Vented Nasal Plug Airflow Redirection for Empty Nose Syndrome
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing nasal plugs do not effectively address disoriented nasal airflow patterns and Empty Nose Syndrome (ENS) as they are designed to merely prop open or dilate the nostrils, failing to provide relief from perceived nasal obstruction beyond nasal resistance.
Innovation Solution
A nasal plug design featuring a first tube with a larger lumen and a second tube with a smaller lumen, where the second tube has a flexible wall that moves within the first lumen to direct airflow into a channel, redirecting inhaled air to therapeutic zones in the nasal mucosa and allowing for improved exhalation airflow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If nasal plugs are designed to merely prop open or dilate the nostrils, then nasal resistance is reduced, but disoriented nasal airflow patterns and perceived nasal obstruction symptoms persist
Solution Approach 1:
The nasal plug is segmented into multiple functional zones: an inflation section with first and second openings, a body section with angled channels, and therapeutic zones. This segmentation allows different parts to perform specific functions - the first opening for inflow, the angled channels for redirecting airflow, and the second opening for outflow - thereby addressing disoriented airflow patterns while maintaining manageable structural complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The nasal plug implements local quality by creating specific therapeutic zones at particular locations within the nasal cavity. The angled channels direct airflow to specific regions of the nasal mucosa, and the flexible membrane creates localized flow separation. This targeted approach addresses perceived obstruction symptoms in specific areas rather than uniformly throughout the nasal passage
2Device complexity
If nasal plugs are designed with simple dilation function, then device complexity is low, but they fail to address disoriented nasal airflow patterns
Solution Approach 1:
The nasal plug incorporates dynamic elements including an inflatable membrane that can be adjusted to different volumes, creating variable flow resistance. The flexible membrane within the channels can dynamically respond to airflow pressure, adjusting the flow pattern in real-time. This dynamic capability enhances airflow redirection effectiveness without requiring complex mechanical structures
Solution Approach 2:
The nasal plug uses airflow itself as an intermediary to achieve therapeutic effects. The angled channels and flexible membranes work together to manipulate the airflow pattern, using the kinetic energy of the inhaled air to create flow separation and direct it to therapeutic zones. This eliminates the need for active mechanical actuators or power sources
3Ease of manufacture
If nasal plugs merely dilate nostrils, then manufacturing is simple, but they do not provide relief from nasal dryness, crusting, and pain
Solution Approach 1:
The nasal plug is designed to preliminarily redirect airflow to therapeutic zones before the patient experiences worsening symptoms. The angled channels are pre-configured to direct airflow to specific regions of the nasal mucosa, and the flexible membrane is pre-positioned to create flow separation. This preliminary action prevents the development of dryness, crusting, and pain rather than treating them after they occur
Solution Approach 2:
The nasal plug utilizes pneumatic principles to manipulate airflow patterns. The inflatable membrane creates pressure differentials that drive flow separation, and the angled channels use pressure gradients to redirect airflow to therapeutic zones. This pneumatic approach addresses harmful factors like dryness and crusting by modifying airflow dynamics rather than requiring chemical or mechanical interventions
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 nasal plug effectively redirects airflow to alleviate symptoms of nasal obstruction in patients with ENS and other nasal sinus diseases, improving nasal sensory perception and providing relief from nasal dryness, crusting, and pain.
Implementation Method 1
air flow causing the flexible movable wall to move within the lumen of the outer tube to block air flow through at least a part of the outer tube
Data Source
AI summary
A nasal plug includes a first tube having a first wall forming a first lumen of a first diameter. The first tube has a first tube proximal end in a proximal plane and a distal end in a distal plane. The nasal plug further includes a second tube that includes a second wall forming a second lumen of a second diameter, the second diameter smaller than the first diameter. A channel is formed by the second lumen and extends from the first tube proximal end into the first lumen of the first tube. The second tube also includes a flexible wall having a free end within the first lumen. The flexible wall is movable within the first lumen and has a length sufficient to touch a surface of the first lumen and fluidically seal the first lumen between the flexible wall and the surface of the first lumen. The second tube includes a channel proximal end in a channel proximal end plane. The channel proximal end plane is at an angle with respect to the distal plane of the first tube.