intermediary structure eliminates direct hand-mucus contact (preventing cross-contamination) and provides a properly shaped interface (preventing injury), while maintaining operational simplicity through the handle design.
Solution Approach 2:
The device is segmented into distinct functional zones: the spatulate head member with absorbent layer for mucus contact and collection, the neck portion for structural connection, and the handle for user grip. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally - the head member prevents injury through proper geometry, the absorbent layer prevents cross-contamination by containing mucus, and the handle maintains ease of operation.
2Shape
If other implements and foreign bodies are inserted into the nasal cavity for mucus removal, then the shape may be better suited for the task, but danger of causing damage or injury to the respiratory epithelium, nasal cochlea, vestibule, or other anatomy beyond the naris arises
Solution Approach 1:
The spatulate head member is designed with locally optimized qualities: the anterior edge has a specific curvature and radius of curvature suited for gentle nasal cavity navigation, the first and second surfaces have different orientations and textures for effective mucus contact, and the overall dimensions are constrained to prevent over-insertion. These localized geometric properties ensure task suitability while preventing injury to specific nasal structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The device geometry is predetermined to perform safe insertion and mucus removal actions. The spatulate shape with its specific anterior edge curvature is pre-designed to naturally follow the nasal cavity contours, and the absorbent layer is pre-positioned to immediately absorb mucus upon contact, preventing the need for aggressive scraping or deep insertion that could cause injury.
3Ease of operation
If the head member is made with a polished surface to reduce friction during insertion, then insertion comfort is improved, but mucus may not be effectively absorbed or collected
Solution Approach 1:
The device applies different surface qualities to different regions: the anterior edge and portions of the first and second surfaces that contact the nasal mucosa during insertion have polished or smooth characteristics for comfort and low friction, while the absorbent layer disposed on the head member has highly absorbent, porous characteristics for effective mucus collection. This spatial differentiation of surface properties resolves the contradiction between insertion comfort and absorption effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The head member combines multiple materials with different properties: a rigid or semi-rigid substrate material providing structural integrity and smooth insertion surfaces, and an absorbent material layer (such as foam, felt, or porous polymer) for mucus collection. This composite structure allows simultaneous achievement of low-friction insertion and high-efficiency absorption.
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 safe and hygienic mucus removal without hand contact, reducing cross-contamination and the risk of infection, while protecting the nasal anatomy from injury.
Implementation Method 1
The absorbent layer is devised to exhibit a wicking potential (that is, wick moisture thereinto)
Implementation Method 2
The absorbent layer is devised to exhibit a wicking potential (that is, wick moisture thereinto) and alternately an osmotic potential (that is draw moisture into the absorbent layer by osmotic pressure)
Data Source
AI summary
A rhinotillexis apparatus, devised for controlled insertion into a nasal cavity for collection and removal of mucus therefrom, includes a spatulate head member having a first surface and a second surface convergent at an anterior edge, a neck portion, a shield member, and a handle member for dexterous wielding in the hands of a user. The head member is tautly overlain with an absorbent layer. The shield member prevents over-insertion of the head member into the nasal cavity and shields a user's hands from contamination with mucus during use. Disposal of the apparatus after single-use decreases potential for cross-contamination.